Final answer:
Narcolepsy sleep attacks can be alleviated by medications that increase neural activity, often amphetamines. Treatment efficacy varies among individuals, and a combination of stimulants with other drugs, such as antidepressants, may be more effective.
Step-by-step explanation:
The occurrence of sleep attacks in narcolepsy can be alleviated by drugs that increase neural activity. These medications typically include psychomotor stimulant drugs, such as amphetamines, which do not directly affect the hypocretin system associated with narcolepsy. While traditional stimulants help manage symptoms, newer treatments may aim to target the hypocretin system directly. The case study of a 50-year-old woman who experienced excessive sleepiness illustrates the variability of narcolepsy symptoms and the mixed effectiveness of treatment options. Her treatment improved dramatically when a stimulant was combined with an antidepressant, suggesting that combining medications may enhance treatment efficacy. Narcolepsy episodes are often triggered by heightened arousal or stress and can lead to significant harm if they occur at inopportune times, like driving or operating machinery.