Generic Modalert - Modafinil. Commercial trade names: Provigil (US, UK, Italy), Vigil (Germany), Modalert (India), Modiodal (France, Mexico), Modavigil (Australia), Alertec (Canada), and possibly Vigicer. It is a eugeroic drug generally prescribed to treat narcolepsy, made by the pharmaceutical company Cephalon Inc. It is not a typical stimulant and is often described as a wakefulness promoting agent. The drug is sometimes prescribed off-label for ADD/ADHD. Cephalon markets the drug for improving alertness and reducing excessive daytime sleepiness. Modafinil was approved by the FDA in December, 1998.

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. You should be diagnosed with one of these sleep disorders before taking Modalert, since sleepiness can be a symptom of other medical conditions. This treatment will not cure any sleep disorder; it merely treats the symptom of sleepiness. This medication should not be used in place of getting enough sleep. You should follow your doctor's advice about maintaining good sleep habits.


 

FAQ

Drug class and mechanism
Modafinil is an oral drug that is used for improving wakefulness in patients with excessive sleepiness. The effect of modafinil is similar to caffeine. Both drugs promote wakefulness by stimulating the brain. Thus, both drugs are considered stimulants. Other stimulants, for example, dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) and sibutramine (Meridia), also have the different effect of suppressing appetite. All four of these drugs affect the neurotransmitters in the brain, the chemicals that the nerves of the brain use to communicate with each other; however, they affect the neurotransmitters differently.

Dosage
ADULTS: The usual dose of Provigil is 200 milligrams taken as a single dose in the morning.
CHILDREN: Not for children under 16.
OLDER ADULTS: People over 65 may need a lower dose if they have liver or kidney disease, which reduce the body's ability to metabolize this medication.

Food does not reduce the effectiveness of this medication. However, it will delay the onset of action by approximately 1 hour. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If you don't remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose. Store at room temperature.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The possibility of harmful effects during pregnancy has not been ruled out. If you become pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Modalert is recommended during pregnancy only if the need for therapy outweighs the potential risk.
It is not known whether Modalert appears in breast milk. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding an infant. Nursing mothers should use this medication with caution and only when clearly needed.

Modalert side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Modalert.
Side effects may include: Anxiety, depression, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, infection, loss of appetite, loss of muscle strength, lung problems, nausea, nervousness, prickling or tingling feeling, runny nose, sore throat.