Brand name Provigil
Used in the following combined preparations None
QUICK REFERENCE
Drug group Nervous system stimulant
Overdose danger rating Medium
Dependence rating Medium
Prescription needed Yes
Available as generic No
GENERAL INFORMATION
Modafinil is a nervous system stimulant used for the relief of excessive sleepiness associated with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnoea, and chronic shift work. Modafinil has some features in common with the stimulant amfetamine, including a potential for dependence and abuse but the risk of these is much lower with modafinil than with amfetamine itself. However, treatment with modafinil should be initiated by a doctor with a specialist interest in sleep disorders and only after other efforts have been made to treat the underlying condition. It should not be given to people with severe or poorly controlled high blood pressure or heart disease.
INFORMATION FOR USERS
Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking with your doctor.
How taken/used Tablets.
Frequency and timing of doses Single dose in the morning; or twice daily, in the morning and at midday.
Adult dosage range 200–400 mg daily.
Onset of effect Within a few hours.
Duration of action 12–24 hours.
Diet advice None.
Storage Keep in original container at room temperature out of the reach of children.
Missed dose Take as soon as you remember if needed for relief of symptoms. If not needed, do not take the missed dose, and return to your normal dose schedule when necessary.
Stopping the drug Do not stop the drug without consulting your doctor; symptoms may recur.
Exceeding the dose An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to cause problems. Large overdoses may cause insomnia, restlessness, confusion, high blood pressure, and fast heart rate. Notify your doctor.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS
Modafinil may cause a wide range of side effects. The most common is headache, which affects about a fifth of those taking the drug. Other common side effects include palpitations, a fast heart rate, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, nervousness, and insomnia. Contact your doctor if any of these are severe or if chest pain, depression, or a rash occur; in the case of a rash, you should also stop taking the drug. Rarely, modafinil may cause thoughts of suicide; if so, stop taking the drug and contact your doctor immediately.
INTERACTIONS
Ciclosprin Modafinil reduces blood levels of ciclosporin.
Oral contraceptives Modafinil reduces the effectiveness of oestrogen-containing contraceptive pills.
Phenytoin Modafinil may increase blood levels of phenytoin.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Be sure to tell your doctor if:
· You have a liver or kidney problem.
· You have high blood pressure.
· You have a heart problem.
· You have had a psychiatric illness.
· You have a history of alcohol or illicit substance abuse.
· You are taking any other medicine.
Pregnancy Safety not established. Discuss with your doctor.
Breast-feeding Safety not established. Discuss with your doctor.
Infants and children Not prescribed for children under 12 years.
Over 60 Increased likelihood of adverse effects. Reduced dose may therefore be necessary.
Driving and hazardous work Avoid until you know how the drug affects you because it may cause dizziness or blurred vision.
Alcohol No special problems.
PROLONGED USE
No special problems.
Monitoring If you have high blood pressure, regular blood pressure monitoring may be carried out.