In what dosage should modafinil be consumed?
The effect of modafinil lasts from 6 to 8 hours. Modafinil is a white or off-white colored cylindrical tablet and it comes in 100mg and 200 mg tablets. Modafinil can be swallowed with water and it is insoluble in water. For patients with sleep apnea, the dose of modafinil taken is 200mg every day. Some patients also take up to 400 mg every day but there is no solid evidence to show that the additional amount gives additional benefit. For people suffering from narcolepsy, Modafinil 200mg daily is suitable and it can also go up to 400mg varying from patient to patient. For people who have shift work sleep disorder, it is preferred to take 200mg of modafinil an hour before their work. The mechanism used by modafinil is still unknown.
Usage and storage of modafinil
Long use of modafinil can cause stress and affect the immune system. Recently, the use of modafinil has increased a lot in no narcoleptic patients as it is a nonprescription drug. People who are already under a lot of stress or work in a competitive environment such as high school/ college students, accountants, athletes, etc. use modafinil to be more efficient. Modafinil can be consumed with or without food. It takes longer to work if taken with food. If you miss a dose then take it when you remember, do not take the dose if it is almost your sleeping time. Do not take double doses to compensate for the missed dose. Modafinil should be stored at room temperature and in a dry place (not in a bathroom or kitchen). It should be kept away from the reach of children and pets. Expired medicine should not be consumed and disposed of properly.
What are some side effects caused by modafinil and what should be avoided during the treatment?
Modafinil does not have many side effects but some side effects which it does have can be quite dangerous. Common side effects of modafinil are dizziness, nausea, back pain, stuffy nose, runny nose, diarrhea, and headache. It is not common but patients might observe serious side effects such
as mouth sores, rashes on the skin, anxiety, depression, blurry vision, chills, confusion, sweating, vertigo, tremor, thirst, fever, blisters or peeling of the skin, swelling of tongue, throat, eyes, lips, or face, trouble breathing, trouble in swallowing, aggression, hallucinations, hives, unknown bleeding or bruises, thoughts of committing suicide, chest pain, fast heart rate, shortness of breath and unusual urine color. It is not advised for people who use modafinil to drive or use heavy machinery. Pregnant women should avoid using modafinil as it can cause serious harm to the baby. Contact a doctor before using modafinil if you are pregnant. Pregnant women should only consume modafinil if the benefits really do outweigh the possible risk to the baby’s health. People suffering from high blood pressure or psychotic disorder should avoid using modafinil.
Over dosage and effects of modafinil
The effects of overdosing on modafinil are not life-threatening but there are some side effects including agitation, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, nervousness, confusion, aggressiveness, palpations, nausea, and diarrhea. If you have a history of an allergic reaction to armodafinil tell your doctor before consuming modafinil. A serious reaction caused by modafinil can give you swollen glands, problems in other organs such as the liver, heart, kidney, lungs, muscles, joints, or other blood-related problems. Do not form a habit of using modafinil as it can prove to be bad for your health in the longer run. Limit your caffeine intake as caffeine makes you anxious and nervous and side effects of modafinil already include anxiety and nervousness. Alcohol can cause a reaction to modafinil so do not consume liquid or any other form of alcohol while using modafinil. Older people
should be extra careful while using modafinil as the side effects are more for them. Children should not have modafinil, it not only has a bad effect on their health but they can also get severe rashes or the Stevens Johnson’s syndrome. It is important to be aware of the fact that Modafinil cancels out the effect of birth control pills.
If your symptoms are not getting better or if they are getting worse then contact your doctor. Do not share your drugs with anyone else. It might have less chance of misuse as it does not help in addiction but the skin problems and other side effects of Modafinil can be extremely bad for your health. Seek medical help if you or anyone near you has overdosed in Modafinil. Do not start using Modafinil without a doctor’s prescription. If you leave the use of Modafinil do it gradually by decreasing doses slowly.