.ae0904af.png&w=1080&q=75)
Medicine Highlights
| Uses | To treat Narcolepsy To treat obstructive sleep apnea To treat sleep problems due to shift work |
| Common Side Effects | Black, tarry stools Blurred vision or other vision changes Chest pain Chills or fever Clumsiness or unsteadiness Confusion |
| Additional Information | Avoid taking alcohol or tobacco with this medicine. |
| Storage | The medicine should be stored at room temperature Keep away from sunlight and moisture Keep away from the reach of children |
| How to Take This Medicine | The medicine should be taken orally |
Modafinil Summary
Modafinil 200 mg is a central nervous system stimulant used to treat excessive daytime sleepiness caused by conditions like narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder. It works by increasing dopamine levels in the brain, helping you stay awake and focused. Taken once daily as prescribed, modafinil improves alertness without causing sudden energy crashes. However, it should not be stopped abruptly without a doctor’s advice. While generally well-tolerated, some users may experience side effects like dizziness, mood changes, or unusual tiredness. Alcohol should be avoided, and individuals with liver dysfunction or pregnancy should consult a doctor before use. Store modafinil at room temperature, away from moisture and sunlight. If you experience overdose symptoms like rapid heartbeat or agitation, seek medical attention immediately.
Modafinil Uses
Modafinil 200 mg is an oral medicine belonging to the class of central nervous system stimulant medicines. It is used for the following indications:
- Uncontrollable daytime sleep episodes (Narcolepsy)
- Shift work sleep disorder
- Airway obstruction during sleep (Obstructive sleep apnea)
Direction for use
- Take modafinil exactly as prescribed by your doctor, regularly at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking modafinil without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
- If you forget to take the medicine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next one, then just skip it.
Modafinil Side Effects
More Common
- Feeling dizzy
- Drowsy
- Have trouble thinking or controlling movements
Less Common
- Black, tarry stools
- Blurred vision or other vision changes
- Chest pain
- Chills or fever
- Clumsiness or unsteadiness
- confusion
- Dizziness or fainting
- Increased thirst and urination
- Mental depression
- Problems with memory
- Rapidly changing moods
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
- Trembling or shaking
- Trouble in urinating
- Uncontrolled movements of the face, mouth, or tongue
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
How Modafinil Works
Modafinil works by increasing the level of a chemical called dopamine in your brain, which helps keep you alert.
Safety Measures and Warning
📌 1- Pregnancy
The US FDA has categorized this medicine as Category C, meaning it may harm the fetus. If you are pregnant or planning to conceive, inform your doctor.
📌 2- Liver Dysfunction
Patients with liver dysfunction should inform their doctor, as they may need a lower dose of this medicine.
Modafinil Interaction with Other Medicines
Avoid taking modafinil 200 mg with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:
Modafinil Interaction with Food Products
Modafinil does not interact with any food products, but alcohol should be avoided before and after taking the medicine, as it can increase or decrease the effect of modafinil.
Storage
- The medicine should be stored at room temperature
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture
- Keep away from the reach of children
Modafinil Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name-
2-[(diphenylmethyl)sulfinyl]acetamide
Intake Routine/Cycle
📌 Daily Dose
Take modafinil exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
📌 Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
📌 Overdose
You should not take more than 4000 mg of modafinil. The symptoms of overdose include increased heartbeat, sleeplessness, agitation, dizziness, and anxiety. If you know someone taking this medicine who experiences these symptoms, rush them to the hospital immediately.
FAQ’s
1. How long does modafinil last?
➡️ Modafinil starts working within 20 to 30 minutes, with its maximum effect observed in 2 hours, and then gradually decreases. Its effects last for approximately 11 hours.
2. Can modafinil cause weight loss?
➡️ Modafinil can reduce food intake, which may eventually lead to a decrease in body weight.
3. Is Modafinil effective for studying?
➡️ Modafinil can make you alert, but it does not improve memory or creativity. Moreover, using it can cause various side effects, so taking it without a medical condition is not recommended.
Reference
- Spiller HA, Borys D, Griffith JR, Klein-Schwartz W, Aleguas A, Sollee D, Anderson DA, Sawyer TS. Toxicity from modafinil ingestion. Clinical Toxicology. 2009 Feb 1;47(2):153-6. Available from.
- Healthline. How long does Provigil (modafinil) last? [Internet]. Available from.
- Perez GA, Haney M, Foltin RW, Hart CL. Modafinil decreases food intake in humans subjected to simulated shift work. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2008 Oct;90(4):717-22. doi: 10.1016/j.pbb.2008.05.018. PMID: 18573275; PMCID: PMC5858899. Available from.
- University of Oxford. Review of ‘smart drug’ shows modafinil does enhance cognition [Internet]. Oxford: University of Oxford; 2015 Aug 20 [cited 2025 Feb 14]. Available from.
- Greenblatt K, Adams N. Modafinil. [Updated 2023 Feb 6]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from.
- Mayo Clinic. Modafinil (oral route) – description [Internet]. Rochester (MN): Mayo Clinic; [cited 2025 Feb 14]. Available from.
