Description
Modafinil belongs to the group of medicines known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. It prevents sleepiness by stimulating certain parts of the brain. It is used to help people with a condition called narcolepsy, which causes daytime excessive sleepiness, by preventing drowsiness and keeping these people from falling asleep. It is also used to reduce excessive daytime sleepiness for people with obstructive sleep apnea or hypopnea syndrome (breathing disorder that happens while sleeping), shift-work sleep disorder, or circadian rhythm sleep disorder.
The recommended adult dose of modafinil for narcolepsy is between 200 mg and 400 mg daily. The total daily dose is usually divided between a morning and noon dose. Doses are usually started at 200 mg per day, and then gradually increased by the doctor as needed to a maximum of 400 mg daily.
For adults with obstructive sleep apnea, the usual adult daily dose of modafinil is 200 mg taken as a single dose in the morning. Adults with shift work disorder should take 200 mg once daily, approximately 1 hour before the start of the work shift.
