Modafinil Side Effects

Modafinil Side Effects: Everything to know about

Modafinil is a medication that also has some side effects along with its uses. Dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia, diarrhea, blurred vision, etc. are some of the side effects of Modafinil.

Modafinil is a medication that starts its onset of action within 30 minutes after its consumption, and the effects last longer.

Modafinil tablets also have adverse effects like Drowsiness, Dizziness, diarrhea, Indigestion, fever, cough, chills, etc.

This blog, along with Modafinil Side Effects, also contains precautions to avoid the side effects.

What Is Modafinil?

Modafinil is a central nervous stimulant that belongs to the eugeroic group. It treats disorders like narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shiftwork disorders. It is a medication that has off-label Uses like ADHD, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Depression anxiety, etc.

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Modafinil is a prescription drug and a Schedule IV controlled substance. The FDA approved the use of the medication in 1998.

Neuroscientists Michel Jouvet and L. Lafon Laboratories invented the medication in the 1970s in France, and Teva Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. manufactures it.

What Are the Side Effects of Modafinil?

Modafinil tablets have both positive and negative effects. A few notable side effects of Modafinil are listed below.

Less Common Side Effects Of Modafinil

Ten less common side effects of Modafinil are listed below, which might go away independently and do not require immediate medical response.

1.  Blurred Vision or Other Vision Changes: A condition characterized by blurred or unclear vision

2. Confusion: When you cannot make proper and precise decisions.

3. Dizziness or fainting: When your heart doesn’t pump enough blood to your brain, it might lead to dizziness.

4. Rapidly changing moods:whenn your mood constantly changes

Modafinil has general mood-elevating effects accompanied by anxiety, according to a clinical trial by Indu Taneja et al. published in 2007.

5. Shortness of breath: a difficulty that is caused while breathing and results in chest tightness.

6. Trouble in Urinating- It causes difficulty in urinating.

7. Trembling or shaking- Tremor is caused by a neurological condition that leads to shaking or trembling.

8. Uncontrolled movements

9. Clumsiness and unsteadiness

10. Memory problems.

Serious Side Effects Of Modafinil

The ten serious side effects of Modafinil mentioned below might require an immediate medical response-

1. Vomiting - It is the way harmful substances are removed from the body.

2. Dryness of the skin- It is a condition where your skin is dried.

3. Heartburn generally occurs when the acid backs up along with the food.

4. Indigestion is when your food is not digested correctly, leading to acidity and pain.

5. Swelling of the legs, feet, arms, or hands- an abnormal enlargement of the part of the body due to accumulation of fluid.

6. Runny Nose - Excessive fluid drainage from the nose area.

7. Flushing, or redness of the Skin-  It is when the blood vessels just below the skin widen and fill with more blood.

8. Muscle Stiffness-  A sensation that causes muscle pain or stiffness.

9. Difficulty having a bowel movement- It is when your bowel movementsbecome less frequent, and stools are difficult to pass.

10. Dryness of the mouth-This condition is also called xerostomia, where your mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva to keep it wet.

Long-Term Side Effects Of Modafinil

When Modafinil is used continuously for a long time, you become physically and psychologically dependent on the medication, which might later lead to addiction.

Sudden discontinuation of the medication can result in several withdrawal symptoms, as mentioned below-

1. Anxiety

2. Fatigue

4. Sweating

5. Vomiting

6. Depression

7. Seizures

8. Hallucination.

How Long Do Modafinil Side Effects Last?

Generally,  the Modafinil Side Effects last for a few days or a week. The side effects might also last longer, but if they bother you, you can visit a nearby hospital or consult with your doctor [3].

Modafinil Dosage Regimen

Modafinil comes in tablet form with 100-200mg dosage strengths. However, the dosage might vary from patient to patient depending on their age and health conditions like kidney or liver dysfunction.

The standard recommended dosage of Modafinil is 200 mg/day for adults over 16 years old.  

The Modafinil dosage should be taken in the morning, as it might lead to insomnia, except for shift work disorder. Modafinil starts working within 30 minutes after its consumption.

If you miss your daily Modafinil dose, you can skip the missed dosage and follow your regular dosage schedule.

You should not overlap the doses; this might lead to an overdose.

 

Administration Guidelines-

• The tablet must be swallowed with a glass of water.
• Avoid chewing or crushing the tablet.
• You can take the medication with or without food as the doctor prescribes.
• The tablet must be taken at the same time of the day for better effectiveness [4].

 

Precautions While Using Modafinil

There are 6 crucial noteworthy  Modafinil warnings or preventive measures to be followed while using Modafinil-

1. Inform your doctor beforehand if you are allergic to any of the compounds in its formulation. The medication might contain the active ingredient Modafinil, which might cause you allergy.

2. You must consult your doctor about your medical history before taking the medication if you have problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, or liver or kidney dysfunction.

3. Avoid doing activities that require an immediate medical response, such as driving, while taking the medication.

4. You should completely avoid the consumption of Alcohol while taking the medication. This might make you feel more dizzy.

5. You should not take the medication if you are pregnant. Avoid taking contraceptives.

6. You should avoid the medication at the stage of breast-feeding. This might harm your baby [4].

 

Modafinil Side Effects: Conclusion

Modafinil is a medication that has some adverse effects as any other medication.

The less common side effects of Modafinil that do not require an immediate medical response and go away on their own are - confusion, dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath,etc

However, the severe side effects that might require close medical attention, depending on the person, are- vomiting, runny nose, swelling, etc.

Long-term effects could include depressive, anxious, or hallucinogenic withdrawal symptoms, among others. Therefore, it is advised to follow your doctor's prescription for the dosage in order to minimize any potential health risks.

 

FAQ

1. What are the bad things about Modafinil?

Modafinil causes dizziness, drowsiness, and trouble thinking or controlling movements. However, this might vary from person to person.

2. What are the long-term effects of Modafinil?

Consuming Modafinil in the long term might cause physical and psychological dependency. This might later lead to addiction.

3. Is it safe to take Modafinil every day?

Yes, you can take Modafinil every day, once in the morning, except for shift work disorder.

For shift work disorder, Modafinil should be taken 1 hour before your shift work begins.

4. How long can you be on Modafinil?

Modafinil is well tolerated within 40 weeks of treatment.

5. What is the dark side of Modafinil?

Commonly reported side effects of Modafinil include-  Headache and nausea. Other side effects include- anorexia and xerostomia.

References

1. Modafinil: Medline Plus Drug Information

2. Modafinil, Uses, Interactions and Side Effects

3. Provigil Side Effects, MedicalNewstoday

4. Modafinil Oral Route, Mayoclinic