Final answer:
The appropriate treatment for cataplexy in patients with narcolepsy includes using psychomotor stimulants like amphetamines and may involve antidepressants for better symptom management, as individual responses to treatments can vary widely.
Step-by-step explanation:
The treatment of cataplexy, a symptom of narcolepsy, typically involves a combination of pharmacotherapy and lifestyle adjustments. Psychomotor stimulant drugs, particularly amphetamines, have been customary in managing the excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy. Nevertheless, these do not directly affect the underlying hypocretin deficiency.
In some cases, the addition of antidepressants can significantly improve symptoms, as they help regulate REM sleep and prevent cataplectic episodes. This treatment regimen was notably effective in a case study conducted by McCarty in 2010, where a patient's condition improved when stimulant medication was used alongside an antidepressant. It's important to individualize treatment plans to cater to the diversity in symptom presentation and response among patients with narcolepsy.