Modafinil
Modafinil is a wakefulness promoter taken as an oral tablet. It is used to improve alertness in adults who have excessive sleepiness. It works on the central nervous system.
Medicine containing Modafinil
Key points
- Modafinil is a central nervous system stimulant in the wakefulness promoter class.
- Provigil tablets contain modafinil in 100 mg and 200 mg strengths.
- Modafinil is not recommended for children.
What modafinil is used for
Modafinil improves wakefulness in adults with excessive sleepiness linked to narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnoea or shift work disorder. In narcolepsy it is used to counter daytime sleepiness. In obstructive sleep apnoea it treats the sleepiness only and is not a treatment for the underlying obstruction. The medicine belongs to the neurology therapeutic group.
How it works
Modafinil acts centrally to increase dopamine availability and influences hypothalamic centres to promote alertness. The action is central, on the pathways that regulate sleep and wake states. Alertness usually begins to improve within 1 to 2 hours, and the effect lasts 12 to 15 hours.
Forms and brands
Modafinil is supplied as a tablet. Provigil tablets contain modafinil in 100 mg and 200 mg strengths, and generic versions contain the same active ingredient. Pharmacy partners in India ship orders to Malaysia in discreet packaging.
Safety
Modafinil should not be used by people with uncontrolled hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias or hypersensitivity to modafinil. It can affect heart rate and blood pressure, so stable cardiovascular health matters before starting treatment. Take care if you have a history of heart disease, and the potential for dependency should be monitored. Stop modafinil at the first sign of rash, unless the rash is clearly not drug-related.
Headache, nausea, nervousness and insomnia are common effects. Anxiety, diarrhoea, dyspepsia and dry mouth are also reported. Skin reactions and psychiatric episodes are serious and need immediate medical attention; report any mood or behaviour change to a doctor promptly.
Modafinil interacts with hormonal contraceptives, caffeine and warfarin, and blood concentrations of ciclosporin may be reduced. Do not combine it with other stimulants without guidance. Use in pregnancy is not recommended; if you are breastfeeding, consult a physician.
What the sources say
- Modafinil is indicated for improving wakefulness in adults whose excessive sleepiness is associated with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnoea or shift work disorder. (DailyMed)
- In obstructive sleep apnoea, the medicine treats excessive sleepiness and is not a treatment for the underlying obstruction. (DailyMed)
- Serious rash requiring hospitalisation and discontinuation of treatment has been reported with modafinil. (DailyMed)
- Blood concentrations of ciclosporin may be reduced. (DailyMed)
Further reading
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