Modafinil 200 Australia is a wakefulness-promoting agent. It has been shown to improve mean sleep latencies in patients with narcolepsy and SWD in double-blind clinical studies.
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that causes overwhelming daytime fatigue. People with narcolepsy often fall asleep at unexpected times, and they can’t stay awake for long periods. They also experience episodes of cataplexy, a sudden loss of muscle control. Other symptoms include hypnagogic hallucinations and sleep paralysis. A GP or specialist may prescribe modafinil to help improve wakefulness in narcoleptic patients.
Modafinil has been shown to be an effective treatment for narcolepsy, and the longer-acting drug armodafinil (Nuvigil) is now available in the USA. The two medications are clinically equivalent. In a study, modafinil significantly improved narcolepsy-related excessive sleepiness in both adults and children. The medication’s effectiveness in narcolepsy is based on its ability to increase levels of wakefulness and concentration.
The drug can be prescribed for patients with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), and shift work sleep disorder (SWSD). In the narcolepsy studies, the medication significantly reduced the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score of the patients. However, the drug did not help with the other ancillary symptoms of narcolepsy such as cataplexy and hypnagogic hallucinations.
In both nine-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of 550 patients with narcolepsy, 200 and 400 mg of modafinil taken daily led to significant improvement in the ESS scores of the patients. The medications did not bring the narcolepsy-related daytime sleepiness down to normal levels, as do other stimulant drugs such as methylphenidate and d-amphetamine.
Sleep Apnea
Modafinil is used to help people with narcolepsy, sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), and shift work sleep disorder (SWSD) stay awake during the day. It does not cure these conditions, but it can improve alertness and reduce symptoms that can interfere with normal functioning. Modafinil can be taken by mouth or by injection. Talk to your doctor about how much and when to take this medication. It is usually taken once a day, in the morning or just before your work shift begins.
In two narcolepsy studies, modafinil improved objectively measured wakefulness and reduced patient-reported excessive sleepiness compared with placebo after 4 weeks. In one of these studies, 71% of patients receiving modafinil were rated by their investigator as clinically improved on the excessive sleepiness scale versus 35% of those receiving placebo (Table 2) (Pack et al 2001).
Studies of modafinil’s effectiveness in treating narcolepsy and sleep apnea/hypopnea showed that it was safe, well-tolerated, and effective. However, these trials were limited by a few factors. Most important, many patients had multiple medications prescribed, and some patients were also taking other drugs that interact with modafinil, such as narcotics or CNS stimulants.
In addition, the studies did not control for the effects of sleep deprivation or underlying medical problems. These limitations make it hard to determine the true efficacy of modafinil in these conditions.
Shift Work Sleep Disorder
Shift work sleep disorder (SWSD) affects people who have to work shifts that interfere with their circadian rhythm, which is controlled by the light-dark cycle. This condition is common in people who work overnight, early morning or rotating shifts. SWSD can cause fatigue and difficulty performing tasks. It can also reduce job performance and may lead to missed appointments or accidents.
Modafinil has been shown to be effective in treating SWSD, as well as narcolepsy and obstructive sleep apnea. Studies have found that modafinil significantly improves functioning and quality of life in patients with SWSD. It has also been shown to be an effective treatment for excessive sleepiness in shift workers.
Researchers studied a group of adult men and women who worked five night shifts per month for 12 hours or less between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. In addition to self-report questionnaires, the study included polysomnography and an electronic diary. Participants were given either 200 mg of modafinil or placebo on two nights during the week they worked a night shift and one day of the following week.
The results showed that modafinil improved both subjective and objective measures of sleepiness compared with placebo, including ratings on the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale. Subjective and objective measurements of alertness were also improved by modafinil, compared to placebo. Additionally, the study found that modafinil attenuated shift change-related disruptions in vigilance and cognitive/psychomotor performance.
Other Conditions
Modafinil-containing medicines help treat excessive sleepiness caused by narcolepsy or disturbed night-time sleeping patterns such as those seen in shift work sleep disorder and obstructive sleep apnea (a condition in which you experience repeated pauses in breathing during sleep). Modafinil acts to promote wakefulness, most likely by interacting with certain chemicals in the brain.
It has been shown in clinical trials to significantly improve sleepiness in people with these conditions. It is also thought to reduce residual sleepiness in obstructive sleep apnea patients who have received continuous positive airway pressure therapy. It has been found to be safe and well-tolerated in these patients.
Other medicines to treat narcolepsy may include antidepressants or sedatives. Your GP may also prescribe a type of medicine called a stimulant, such as modafinil, pitolisant or solriamfetol, which stimulates the central nervous system and can help you stay awake.
These medicines can be taken as tablets or liquids, and are often given as an injection in hospital. Modafinil has been compared with another wake-promoting medicine, armodafinil, and found to be equally effective in improving sleepiness in narcolepsy and other disorders associated with EDS.
However, modafinil may have a slightly longer elimination half-life than armodafinil. It is therefore preferred by some doctors. Modafinil and armodafinil are both metabolized by the liver, so they should be avoided in patients with severe hepatic impairment. Read More Blog…
