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What is modafinil?
Modafinil is a US FDA-approved analeptic drug. It was first manufactured by Cephalon by the brand name Provigil. Modafinil is supposed to boost performance in persons who are sleep-deprived. This medicine is taken by many people all over the world because it is supposed to alleviate the severe sense of tiredness induced by sleep disorders.
This medication was first used in 1986 in the experimental treatment of narcolepsy, a disorder in which people faint at random and fall asleep throughout the day. Modafinil has been used to treat a variety of disorders since it was first used to treat narcolepsy. Chronic daytime drowsiness and shift work sleep problems were among the conditions listed.
Modafinil is often used as a nootropic to improve cognitive performance. This medication stimulates histamine and locomotor activity in the central nervous system. According to several studies, Modafinil acts by modifying dopamine levels in the brain.
Uses of Modafinil
Modafinil is not a classical psychostimulant and was primarily prescribed for the treatment of:
-narcolepsy
-obstructive sleep apnea
-shift work sleep order
It has also been proved to be effective in reducing fatigue, drowsiness, and tiredness in conditions such as cancer, depression, and multiple sclerosis.
Modafinil is instrumental in several cognitive functions like:
- Sharpening memory
- Improving focus and alertness
- Intensifying motivation
- Minimizing fatigue
Because it stimulates wakefulness it has been used off-label by professionals of various fields like day traders, entrepreneurs, astronauts, military personnel and the list goes on.
Side effects of Modafinil
When compared to other nootropics modafinil can be labelled as a safe and well tolerated drug. No potential risk has been associated with long term use of the drug till date. Some mild side effects may be observed in people introduced to the drug. Common Symptoms may look like
- Headaches
- Fluctuating BP
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
Some of the severe side effects which is less commonly noticed includes:
- Hallucinations
- Irregular heartbeat
- Sores
- Bruising and bleeding
- Severe skin rashes
Having said that the side effects are nearly non-existent in users (i.e., only about 17% of the users get affected
Only if any such effect occurs that is mainly due to overdose or wrong timing of drug ingestion. No deaths from modafinil overdose have been recorded ever.
DRUG INTERACTIONS OF MODAFINIL
Modafinil is contraindicated with a wide range of other medications. Modafinil has been shown to interact negatively with the following drugs:
- hormonal/steroidal contraceptives
- Midazolam
- Triazolam
- Cyclosporine
- Diazepam
- Propranolol
- Phenytoin
- Clomipramine
- Omeprazole
- Warfarin
- MAOIs
- Escitalopra
- Lisdexamfetamine
- Alprazolam
- citalopram
- Cold and flu medications containing chlorpheniramine, hydrocodone, phenylephrine, and/or guaifenesin
This is not an exhaustive list of all the medicines with which Modafinil should not be used. It is critical to consult with your doctor to establish any and all Modafinil interactions with drugs or supplements you are already taking.
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