Modafinil
Introduction To Modafinil
Modafinil is used in the treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness (narcolepsy). It improves wakefulness and helps you to stay awake and reduces the tendency to fall asleep during the day, thus restoring the normal sleep cycle.
Modafinil may be taken with or without food. It is advised to take this medicine at a fixed time each day to maintain a consistent level in the blood. If you miss any doses, take it as soon as you remember. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. This medication mustn't be stopped suddenly as it may worsen your symptoms.
Some common side effects of this medicine include headache, nausea, nervousness, anxiety, and insomnia (difficulty sleeping). You may also have diarrhea, indigestion, back pain, and a runny nose. However, these side effects are temporary and usually resolve on their own in some time. Please consult your doctor if these do not subside or bother you. This medicine causes dizziness and sleepiness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you.
Always remember that this medicine only used when advised by a doctor as it is not a replacement for a good sleep routine. You should try to get the right amount of sleep every night. Before taking Modafinil, inform your doctor if you have any problems with your kidneys, heart, liver, or have a history of seizures (epilepsy or fits). Inform your doctor if you develop any unusual changes in mood or behavior, new or worsening depression, or if you have any suicidal thoughts.
Uses of Modafinil
- Narcolepsy (Uncontrollable daytime sleepiness)
Benefits of Modafinil
Narcolepsy (Uncontrollable daytime sleepiness)
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime drowsiness. The
affected person may experience excessive sleepiness, sleep paralysis,
hallucinations, and in some cases episodes of cataplexy (partial or total loss
of muscle control). Modafinil stimulates the brain and makes you fully awake.
It also relieves these abnormal symptoms and regulates the sleep cycle. This
restores normal sleeping habits and improves your quality of life. You will
feel more energetic and will be able to perform better in your daily
activities.
Side effects of Modafinil
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Modnite
- Headache
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
- Indigestion
- Diarrhea
- Back pain
- Runny nose
How to use Modafinil
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Modafinil may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Modafinil works
Modafinil modulates the levels of chemical messengers in the brain and exerts a stimulant effect to reduce extreme sleepiness.
Quick tips
-
Take it with or without food, preferably in morning time before you need to be alert.
-
It is not a replacement for a good sleep routine. Try to get the right amount of sleep every night.
-
It may cause headaches. Drink plenty of water and take a suitable pain killer. Inform your doctor if it does not go away.
-
Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
-
Avoid taking alcohol while taking this medicine as it may lead to increase side effects.
-
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
-
It makes contraceptive pills less effective, consult with a doctor for effective contraception.
-
Talk to your doctor if you notice sudden mood changes or develop suicidal thoughts.
-
Stop taking medication and inform your doctor if you experience rash, itching or breathing problem while taking this medicine.
-
It may cause addiction/ dependence potential when taken for long term.
-
Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Modafinil if I’m pregnant?
Modafinil may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Modafinil if I’m breastfeeding?
Modafinil is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
AlcoholCAUTION
Is drinking alcohol while taking Modafinil safe?
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Modafinil. Please consult your doctor.
DrivingUNSAFE
Can I drive after taking Modafinil?
Modafinil may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive. Patients with abnormal levels of sleepiness who take modafinil should be advised that their level of wakefulness may not return to normal, so they should avoid driving.
KidneySAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Modafinil if I have/had kidney diseases?
Modafinil is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Modafinil may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
LiverCAUTION
Can I take Modafinil if I have/had liver diseases?
Modafinil should be used with caution in patients with severe liver disease. Dose adjustment of Modafinil may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I predict the risk of rash associated with Modafinil?
No, rash can occur after day 1 to 2 months of starting the medicine. The period can be very variable and cannot be predicted. You should discontinue the use of Modafinil and contact your doctor at the first sign of rash since it cannot be predicted whether the rash is serious or benign.
Q. Can taking Modafinil affect my sleep?
Modafinil is used to treat excessive sleepiness caused by narcolepsy (a condition that causes excessive daytime sleepiness). Modafinil may help decrease your sleepiness, but it will not cure your sleep disorder. However, one of the common side effects of Modafinil is trouble falling asleep, though it does not occur in everyone. Consult your doctor if you face any issues with sleep.
Q. Is Modafinil more effective than amphetamine?
Yes, Modafinil is more effective than amphetamine. It not only helps to treat excessive sleepiness caused by narcolepsy (a condition that causes excessive daytime sleepiness) but also improves task performance. On comparing, it shows less association with side effects such as excess locomotor activities, anxiety, jitteriness, or rebound effects, which are seen with amphetamine.
Q. How does Modafinil affects mood?
Modafinil has a mood enhancing and mood-brightening effect. It has been tried in patients with depression.
Q. How to take Modafinil?
Can I take it with food? Modafinil should be taken strictly as advised by the doctor. It can be taken with or without food. Tablets should be swallowed whole with water.
Q. Does Modafinil cause diarrhea?
Yes, Modafinil may cause diarrhea. However, diarrhea and constipation both are equally common side effects associated with this medicine. Other common side effects related to gastrointestinal tract include abdominal pain, nausea, dry mouth, diarrhoea and indigestion.
Q. Does Modafinil help in improving memory?
Modafinil not only has a waking effect (helps in reducing sleepiness) but is also known for its memory-enhancing effects. It has been used in patients with Alzheimer's disease, age-related memory decline and cognitive impairment in schizophrenia.
Q. Can I stop taking Modafinil on my own?
No, do not stop taking Modafinil on your own without consulting your doctor. Sudden discontinuation of medicine may reduce the effect and with this your sleepiness may also return. Continue taking this medicine for the time recommended by your doctor, except when you experience serious side effects.
Q. Can I take Modafinil for long-term use?
It is usually not recommended for long-term use. Studies have shown that long- term use of Modafinil can damage the memory. It also has abuse potential. In addition, its prolonged use can induce stress response (especially if you are misusing and not getting good enough sleep and remaining wakeful for consecutive days). It can also affect your immunity which may make you prone to infection.
Q. Does Modafinil have abuse potential?
Modafinil has abuse potential if used for longer periods. Usually, patients with a history of alcoholism and drug abuse are more likely to become addicted to Modafinil. These patients should be carefully monitored and observed for signs of misuse or abuse (drug seeking behavior).
Q. Is Modafinil safe or dangerous?
Modafinil is a prescription medicine and should be taken only as prescribed by the doctor. It may cause serious side effects (e.g., a serious rash or a serious allergic reaction) that may affect your liver or blood cells. Seek immediate medical help on the occurrence of any such side effect as it can endanger life.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
MediClap strives to make its website accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Should you encounter any difficulty accessing this website, kindly send an email to hello@mediclap.com to enable us to provide the necessary services through alternative means.
MediClap is not affiliated with nor sponsored by any of the third-party brands mentioned. All trademarks, brands, logos, and copyrights mentioned remain the sole property of their respective owners.