What is cataplexy?

Cataplexy is the sudden loss of muscle tone that is triggered by the experience of an intense emotion. Cataplexy is the result of an absence of a neurotransmitter in the hypothalamus known as hypocretin or orexin. It is often associated with narcolepsy but is seen in other pathological conditions.

How do members experience cataplexy?

Top 5 symptoms reported by people with cataplexy*

*Reports may be affected by other conditions and/or medication side effects. We ask about general symptoms (anxious mood, depressed mood, fatigue, pain, and stress) regardless of condition.

Top treatments taken by people for cataplexy*

Who has cataplexy on PatientsLikeMe?

Age

Age Proportion # of patients
<20 1
20s 19
30s 37
40s 39
50s 47
60s 18
70+ 9

Distribution of sex

Sex

Sex Proportion # of patients
Male 29
Female 140