Topic: Modafinil
Generic Name: Modafinil
Brand Names: Provigil
Modafinil is the medication used for improving wakefulness in patients, having excessive sleepiness due to narcolepsy or any other sleep disorder symptoms. Apart from this Modafinil is also treated to cure some other conditions as prescribed by your health physician. Modafinil is an important medication best known as a wakefulness-promoting agent. It functions through altering the natural chemicals, which is known as neurotransmitters in the human brain.
Do not use the medication if you are allergic to modafinil or any ingredient to modafinil. Avoid use the medication if you develop a rash or if you have a heart issue like mitral valve prolapse, heart valve problems or left ventricular hypertrophy. Consult your health care consultant in Spain before you start the medication. Take the help of doctor before you stop the medicine, there is a chance of serious withdrawal symptoms.
Before using modafinil tell your doctor if you have any prior medical problem issue like liver problems, heart problems, kidney problems, chest pain, heart blood vessel problems, high blood pressure, a recent heart attack, mental or mood problems, mania, depression, psychosis. Also mention if you are allergic to any kind of foods, medicines or other substances. Be careful if you are planning to become pregnant, pregnant or breastfeeding. Before starting this medication, discuss all your continuing medication, whether it is an herbal preparation, nonprescription medicine or dietary supplement with your doctor clearly.
Take the medicines as per the direction of the doctor. Follow the patient information Medication Guide for using the drug. Take the doses of modafinil at the morning time with or without food. People having shift work sleep problems, can take the medicine 1 hour before starting the work. Always keep the medicine out of the reach of small children as well as away from pets.
Every medicine causes some side effects. Many people using modafinil land up with some usual side effects such as back pain; dizziness; diarrhea; headache; nervousness; nausea; runny nose; stomach upset; trouble sleeping and stuffy nose.
Take the medical help if you encounter with the serious side effects like Severe allergic reactions, including rash; itching; hives; difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling of the mouth, lips, face, throat, or tongue; sore throat; confusion; fever, mental or mood changes muscle or joint pain; suicidal thoughts or actions; severe or persistent headache; swelling of the ankles, hands or feet. Sometimes a few more severe reactions found with the patients like symptoms of heart problems, symptoms of kidney problems, symptoms of liver problems unusual bruising or bleeding; remarkable tiredness and severe weakness.
Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking modafinil. The medication can cause dizziness. Do not drive or perform any such work which needs a full alert mind. Take the medicine in proper doses and right interval as directed by the doctor. Do not take more than the recommended dose. Keep the medicine in a cool room temperature, away from light, heat and moisture. The medication may sometime cause serious fatal skin reactions. Rush to medical help if you land up with any unpleasant reactions. Modafinil cannot be used for treating children. Hormonal birth control pills may not work to prevent pregnancy during the medication of modafinil.
If in case you miss a dose of the medication, you will feel drowsy so take it as soon as possible to feel alert. But if you do not remember until long hours and it’s almost the time for the second dose, then skipping the missed dose is better.
Always remember, avoid taking 2 doses at once. The consequences of overdose can be dangerous. Ask an immediate medical help, call emergency room immediately or local poison center helpline in case of an overdose situation.
