Efficacy of modafinil compared to γ-hydroxybutyrate in the treatment of narcolepsy

Abstract

Hypothesis: γ-hydroxybutyrate is more efficacious than modafinil in the treatment of patients with narcolepsy. Methods: A total of four research papers were reviewed and analyzed to assess the validity of the hypothesis. Studies compared the effects of each of the drugs on narcolepsy symptoms. Results of both subjective and objective tests were considered by these studies to complete the analysis. These tests were Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Maintenance of Sleep Test, measures of sleep attacks and inadvertent naps, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and polysomnography. Results: Each of the reviewed studies showed significant evidence of improved narcolepsy symptoms (efficacy) with the use of both γ-hydroxybutyrate and modafinil. There was also a positive correlation between dosage and efficacy for γ-hydroxybutyrate. Some studies showed additive interaction between modafinil and γ-hydroxybutyrate when used in combination. Overall, it is suggested that the efficacy of γ-hydroxybutyrate is potentially superior to that of modafinil, but greatest improvements occur when these drugs are used in combination. Conclusions: While both γ-hydroxybutyrate and modafinil both significantly improve the symptoms of narcolepsy, the difference between these drugs’ maximal magnitude of efficacy remains unclear. While most findings did support the hypothesis, additional research is required.