Modafinil

About modafinil

Modafinil works by stimulating the central nervous system to increase alertness and reduce excessive sleepiness.

Before taking modafinil

Before taking modafinil make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you suffer from liver, kidney or heart problems.
• If you suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure) or chest pains.
• If you suffer from long-term severe anxiety, depression, psychosis (loss of contact with reality and may include delusions [false beliefs] or hearing sounds that are not there) or mania (elevated mood and over excitation).
• If you have an intolerance to sugars.
• If you are over 65 years of age.
• If you are using hormonal contraceptives including oral contraceptive pills, implants, IUDs (intrauterine devices) and contraceptive patches.
• If you are taking any other medicines including those you buy and herbal or homeopathic medicines.

• Modafinil is not recommended in children under 12 years

How to take modafinil

• Take modafinil as directed by your doctor.
• If you are taking modafinil for moderate to severe chronic shift work sleep disorder the dose prescribed by the doctor should be taken about 1 hour before the start of the shift.
• For other conditions try to take modafinil at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you miss a dose, take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take double the amount to make up for the missed dose.
• Modafinil is not a replacement for sleep and it is important that you try to maintain good sleep habits.
• Do not stop taking modafinil without speaking to your doctor first.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be checked
• Modafinil may cause blurred vision or dizziness in some people and therefore may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Your excessive sleepiness may also affect your ability to perform these tasks. Discuss your level of sleepiness with your doctor and do not change your daily habits until your doctor tells you it is ok to do so.
• Important: Hormonal contraceptives, including oral contraceptive pills, implants, IUDs (intrauterine devices) and contraceptive patches, may be less effective when used with modafinil. Speak to your doctor about more effective contraceptive methods that are right for you whilst taking modafinil and for 2 months after stopping.

Can modafinil cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Other side-effects may include back pain, neck pain, increased or decreased blood pressure, slow heart beat, excess wind, reflux, vomiting, increased appetite, thirst, difficulty swallowing, altered taste, sore tongue or throat, mouth ulcers, increased cholesterol or blood sugar, sugar diabetes, weight gain or loss, swelling of the arms and legs, muscle pain or weakness, leg cramps, difficulty moving, twitching, sleep disturbance, abnormal dreams, forgetfulness, tremor, migraine, vertigo, speech problems, excessive sweating, acne, minor allergic reaction (such as hayfever), shortness of breath, itchy or runny nose, cough, asthma, nose bleeds, sinusitis, abnormal vision, dry eyes, frequent urination, decreased sex drive and menstrual disorders. If you experience these or any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Important: If you experience feelings of mood elation, agitation, over excitation or a loss of contact with reality, which may include delusions (false beliefs) or hearing sounds that are not there, speak to your doctor immediately.

Important: If you develop a severe rash that may include peeling of the skin, speak to your doctor immediately.

Important: If you experience any sudden wheeziness, difficulty in breathing, swelling, rash or itching, especially affecting the whole body, speak to your doctor immediately.

How to store modafinil

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light

Important information about all medicines