Improving Medication Adherence in Narcolepsy

EP: 1.Current State of Treatment Landscape and Unmet Needs in Narcolepsy Management

EP: 2.A Case of a 32-Year-Old Male With Type 1 Narcolepsy

EP: 3.Patient Education and Shared Decision-Making in Narcolepsy

EP: 4.Role of Pitolisant in Management of Narcolepsy

EP: 5.Lifestyle and Behavioral Interventions in Narcolepsy

EP: 6.Monitoring Treatment Response in Narcolepsy

Now Viewing

EP: 7.Improving Medication Adherence in Narcolepsy

EP: 8.A Case of a 26-Year-Old Female With Type 2 Narcolepsy

This discussion explores the challenges of medication adherence in patients with narcolepsy, a chronic neurological condition that typically requires consistent daily treatment. One major barrier to adherence is access, including lapses in insurance coverage or affordability of newer medications. Although patients are often highly motivated due to noticeable functional impairment without medication, some may stop treatment temporarily when they feel better, underestimating the chronic nature of the condition. Providers can help by reframing medication as a necessary support for a lifelong condition, not a personal failing or temporary fix.

The speakers also highlight findings from a 2024 study identifying forgetfulness, depression, and adverse effects as leading causes of nonadherence. Forgetfulness may stem from low motivation or cognitive fog tied to excessive sleepiness or depression, which is more prevalent in the narcolepsy population. Simple oversights—such as rushing out in the morning—can also interfere with consistency. To support adherence, clinicians recommend practical strategies like habit-stacking (eg, keeping medication near a toothbrush), using pillboxes, setting digital alarms, and involving accountability partners (like a spouse or roommate). These tools help turn medication use into a reliable part of daily routines.

Lastly, sleep logs and routine monitoring are presented as helpful behavioral tools. Patients often believe their routines are more consistent than they are. When logged, irregularities in wake times, bedtimes, and even mealtimes become more visible and actionable. Providers can use this data to guide behavioral adjustments, like maintaining regular meal timing, a lesser-known but powerful circadian cue. The discussion reinforces that successful management of narcolepsy requires more than just pharmacology—it involves structured routines, education, emotional support, and lifestyle alignment to improve both adherence and overall functioning.