Modafinil prevents feelings of excessive sleepiness
Modafinil is prescribed for people who fall asleep during the day due to narcolepsy, or those who work night shifts or have a changing shift pattern
Modafinil is also prescribed for some patients with obstructive sleep apnoea
Modafinil is often prescribed on a short term basis, as some people experience feelings of dependence when Modafinil is taken for long periods
Modafinil is sometimes known by its brand name of Provigil
It is important to read the patient leaflet for a full list of side effects and cautions.
How Does Modafinil Work?
Modafinil alters the amount of certain chemicals within the brain. These chemicals have an impact on the part of the brain that controls how alert you feel. This leads to feelings of wakefulness.
The body can become accustomed to the effect of modafinil, making you feel dependent on it if you take it for a long time. This also means that stopping it can lead to feelings of withdrawal. This is why you should only take modafinil as prescribed by your doctor, and attend for regular reviews to check that modafinil is still appropriate for you.
How do I take Modafinil ?
Modafinil Tablet
Modafinil is available in tablet form. It should be swallowed with some water, and can be taken with or without food.
If you are taking modafinil for narcolepsy or sleep apnoea, you will most likely take it once a day in the morning to help you feel more awake during the day.
If you are taking modafinil for sleepiness associated with working night shifts or a changing shift pattern, you will probably take it just before you start your shift to help you feel more awake at work.
Modafinil is not an alternative to getting enough sleep, and so it should not be used in place of good sleep habits.
What is the proper dosage of Modafinil?
Modafinil 100mg / 200mg
The usual starting dose of modafinil is 200mg each day.
However, some people may require up to 400mg each day. When taking 400mg, Modafinil can be taken as one dose, or split between a morning and lunchtime dose for those taking it for narcolepsy or sleep apnoea. Shift workers may also take a split dose, but the timing of the doses will depend on the time of each shift.
What are the side effects of Modafinil?
Like all medications, modafinil can have some side effects. The most common side effects include:
Headache
Dizziness
Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
Nausea (feeling sick)
Diarrhoea or constipation
Loss of appetite
A dry mouth, or a strange taste in your mouth.
If any of these side effects persist or are troublesome, you should speak to your doctor.
Occasionally, more serious side effects can occur including:
Confusion
Nosebleeds
Sweating
Back pain
Tight, achy muscles, or difficulty moving
Uncontrollable shaking
Changed sensations of the skin including tingling or numbness
Changes to eyesight or pain in your eyes
Feeling abnormally excited
Anxiety or depression, or thoughts of harming yourself.
If any of these side effects occur, you should speak to a doctor straight away.
If you have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) including breathlessness, lip or tongue swelling, call 999 immediately.
What warnings does Modafinil come with?
Modafinil may not be suitable for everyone. You should tell your doctor if you:
Have ever had an allergic reaction to a medication in the past
Have liver or kidney disease
Have high blood pressure
Have an abnormal heart rhythm (cardiac arrhythmia)
Have a mental health condition including psychosis, depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder
Have ever attempted suicide or had suicidal ideation
Have a history of insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
Use hormonal contraceptives to prevent pregnancy
Are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding
Have, or have ever had, drug or alcohol dependence.
Some medications can interact with modafinil. You may be advised that modafinil will not suit you if you already take:a
Medications for epilepsy
Contraceptive medications
Antidepressants
Blood thinning medications
Certain medications for heartburn or acid reflux
Benzodiazepines such as diazepam
Beta blockers including propranolol
Certain antifungal medications.
Modafinil can affect the efficacy of contraceptives. Another form of contraception should be used whilst taking modafinil, and for one month after stopping it. Modafinil is unsuitable for women who are trying to conceive, already pregnant, or breastfeeding.
You should also tell your prescriber about any herbal remedies or supplements you take. This will allow your prescriber to check that modafinil will not interact with them.
It is important that your doctor checks that modafinil will suit you. Your doctor should complete a thorough health questionnaire and review your current medications before prescribing this medication.
Where to Buy Modafinil Online?
Buy Modafinil
You can safely buy Modafinil online here at Legend Meds. Our purchase process will guide you through getting the necessary prescription and receiving your order online through a UK-located pharmacy.
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