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Comprimés de modafinil

Provigil

Take modafinil at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.

The most common side-effects include headache, feeling sick (nausea) and feeling dizzy.

You should not become pregnant whilst taking modafinil. Ask your doctor about which contraceptive methods are suitable for you while you are taking modafinil - hormonal contraceptives are not suitable.

At a glance

  • Modafinil is a central nervous system stimulant used for daytime sleepiness due to narcolepsy.

  • It helps to control narcolepsy symptoms by increasing alertness and reducing sleepiness.

  • Take modafinil exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually as a 200 mg daily dose.

  • Do not use modafinil if you are pregnant or trying for a baby.

  • Hormonal contraceptives are less effective when used with modafinil; discuss other options with your doctor.

  • Common side-effects include headache, dry mouth, and feeling sick.

  • See a doctor immediately if you develop a rash, mood changes, or thoughts of harming yourself.

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About modafinil

Type de médicament

A central nervous system stimulant

Utilisé pour

Daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy in adults

Aussi appelé

Provigil®

Disponible sous forme de

Comprimés

narcolepsie is a long-term problem that affects your sleep. You feel excessively tired during the daytime but have disturbed night-time sleep. You can also have sleep attacks where you fall asleep at inappropriate times during the day without any warning.

Although there is no cure for narcolepsy, modafinil can help to control your symptoms. Modafinil works by stimulating the central nervous system to increase your alertness and reduce excessive sleepiness during the day.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking modafinil it is important that your doctor knows:

  • Si vous êtes enceinte, essayez d'avoir un bébé ou allaitez.

  • Si vous avez des problèmes avec le fonctionnement de votre foie ou des problèmes avec le fonctionnement de vos reins.

  • If you have a heart condition or high blood pressure (hypertension).

  • If you have ever had a mental health problem such as depression, psychosis or mania.

  • If you have ever had a problem with drug or alcohol misuse.

  • Si vous prenez d'autres médicaments. Cela inclut tous les médicaments que vous prenez et qui sont disponibles à l'achat sans ordonnance, ainsi que les médicaments à base de plantes et les médecines complémentaires.

  • Si vous avez déjà eu une réaction allergique à un médicament.

Clinical author's note Michael Stewart 01/03/2020: Based on post-marketing reports from the USA, modafinil (Provigil®) may harm an unborn child. Modafinil should not be used during pregnancy. Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during treatment with modafinil and for two months after stopping. Discuss with your doctor which forms of contraception are suitable for you, as hormonal contraceptives are made less effective by modafinil. Alternative treatment options for narcolepsy should be used during pregnancy, such as behaviour modifications, good sleeping habits and scheduled daytime naps.

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  • Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about modafinil and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

  • Take the tablets exactly as your doctor tells you to. There are two strengths of tablet available - 100 mg and 200 mg. When you first start modafinil it is usual to be prescribed a dose of 200 mg daily. You may be asked to take this as a single dose of 200 mg in the morning, or divided into 100 mg in the morning and 100 mg at midday. Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you which is right for you. Your dose may be increased after a little while, depending upon your symptoms.

  • Take your doses with a drink of water to help you swallow the tablet. Do not break or crush the tablet - it should be swallowed whole. You can take modafinil before or after food.

  • If you forget to take a dose, miss out the forgotten dose completely but make sure that you remember to take your next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be monitored. You may need to have your blood pressure and heart rate checked regularly.

  • Modafinil can cause blurred vision or dizziness in some people and therefore it may affect your ability to use tools or machines, so take care when using them. Sleepiness associated with your condition can add to this.

  • Taking modafinil is not a replacement for a good sleep routine. It is still important that you aim to get around eight hours of sleep at night if possible. You should try to go to sleep and get up at about the same time each day.

  • In the UK, you are required by law to let the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) know if you are diagnosed with narcolepsy. You may be allowed to drive again when your symptoms are well controlled with medication, but you will need to have regular reviews. Your doctor will advise you about this.

  • Modafinil should not be used during pregnancy. Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during treatment with modafinil and for two months after stopping.

  • Hormonal contraceptives, including oral contraceptive pills, implants, intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs) and contraceptive patches, are less effective when used with modafinil and are therefore not recommended. Speak to your doctor about which contraceptive methods are suitable for you while you are taking modafinil.

  • If you are planning to become pregnant you should stop taking modafinil and try alternative treatment options such as good sleep habits and scheduled daytime naps.

  • If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking modafinil.

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Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with modafinil. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Common

modafinil side-effects

Que puis-je faire si je ressens cela ?

Maux de tête

This usually passes within a day or so, but in the meantime, ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor

Bouche sèche

Essayez de mâcher du chewing-gum sans sucre ou de sucer des bonbons sans sucre

Feeling sick (nausea), indigestion, stomach ache

Optez pour des repas simples - évitez les aliments riches ou épicés

Diarrhée

Buvez beaucoup d'eau pour remplacer les fluides perdus

Constipation

Essayez de manger un régime équilibré et de boire plusieurs verres d'eau chaque jour

Feeling dizzy or tired, blurred vision

Take special care when using tools or machines

Flushing, loss of appetite, nervousness, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, depression, confusion or confused thinking, chest pain, fast heartbeat, numbness or tingling feelings

Speak with your doctor if any of these continue or become troublesome

Important: if you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking modafinil and contact your doctor for advice immédiatement:

  • A rash or blisters on the skin.

  • Any changes to your mood, behaviour, or thinking.

  • Any suicidal thoughts, or thoughts about harming yourself.

Si vous ressentez d'autres symptômes que vous pensez être dus aux comprimés, parlez-en à votre médecin ou à votre pharmacien pour obtenir des conseils supplémentaires.

  • Gardez tous les médicaments hors de la portée et de la vue des enfants.

  • Conserver dans un endroit frais et sec, à l'abri de la chaleur et de la lumière directes.

Informations importantes sur tous les médicaments

Ne prenez jamais plus que la dose prescrite. Si vous soupçonnez que vous ou quelqu'un d'autre avez pris une surdose de ce médicament, rendez-vous immédiatement au service des urgences de votre hôpital local. Emportez le contenant avec vous, même s'il est vide.

Ce médicament est pour vous. Ne le donnez jamais à d'autres personnes, même si leur état semble être le même que le vôtre.

Si vous achetez des médicaments, vérifiez avec un pharmacien qu'ils sont compatibles avec vos autres médicaments.

Ne gardez pas de médicaments périmés ou indésirables. Apportez-les à votre pharmacie locale qui s'en débarrassera pour vous.

Si vous avez des questions concernant ce médicament, demandez à votre pharmacien.

Signaler les effets secondaires d'un médicament ou d'un vaccin

Si vous ressentez des effets secondaires, vous pouvez les signaler en ligne via le Yellow Card website.

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Questions fréquemment posées

What is narcolepsy and how does modafinil help?

Narcolepsy is a long-term condition that causes excessive tiredness during the day and disturbed sleep at night. People with narcolepsy can also have 'sleep attacks' where they fall asleep suddenly without warning. Modafinil helps by stimulating the central nervous system to increase alertness and reduce this excessive daytime sleepiness.

Can I take modafinil if I have other health problems?

You should tell your doctor if you have any existing health problems before starting modafinil. This includes issues with your liver or kidneys, heart conditions, high blood pressure, or any history of mental health problems like depression or psychosis. It's also important to mention if you have had drug or alcohol misuse, or any allergies to medicines.

How should I take my modafinil dose?

You should take your modafinil tablets exactly as prescribed by your doctor. They come in 100 mg and 200 mg strengths. Usually, you start with a 200 mg daily dose, which might be taken as one tablet in the morning or divided into 100 mg in the morning and 100 mg at midday. Always swallow the tablet whole with water; do not break or crush it. It can be taken with or without food.

What if I forget to take a dose of modafinil?

If you forget to take a dose, you should miss out that forgotten dose completely. Do not try to take two doses together to catch up. Simply take your next scheduled dose when it is due.

Are there any activities I should be careful with while taking modafinil?

Modafinil can cause blurred vision or dizziness in some individuals. This, combined with the underlying sleepiness from narcolepsy, means you should be cautious when using tools or operating machinery. If you drive, you must inform the DVLA about your narcolepsy, and your doctor will advise you about driving safely once your symptoms are well controlled.

Can modafinil affect contraception?

Yes, modafinil can make hormonal contraceptives, such as oral contraceptive pills, implants, IUCDs, and patches, less effective. These methods are generally not recommended when taking modafinil. Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during treatment and for two months after stopping. You should discuss suitable contraceptive methods with your doctor.

What should I do if I experience side-effects from modafinil?

Many common side-effects, like headache or dry mouth, often improve as your body adjusts. For a headache, a suitable painkiller from your pharmacist might help. For a dry mouth, try sugar-free gum or sweets. However, if any side-effects continue or become troublesome, you should speak with your doctor or pharmacist. It's crucial to stop modafinil and contact your doctor immediately if you develop a rash or blisters, notice any changes in mood, behaviour, or thinking, or experience suicidal thoughts.

Lectures complémentaires et références

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About the authorView full bio

Author image

Michael Stewart, MRPharmS

Medicine Leaflet Review Manager – Contractor, Pharmacist

BPharm (Hons), MRPharmS

Michael is a community pharmacist practicing in the Midlands and South Yorkshire with more than 20 years’ experience advising on medicines and medical conditions. He has a strong background in healthcare training, having produced and delivered training courses for pharmacy teams and staff of residential care settings, including nurses. He has also contributed to pharmacy advisory boards for the management of low acuity conditions in the community.

About the reviewer

Author image

Sid Dajani

Sultan Dajani qualified at the London School of Pharmacy in 1994 and became the youngest elected member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society council since its founding in 1842.

Historique de l'article

Les informations sur cette page sont rédigées et examinées par des cliniciens qualifiés.

  • Next review due: 13 Aug 2026
  • 14 août 2023 | Dernière version

    Dernière mise à jour par

    Michael Stewart, MRPharmS

    Revu par

    Sid Dajani
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