Modafinil (Modalert) 200 Mg For Improving Daytime Sleepiness

 

Wondering how Modalert or Modafinil can help you stay awake? If so, we have answers to all your queries. 

Modafinil is a brain stimulant that is proven to be an effective treatment modality for excessive daytime sleepiness. It is also being used and studied for prolonged alertness and wakefulness during sustained military operations. 

This blog evaluates the effectiveness and potency of Modafinil for narcolepsy, shift work disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea, along with guiding you to identify, self-preliminary diagnose, and treat the condition. 

 

Modafinil And Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: An Introduction

Modafinil, also available under the brand name Modalert, is a unique wake-promoting compound with pharmacological properties distinctly different from those of other Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulants. It is a legal stimulant to stay awake, with clinical uses being approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998. 

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a common sleep disorder that affects an estimated 18% of the population, as per a 2012 study by Gemma Slater and Joerg Steier. The International Classification of Sleep Disorders (ICSD-2) includes excessive daytime sleepiness for three diagnostic medical conditions: narcolepsy, behaviorally caused insufficient sleep disorder, and hypersomnia. 

The graph below helps us understand the impact of excessive daytime sleepiness on our day-to-day lives.

 

Symptoms Of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness

• Facing trouble waking up in the morning 

• Power naps never help. 

• The feeling of sleepiness during working hours

• Fall asleep while in a meeting, class, watching a movie, driving, or spending time with friends and family. 

Causes Of Daytime Sleepiness

Common causes of excessive daytime sleepiness, according to an article published in the journal American Family Physician by J.F. Pagel, are mentioned in the table below. 

 

 

How Does Modafinil Treat Excessive Daytime Sleepiness?

Modafinil shows its effect by stimulating the neurotransmitters in the brain. It localizes in the brain's hypothalamus region, inhibits dopamine reuptake, and releases histamine and orexin neuropeptides. It can also reduce extracellular concentrations of GABA, which can increase wakefulness. But before we get deeper into the use of Modafinil for treating excessive daytime sleepiness, let us understand the first step to identifying and evaluating the condition at home without visiting a medical practitioner. 

 

Evaluating And Screening for Excessive Daytime Sleepiness

The most common symptom to diagnose excessive daytime sleepiness is suffering from somnolence throughout the day to the extent that it starts affecting everyday activities. Additionally, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the Stanford Sleepiness Scale, as mentioned below, can help evaluate and assess the patient's condition and severity. 

Test (The Epworth Sleepiness Scale):

Rate the chance you will doze off in the following situations:

 

 

Now, add the above score to obtain the total score.

Results And Evaluation

• Less than 8: indicates reported normal daytime alertness

• 8 to 11: indicates mild sleepiness

• 12 to 15: indicates moderate sleepiness

• 16 to 24: indicates severe sleepiness.

Thus, a test score of 12 or more on the scale is a definite indication of EDS. To confirm the results, such people should consult a physician. 

 

Benefits Of Modafinil For Daytime Sleepiness

The key benefits of choosing Modafinil for treating daytime sleepiness include the following: 

• The price of Modafinil online is much more affordable than other nootropics and brain stimulants. It is priced at $1.06 per pill at Healthnaturo Pharmacy. 

• It is one of the safest smart drugs available on the market, per reports and clinical research by researchers at Oxford and Harvard Universities. 

• Modafinil is the most well-tolerated smart drug on the market, thus having a lower risk of side effects. 

• It has a quicker onset of action and starts to show a positive effect within 30 minutes of administration. 

 

How Long Does Modafinil Keep You Awake?

The duration of wakefulness and alertness with Modafinil is between 11.5 and 15 hours, depending on factors such as the dosage and metabolic activity of the patient. 

 

Clinical Studies Suggesting The Efficacy Of Modafinil For Treating Excessive Sleepiness 

The use of Modafinil was significantly proven to improve sleepiness in patients with untreated mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, according to a 2006 study by Julia L. Chapman et al. These findings were further supported by a 2007 study backed by Cephalon, Inc. and conducted by Thomas Roth et al. This study also suggests the efficacy of Modafinil in treating EDS and highlights its tolerability and lower cardiovascular risks. 

The study concludes that daily administration of Modafinil effectively treats excessive sleepiness in patients with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder, as graphically represented below. 

 

 

Modafinil Dosage For Staying Awake

The recommended Modafinil dosage for promoting wakefulness or staying awake is 200 mg. However, a lower dosage (Modafinil 100 mg) or dosage adjustments may be suggested for people with improper renal and hepatic functioning. 

Maximum Dose Of Modafinil Per Day

The highest dose of Modafinil is 400 mg per day. 

Overdosing is not recommended as it may result in health issues, including dizziness, agitation, dystonia, heightened anxiety, tremors, confusion, chest pain, diarrhea, restlessness, hallucinations, and nausea [1]. Overdosing on Modafinil can cause hypertension and thus require regular monitoring. 

It is essential to note that most of the symptoms of Modafinil overdose are similar to its side effects, and thus, any discomfort or health issues from taking Modafinil should be reported to a healthcare provider. 

 

Potential Side Effects And Risks

Some common side effects of Modafinil are headaches, nausea, dizziness, nervousness, and difficulty sleeping. If any of these lasts for a long period, then it is better to get a doctor’s help.

The other health risks of taking Modafinil 200 mg tablets include tarry stools, chills or fever, blurred vision, sore throat, weakness, shortness of breath, mood swings, and trouble urinating.

 

Guidelines On How To Take Modafinil Safely

• Modafinil is an oral pill and should be swallowed with plain water.

• Breaking and crushing the pill is not advisable. 

• Avoid administering other medications and supplements with Modafinil to avoid drug interactions. 

• Do not take alcoholic beverages with Modafinil or Modalert tablets. 

• Avoid administering Modafinil before bed to prevent disruption of the normal circadian cycle. 

Modafinil For Night Shift Workers:

• Night shift workers can take the Modafinil dosage about 30 minutes to 1 hour before starting work. 

Modafinil For Narcolepsy And Obstructive Sleep Apnea:

• To prevent falling asleep in the office or while working, it is essential to take the Modafinil 200 mg dosage in the morning. 

• Do not take the medication in the afternoon or later in the evening to prevent suffering from insomnia. 

 

Strategies And Treatments For Addressing Daytime Sleepiness

The treatment for excessive daytime sleepiness includes stimulants, such as Modafinil, that promote wakefulness and help a person stay awake. The use of antidepressants can help in managing episodes of sleep paralysis and hallucinations, which are often associated with narcolepsy. Medical practitioners also recommend people take naps throughout the day to improve the signs of narcolepsy. 

A four-step treatment option suggested by D. MacMahon for managing excessive sleepiness in patients with Parkinson's disease is shown in the image below. 

 

On the other hand, the two recommended treatments for obstructive sleep apnea include:

• Positive airway pressure devices: This is a device that has a machine that attaches to a mask. It supplies pressurized air into the throat of the patient while sleeping. This air helps prevent the throat from collapsing. 

• Oral appliances: These are similar to orthodontic appliances and mouthguards that hold the lower jaw during sleep. This further prevents the soft tissues of the throat from collapsing and blocking the airways. 

Alternatives To Modafinil For Treating EDS

The best brand drug for Modafinil is Modalert 200 mg, a suitable alternative to Modafinil if you are looking for a more potent nootropic option. However, if you are allergic to Modafinil or do not achieve the intended benefit, it is advisable to try other nootropics, such as Armodafinil.

Modafinil and Armodafinil are also considered the top treatment options for excessive daytime sleepiness, according to a review article by Kriti D. Gandhi et al. The image below mentions the most preferred and prescribed medications for EDS in descending order based on the study. 

 

 

Lifestyle Changes For Excessive Sleepiness

These lifestyle changes discussed below can be made while taking Modafil and other treatments for excessive sleepiness.

• Eating a balanced diet.

• Regular exercising. 

• Limiting the intake of alcohol and caffeine 

• Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule

• Taking a warm bath before bed 

• Taking herbal supplements such as chamomile can help improve the quality of sleep. 

• People with circadian rhythm disorders may benefit from administering melatonin supplements before bed. 

 

Modafinil For Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: Our Final Thoughts 

Modafinil is an effective treatment option for excessive daytime sleepiness, a condition that is associated with sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder. However, its use should be done after consulting a doctor. 

Modafinil and its brand drug Modalert are well-tolerated medications with a high safety profile, making them one of the most preferred therapeutic choices, according to an article by Kriti D. Gandhi et al.

Recommended at 200 mg once daily, this nootropic can help you stay awake and active for 12 to 15 hours. 

To make your decision-making easier, here is a run-down of all the pros and cons of using Modafinil for treating excessive sleepiness.