What Is Modafinil and How Does It Work?

Modafinil is an effective medication for narcolepsy, sleep apnea and shift work sleep problems. However, it should not be used to replace getting enough sleep.

Just like stimulants, modafinil has wake-promoting effects and enhances mental alertness. But unlike other stimulants, it does not induce the typical side effects such as excess locomotor activity and jitteriness.

What is Modafinil?

Modafinil 200 Australia is a powerful stimulant used by some people to stay awake. It is also prescribed to treat sleep disorders such as narcolepsy and obstructive sleep apnea. In some cases, it is used in combination with other sleep disorder treatments such as CPAP breathing devices.

It has been shown to increase dopamine production in the brain, which makes some people feel happier and more energized. It’s thought that it acts by blocking a mechanism in the brain that removes dopamine, and may also enhance certain neurotransmitters that affect mood and cognition.

It is important to get enough sleep, even if you are taking modafinil. Modafinil will not replace good sleeping habits, and it should never be taken with a sedative. If you have a history of heart problems or high blood pressure, talk to your doctor before taking modafinil.

It can also interact with certain medications, including birth control pills. You should use a different form of birth control while taking this medication, and for one month after you stop it.

How Does Modafinil Work?

Modafinil enhances certain chemicals in the brain that regulate sleep and wakefulness. It’s similar to stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, although it has a different chemical structure. Modafinil also increases dopamine – the “feel good” hormone – in the brain, which can boost alertness and improve mood.

Modalert 200 mg may cause serious allergic reactions affecting multiple parts of the body, including the skin and liver. Get emergency medical help if you have symptoms such as chest pain, hives, fever and chills, dark urine, or unusual tiredness, weakness, or bleeding or bruising.

Modafinil promotes wakefulness and is used to treat excessive sleepiness caused by narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) in people who work night shifts, or shift work sleep disorder. It can be used along with other treatments for narcolepsy and OSAHS, such as losing weight, exercise, and using breathing devices. It is not a cure for these conditions and will only work as long as you take it.

Side Effects of Modafinil

Modafinil can have a range of side effects. The most common are headache and nausea. Other less common side effects include rhinitis, nervousness and anxiety, back pain, gastrointestinal upset, and insomnia.

Rarely, modafinil can cause life-threatening rashes such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS). Seek emergency treatment if you have these symptoms.

This medication can be habit-forming. Do not take a larger dose or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. If you have a history of substance abuse, this medication may increase your risk for addiction. This medicine interacts with a number of other medications. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the medicines you take, including vitamins and herbal products. You should not drink alcohol or use tobacco while taking this medicine. This medication can cause chest pain, especially if you have a heart condition such as mitral valve prolapse or left ventricular hypertrophy (thickened walls of the left side of your heart). Tell your doctor if you have a history of these heart problems.

Dosage of Modafinil

Modafinil is taken by mouth as a tablet and is usually taken 1 time each day. It is usually taken in the morning (when you wake up) for narcolepsy and shift work sleep disorders, but it may be taken at any time of day as directed by your doctor. It is typically taken for 12 weeks or less. It may take 1 week or more before you begin to notice the benefits of this medication.

You should not use this medication if you have severe liver disease or moderate to severe kidney disease. It may also interact with certain other medications. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, herbs, and dietary supplements you are using.

This medication may cause mental health symptoms, such as depression or psychosis. If these occur, call your doctor right away. Modafinil may be habit-forming and should not be shared with others. Store this medicine in a secure place where it cannot be easily accessed by others.