Modafinil Uncovered
- Kevin Keane
- Sep 26, 2024
- 2 min read
Modafinil is a medication that is often used to treat narcolepsy, sleep apnea, shift/work disorder, and other sleep disorders. It is also prescribed off-label to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), improve cognition, and help with certain symptoms of depression. It is considered a eugeroics, or wakefulness-promoting agent.
How it Works:
The mechanism of action of modafinil is different from that of traditional stimulant medications. While traditional stimulants like amphetamines and methylphenidate increase the levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and other neurotransmitters in the brain, modafinil does not work through direct stimulation of these neurotransmitters. Instead, modafinil works by increasing the activity of certain neurotransmitters that are involved in regulating wakefulness and arousal, such as orexin and histamine. Modafinil also appears to increase the activity of glutamate, a neurotransmitter that is involved in learning and memory.
Overall, the exact mechanism of action of modafinil is not fully understood, but it appears to work by increasing the activity of certain neurotransmitters and enhancing wakefulness and arousal without producing the same level of stimulation as traditional stimulant medications. This may make it a preferred treatment option for individuals who are sensitive to the side effects of traditional stimulants.
Side effects:
Some potential side effects of modafinil use include headache, nausea, dizziness, nervousness, and insomnia. Modafinil should be taken as directed by a healthcare professional, typically in the morning or early afternoon to avoid interfering with nighttime sleep. It is important to follow the dosage instructions carefully, as taking too much modafinil can increase the risk of side effects.
Dosing:
For dosing, consult your individual prescriber. However, we typically recommend starting and staying at 200mg in the morning. Titration up or down is only necessary if not optimally efficacious at the standard starting dose of 200 mg once a day in the morning. However, the dose can go as high as 800mg. For problems concentrating and fatigue, less may be more : lower doses (50–200 mg/day) may be paradoxically better than higher doses (200–800 mg/day) in some patients. At high doses, may slightly induce its own metabolism, possibly by actions of inducing CYP450 3A4.
Written by:
Joseph Gagnon Jr.