About modafinil
Wakefulness-promoting medicine
Used for
- Improves wakefulness in narcolepsy
- Treats excessive sleepiness from obstructive sleep apnoea, alongside primary treatment
- May treat shift-work sleep disorder
Usual adult dose
Usually 200 mg once daily; timing depends on the condition.
Common side effects
- Headache
- Nausea
- Nervousness or anxiety
- Insomnia
Important warnings
- Rare severe skin reactions can occur; stop and seek urgent care for a spreading rash or blisters.
- Can cause psychiatric symptoms, including anxiety, agitation, or hallucinations.
- May raise blood pressure or heart rate.
- Can impair judgement or driving despite improving alertness.
Pregnancy
Generally avoid during pregnancy; it may harm the fetus and reduce hormonal contraceptive effectiveness.
Breastfeeding
Safety is uncertain; discuss use with a healthcare professional.
Interactions
- Reduces effectiveness of hormonal contraception, including pills, patches, and implants.
- Can interact with warfarin; closer monitoring may be needed.
- May affect levels of some seizure medicines, antidepressants, and other medicines.
- Avoid combining with other stimulants unless specifically directed.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.