Which medication is NOT typically used to treat narcolepsy?

• A. Diazepam
• B. Modafinil
• C. Methylphenidate
• D. Selegiline

Answer: (A)

Promoting daytime alertness and controlling cataplexy are the main goals in narcolepsy treatment. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine with strong sedative effects, which can worsen daytime sleepiness and impair daytime functioning. It doesn’t address the core issues of wakefulness or cataplexy in the way the standard narcolepsy drugs do. In contrast, wake-promoting agents like modafinil (and related armodafinil) and stimulant medications like methylphenidate directly help maintain alertness during the day, and other options such as selegiline can be used to manage associated symptoms like mood changes or cataplexy. That’s why diazepam is not typically used for narcolepsy.