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Everything you need to know about taking modanfinil
Modafinil is a psychoanaleptic – it acts as a stimulant on the central nervous system.
It is available as tablets in strengths of 100mg and 200mg.
The brand name for modafinil is Provigil.
Modafinil is prescribed for a condition called narcolepsy. People with narcolepsy feel excessively tired or sleepy during the day and can also fall asleep at inappropriate times without any warning. Modafanil is used to increase wakefulness and daytime alertness in these people.
▪️ Modafinil is only used to treat sleepiness for people who have been diagnosed with narcolepsy. It is not a replacement for a good sleep routine and should not be used as a stimulant to improve alertness.
▪️ Modafinil may cause dizziness and blurred vision. Don’t use tools or operate machinery until you know how taking modafinil affects you and you are sure that you can do these activities safely.
▪️ In the UK, you are required by law to let the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) know if you are diagnosed with narcolepsy. You may be allowed to drive if your symptoms are controlled with medication, but you will need to have regular reviews. Your doctor will advise you about this.
▪️ Avoid drinking alcohol while taking modafinil, as this may enhance the side effects such as dehydration.
▪️ Some people have experienced psychiatric side effects while taking modafinil. If you experience any distressing thoughts or feelings, particularly about suicide or harming yourself, or any changes in your mood or behaviour at any point while taking modafinil, it is important to stop taking it and talk to your doctor.
▪️ If you get a rash while taking modafinil you should stop taking it and consult your doctor.
Modafinil is a type of medicine known as a CNS stimulant. It works by stimulating activity within the brain and spinal cord.
The way in which modafinil improves wakefulness is not yet fully understood, but it is believed to have an effect on several neurotransmitter systems in the brain, mainly in areas of the brain that regulate sleep, wake and alertness.
Modafinil’s mode of action appears to be different to other CNS stimulants, such as the amphetamine group of medicines that are also sometimes used to promote wakefulness. This difference is believed to reduce modafinil’s potential for abuse and dependence, though there may still be a risk of this if modafinil is used long-term.
Modafinil does not cure narcolepsy, it only treats the daytime sleepiness.
▪️ The modafinil dose your doctor prescribes will vary from person to person. You may be asked to take a dose once a day – in the morning, or twice a day. Always follow the instructions given by your doctor.
▪️ The starting dose for modafinil is usually 50mg-100mg daily, it can be increased to 200mg daily depending on your symptoms. This can be given a a single 200mg dose or divided into two 100mg doses – in the morning and at lunchtime.
▪️ Modafinil tablets should be swallowed whole with a drink of water. They can be taken either with or without food.
▪️ Missed dose: If you forget to take a dose, leave out the missed dose and just take your next dose at your usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Modafinil should not be used during pregnancy and women who could get pregnant should use a reliable contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy while taking modafinil. However, hormonal contraceptives such as the pill may not be suitable because modafinil makes these less effective. It’s important to discuss your contraceptive options with your doctor before you start taking modafinil. Contraception should be continued for two months after you stop taking modafinil.
Modafinil passes in to breast milk. Women who are breastfeeding should not be taken modafinil.
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects known to be associated with modafinil. Just because a side effect is stated here doesn’t mean that all people taking modafinil will experience that or any side effect.
If you want any more information about the possible side effects of modafinil, read the leaflet provided with the medicine. You can find a copy of this here
If you think you have experienced side-effects you can report them using the yellow card scheme.
It’s important to tell your doctor or pharmacist if you’re already taking any medicines, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start taking modafinil. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines with modafinil, to make sure that the combination is safe.
It is fine to take painkillers such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, aspirin or co-codamol with modafinil.
Modafinil makes the combined contraceptive pill, progesterone-only pill, contraceptive patch, contraceptive implant and contraceptive vaginal ring less effective at preventing pregnancy, because it speeds up the breakdown of the hormones in these contraceptives. Women who are using one of these contraceptives should use an extra method of contraception, such as condoms, to prevent pregnancy while taking modafinil. Often it may be more appropriate to use a different method of contraception altogether, particularly if you’re taking modafinil for more than two months. Whichever method is used, effective contraception should be continued for two months after stopping treatment with modafinil. It’s important to discuss contraception with your doctor before you start taking modafinil.
Modafinil also makes morning after pills containing ulipristal or levonorgestrel less effective, so if you need an emergency contraceptive while taking modafinil you should get advice from your doctor.
Modafinil may also increase the breakdown of the hormone replacement therapy and so could make it less effective.
People who are taking warfarin to prevent blood clots may need to have their blood clotting time (INR) monitored regularly during the first two months of taking modafinil and after any dose changes.
Read more about medicines that interact with modafinil here
Last updated 26.06.2019