Generic Name
Modafinil
Brand Name
Provigil
Class
Wake promoting
Proposed Mechanism(s) of Action
Unknown. Hypothesized to enhance hypothalamically mediated wakefulness via the tuberomammillary bodies and activates hypothalamic neurons that release orexin or hypocretin. More recently, evidence suggests a similar mechanism to other catecholaminergic stimulants.
Indication
Narcolepsy and reduces sleepiness in apnea-related conditions
Off-Label Use
ADHD and fatigue
Side Effects
Headache, rhinitis, decreased appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, and nervousness
Serious
Rare and temporary changes have been noted in cardiac pacing for patients with known mitral valve prolapse or with left ventricular hypertrophy. There have also been controversial reports of Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Common
Headache, anxiety, diarrhea, anorexia, rhinitis, pharyngitis, and mild hypertension
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References and Readings
Physicians’ desk reference (71st ed.) (2017). Montvale, NJ: Thomson PDR.
Stahl, S. M. (2007). Essential psychopharmacology: The prescriber’s guide (2nd ed.). New York: Cambridge University Press.
Additional Information
Drug Interaction Effects. http://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html
Drug Molecule Images. http://www.worldofmolecules.com/drugs/
Free Drug Online and PDA Software. www.epocrates.com
Gene-Based Estimate of Drug interactions. http://mhc.daytondcs.com:8080/cgi-bin/ddiD4?ver=4&task=getDrugList
Pill Identification. http://www.drugs.com/pill_identification.html
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Courtney, J.C., Gonzalez, E.A. (2018). Modafinil. In: Kreutzer, J.S., DeLuca, J., Caplan, B. (eds) Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57111-9_1679
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57111-9_1679
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