Modafinil

Information about Modafinil

What is Modafinil used for?

Modafinil is used to treat narcolepsy, a condition that causes excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks in inappropriate situations. It may help reduce the likelihood of these sleep attacks. Modafinil has also been used to treat shift work sleep disorder and sleep apnoea.

Although the exact mode of action is unknown, it is believed that modafinil works by inhibiting the uptake of a neurotransmitter called dopamine, though other mechanisms may also play a role.

How to take Modafinil

Modafinil is usually taken once a day in the morning but can be divided into two doses if your doctor deems it appropriate. It can be taken with or without food. Tablets should be swallowed whole with water.

Warnings

Like all medicines, Modafinil can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. Stop taking this medicine and inform your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Sudden signs of allergic reactions such as rash, itching or hives on the skin, difficulty breathing or wheezing, swelling of the face, mouth, or throat, or lymph node disorders (e.g., painful, warm, red lumps under your skin, fever, or unusual tiredness).
• Skin rash or itching (especially if it affects your whole body). Severe rashes may cause blistering or peeling of the skin, ulcers in your mouth, eyes, nose, or genitals. You may also experience a high temperature (fever) and abnormal blood test results.
• Diabetes with increased blood sugar (symptoms may include frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, extreme hunger, sudden change in vision, tiredness).
• Changes in mental health and wellbeing such as mood swings, abnormal thinking, aggression, forgetfulness, extreme happiness, over-excitement, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, agitation, psychosis, or personality disorder.

Side effects

Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people):

• Headache

Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

• Dizziness, feeling irritable
• Sleepiness, extreme tiredness, or difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
• Awareness of your heartbeat, which may be faster than normal
• Chest pain
• Flushing
• Dry mouth
• Loss of appetite, feeling sick, stomach pain, indigestion, diarrhea, or constipation
• Weakness, numbness or tingling of the hands or feet (‘pins and needles’)
• Blurred vision
• Abnormal blood test results showing increased liver enzymes

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

• Back pain, neck pain, muscle pain, muscle weakness, leg cramps, joint pain, twitching, or tremor
• Reduced sensation
• Vertigo (spinning sensation)
• Difficulty moving muscles smoothly or other movement problems, muscle twitching, coordination problems
• Hayfever symptoms including itchy/runny nose or watery eyes
• Increased cough, asthma, or shortness of breath
• Skin rash, acne, or itchy skin
• Sweating
• Changes in blood pressure (high or low), abnormal heart trace (ECG), and irregular or unusually slow heartbeat
• Difficulty swallowing, swollen tongue, or mouth ulcers
• Excess wind, reflux, increased appetite, weight changes, thirst, or taste alteration
• Vomiting
• Migraine
• Speech problems
• High blood cholesterol
• Swollen hands and feet
• Disrupted sleep or abnormal dreams
• Loss of sex drive
• Nose bleed, sore throat, or inflamed nasal passages (sinusitis)
• Abnormal vision or dry eyes
• Abnormal urine or more frequent urination
• Abnormal periods
• Abnormal blood test results showing changes in white blood cell count