Modafinil

Information about Modafinil

Modafinil Uses

Modafinil is used in the treatment of narcolepsy.

How Modafinil works

Modafinil modulates the levels of chemical messengers in the brain and exerts a stimulant effect to reduce extreme sleepiness.

Common side effects of Modafinil

Headache, Nausea, Nervousness, Anxiety, Dizziness, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Diarrhea, Indigestion, Back pain, Runny nose
CONTENT DETAILS
Written By
Dr. Swati Mishra
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated
12 Sep 2022 | 06:56 AM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Modafinil

ModalertSun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
₹204 to ₹3232 variant(s)
ModafilIntas Pharmaceuticals Ltd
₹106 to ₹2424 variant(s)
MetadoopCare Formulation Labs Pvt Ltd
₹2101 variant(s)
ModonDorris Pharmaceutical Pvt Ltd
₹971 variant(s)
ModaproCipla Ltd
₹71 to ₹1602 variant(s)
SemanfinilSemangat Healthcare Pvt Ltd
₹2501 variant(s)
WakactiveVanprom Lifesciences Pvt Ltd
₹139 to ₹2482 variant(s)
ModfilPsycormedies
₹75 to ₹1092 variant(s)
VinfilHoly Evolution Pharma
₹75 to ₹2002 variant(s)
MatalertMatias Healthcare Pvt Ltd
₹75 to ₹2103 variant(s)

Expert advice for Modafinil

  • 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. 
  • Your doctor may monitor you for heart disease and blood pressure while taking this medicine.
  • 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. 
  • Inform your doctor if you had a history of depression, anxiety, mood disorder, or mania and drug abuse. 
  • Inform your doctor if you notice difficulty sleeping, diarrhea, hallucinations, nausea,  chest pain, and fast or slow heart rate.
  • It may cause addiction/ dependence potential when taken for long term. 
  • Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor.

Frequently asked questions for Modafinil

Modafinil

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.

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