Cataplexy (Last Updated - 6/25/2003)
-brief, sudden loss of muscle tone w/out the loss of consciousness
-may be precipitated by a loud noise or intense emotion
-can last anywhere from a few seconds to a couple of minutes
-pathognomonic for narcolepsy
-differentiate from syncope in that syncopal episodes typically include a loss of consciousness
-Tx:
   -Tofranil (imipramine) - a TCA -> b/c TCA's are REM suppressants

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References:

1) Kaplan USMLE Step 2 Lecture Notes: Psychiatry and Epidemiology & Ethics. Gonzalez-Mayo A. 2002. pg. 80, 83
2) Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary: 19th Edition. 1997: pg. 356