Synonyms: Modafinil, Modapro, Moderateafinil, Modiodal, Provigil
What is Modalert/Modafinil?
Generic name: Modafinil, Modafinil, Modalert. Modalert is a stimulant drug used to treat unusually sleepy people who have been diagnosed with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome, or shift work sleep disorder.
Modalert is used to improve wakefulness in patients with excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea/hypoapnea syndrome (OSAHS), and shift work sleep disorder (SWSD).
How to use Modalert/Modafinil?
Take modalert exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water, Modalert can be taken with or without food. Modalert is usually taken once a day. Follow your doctor's instructions. It is important to take modalert regularly to get the most benefit.
Modalert is not a replacement for sleep. Modalert may reduce the signs of sleepiness, but may not completely treat this problem. Some drowsiness may continue. Potentially hazardous activities such as driving or operating machinery should only be performed if the level of wakefulness achieved is sufficient to permit such activities.
Modalert may be habit forming. You should discuss the abuse and dependence potential of modalert with your doctor. Do not stop taking modalert without first talking to your doctor. Your doctor may want to gradually lower the dose of the medication before stopping treatment. Store modalert at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Most important fact about Modalert/Modafinil
Modalert is not appropriate for all patients, and a thorough medical history should always be taken before prescribing new medications. Patients with a medical history which includes kidney:
- disease
- liver disease
- mental illness
- chemical dependency
- heart attack
- high blood pressure
- angina
- left ventricular hypertrophy
- symptoms of mitral valve prolapse due to central nervous system stimulant use;
- chest pain
- irregular heart rate
may not be able to tolerate Modalert or may require careful monitoring while undergoing drug therapy with this medication, depending on the condition and the severity of the condition.
Possible side effects of Modalert/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.
- 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).
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What happens if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of Modalert, 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.
What other drugs will affect Modalert/Modafinil?
Modalert may decrease the effects of hormonal methods of birth control including birth control pills and depot and implantable formulations (e.g., Norplant, Depo-Provera). Use a second, nonhormonal form of birth control while taking modalert, and for one month after stopping modalert, if prevention of pregnancy is desired.
Before taking modalert, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:
- a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAO inhibitor) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or phenelzine (Nardil);
- a tricyclic antidepressant such as clomipramine (Anafranil) or desipramine (Norpramin);
- another CNS stimulant such as amphetamine-dextroamphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin, Methylin, Metadate ER, Concerta), pemoline (Cylert), and others;
- phenytoin (Dilantin);
- carbamazepine (Tegretol);
- phenobarbital;
- rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane);
- ketoconazole (Nizoral);
- itraconazole (Sporanox);
- cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune);
- theophylline (Theolair, Theochron, Theo-Bid, Theo-Dur, Elixophyllin, Slo-Phyllin, and others);
- warfarin (Coumadin);
- diazepam (Valium);
- propranolol (Inderal).
You may not be able to take modalert, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with modalert. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking or using any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
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