Description
Modafinil
Modafinil is used to treat narcolepsy, obstructive sleep syndrome, or shift work sleep disorder to stay awake during the day. It will only work as long as you continue to take it. The exact mechanism of action is unclear. It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the area of the brain, although in vitro studies have shown it to inhibit the reuptake of dopamine by binding to the dopamine reuptake pump, and lead to an increase in extracellular dopamine. Modafinil is in a class of medications called wakefulness promoting agents. This medicine does not take the place of getting enough sleep.
It activates glutamatergic circuits while inhibiting GABA. It should not be used for occasional sleepiness that has not been diagnosed as narcolepsy, sleep apnea, or shift work sleep problems. Modafinil is thought to have less potential for abuse than other stimulants. Ask your doctor for advice about good sleep habits. Modafinil comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Do not change the time of day that you take modafinil without talking to your doctor. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. Take at the same time every day. It is possible that this drug acts by a synergistic combination of mechanisms including direct inhibition of dopamine reuptake.
This drug may decrease your sleepiness, but it will not cure your sleep disorder. Indirect inhibition of noradrenalin reuptake in the VLPO and orexin activation. Continue to take medication even if you feel well-rested. If you have sleep apnea and use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine at night. Do not stop taking medication without talking to your doctor. Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
