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Modafinil 200 Australia is a wake-promoting agent that indirectly upregulates cerebral catecholamine levels. It is also a powerful cognitive enhancer. It is a eugeroic, but unlike amphetamines and adrenergic reuptake inhibitors, it does not cause dilation of the pupils or an increase in heart rate or blood pressure.

In abuse liability studies with seasoned cocaine or stimulant abusers, modafinil did not produce the desired feelings of euphoria and desire for more drug, so it has limited abuse potential.

Best Use

The FDA-approved eugeroic modafinil increases cortical catecholamines and indirectly upregulates cerebral serotonin, orexin and glutamate levels. It also decreases cerebral gamma-aminobutryic acid (ABA). Modafinil has few side effects and carries a low liability to abuse and dependence. In abuse liability studies with seasoned cocaine and stimulant abusers, modafinil was rated lower in terms of pleasantness than caffeine and did not elicit the desire to obtain more (street value) that is associated with more traditional stimulants.

Clinical trials of military recruits who were given either modafinil or d-amphetamine and then required to perform prolonged mental activities without sleep found that both medications improved performance relative to placebo, although the drug did not fully negate the need for rest. Postmarketing surveys and medical literature have reported only idiosyncratic reports of people using wake-promoting drugs off-label as a means to avoid sleep or to extend their alertness beyond that produced by adequate rest.

Women of childbearing age should use a non-hormonal backup method of birth control while taking this medication and for one month after stopping it. Modafinil can increase the absorption of some oral contraceptives containing estrogen.

Dosage

Modafinil is used to treat sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea. It has also been shown to increase performance during prolonged periods without sleep, such as in military exercises, but does not negate the need for catch-up sleep.

Unlike many other stimulant drugs, modafinil is generally well tolerated at usual clinical doses and does not appear to raise adrenergic activity. However, caution is advised in patients with preexisting cardiovascular disease or severe hepatic impairment. Psychiatric reactions have been reported in controlled and open-label clinical trials and may include hallucinations, psychosis, and mania.

It is recommended that Modalert 200 mg be taken in the morning to maximize its effects during the waking hours and avoid interference with nocturnal sleep. It can be administered with or without food, but the presence of food will delay maximal absorption by one hour. It is important to inform patients that Modafinil can decrease the effectiveness of hormonal birth control products, so they should use an alternative method of contraception while taking it.

Side Effects

The primary side effects of Modafinil are headache, nausea and nervousness. Some individuals may also experience insomnia, but this is usually short-lived and can be mitigated by taking the medication with food.

The stimulant drug can cause a mild to moderate increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which is a concern for people with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions. Mood changes (depression or euphoria) have also been reported. Rare cases of a life-threatening skin reaction called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) have been reported in adults and children worldwide after the use of wake-promoting medications like Modafinil.

Appetite suppression is a common side effect, which can lead to decreased weight in some individuals and is used off-label to treat Binge Eating Disorder (BED). This drug can also help reduce fatigue associated with Multiple Sclerosis, although more research is needed in this area. It is also sometimes used to help individuals overcome jet lag by helping them stay awake for longer periods of time.

Precautions

Modafinil may increase the levels of histamine, norepinephrine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, all neurotransmitters involved in arousal and cognitive function. Increased levels of these chemicals can enhance cognitive performance, improve attention, and reduce sleepiness.

It also increases the release of dopamine in the brain, a reward and pleasure chemical. The drug is used to combat sleepiness associated with conditions such as narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome.

Those taking the medication should avoid drinking alcohol or using other medications that cause drowsiness. It can be dangerous to drive or operate machinery while under the influence of modafinil. Women should use an effective method of birth control while on this medication, since it can affect a woman's menstrual cycle. Modafinil should not be used in people with a history of mental illness, as it can trigger depression, confusion, or agitation. It can also interact with certain drugs, such as psychiatric medications, sedatives, and antidepressants, and should be used with caution in those with structural heart disease or severe hepatic impairment.