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Modafinil |
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What is Modafinil and why is it prescribed? Modafinil is a stimulant drug used to prevent the excessive daytime sleepiness suffered by people with narcolepsy. Modafinil, like other stimulants, has the potential for abuse. It can alter your mood, perception, thinking, and feelings, providing an artificial "lift" and potentially leading to a certain degree of dependence (although discontinuation of the drug does not produce physical withdrawal symptoms). Make a point of taking only the prescribed dose. Never increase the dose or take additional doses. How should you take Modafinil? Follow your doctors directions for taking Modafinil. 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 Modafinil at room temperature. Are there any Modafinil side effects? Modafinil side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Modafinil 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, and sore throat. Less common Modafinil side effects may include abnormal ejaculation, amnesia, asthma, chest pain, chills, confusion, difficulty breathing, difficulty urinating, dry skin, face muscle spasms, fainting, fever, gum inflammation, herpes simplex, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, joint difficulties, low blood pressure, loss of muscle coordination, mood swings, mouth ulcer, neck pain, nosebleed, stiff neck, tense muscles, thirst, tremor, vision problems, and vomiting. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Modafinil? If Modafinil is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. The effect of combining Modafinil with alcohol has not been studied. It's considered wise to avoid alcohol while taking the drug. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Modafinil with any of the following: Antidepressants (such as Effexor, Elavil, Pamelor, Paxil, Prozac, and Tofranil), Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Clomipramine (Anafranil), Cyclosporine (Sandimmune), Diazepam (Valium), Itraconazole (Sporanox), Ketoconazole (Nizoral), MAO inhibitors (such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate), Methylphenidate (Ritalin), Oral contraceptives and hormonal implants, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin (Dilantin), Propranolol (Inderal), Rifampin (Rifater), Theophylline (Theo-Dur), or Warfarin (Coumadin). Are there any special warnings about Modafinil? If you have high blood pressure, liver disease, or a history of psychosis or drug abuse, use Modafinil with caution. Be sure your doctor knows your medical history before you begin this medication. Modafinil should be avoided by people with certain types of heart disease such as mitral valve prolapse. If you've ever had a heart problem, be sure to check with the doctor before using this drug. Modafinil may impair your judgment, thinking, or motor skills. You should not drive a car or operate hazardous machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Oral and implantable contraceptives are less effective while you are taking Modafinil. You should use an additional method of contraception while you are taking Modafinil and for one month after discontinuing this medication. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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