The mechanism by which modafinil promotes wakefulness is not fully understood. It is known to increase locomotor activity in animals and produces psychoactive and euphoric effects, alterations in mood and feelings that are similar to other scheduled CNS stimulants (methylphenidate).

In clinical trials with modafinil, cardiovascular adverse reactions occurred, including chest pain and ischemic changes on ECG in three patients with mitral valve prolapse or left ventricular hypertrophy. Cardiovascular monitoring is recommended during therapy.

Dosage

Modafinil 200 Australia is generally well-tolerated and has a low potential for abuse or dependence. It is prescribed for adults to treat excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy, shift work disorder, or obstructive sleep apnea. It can be taken by mouth in tablet form. It is important to have regular follow-up appointments to monitor effectiveness and determine whether the dose needs to be adjusted.

The most common side effect of modafinil is headache, which is usually mild or moderate and dose-related. It can also cause nausea, nervousness and anxiety. Other less common side effects include skin rash, dizziness and changes in mood. Some people are allergic to ingredients in modafinil and may experience anaphylactic reactions.

It is important to tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamins/minerals and herbal products. Some medicines can affect how well modafinil works or increase your risk of side effects.

Modafinil is absorbed into the bloodstream and is excreted into urine mainly as metabolites. It undergoes hepatic metabolism via cytochrome P450 CYP3A4. Severe renal impairment reduces oral clearance and increases steady-state concentrations of modafinil and its metabolites, although it does not significantly affect the pharmacokinetics. Older patients may have reduced clearance and increased metabolite exposure. Cases of serious skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), have been reported with modafinil use in children and elderly patients.

Side Effects

Modafinil is generally well tolerated and has a low potential for abuse and dependence. However, it may be habit-forming in some people. Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Keep it out of the reach of children and away from anyone else who might possibly take it.

It is important to know how this medicine will affect you before you drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or not alert. If you drink alcohol, it can affect how this medication works and may increase the chances of side effects. Talk to your doctor about whether you should avoid alcohol.

This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called DRESS (drug-reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms). Get emergency medical help if you have signs of this reaction, including: skin rash; itching; hives; swelling of the face, lips, or tongue; trouble breathing; hoarseness; or unusual bruising or bleeding. This medicine may also cause a rare type of serious allergic reaction called multi-organ hypersensitivity reactions.

Do not take Modalert 200 mg with any other medicines, especially a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or cimetidine. This may increase your risk of side effects, such as a severe reaction with liver failure or hepatic impairment. Also tell your doctor if you are taking a prescription or nonprescription drug, vitamin, mineral supplement, or herbal preparation.

Precautions

Modafinil may cause some people to feel dizzy, drowsy or have trouble thinking or controlling movements. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Avoid drinking alcohol or taking other medicines that can make you drowsy while you are taking this medicine. Tell your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.

Modafinil is a central nervous system stimulant and can increase heart rate and blood pressure. If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, or liver problems, this medicine may not be safe for you. This medicine can also cause a serious allergic reaction (DRESS), which can affect multiple body organs. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a severe allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the mouth, throat or tongue.

This medicine interacts with many other drugs. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements. This includes any medicines that you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. This medication passes into breast milk and can harm a nursing baby. Talk to your doctor about using safe methods of feeding while you are taking this medicine.

Modafinil can decrease the effectiveness of some types of birth control pills. Use a backup method of birth control while you are taking this medicine and for one month afterward.

Interactions

Modafinil is generally well-tolerated and carries a low risk for abuse or dependence. It is used along with other treatments to help people with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), or shift work sleep disorder stay awake during their scheduled working hours. It is in a class of medications called wakefulness promoting agents.

This medication should not be used in children unless the benefits outweigh the risks. It is not FDA-approved for use in pediatric patients, and serious skin reactions (including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis [TEN]) have been reported in very rare cases in children taking modafinil.

The medication is taken by mouth and usually taken once a day in the morning. For people with narcolepsy, OSAHS, or shift work sleep disorder, it is also taken 1 hour before starting the workday. This medication can cause side effects such as dizziness, headache, and nausea. It is important to take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Tell your doctor about any other medicines you are taking, especially if you have allergies to foods, herbs, or non-prescription drugs. Also tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions, such as structural heart disease, severe liver or kidney disease, and/or a history of psychosis/mania. Your doctor may want to check your blood pressure more often while you are taking this medicine. Read More Blog…