What Is Modalert And When Is It Used?

By Author: Nina Phill
Total Articles: 3
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The formulation is a wakefulness-promoting agent rather than a brain stimulant unlike amphetamines previously widely used for narcolepsy. However, the users of the medication report its effect on the improvement of the cognitive functions such as memory, speed of reaction, ability to focus, and so on.
The effect of the drug isn’t fully understood yet. It is assumed that increased release of neurotransmitters, in particular norepinephrine and dopamine, from synaptic clefts, as well as increased histamine levels, and suppression of GABA secretion. In simpler words, it stimulates the release by the brain and maintains the level of substances responsible for wakefulness.
Official uses of Modalert
The official approved uses of the Modalert in the U.S. are:
- Narcolepsy;
- Shift work sleep disorder;
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (as an addition to the therapy that caused apnea).
Off-label uses of Modalert
Modafinil is a popular so-called “smart drug”. It means that it is frequently used by ...
... healthy people for the enhancement of alertness in case of its impairment caused by lack of sleep, overworking, and so on. It has been also tested for depression with low productivity, chronic fatigue syndrome and other health conditions in which increased sleepiness is observed even if it is not as intense/unbearable as in narcolepsy. It is reported that the medication is successfully used off-label, i.e. without a prescription from a doctor for:
- Wakefulness promotion in people without any sleepiness-inducing disorders;
- To enhance performance (both mental and physical);
- To improve cognitive functions – focus, memory, speed of reaction, and so on whether in lack of sleep or after a sufficient night rest;
- To cope with sleepiness and apathy in depression, weather sensitivity, chronic fatigue syndrome, and so on.
Modalert dosages
The standard dosage of Modalert for narcolepsy and OSA is 200 mg taken in the morning. In case of severe disorder, another dosage of 200 mg can be taken before noon. However, it is advised to start the use from the low single dosage to see how patient tolerates the drug.
For shift work sleep disorder, the dose is also 200 mg. However, it should be swallowed one hour prior to the night shift to cope with sleepiness during the nighttime. A doctor can advise take Modafinil occasionally in the morning after several night shifts and a night sleep.
For off-label uses, the dosage can be cut in a half, i.e. it is 100 mg used in the first half of the day. If it is insufficient, it can be raised to the standard 200 mg. But it should be always kept in mind that any dosage must be taken before noon or insomnia can develop.
Adverse effects and contraindications for use
The medication is known for the minimal adverse reactions that occur in the first days of use and quite rarely:
- Headache;
- Nausea;
- Anxiety;
- Insomnia.
These side effects can be easily eliminated in the lowering of the dosage or the first intake of a half of the dosage. In case of insomnia, it is advised to take the next dosage earlier in the morning besides taking a lowered dose.
The contraindications for Modalert use include:
- Intolerance of the medication (manifested in severe and/or persistent adverse effects, skin rash);
- Age below 18 years;
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- Severe heart diseases.