Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by a pentad of excessive 
daytime sleepiness (EDS), cataplexy, sleep paralysis, hypnagogic/hypnopompic 
hallucinations, and disturbed nocturnal sleep. While non-pharmacological 
treatments are sometimes helpful, more than 90% of narcoleptic patients require 
a pharmacological treatment. Areas covered: The present review is based on an 
extensive Internet and PubMed search from 1994 to 2017. It is focused on drugs 
currently in development for the treatment of narcolepsy. Expert opinion: 
Currently there is no cure for narcolepsy, with treatment focusing on symptoms 
control. However, these symptomatic treatments are often unsatisfactory. The 
research is leading to a better understanding of narcolepsy and its symptoms. 
New classes of compounds with possible applications in the development of novel 
stimulant/anticataplectic medications are described. H3 receptor antagonists 
represent a new therapeutic option for EDS in narcolepsy. JZP-110, with its 
distinct mechanism of action, would be a new therapeutic option for the 
treatment of EDS in the coming years. In the future, hypocretin-based therapies 
and immune-based therapies, could modify the clinical course of the disease. 
However, more information would be necessary to completely understand the 
autoimmune process and also how this process can be altered for therapeutic 
benefits.