What is Modafinil? Uses, effects, side effects & warnings

What is Modafinil?

Modafinil is a medicine that helps to increase the state of being awake.

Modafinil will treat insomnia caused by sleep apnea, narcolepsy or shift sleep disorder.

Modafinil can also be used for reasons not mentioned in this guideline for medication.

Warnings

Modafinil should not be used if you've ever experienced allergic reactions or a skin rash when taking modafinil and armodafinil ( Nuvigil).

Modafinil can trigger skin reactions that could be so severe that they require medical attention in the hospital. Stop taking this medication and seek emergency medical assistance in the event of the appearance of hives or a skin rash and peeling or blisters, mouth sores, difficulty breathing or swallowing difficulties, fever or swelling of your legs and feet, the dark colour of your urine, the eyes that are yellow and eyes or swelling on your face.

Related drugs

Before you Take this Drug

It is not recommended to use this medication if you've ever experienced any allergic reactions or a skin eruption while taking modafinil and armodafinil (Nuvigil).

To ensure that modafinil is appropriate for you, consult your doctor if you suffer from the following:

Angina (chest pain);
Cirrhosis or any other liver issue;
Kidney disease;
Hypertension, heart disease or the antecedent of heart attack;
A history of schizophrenia or mental health issues. Psychosis or
The history in the past of alcohol dependence or addiction to drugs.

It is unclear if this medicine could affect a newborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are expecting or planning to be pregnant.

Modafinil could reduce the effectiveness of certain birth control pills. Efficient. Hormonal contraception ( birth control pills injections, implants, skin patches, vaginal rings) might not be effective enough to avoid pregnancy during treatment. Consult your doctor regarding the best contraception methods that you can use when taking modafinil.

It is unclear if modafinil gets into breast milk or if it can harm breastfeeding babies. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding a child.

Modafinil is not a drug that has been approved to be used by anyone younger than 17 years of age.

What is the best way to take modafinil?

Follow the directions on the prescription label. Modafinil should not be taken in greater or lesser quantities or longer than the recommended time.

Modafinil could be addicting. Do not share modafinil with anyone, especially one with a history of drug dependence or abuse. Keep the medication at a location where others can't access it. Giving away or selling modafinil is illegal.

Modafinil is generally taken in the morning to avoid sleepiness during the day and 1 hour before the beginning of a shift to treat sleep issues.

Check all information about your patient, including medication guides and instructions sheets you receive. Consult your physician or pharmacist for any additional concerns.

Modafinil can be taken in combination with food or not.

Modafinil is typically prescribed for 12 months or less.

If you're using modafinil for treating sleepiness caused by sleep apnea with obstruction, it can be treated using Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines. This pump is attached to a mask that pushes air pressure into your nostrils while lying down. The air pump doesn't blow air for you, but the gentle airflow keeps your airway open and prevents obstruction.

Don't discontinue using the CPAP machine when you are sleeping unless your physician advises you to. A combination treatment using CPAP and modafinil might be needed to help manage your condition.

Modafinil does not treat obstructive sleep apnea or the underlying cause. Follow the instructions of your physician regarding the other treatments you can use to treat this condition.

Consult your physician if you find yourself experiencing an excessive amount of sleepiness despite taking modafinil.

Modafinil is not able to replace having enough sleep.

Place in a cool, dry place free of heat and moisture.

Be aware of the dosage of medication consumed from each new bottle. Modafinil is an abused medication, and you must be aware of any person taking your medication improperly or without the prescription.

How do I deal with it if I don't take the dose?

Discuss with your physician what you should do if you miss a dose of modafinil. Avoid taking the medication when you do not intend to remain awake for more than a few hours. Do not take any missed doses if it's close to time to go to bed. Don't take any extra medication to make up for the missed dose.

What happens when I consume too much?

Get medical attention in an emergency or contact for help at the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I be aware of when taking modafinil?

Modafinil can affect the way you think or react. Be aware when you drive or perform any activity that requires your attention.

Do not engage in other risky activities until you are aware of the effects of modafinil on the level of alertness you experience.

Beware of drinking alcohol when taking modafinil.

Modafinil side effects

Contact a medical professional immediately If you are experiencing symptoms or warning signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, breathing difficulties, and swelling of your lips, face and tongue.

Modafinil may cause skin reactions that can be so severe that they require the assistance of the hospital. Do not take this medication and seek emergency medical assistance when you experience the following:

Itchy rash, peeling or blisters;
Mou sores, difficulty swallowing;
Shortness of breath, fever;
Swelling in your legs;
Dark blood, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin) or
Swelling of your eyes, face, tongue, lips or throat.

Modafinil may cause serious side effects. Do not use modafinil, and consult your physician immediately If you suffer from:

Depression, anxiety, suicidal or suicidal ideas or behaviours;
Hallucinations, strange thoughts or behaviour or aggression, and being more talkative or active than usual
Chest pain, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeats or
Regardless of how small it may be, the first sign of a skin rash is the first sign of a skin rash.

Common negative side effects of modafinil can include:

Headache, dizziness
Being anxious or nervous
Back pain
Nausea, diarrhoea, upset stomach;
Sleep problems (insomnia); or
Stuffy nose.

This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Other side effects could be present. Consult your physician for advice regarding the medical effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Modafinil dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Narcolepsy:

200 mg taken orally every day in the early morning

Comments:

In the case of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), This medication is not a cure for the cause of obstruction.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the preferred treatment for excessive sleepiness. In that case, the maximum effort to treat it with CPAP for a suitable time should be taken before and throughout treatment using this medication.

Treatment to increase the quality of wakefulness for patients suffering from excessive sleepiness due to narcolepsy disorder and OSA.

Usual Adult Dose for Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome:

200 mg orally, once a day, in the morning

Comments:

In the case of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), This medication is not a cure for the obstruction that is causing it.

If Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the preferred treatment for excessive sleepiness, an effort to treat the problem with CPAP for a sufficient amount of time should be considered before and throughout treatment using this medication.

Use: Treatment for improving the quality of wakefulness for patients suffering from excessive sleepiness due to Narcolepsy and OSA.

Usual Adult Dose for Shift Work Sleep Disorder:

200 mg taken orally every day, about one-half an hour before the beginning of the shift

Use: Treatment to increase awareness in patients who suffer from excessive sleepiness due to shift work disorders.

What other drugs can interfere with modafinil?

Other medications can be incompatible with modafinil, such as medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. Be sure to inform your health professionals about your medicines and all that you stop or start using.