DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Modafinil (moe-DAFF-ih-nill)
Brand Name: Provigil

Modafinil is used for:

Improving wakefulness in patients with excessive sleepiness associated with narcolepsy or other sleep disorders. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Modafinil is a wakefulness-promoting agent. The exact way it works is not known, but it is thought to work by altering the natural chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain.

Do NOT use Modafinil if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Modafinil

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Modafinil :

Some medical conditions may interact with Modafinil . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have liver or heart problems, a history of high blood pressure, psychosis, or a history of substance abuse

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Modafinil . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Prazosin because it may decrease Modafinil 's effectiveness
• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), benzodiazepines (eg, diazepam), hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), or propranolol because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Modafinil
• Cyclosporine because its effectiveness may be decreased by Modafinil
• Hormonal contraceptives (eg, birth control pills) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Modafinil

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Modafinil may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Modafinil :

Use Modafinil as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Modafinil by mouth with or without food.
• Take Modafinil in the morning unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
• If you miss a dose of Modafinil , take it as soon as possible. If you do not remember until late afternoon or evening, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Modafinil .

Important safety information:

• Modafinil may cause dizziness or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Modafinil with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Modafinil ; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
• Modafinil cannot cure sleep disorders and it may not stop all of your sleepiness. Do not change your daily habits without first talking to your doctor. Discuss your level of sleepiness with your doctor at each visit. Do not use Modafinil in place of getting enough sleep. Follow your doctor's instructions for good sleep habits and using other treatments.
• Modafinil should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 16 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• Hormonal birth control (eg, birth control pills) may not work as well while you are using Modafinil . To prevent pregnancy, use an extra form of birth control (eg, condoms) while you are taking Modafinil and for 1 month after stopping Modafinil .
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Modafinil while you are pregnant. It is not known if Modafinil is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Modafinil , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Some people who use Modafinil for a long time may develop a need to continue taking it. People who take high doses are also at risk. This is known as DEPENDENCE or addiction. If you stop taking Modafinil suddenly, you may have WITHDRAWAL symptoms. These may include sleepiness. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor or pharmacist.

Possible side effects of Modafinil :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Diarrhea; dizziness; dry mouth; headache; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness; runny nose; trouble sleeping.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; exaggerated sense of well-being; mental or mood changes (eg, anxiety, depression).

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include agitation; anxiety; confusion; diarrhea; excitation; fast heartbeat; nausea; restlessness; sleeplessness; tremor.

Proper storage of Modafinil :

Store Modafinil at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Modafinil out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Modafinil , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Modafinil is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Modafinil . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.