Questions on Modafinal
From the BBC, July 2005
Modafinal, used now to treat sleep disorders, has been shown to help people remember numbers more effectively.
It can also make people think more carefully before making decisions.
Questions about Modafinal
Can I overdose on Modafinal?
Any drug can be overdosed. Patients should always adhere to the dosage schedule prescribed by their doctor. In the case of accidental overdoe, the risk of potentially dangerous or life-threatening effects is small.
Will I experience symptoms of withdrawal if I stop taking Modafinal?
No, and that’s one of the great things about modafinil. Users typically do not have withdrawal symptoms. If you suffer from narcolepsy, you will begin to feel sleepy again.
What precautions should I take when using Modafinil for the first
time?
Although Modafinil has not been shown to produce functional impairment because it affects the body’s central nervous system, it may alter judgment, thinking or motor skills. You should not operate an automobile or other hazardous machinery until you know how Modafinil affects you.
Do you need a prescription for Modafinil?
Yes. Modafinil is a controlled substance in the United States and can only be obtained with a doctor’s prescription. You do not have to go to your doctor every time you need a refill. Your doctor may call a prescription into your pharmacy or write the number of refills you may need on your prescription.
Does insurance cover Modafinil?
Many private insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare managed care plans cover all or some of the cost of Modafinil when prescribed for one of the FDA-approved uses. Of course, the list of FDA-approved uses is not long, and many people take this medication “off-label”, meaning that the doctor has legally prescribed it, but for a use that has not been approved by the FDA.
Is there a generic form of Modafinil available?
Currently, most modafinil sold in the United States is sold under the name Provigil, made by the drug company Cephalon.
The FDA granted preliminary approval to Barr Pharmaceuticals Inc. in January 2004 and to Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited in February 2004 to market generic forms of modafinil. Lengthy legal battles will most likely occur before any generic prescription of Modafinil is made available in the U.S.
What dosages does Modafinil come in?
Modafinil is available in 100 milligram and 200 milligram dosages. The recommended dosage is 200 milligrams per day taken as a single dose in the morning. Patients with shift work sleep disorder usually take Modafinil about 1 hour before their work shift. Elderly patients and those with liver problems should take a reduced dosage.
How should I take Modafinil?
Take Modafinil with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. Food does not reduce the effectiveness of Modafinil; however, it will delay the absorption of the drug approximately 1 hour.
How should I store Modafinil?
Modafinil should be stored in the container it came in, tightly closed and out of the reach of children. It should be kept at room temperature in a place not exposed to excessive heat or moisture.
Can I take Modafinil if I’m taking other prescription medication?
Yes; however, you may experience a variety of side effects. Also, Modafinil may affect the way other medicines work and other medicines may affect how Modafinil works. You should talk to your doctor about how Modafinil may interact with any drugs, vitamins, or herbal supplements you are currently taking.