Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is characterized by recurrent upper airway obstruction, resulting in periodic apneic episodes that are associated with oxygen desaturation and frequent awakenings. This leads to daytime somnolence and, possibly, pulmonary hypertension and cor pulmonale. Tracheostomy has been the standard treatment for severe sleep apnea with life-threatening complications. Several recent studies have reported benefits of protriptyline in obstructive sleep apnea. The drug does not completely resolve the apnea, but does improve nocturnal oxygenation and reduce daytime hypersomnolence. Protriptyline should be considered an alternative to tracheostomy in patients with benign or moderately severe obstructive sleep apnea.