What is Modafinil?
Modafinil, also known as Provigil, is a medication used to treat sleepiness caused by narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, or obstructive sleep apnea. While it has been used off-label as a purported cognitive enhancer, the research on its efficacy for this purpose is inconclusive.
What are the Modafinil Uses?
Modafinil decreases sleepiness caused by narcolepsy and other sleep disorders, such as periods of no breathing while sleeping (obstructive sleep apnea). It is also used to help you stay awake during the workday if your work schedule prevents you from having a regular sleep routine (shift work sleep disorder).
This medication does not treat sleep disorders and may not completely eliminate your sleepiness. It is not a substitute for getting enough sleep. It should not be used to treat tiredness or to keep people from sleeping if they do not have a sleep disorder. It's unclear how this works to keep you awake. It is thought to work by influencing certain brain chemicals.
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Get A Second OpinionHow to use Modafinil?
- Before you begin using modafinil, and each time you get a refill, read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist. If you have any confusion regarding the dosage, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
- Take this medication orally with or without food as directed by your doctor for narcolepsy, usually once daily in the morning. Alternatively, if directed by your doctor, the total daily dose of this may be divided into morning and noon dose.
- Take this medication orally with or without food as directed by your doctor for obstructive sleep apnea, usually once daily in the morning. Continue with other treatments (such as the CPAP machine or mouth device) unless your doctor instructs you to discontinue them.
- For a sleep disorder, take it orally, with or without food, as directed by your doctor, usually once a day, 1 hour before your work shift begins.
- The dosage is dependent on your medical condition as well as your response to treatment. To get the advantage of this medication, take it on a regular basis.
- If you stop taking this medication abruptly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms (such as shaking, sweating, chills, nausea, vomiting, confusion). To prevent symptoms of withdrawal, your doctor might gradually decrease your dose. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used this medicine for an extended period of time or in high doses.
- When this medication is used for an extended period of time, it may lose its effectiveness. Consult your doctor if this medication is no longer working properly.
- Despite the fact that it benefits many people, this medication can sometimes lead to addiction. If you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse or addiction to drugs/alcohol), your risk may be increased.
What are the Modafinil Side effects?
What are the Precautions of Modafinil?
- Inform your doctor if you are allergic to this medicine or armodafinil, or if you have any other allergies. Inactive ingredients might be in this product that might cause allergic reactions or other problems.
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, especially if you have: heart problems after taking stimulant drugs like:
- Amphetamines (including chest pain and irregular heartbeat),
- High blood pressure
- Liver problems
- Mental/mood disorders
- Sleep problems can impair your ability to react quickly. Even if it helps you stay awake, you may not be able to do things that require quick reactions safely (such as driving). This medication may also cause dizziness. Alcohol can make you feel dizzy.
- If you are pregnant, notify your doctor. It is not recommended to be taken during pregnancy. This has the potential to harm an unborn child. Inquire about the risks and benefits of this medication right away.
- It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk or not. Consult before breast feeding your infant.
What are the Interactions of Modafinil?
Modafinil can accelerate the elimination of other medications from your body, which may have an effect on how they work.
Some products contain ingredients that may cause your heart rate or blood pressure to rise. Inform your pharmacist about the medications you're taking and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products or diet aids).
What actions should be taken if someone overdoses on Modafinil?
If someone has taken an overdose of this medicine and has serious symptoms such as trouble breathing, seek medical advice immediately. Never take more doses than what is prescribed to you by your doctor.
hat Should One Do if Missed a Dose of Modafinil?
It is necessary to take each dose of this medication on time. If you forget a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible to arrange for a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
How to Store Modafinil?
The medicine should not come in direct contact with heat, air, light and may damage your medicines. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and far away from children’s reach.
Modafinil vs Armodafinil
| Modafinil | Armodafinil |
|---|---|
| Modafinil, also known as Provigil, is a medication used to treat sleepiness caused by narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, or obstructive sleep apnea. | Armodafinil promotes wakefulness |
| It decreases excessive sleepiness caused by narcolepsy and other sleep disorders, obstructive sleep apnea. | Armodafinil is used for treating problems related with sleep caused by narcolepsy (a condition that causes excessive daytime sleepiness) or shift work sleep disorder |
| It may work by increasing the amount of dopamine (a chemical neurotransmitter used by nerves to communicate with one another) in the brain while decreasing dopamine reuptake into nerves. | Armodafinil may be considered a stronger drug with better wakefulness effects in some cases. |
Citations
An Overview of the Clinical Uses, Pharmacology, and Safety of Modafinil Cognitive enhancing effects of modafinil in healthy volunteersReady to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!
Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
Modafinil decreases sleepiness caused by narcolepsy and other sleep disorders, such as periods of no breathing while sleeping (obstructive sleep apnea). It is also used to help you stay awake during the workday if your work schedule prevents you from having a regular sleep routine (shift work sleep disorder).
It is best taken once daily at a dose of 200mg. It has been discovered to be well-tolerated, with a low incidence of side effects and a low potential for abuse.
It starts working within 30 to 60 minutes of taking it. If you take it with food, the drug may take a little longer to kick in.
Modafinil is a prescription drug that promotes wakefulness and reduces the extreme sleepiness associated with sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work disorder (SWD). It is sometimes used off-label to treat ADHD symptoms in adults 18 and older.
The exact mechanism of this medicine is unknown, but it affects many neurotransmitter systems in the brain. Some studies suggest that it may improve performance on complex tasks in healthy people; however, no long-term studies have been conducted to determine whether this prevents cognitive decline or dementia.
Antidepressants are frequently ineffective in treating major depression, so it is critical to investigate alternative medicine treatments. Energy loss/fatigue and anxiety are two of the most common symptoms of depression. Modafinil's mechanism of action is novel, and it may have antidepressant properties.
While taking modafinil, it's important to avoid certain substances and activities to ensure its effectiveness and your safety. Firstly, steer clear of alcohol consumption as it can exacerbate the side effects of modafinil and increase the risk of adverse reactions. Additionally, refrain from consuming caffeine or other stimulants as they may amplify the stimulant effects of modafinil, leading to jitteriness or increased heart rate. Avoiding heavy or fatty meals before taking modafinil can help in faster absorption and onset of action. Lastly, be cautious when operating machinery or driving, especially when starting modafinil or adjusting the dosage, as it may affect your alertness and reaction time.
The onset of action for modafinil can vary from person to person. Generally, it starts working within 30 minutes to an hour after ingestion, with peak effects typically reached within 2 to 4 hours. However, individual factors such as metabolism, dosage, and whether it's taken with food can influence how quickly you feel its effects. Some people may notice improved alertness and cognitive function sooner, while for others, it may take a bit longer. It's essential to give the medication time to take effect and to follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding dosage and timing for optimal results.
