Modafinil is used to improve wakefulness in patients with narcolepsy, a condition that causes excessive daytime sleepiness. Modafinil is in a class of medications called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants.
Why is this medication
prescribed ?
Modafinil is used to improve wakefulness in patients with narcolepsy, a condition that causes excessive daytime sleepiness. Modafinil is in a class of medications called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants.
How should this medicine
be used ?
Modafinil comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day in the morning. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take modafinil exactly as directed. Modafinil may be habit forming. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
What special precautions
i should follow ?
Before taking modafinil, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to modafinil or any other medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin); antidepressants such as clomipramine (Anafranil) and desipramine (Norpramin); antifungals such as itraconazole (Sporanox) and ketoconazole (Nizoral); cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); diazepam (Valium); medications for seizures such as carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton), and phenytoin (Dilantin); monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, including phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate); propranolol (Inderal); and rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. tell your doctor if you drink large amounts of alcohol or have a history of drug abuse; if you have ever had chest pain, irregular heartbeats, or other heart problems after taking a CNS stimulant; and if you have or have ever had high blood pressure, a heart attack, angina (chest pain), mental illness, a historyof drug abuse; or heart, liver, or kidney disease. you should know that modafinil may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives (birth control pills). Use another form of birth control while taking modafinil and for 1 month after you stop taking it. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking modafinil, call your doctor. you should know that modafinil may affect judgment or thinking. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. be aware that you should avoid alcohol while taking modafinil.
What special dietary
instructions should i follow ?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What side effects can
this medicine cause ?
Modafinil may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: headache upset stomach nervousness difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep dizziness depression diarrhea runny nose dry mouth loss of appetite vomiting neck pain or stiffness confusion or forgetfulness Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately: chest pain fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat shortness of breath rash or hives fever, sore throat, chills, and other signs of infection Modafinil may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
What storage conditions
are needed for this medication ?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
What other information
should i know ?
Keep all appointments with your doctor. Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
What should i do if i
forget a dose ?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
