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Modafinil

Pronunciation: moe-daf’-i-nil
Generic name: modafinil
Brand name: Provigil
Dosage form: oral tablet
Drug class: CNS stimulants

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Nov 18, 2024.

What is modafinil?

Modafinil promotes wakefulness and is used to treat excessive daytime sleepiness caused by narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), or shift work sleep (SWS) disorder.

Modafinil's exact mechanism of action is unclear. However, it's believed to work by affecting brain chemicals that regulate sleep and wakefulness. While similar to stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate, modafinil has a different chemical structure. Modafinil belongs to the drug class called CNS stimulants.

Modafinil is classified as a Schedule IV (4) controlled substance due to its potential for misuse and dependence. Misuse of modafinil is illegal and harmful and you should always keep it in a safe place and never share it with others. Tell your doctor if you have a history of substance abuse.

Modafinil gained FDA approval on December 24, 1998, under the brand name Provigil. Modafinil is available as a generic and under the brand name Provigil.

Nuvigil is a purified version of modafinil (see Nuvigil (armodafinil) vs Provigil (modafinil): How do they compare?).

Modafinil side effects

The most common side effects of modafinil are:

Weight loss is not a recognized side effect of modafinil, although nausea and poor appetite are common side effects of modafinil that may lead to weight loss.

Serious side effects and warnings

You should not use modafinil if you have ever had an allergic reaction or developed a skin rash while taking modafinil, Provigil, armodafinil, or Nuvigil. Angioedema and hypersensitivity reactions (including rash, difficulty swallowing, narrowing of the airways, and hypersensitivity reactions that affect multiple organs) have been reported with medications in the same class as modafinil. Stop taking modafinil and get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to modafinil such as hives (an itchy skin rash), difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Modafinil can cause skin reactions that may be severe enough to need treatment in a hospital. Stop taking this medicine and get emergency medical help if you develop any of the following, no matter how minor it appears:

Modafinil may impair your thinking or reaction time. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Avoid other dangerous activities until you know how this medication will affect your level of wakefulness. Modafinil may not return your level of alertness to what it was before you developed narcolepsy or OSA.

Psychiatric side effects, such as anxiety, confusion, insomnia, depression, or agitation, have been reported in people treated with modafinil. Stop using modafinil and call your doctor at once if you have:

Cardiovascular side effects, including chest pain, trouble breathing, uneven heartbeats, shortness of breath, or changes on an ECG have been reported in trials with modafinil. Stop taking modafinil and call your doctor if you have chest pain, trouble breathing, or uneven heartbeats.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking

Do not take modafinil if you have ever had an allergic reaction or skin rash while taking modafinil, Provigil, or armodafinil (Nuvigil).

To make sure modafinil is safe for you, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, including if you have:

Modafinil is not approved for use by anyone younger than 17 years old.

Pregnancy

Based on animal data, modafinil may harm an unborn baby. There have been no adequate studies in humans. Talk to your healthcare provider about using adequate birth control methods while taking Modafinil, if you are a woman of childbearing potential. Be aware that modafinil can make certain birth control less effective. Hormonal contraception (birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings) may not be effective enough to prevent pregnancy during your treatment and for one month after finishing your treatment. Talk with your doctor about the best methods of birth control to use while taking modafinil.

A pregnancy registry has been established to collect information on the pregnancy outcomes of women exposed to modafinil if they inadvertently become pregnant while taking modafinil. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register pregnant patients, or pregnant women may enroll in the registry by calling 1-866-404-4106 (toll-free).

Breastfeeding

It is not known whether modafinil passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby.

How should I take modafinil?

Take modafinil exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Modafinil is usually taken 1 time each day.

You may take the tablet with or without food.

Modafinil is usually given for 12 weeks or less.

Call your doctor if you continue to have excessive sleepiness even while taking this medicine.

Keep track of the amount of medicine used from each new bottle. Modafinil is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription.

Modafinil for OSA

If you take modafinil to treat sleepiness caused by obstructive sleep apnea, you may also be treated with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine.

Modafinil will not cure obstructive sleep apnea or treat its underlying causes. Follow your doctor's instructions about all your other treatments for this disorder.

Modafinil dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Narcolepsy:

Usual Adult Dose for Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome:

Usual Adult Dose for Shift Work Sleep Disorder:

Modafinil and ADHD

Modafinil is not FDA-approved for use in children for any medical condition including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Studies on children have shown potential risks outweigh any benefits. Serious skin reactions and behavioral issues have been reported. Other side effects reported when modafinil was given to children with narcolepsy included:

What happens if I miss a dose?

Talk with your doctor about what to do if you miss a dose of modafinil.

Do not take a dose of modafinil if you remember your dose but it is almost bedtime or you do not plan to be awake for several hours.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What to avoid

Modafinil may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Avoid other dangerous activities until you know how modafinil will affect your level of wakefulness.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking modafinil.

What other drugs will affect modafinil?

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Modafinil and certain other medicines may affect each other causing possible serious side effects or affecting the way each other works. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take:

This is not a complete list of interactions. See the Modafinil Prescribing Information for more information.

Does modafinil interact with my other drugs?

Enter medications to view a detailed interaction report using our Drug Interaction Checker.

Storage

Store modafinil tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Modafinil ingredients

Active ingredients: modafinil 100 mg or 200 mg

Modafinil is available under the brand name Provigil or as a generic.

Provigil inactive ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, and pregelatinized starch.

Provigil is available as modafinil 100 mg and modafinil 200 mg.

Who makes Modafinil?

Cephalon, LLC manufactures modafinil under the brand name Provigil.

Generic modafinil is made by Alembic Pharmaceuticals Inc., Apotex Corp., Aurobinda Pharma Ltd., and many more.

Popular FAQ

Modafinil: Smart Drug For Decision Fatigue Or Workaholic Crutch?

Touted as a nootropic (smart drug) with few side effects, modafinil (Provigil) appears to be the answer to every overworked executive's or stressed-out student's problems. But is it? Continue reading

How long does it take for Provigil (modafinil) to work?

The time it takes for Provigil (modafinil) to start working is different for everyone, and can depend on your health conditions and diet. The manufacturer recommends taking it about 1 hour before the start of your work shift if you are taking it for shift work disorder. Continue reading

Is Provigil (modafinil) a controlled substance?

Provigil (modafinil) is a Schedule IV controlled substance classified by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). In studies, Provigil was shown to produce psychoactive effects and has the potential for misuse or abuse. Continue reading

Does Provigil (modafinil) cause weight loss?

There is currently not enough research to know the effect Provigil has on weight. Nausea, indigestion, and poor appetite are common side effects of Provigil that could lead to weight loss. If you are experiencing a loss of appetite or weight loss while taking Provigil, talk to your healthcare provider. Continue reading

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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.