Modafinil

Uses	Uncontrollable Daytime Sleepiness Or Narcolepsy
Therapy	Drugs For Narcolepsy
Side Effects	Insomnia or Difficulty in Sleeping, Headache, Indigestion, Runny Nose, Diarrhoea, Nervousness, Nausea, Anxiety, Back Pain, Dizziness

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Molecule Description

Modafinil is a medicine that stimulates the brain and is used to treat patients who sleep excessively and at inopportune times.

Uses

Improving wakefulness in patients with excessive sleepiness -
difficulty to stay awake and falling asleep at improper times (e.g. at morning or evening), a condition called narcolepsy
Sometimes, excessive sleepiness may be associated with extreme muscle weakness (the patient may collapse but remains conscious) combined with intense emotions such as laughter, crying, feeling scared – a condition called cataplexy
Modafinil can be given for excessive sleepiness with or without cataplexy

Contraindications

When should one not use Modafinil

Allergy to Modafinil or any of its component
Severe, high, uncontrolled blood pressure
Irregular heartbeats

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Headache
Dizziness
Feeling very tired, sleepy or difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
Fast heartbeats, which you can feel
Chest pain
Redness (flushing)
Dry mouth
Stomach problems – pain, feeling sick, loss of appetite, indigestion, diarrhea or loose motions
Weakness, numbness or tingling of hands and feet (‘pins and needles’)
Blurry vision
Increased liver enzymes
Irritability
Skin rashes, itching, extreme mood swings (aggression, hyperactive, severe depression, suicidal thoughts), anxiety, nervousness
Inform your doctor immediately if you notice any such symptoms

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Modafinil should not be used in pregnancy as it is known to cause harmful effects on the baby.

Breast Feeding

Modafinil is secreted in breast milk and may harm the newborn baby, hence should not used during breastfeeding.

Driving

As Modafinil is taken for excessive sleep, be aware that it will not drastically improve your symptoms but will only decrease the intensity. Hence, it is generally not advised to drive in such conditions.

Alcohol

Alcohol causes drowsiness and may interfere with the actions of Modafinil and is not recommended.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

If you are allergic to Modafinil or have any other allergies
If you have any heart problems or high blood pressure
Mood swings (severe depression, low mood, psychosis, extreme highs or mania), anxiety, hallucinations (loss of contact with reality)
If you have any kidney or liver problems (because you will need to take a lower dose)
If you had any issues with alcohol or substance misuse in the past

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Modafinil works by regulating the action of certain substances in the brain by increasing the levels of certain elements called Dopamine and orexins that transmits signals in the brain (neurotransmitters) and promotes wakefulness Decreased levels of these substances will make it difficult for a person to stay awake

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Anti-seizure medications (Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin)
Certain medicines used to treat HIV/ AIDS (Ritonavir, Indinavir)
Anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medicines (Amitryptiline, Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Diazepam)
Blood-thinning agents (Warfarin)
Certain blood pressure medicines (Amlodipine, Verapamil, Propranolol)
Cholesterol reducing agents (Statins)
Cyclosporine (an immunosuppressant)
Omeprazole (reduces stomach acid)

Interactions with food items

Modafinil does not interact with food and can be taken before or after meals. Usually, it is taken in the morning.

Dosage

Overdose

Accidental overdose may not be life-threatening and may cause sleeplessness or restlessness. Extreme doses may cause psychotic symptoms such as agitation, disorientation, feel something which is not there (hallucinations), etc. if you experience any such symptoms, inform your doctor immediately and seek medical attention.

Missed a Dose

If you miss a dose, then skip it. Do not take a double dose.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do not self-medicate or self-adjust the dose with ModafinilIf you feel the medicine does not have the desired effect, consult your doctor. He may adjust the dose.

Modafinil causes a decrease in appetite due to which some people may lose weightBut using Modafinil for weight-loss in the absence of prescribed symptoms is strictly not recommended

Use Modafinil as directed by your doctorCheck the label on the medicine for exact dosage instructionsTake Modafinil orally with or without foodTake Modafinil in the morning unless directed by your doctorIf you take Modafinil for shift work sleep problems, take about 1 hour before starting to work.

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