Modafinil Side Effects
from the Physicians' Desk Reference®

Other brand names: Provigil

Why is this drug prescribed?

Modafinil is a stimulant drug used to prevent the excessive daytime sleepiness suffered by people with narcolepsy.

Most important fact about this drug

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 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.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature.

What side effects may occur?

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 Modafinil.

• More common 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

• Less common 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, vomiting

Why should this drug not be prescribed?

If Modafinil gives you an allergic reaction, you'll need to avoid it.

Special warnings about this medication

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.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

The effect of combining Modafinil with alcohol has not been studied. It's considered wise to avoid alcohol while taking the drug.

If Modafinil is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. 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)
Warfarin (Coumadin)

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. Modafinil is recommended during pregnancy only if the need for therapy outweighs the potential risk.

It is not known whether Modafinil appears in breast milk. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding an infant. Nursing mothers should use Modafinil with caution and only when clearly needed.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can cause symptoms of overdose. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical treatment immediately.

• Symptoms of Modafinil overdose may include:
  Aggressiveness, agitation, anxiety, confusion, diarrhea, fluttering heartbeat, insomnia, irritability, nausea, nervousness, sleep disturbances, slow blood clotting, tremor