Provigil® (Modavigil® / Modafinil) - 100mg (30 Tablets)
| Main Use |
Active Integredient |
Marketed Name |
| Narcolepsy |
Modafinil |
Provigil® (UK), Modavigil® |
How does Modavigil (Modafinil) work?
Provigil/Modavigil tablets contain the active ingredient modafinil, which is a type of medicine known as a CNS stimulant. It works by stimulating activity within the central nervous system, ie brain and spinal cord.
Modafinil increases wakefulness and daytime alertness in people who experience excessive sleepiness during the day, either due to narcolepsy, or due to a syndrome called obstructive sleep apnoea. It can also be used to improve wakefulness and alertness in people who suffer moderate to severe sleep disorders as a result of chronic shift work. However, the medicine should not be used as a replacement for sleep and you should talk to your doctor about ways to try and maintain good sleep patterns.
The way in which modafinil improves wakefulness is not yet fully understood, but it is believed to have an effect on specific parts of the brain responsible for keeping us awake.
Modafinil's mode of action appears to be different to other CNS stimulants, such as the amphetamine group of medicines that are also sometimes used to promote wakefulness. This difference is believed to reduce modafinil's potential for abuse and dependence, though there may still be a risk of this if the medicine is used long-term.
What is Modavigil (Modafinil) used for?
- Excessive daytime sleepiness due to obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome
- Excessive daytime sleepiness due to the sleep disorder narcolepsy
- Excessive sleepiness due to moderate to severe sleep disorders associated with chronic shift work
Modavigil (Modafinil) Side Effects
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
- Weakness or loss of strength (asthenia)
- Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia)
- Nervousness
- Anxiety and agitation
- Depression
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Pins and needles (paraesthesia)
- Alteration in results of liver function tests
- Unstable moods (emotional lability)
- Decreased sex drive
- Chest pain
- Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
- Widening of blood vessels (vasodilatation)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Rash or itching
- Twitching
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