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What Is Modafinil?

Modafinil is a prescription wakefulness-promoting medicine and Schedule IV controlled substance. It is indicated to improve wakefulness in adults with excessive sleepiness associated with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, or shift work disorder. Current oral tablets contain 100 mg or 200 mg. Modafinil does not treat the underlying airway obstruction associated with obstructive sleep apnea.

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What Is Modafinil?

Modafinil is a prescription wakefulness-promoting medicine and Schedule IV controlled substance. It is indicated to improve wakefulness in adults with excessive sleepiness associated with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, or shift work disorder. Current oral tablets contain 100 mg or 200 mg. Modafinil does not treat the underlying airway obstruction associated with obstructive sleep apnea.

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How Does Modafinil Promote Wakefulness?

The exact mechanism responsible for modafinil's wakefulness-promoting effects is not fully established. Modafinil inhibits dopamine reuptake by binding to dopamine transporters and increases extracellular dopamine concentrations in certain brain regions. Its activity also influences other pathways involved in alertness and sleep regulation.

Who Is Treated With Modafinil?

Modafinil is prescribed to adults with excessive sleepiness caused by narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, or shift work disorder. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea continue treatment directed at the underlying airway obstruction, such as continuous positive airway pressure when prescribed. Safety and efficacy have not been established in pediatric patients. Patients with a history of hypersensitivity to modafinil or armodafinil must not receive it.

How Is Modafinil Dosed?

For narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea, the recommended dose is 200 mg by mouth once daily in the morning. For shift work disorder, the recommended dose is 200 mg approximately one hour before the work shift begins. Patients with severe hepatic impairment receive half the usual recommended dose. Although 400 mg daily has been studied, consistent additional benefit over 200 mg has not been demonstrated.

What Serious Risks Are Linked to Modafinil?

Modafinil can cause serious skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions. Other concerns include psychiatric symptoms, cardiovascular reactions, insomnia, anxiety, and persistent sleepiness despite treatment. Modafinil can reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives during treatment and for one month afterward. Patients should be assessed for driving impairment and potential misuse.

Frequently Asked Questions About Modafinil

What conditions does modafinil treat?

Modafinil treats excessive sleepiness associated with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work disorder in adults.

What is the recommended dose for narcolepsy?

The recommended dose is 200 mg once daily in the morning.

When is modafinil taken for shift work disorder?

The recommended dose is 200 mg approximately one hour before the work shift begins.

Can modafinil interfere with birth control?

Yes. Modafinil can reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives during treatment and for one month after discontinuation.

References

DailyMed - MODAFINIL tablet. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=9f3b0bd2-72a3-411f-aeec-b533373f1a97. Date Accessed October 16, 2026.

Modafinil. LiverTox. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548274/. Date Accessed October 16, 2026.

Modafinil. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a602016.html. Date Accessed October 16, 2026.

Modafinil. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Modafinil. Date Accessed October 16, 2026.

Modafinil. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531476/. Date Accessed October 16, 2026.