Which stimulant is commonly used to treat narcolepsy?

• A. Cocaine
• B. Amphetamines
• C. Designer drugs
• D. Ecstasy/MDMA

Answer: (B)

Narcolepsy is treated to improve daytime wakefulness, and stimulants that boost central nervous system arousal are often used for this purpose. Amphetamines increase the release and block the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which heightens alertness and reduces the tendency to fall asleep during the day. This mechanism directly counteracts the excessive daytime sleepiness seen in narcolepsy, making amphetamines the best matching option among the given choices. Cocaine, while also a stimulant, is not used clinically for narcolepsy due to its high abuse potential and cardiovascular risks. Designer drugs and MDMA are illegal and not approved for treating narcolepsy. In modern practice, non-amphetamine wake-promoting agents like modafinil are commonly used, but among the options provided, amphetamines are the standard stimulant chosen for this condition.