Modafinil
Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Narcolepsy ... show more
.svg)
Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
WHO Essential Medicine
YES
Known Teratogen
NO
Pharmaceutical Class
Sympathomimetic-like Agent
Controlled Drug Substance
YES
Modafinil
Learn more about this medicine -
Click HereSummary
Modafinil is used to treat excessive sleepiness caused by conditions like narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and shift work disorder (SWD). It doesn't cure these conditions but helps manage the sleepiness.
Modafinil works by changing the levels of natural chemicals in the brain that control sleep and wakefulness. This helps to reduce excessive sleepiness.
For adults with narcolepsy or OSA, the usual daily dose is 200 milligrams (mg). For shift work disorder, the recommended dose is also 200 mg, taken one hour before a shift. Modafinil is usually taken once a day, with or without food.
Common side effects include headache, back pain, nausea, nervousness, stuffy nose, diarrhea, anxiety, sleep problems, dizziness, and stomach upset. More serious but rare side effects include severe allergic reactions and serious mental health issues.
People with allergies to Modafinil, severe heart conditions, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or a history of psychiatric disorders should avoid taking this medication. Modafinil is not recommended during pregnancy and it's unclear if it enters breast milk.
Indications and Purpose
What is Modafinil used for?
Modafinil is a medicine that helps adults stay awake. It's used for people with narcolepsy (a sleep disorder causing excessive daytime sleepiness), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (a sleep disorder where breathing stops and starts during sleep), or shift work disorder (SWD) (sleep problems due to working unusual hours). Importantly, modafinil only treats the *sleepiness*, not the underlying *medical condition*. If you have OSA, you still need to use your prescribed treatment (like a CPAP machine) along with modafinil. Modafinil doesn't cure these disorders; some sleepiness might remain. It's essential to follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
How does Modafinil work?
Modafinil is a medicine that helps people stay awake. It works by changing the levels of natural chemicals in the brain that control sleep and wakefulness. It's used to treat excessive sleepiness caused by narcolepsy (a sleep disorder causing sudden sleep attacks), shift work sleep disorder (sleep problems due to changing work schedules), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep). However, modafinil doesn't cure these conditions; it only helps manage the sleepiness. It might not completely eliminate all sleepiness. Essentially, it's a treatment for the symptom (sleepiness), not the underlying medical problem itself.
Is Modafinil effective?
Yes, Modafinil is highly effective in reducing excessive sleepiness in narcolepsy, OSA, and SWD. Clinical trials have demonstrated significant improvements in wakefulness and functional performance in patients taking Modafinil compared to a placebo
How does one know if Modafinil is working?
Modafinil's effectiveness isn't directly measured, but rather by how much it improves sleepiness symptoms. It helps people with narcolepsy (a sleep disorder causing excessive daytime sleepiness), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA, where breathing stops and starts during sleep), and shift work sleep disorder (SWD, sleep problems due to changing work shifts). It reduces sleepiness, but won't cure it completely. Regular checkups with a doctor are important to make sure it's working and to adjust the dose if necessary. Importantly, you should not use this medication without a prescription.
Directions for Use
What is the usual dose of Modafinil?
For adults with narcolepsy (a sleep disorder causing excessive daytime sleepiness) or obstructive sleep apnea (a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts), the usual daily dose is 200 milligrams (mg). Doubling the dose to 400 mg doesn't provide any extra benefit. For shift work disorder (difficulty sleeping due to irregular work schedules), the recommended dose is also 200 mg daily, taken one hour before a shift. There's no safe dose established for children, and accidental ingestion has been reported even in very young children. Milligrams (mg) are a unit of weight.
How do I take Modafinil?
Modafinil is usually taken once a day, with or without food. For narcolepsy (a sleep disorder causing excessive daytime sleepiness) or obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS, a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts), take it in the morning. If you have shift work sleep disorder (difficulty sleeping due to changing work shifts), take it an hour before your shift starts. Don't take it close to bedtime because it can make it hard to sleep. You should talk to your doctor about eating grapefruit while taking modafinil, but there are no other specific dietary restrictions mentioned.
For how long do I take Modafinil?
The duration of treatment with Modafinil depends on the condition being treated and your doctor’s recommendations. For chronic conditions like narcolepsy or OSA, long-term use may be required. For temporary conditions, it is usually taken until symptoms are resolved
How long does it take for Modafinil to start working?
Modafinil usually starts working within 30–60 minutes after ingestion. Its wakefulness-promoting effects can last for up to 12–15 hours, depending on the individual and the dose
How should I store Modafinil?
Store Modafinil at room temperature (20–25°C) in a dry place away from moisture and heat. Keep it in its original container and out of reach of children
Warnings and Precautions
Who should avoid taking Modafinil?
People with allergies to Modafinil or armodafinil, severe heart conditions, or uncontrolled high blood pressure should avoid taking this medication. It should also be used cautiously in individuals with a history of psychiatric disorders, as it may worsen symptoms like anxiety or mania
Can I take Modafinil with other prescription drugs?
Modafinil may interact with certain medications, including birth control pills, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants, potentially reducing their effectiveness or increasing side effects. Inform your doctor about all prescription drugs you are taking
Can I take Modafinil with vitamins or supplements?
There are no significant interactions between Modafinil and most vitamins or supplements. However, always inform your doctor about any supplements you take, as some may influence Modafinil's effectiveness or interact with other medications
Can Modafinil be taken safely while pregnant?
Modafinil is not recommended during pregnancy as it may harm the fetus. Animal studies have shown risks, and limited human data exist. Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception while taking Modafinil
Can Modafinil be taken safely while breastfeeding?
It's unclear if modafinil enters breast milk. This means we don't know for sure if a breastfeeding mother's baby will be exposed to the drug through breast milk. Because of this uncertainty, it's crucial to talk to your doctor. They can help you decide on the best way to feed your baby while you're taking modafinil. This decision will depend on your individual circumstances and your doctor's assessment of the risks and benefits for both you and your baby. Don't try to figure this out alone; professional medical advice is essential in this situation.
Is Modafinil safe for the elderly?
Modafinil's effects may last longer in older adults, meaning they might need a lower dose to avoid problems. This is because their bodies remove the drug more slowly (reduced elimination). Studies show that older people experience side effects at about the same rate as younger people. It's important for doctors to carefully monitor older patients taking modafinil to ensure the dose is right and to watch for any unwanted effects (adverse reactions). "Elimination" refers to how the body gets rid of a medicine. "Adverse reactions" are side effects.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Modafinil?
Yes, exercise is generally safe and can enhance the benefits of Modafinil in maintaining energy and focus. However, stay hydrated and avoid overexertion, especially if you are new to the medication
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Modafinil?
The combined effects of alcohol and modafinil are currently unknown. This means that doctors don't know what will happen if you mix the two. It's best to avoid alcohol completely while using modafinil to prevent any potential, unforeseen negative reactions or interactions. Modafinil is a wakefulness-promoting agent; alcohol is a depressant. Combining them could lead to unpredictable effects on your body and mind. To be safe, it's crucial to follow this recommendation.
Forms / Brands
