Modafinil (Provigil) is used to improve wakefulness in patients with excessive sleepiness associated with narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Modafinil is an oral medication that has wake-promoting effects similar to sympathomimetic agents. It is also a dopamine/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.
Effects on REM sleep
Modafinil, marketed as Provigil, is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant drug that is used to treat excessive daytime sleepiness due to narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, or obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome.
Patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSA-HS) can experience residual daytime sleepiness despite effective CPAP treatment. This study assessed the efficacy and safety of modafinil in this type of patient group.
A corresponding effect was also seen on the Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire and nocturnal polysomnography. Moreover, two-thirds of patients had normalized ESS scores at the final assessment.
Effects on wakefulness
Modafinil is a non-amphetamine central nervous system (CNS) stimulant used to treat excessive sleepiness in several conditions. It is FDA-approved for use in narcolepsy, sleep work shift disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
Obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome affects 7-20% of adults worldwide and is associated with a range of adverse health effects. These include impaired memory, concentration, and attention.
Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea using nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) reduces sleepiness and improves functioning. However, some patients with OSA/HS continue to have significant residual ES despite nCPAP use.
Effects on behavior
Modafinil is a wake-promoting drug approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to treat narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome. Modalert 200 Australia has been shown to improve performance on short-term memory and logical reasoning tests in military recruits (Pigeau et al, 1995) and emergency department physicians (Gill et al, 2006).
Modafinil also enhances the synthesis of GABA and glutamate in slices of the rat hypothalamus, which is associated with increased vigilance. In chronically stressed mice, it improves working memory. People with narcolepsy (excessive daytime drowsiness) and obstructive sleep apnea can benefit from modafinil and Waklert tablets.
Effects on cognition
Modafinil has been shown to improve performance in a number of cognitive tasks. It may also increase prefrontal brain activity, particularly in patients with schizophrenia.
Studies in animals have demonstrated a dose-dependent effect of modafinil on working memory performance, improving spontaneous alternation as a measure of working memory function (Pierard et al, 2006). It also enhances sustained attention without increasing anxiety-related or exploratory activity in mice.
Effects on blood pressure
Modafinil is used to help people with narcolepsy (excessive daytime sleepiness), obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome, or shift work sleep disorder to stay awake during the day. It does not cure these conditions, but it can be very helpful in preventing them from getting worse or becoming severe.
In short-term controlled trials, there were no significant changes in mean blood pressure in patients on modafinil compared with placebo. However, a greater proportion of patients on modafinil required new or increased use of antihypertensive medication than those on a placebo.
Effects on heart rate
Modafinil is a medication used to treat excessive sleepiness caused by narcolepsy or shift work sleep disorder. It is also used to help people who have obstructive sleep apnea get enough restful sleep.
To use modafinil, take a tablet by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily in the morning. You may also take it before you go to bed.
You should also keep using your CPAP machine if you are taking modafinil. It can reduce your risk of serious side effects, such as heart failure and stroke. Taking a combination of modafinil and CPAP helps you get more restful sleep and may decrease your heart rate.