Modafinil is a wakefulness-promoting drug used to treat sleep disorders. It is also used to improve mental alertness in healthy people. It has a lower potential for abuse and is safer for long-term use than traditional stimulants.
Some side effects may occur that need medical attention. Talk to your doctor or nurse if they happen.
Narcolepsy
Modafinil 200 Australia can improve alertness in people with narcolepsy and help them function better during the day. It can also reduce episodes of cataplexy in narcolepsy patients. These episodes involve sudden loss of muscle tone, ranging from slurred speech to complete collapse.
They are usually triggered by strong emotions, such as surprise, anger or laughter. The drug may cause some side effects, including a rapid heart rate and increased blood pressure. People with heart problems should avoid it. Modafinil suppresses appetite, causing some users to experience unintended weight loss. It can also induce irritability in some users and cause anxiety, especially in those sensitive to stimulants.
It can interact with some medications, including antidepressants, sedatives and alcohol. It should not be taken with narcotics or other central nervous system stimulants. It should be used cautiously in patients with severe hepatic impairment or a history of mental illness, as it can reactivate certain conditions and lead to confusion and agitation.
Sleep apnea
Modafinil is a central nervous system stimulant with wakefulness-promoting properties. It has been used off-label to treat conditions such as narcolepsy, sleep work shift disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea with co-management of other treatments (such as continuous positive airway pressure).
In controlled clinical trials, modafinil reduced excessive daytime sleepiness in people with narcolepsy. It does not appear to reduce the number of apnea or hypopnea events, which are measured as the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI).
Other effects include suppression of appetite that can lead to unintended weight loss. It can also increase the blood pressure and heart rate in some people. These effects are usually mild and last a few hours to a day.
In some cases, Modalert Tablet may cause a severe skin reaction called DRESS. Seek emergency medical help if you have any signs of this reaction, such as fever, rash, swelling, and hives. Do not take modafinil with alcohol or other medications that can cause drowsiness.
Shift work sleep disorder
Shift work sleep disorder (SWSD) happens when your normal circadian rhythm is disrupted. It’s most common in night shift workers, but can occur in anyone working nontraditional hours. It can lead to problems at work and in your home life. It can also put you at risk for health issues such as heart disease, gastrointestinal disorders, and obesity.
Your doctor can diagnose SWSD by examining your symptoms and asking you about your work history. They may also do a blood test or sleep study to look for abnormalities. They might ask you to keep a sleep diary or use actigraphy to measure your movement during sleep.
Modafinil has been shown to improve wakefulness in people with SWSD. It’s also been found to reduce symptoms of fatigue and increase daytime performance. However, studies of its effects on other conditions such as narcolepsy have been inconclusive. Long-term use of modafinil can cause dependency. It’s best used short-term, and combined with healthy sleep habits.
Other conditions
Modafinil does not increase adrenergic signaling in humans at usual clinical doses and is therefore not expected to cause anticataplectic side effects like headache and increased blood pressure.
However, it can induce irritability and restlessness at high doses in some users, suppress appetite leading to unintended weight loss, and may decrease libido in men. Chronic use can also disrupt natural sleep patterns and lead to reduced sleep quality. In addition, it can cause an increase in heart rate in some people.
Modafinil is a relatively safe drug with a low risk of abuse and dependence and should be used cautiously in patients with a history of psychosis or mania. It should also be used with caution in those with preexisting cardiovascular disease or a history of hypotension. It should not be taken by those with a history of angioedema, as this reaction can occur within hours after taking the medication. It is also not recommended for pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding.