Modafinil is a drug used to treat obstructive sleep apnea, sleepiness associated with narcolepsy and other kinds of sleep disorders. The medicine works by triggering certain neurotransmitters, causing chemical changes in the brain that enhance the state of wakefulness. The pill can increase dopamine and glutamate in the brain, which makes it a stimulant in that sense. However, it’s not actually a stimulant drug and won’t cause jitteriness, shakes or a post-stimulant “crash”.
Side Effects of Modafinil
Headache, nausea, nervousness, dizziness, or difficulty sleeping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes (such as agitation, confusion, depression, hallucinations, rare thoughts of suicide). Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: chest pain.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
How long does Modafinil take to kick in?
Like with a lot of medications, this can vary from person to person, with some people experiencing effects in as little as 30 minutes. However, most people will find that it takes around an hour to notice the effects. The factors that can influence how quickly the drug works include age, overall health and the sleep disorder or condition that’s being treated. Diet and weight can also influence how long it takes Modafinil to kick in, with those who are overweight noticing the effects of the drugs slower than those who are healthy.
Food can affect how long it takes the medication to work, as the body generally can’t perform too many functions at any one time. This means that if it’s occupied digesting food, it will take longer for Modafinil to make its way into your bloodstream. Although this can be annoying, most people do choose to take the drug with food, because taking it on an empty stomach can cause mild irritation. However, if you are worried that this could slow down the Modafinil’s effectiveness then try to eat something small before taking the drug. Taking it after a big meal could mean that it takes close to ninety minutes to kick in.
In general, Modafinil only lasts for the day (10-12 hours) that you take it, and can be taken as needed or every day depending on the reason you are taking it. Modafinil should be taken soon after wakening, with or without food. If you miss your dose, be aware that taking it too late in the day can cause in some.
What drugs Interacts with Modafinil?
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: street drugs (such as methamphetamine, MDMA/”ecstasy”). This medication may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal birth control such as pills, patch, or ring. This could cause pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist if you should use additional reliable birth control methods while using this medication and for 1 month after stopping this medication. Also tell your doctor if you have any new spotting or breakthrough bleeding, because these may be signs that your birth control is not working well.
Modafinil can speed up the removal of other medications from your body, which may affect how they work. Examples of affected drugs include axitinib, bosutinib, certain products used to treat chronic hepatitis C (asunaprevir, ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir), among others. Some products have ingredients that could raise your heart rate or blood pressure. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products or diet aids).
Caffeine can increase the side effects of this medication. Avoid drinking large amounts of beverages containing caffeine (coffee, tea, colas), eating large amounts of chocolate, or taking nonprescription products that contain caffeine. Modafinil is very similar to armodafinil. Do not take medications containing armodafinil while using modafinil.
