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Although there is no cure for narcolepsy, the disorder can be treated in a manner that minimizes symptoms and allows patients to live full lives. Stimulant drugs that arouse the central nervous system (CNS) can help patients remain awake during the day. Traditional stimulants may cause side effects such as nervousness and heart palpitations. Some patients may prefer to use a new type of stimulant medication called modafinil that appears to cause fewer side effects. Pregnant women who take medications to control narcolepsy may have to temporarily suspend the use of these drugs because their effect on a developing fetus is unknown.

Antidepressants are often prescribed for patients who experience cataplexy (a sudden loss of muscle tone), hypnagogic hallucinations (intense, frightening dreams that occur when patients are partially awake and are perceived as reality) and sleep paralysis (phenomenon marked by a temporary inability to move). These drugs suppress REM sleep, which helps lessen these symptoms. It is important to note that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised that antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thinking in some patients and all people being treated with them should be monitored closely for unusual changes in behavior.

In some cases, the drug sodium oxybate may be prescribed to improve the quality of sleep, although it has potential for abuse and its use is tightly controlled.

Patients are urged to remember that medications and lifestyle changes are intended to reduce symptoms and cannot be expected to eliminate them. Support groups and psychotherapy are available to help patients cope with their disorder.