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What is Modafinil?
Modalert 200 is a wakefulness-promoting prescription drug that reduces the extreme sleepiness that accompanies sleep disorders including narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work disorder (SWD). Sometimes, it is used off-label for ADHD symptoms in adults over 18 years old. This use is not approved by the FDA, but some research has shown improvement in ADHD symptoms when compared to a placebo. Modafinil (C-IV) is a federally controlled drug. It can be misused or cause dependence. It is not known if modafinil is safe or effective for children.
Armodafanil (Nuvigil), a drug that is similar to modafinil, could have similar effects but has not been examined for ADHD in adults.
Modafinil: How to Use It
Before starting or refilling a Modvigil 200 prescription, read the medication guide included with your pills, as it may be updated with new information.
This guide is not meant to replace a conversation you have with your doctor. Your doctor has a complete view of your medical history and any other diagnoses. Before you start taking medication, make sure to ask your pharmacist or doctor.
Modafinil dosage
As with all medications, follow your modafinil prescription instructions exactly. This medication can be taken with food if a patient has an upset stomach.
Tablets come in 100mg or 200mg doses.
For people with SWD, the recommended dose is 200mg taken orally once daily in the morning. Patients with severe hepatic impairment and elderly patients should take a lower dose.
Modafinil and alcohol should not be taken together.
Modafinil Side Effects
Modafinil side effects include headaches, stomach upset, dizziness, and trouble sleeping.
Side effects that can be serious include a severe rash, allergic reaction, including Stevens Johnson Syndrome, rapid swelling under the skin, new mental health problems like depression, anxiety and aggression, thoughts of suicide, and symptoms such as chest pain, irregular heartbeat and trouble breathing. Modafinil may cause a multi-organ hypersensitivity reaction in rare cases. This can lead to serious side effects that can prove fatal. If you have any of these side effects, stop taking modafinil immediately and consult a doctor.
Modafinil can cause impairments in your driving, operating machinery, and other potentially hazardous tasks. Talk to your doctor if side effects persist or become bothersome. These side effects are rare in most people who take this medication.
Your doctor should be notified of any heart problems, family history, or concerns about blood pressure. Modafinil has been known to cause cardiac arrest in patients with severe heart conditions and structural abnormalities. Modafinil and other stimulants can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart beat. These vital signs should be closely monitored by doctors during treatment. If you feel chest pain, shortness or fainting, call your doctor immediately.
Your doctor should also be informed about any mental health problems, including family history of depression or psychosis. Modafinil can cause or exacerbate mania, delusions and hallucinations as well as suicidal ideation and aggression. If you have new or worsening symptoms of depression or mania, call your doctor immediately.
Modafinil should be taken with caution by elderly or severely ill patients who have impaired renal or liver function.
Modafinil and other stimulants have low abuse potential. Modafinil is classified as a Schedule IV drug by the Drug Enforcement Agency. This designation refers to drugs that have a low risk of abuse. Other Schedule IV drugs include Xanax and Klonopin. This medication should not be used by anyone who has abused drugs in the past. The potential for abuse can be reduced by following the instructions.
These are just a few of the possible side effects. Talk to your doctor if you notice any changes in your health that are not mentioned above.
Modafinil: Precautions
Modafinil should be kept out of reach of children and at room temperature. You should not give your modafinil prescription to anyone, even an ADHD patient. Prescription medication sharing is illegal and can lead to harm.
Modafinil should not be taken if you have an allergy to modafinil, armodafinil, or any other modafinil medication.
Talk to your doctor about Modafinil if you are considering getting pregnant. According to animal studies, there is a risk of harm to the fetus. Modafinil can pass through breastmilk. It is unknown if this is the case. Therefore, it is important that mothers not breastfeed while taking modafinil.
Modafinil safety for children younger than 17 years old has not been proven.
Modafinil Interactions
Discuss all active prescription medications with your doctor before you take Modafinil.
Modafinil should not be taken concurrently with MAOIs. Modafinil can interact with certain illegal drugs like methamphetamine or MDMA/ecstasy.
Modafinil can reduce the effectiveness of hormonal birth controls such as pills, shots and patches. It is also possible to decrease the effectiveness for intrauterine devices (IUDs), for up to one month after you stop taking modafinil. Talk to your doctor about birth control options that may reduce the chance of you becoming pregnant while on modafinil.
Modafinil may increase the rate at which some medications are processed by your bodies, which can lead to decreased effectiveness. Cyclosporine is one example of a medication that may be affected.
Modafinil can cause an increase in certain medications, such as omeprazole and phenytoin.
Modafinil side effects can be increased by modafinil.
When you fill your prescription, share a list with the pharmacist of any vitamins or herbal supplements you use, as well as prescription and non-prescription medication you take. Before you have any laboratory or surgery, let all doctors know that you are taking modafinil. This is not an exhaustive list of possible drug interactions.
