Modafinil
About Modafinil
Modafinil is used to improve wakefulness in adult patients with narcolepsy (excessive and uncontrollable daytime sleepiness). Narcolepsy is a medical condition in which a person faces excessive daytime sleepiness and sleep attacks that make a person fall asleep suddenly in inappropriate situations.
Modafinil contains ‘Modafinil’, which is responsible for improving narcolepsy and reducing the symptoms of the possibility of sleep attacks. It works by enhancing the amount of a chemical messenger known as 'dopamine' in the brain, which controls the sleep-wake cycle of our body. It reduces the reuptake of dopamine in nerves. Dopamine is a chemical neurotransmitter that is used by nerves for communication purposes.
Take this medicine as prescribed. You may experience unpleasant effects of Modafinil that include headache, diarrhoea, back pain, feeling anxious, nausea, trouble sleeping, feeling nervous, dizziness, stuffy nose, and upset stomach. However, consult with your doctor if the symptoms continue for more than days or become severe, then seek medical attention immediately.
The use of Modafinil is not allowed in persons who are allergic to any of its constituents present in it, so tell your doctor before taking this medicine. This medicine cannot be used in children below 18 years of age. A woman who is pregnant or thinking of being pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to be pregnant is not allowed to take this medicine, so tell your doctor before taking the medicine. Tell your doctor if you have heart problems, high blood pressure or depression, low mood, anxiety, or psychosis before taking this medicine.
Uses of Modafinil
Medicinal Benefits
Modafinil belongs to the category of stimulants indicated to improve wakefulness in persons who feel very sleepy due to narcolepsy. It works by increasing the amount of a chemical known as dopamine in the brain by reducing the reabsorption of dopamine into nerves. Dopamine is a chemical neurotransmitter that is used by nerves to send signals for communication purposes. In this way, it helps a person to stay awake during their office hours or for performing normal activities of the day and to have a normal sleep routine.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Modafinil
Headache
Diarrhea
Back pain
Feeling anxious
Nausea
Trouble sleeping
Feeling nervous
Dizziness
Stuffy nose
Upset stomach.
Drug Warnings
A person should tell their doctor straight away if they are feeling depressed, aggressive towards other people. Tell your doctor if your using Hormonal contraceptives like contraceptive pills as Modafinil can reduce their effectiveness and increase the chances of pregnancy. A pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use Modafinil without asking the doctor as this medicine can cause birth defects during pregnancy and can pas in breastmilk as well. This medicine contains lactose so tell your doctor if you have an intolerance to some sugars. This is a habit-forming medicine so do not change the dose or use it for a longer time without asking the doctor.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Modafinil can interact with hormonal contraceptives pills, antacids (omeprazole), anti-epilepsy medications (carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin), anti-depressants (amitriptyline, citalopram), anxiety disorder drugs (diazepam), blood pressure-lowering pills (amlodipine, verapamil).
Drug-Food Interaction: A person taking Modafinil should avoid taking grapefruit-juice and grapefruit that increases actions or side effects of this medicine.
Drug-Disease Interaction: To make sure this medicine is safe or you, tell your doctor if you have angina (chest pain), cirrhosis or other liver problem, kidney disease, high blood pressure, heart disease, or history of heart attack, a history of mental illness or psychosis, history of alcoholism or drug addiction.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeA person should avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medicine as alcohol can worsen the side effects of the medication.
Pregnancy
cautionA woman who is pregnant should contact a doctor before using Modafinil. Modafinil is suspected of causing congenital disabilities in the unborn baby.
Breast Feeding
cautionA woman who is breastfeeding should avoid taking Modafinil as it is suspected to pass into breast milk and can affect the baby. Consult a doctor before using Modafinil.
Driving
unsafeModafinil may cause blurred vision or dizziness so while using this medication a person should not attempt to drive or operate machinery
Liver
cautionModafinil should only be given to patients dealing with liver disorders if strictly suggested by the doctor. Thus, one should tell their doctor if the history of liver disease as their doctor will reduce the dose.
Kidney
cautionModafinil should only be given to patients dealing with kidney disorders if strictly suggested by the doctor. Thus, one should tell their doctor if the history of kidney disease as their doctor will reduce the dose.
Children
unsafeThis medicine is not allowed in Children aged less than 12 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Avoid heavy meals that are high in carbohydrates, so include nutritious food in your diet.
Try to make a regular bedtime and close your light to make the room dark which helps you to sleep better.
Try to avoid heavy meals before bed as it will reduce the chances of acidity, and the person can sleep well.
Try to take strategic naps throughout the day, which will make you feel refreshed and productive.
Try to avoid sitting for long periods of time, which increases the chance of sleepiness so stand up and go outside at regular intervals.
Special Advise
Certain diagnostic tests that can help in diagnosing narcolepsy are the polysomnogram (PSG) and the multiple sleep latency tests (MSLT).
Modafinil should not be used in the children less than 17 years of age.
Modafinil can affect your judgment and reaction time, so do not drive a motor vehicle, do hazardous tasks, or operate any heavy machinery after taking Modafinil.
Modafinil is usually prescribed for only 12 weeks. However, if still, your symptoms do not improve, then consult a doctor.
Using CPAP can help you to cope with sleep apnoea problems (breathing trouble affecting sleep).
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Narcolepsy: It is a medical condition of the nervous system that causes excessive sleepiness during the daytime and makes a person fall asleep suddenly in inappropriate situations (sleep attacks). A person dealing with this disease can face symptoms like falling asleep in mid of conversation, sleep paralysis (feeling paralyzed during sleep), hypnogogic hallucinations (hallucinations before you fall asleep), and hypnopompic hallucinations (hallucinations occurring in the middle of the night).
FAQs
Modafinil is used to improve wakefulness in adult patients with narcolepsy (excessive and uncontrollable daytime sleepiness).
Modafinil works by increasing the amount of a chemical known as dopamine in the brain by reducing the reabsorption of dopamine into nerves. Thus, it helps a person to stay awake during their office hours or for performing normal activities of the day and to have a  normal sleep routine.Â
A person should tell their doctor if they have a history of mental health problems, heart problems, high blood pressure, liver or kidney problems, or have a history of drug or alcohol abuse.
Persons who have sleep disorders should be extra careful about driving or operating any machine that can be dangerous. Try not to change your daily habits until your doctor tells you to do so.
A woman who is using any type of hormonal birth control method that includes implants, patches, vaginal rings, birth control pills, should tell their doctor before taking Modafinil as this medicine can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills and a higher chance of getting pregnant. For men, it is advised to use contraceptives devices like condoms instead of oral contraceptives.
It is not possible to predict the risk of a rash after taking Modafinil as a rash can occur even after 1-2 months of starting the medicine. However, if you notice a rash while taking Modafinil, stop taking the medication and consult your doctor.
Modafinil may have less rebound effects than the other stimulants. Please consult your doctor if you have concerns regarding it.
Taking Modafinil can impact your sleep as it is used to treat narcolepsy. It can make it harder to fall asleep, reduce sleep quality, and even cause insomnia, especially in long-term usage. Please consult your doctor if you are bothered by any of these.
Modafinil is typically considered a safer and more effective stimulant compared to amphetamines. It's often prescribed as a first-line treatment for conditions like narcolepsy, difficulty falling asleep, and shift work sleep disorder. However, your doctor will choose which is more effective for your condition.
Modafinil has a mood-brightening and mood-enhancing effect. However, Modafinil is used to treat narcolepsy and should not be used for mood problems.
Take Modafinil exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It should be swallowed as a whole with a glass of water; do not crush or chew it.
Modafinil can be taken with or without food, as suggested by your doctor.
Modafinil may cause diarrhoea as a common side effect. Drink enough fluids and eat non-spicy food if you have diarrhoea. Consult the doctor if diarrhoea persists or worsens.
Certain studies have shown that modafinil not only helps reduce sleepiness but also improves memory and cognitive function. However, Modafinil is indicated in the treatment of excessive sleepiness. Consult the doctor if you have memory problems.
Do not stop taking Modafinil without talking to your doctor. Stopping Modafinil suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and depression. Your doctor can help you taper off the medication safely and monitor you for any rebound effects. It is always best to consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication.
Do not use Modafinil for long-term unless prescribed by your doctor. Be careful when taking Modafinil, as it can be habit-forming. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully, and do not take more than the prescribed dose. Taking too much or taking it for too long can lead to dependence.
Modafinil is generally considered to have a low potential for abuse and dependence. However, it may be habit-forming; hence, follow the doctor’s instructions and take Modafinil only as advised by the doctor.
Modafinil is safe if taken in the dose and duration prescribed by the doctor. Take Modafinil only as prescribed by the doctor.
The common side effects of Modafinil may include headache, dizziness, difficulty falling asleep, drowsiness, nausea, diarrhoea, and constipation. Most of these side effects of Modafinil do not require medical attention; they gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen consult your doctor immediately.
