Modvigil 200 mg – UK To UK

What is Modvigil 200mg?

Modvigil 200 mg is a nervous system stimulant prescribed to improves wakefulness in drowsy and sleepy patients due to narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea or shift work sleep disorder. It works to prevent dopamine reuptake back into the neurons. It is therefore used to treat a variety of sleep disorders.

Modvigil 200 mg is a prescription medicine contains active ingredient “Modafinil” used for the treatment of narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea or shift work sleep disorder. The chemical formula of modafinil is C15H15NO2S. It is a white to off-white crystalline powder that is insoluble in water. It belongs to the class of non-amphetamines. Amphetamines are a class of brain-stimulating drugs that are prescribed for certain nervous system disorders. However, they have a high potential for abuse and can cause addiction. Hence, it is illegal to use them without a prescription.

In 1998, the US FDA approved modafinil. According to the US FDA, Modafinil can be used to treat narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder.

What are The Uses of Modvigil 200mg Tablets?

The disorders listed below have no absolute cure. They need to be treated with a combination of lifestyle changes, sleep therapy, and medication. Modvigil 200 mg is used to alleviate the symptoms and not treat the underlying cause. The following conditions are treated with Modvigil 200mg medication:

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a disorder that causes excessive sleepiness. The patient tends to fall asleep suddenly. They cannot stay awake for long periods of time. Narcoleptic people also suffer from lethargy, lack of energy in the morning, cataplexy (sudden loss of muscle), etc. Some severe symptoms include sleep paralysis and hallucinations.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)  

Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by irregular breathing during sleep. The patient suddenly stops and resumes breathing. This happens several times while sleeping. As the muscles supporting the soft tissues relax, they block the airways of the throat. This causes the patient to suddenly wake up, choking. Other symptoms include excessive daytime drowsiness, loud snoring, loss of productivity, etc.

Shift Work Sleep Disorder

This disorder affects those who work non-traditional hours, e.g., night shifts. This kind of lifestyle affects their circadian rhythm, i.e.,. the biological clock of their bodies. Hence, these people suffer from insomnia during their sleep hours and a lack of productivity during work hours. Headaches, irritability, trouble focusing, and other signs are also present. 

Modvigil 200mg is also used off-label for some other disorders. These include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-anesthetic sedation, withdrawal, and treatment of substance dependence. 

What are The Dosage Guidelines for Modvigil 200mg Tablets?

Patients should only take Modvigil 200 mg with a doctor’s prescription.

Modvigil 200mg is not approved for use in children for any medical condition.

Depending on the disorder, the dosage of Modvigil 200mg is as follows:

Narcolepsy and Obstructive sleep apnea

The recommended dosage for narcolepsy and OSA is a 200 mg tablet in the morning. The human body can safely consume up to 200 mg of modafinil in a day. However, there is no evidence that a higher dose results in better effects.

Shift work sleep disorder

The recommended dosage for patients suffering from shift work sleep disorder is a 200 mg tablet 1 hour before the shift starts.

Patients must not change the dosage or stop taking this medication by themselves without consulting the doctor.

How to Take a Modvigil 200mg Tablet?

• Take Modvigil 200 tablets strictly as per the doctor’s instructions

• Inform the doctor about any allergies, diseases, or ongoing medications.
• Read the instructions given on the packaging carefully.
• Modvigil 200mg is an orally administered tablet. It should be swallowed whole with water without chewing or breaking the tablet.
• Keep a fixed time for taking the tablet. Since Modvigil 200mg is a sleep-preventing medication, avoid taking the tablet before going to sleep.
• Do not change the dosage without the doctor’s instructions.
• Patients can take this medication with or without food.

Missed Dosage Guidelines

If the patient has missed a dose, they can take the missed dose as soon as they remember. However, do not take the dose if it is close to bedtime. Do not, under any circumstances, take a double dose to make up for the missed dose. 

The best course of action would be to inform the doctor.

Overdosage Guidelines

In the event of a Modvigil 200 mg overdose, patients must immediately contact their doctors or call emergency services. Look out for the following overdose symptoms:

• Aggressive behavior
• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Chest pain
• Confusion
• Excitation 
• Hallucinations
• Hypertension
• Increases or decreased heartbeat
• Irritability
• Tremors

There is no antidote for the Modvigil 200 mg overdose. It can only be treated with supportive care and cardiovascular monitoring.

How does Modvigil 200mg Tablet Work?

The active ingredient of Modvigil 200 mg is modafinil. The exact mechanism by which Modafinil promotes wakefulness is not known. In vitro studies were performed to observe the activities of modafinil with neurons.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure, motivation, alertness, movement, and locomotion. Modafinil does not directly or indirectly act on the dopamine receptor. It instead attaches competitively with the dopamine transporter (DAT). This action prevents dopamine reuptake back into the neurons. As a result, dopamine levels in the brain increase. Clinical studies on animals have shown that modafinil also promotes body movement functions.

In conclusion, modafinil acts on the neurons in the brain and activates them. It regulates the body to be more awake and alert. In addition to its wakefulness properties, modafinil positively affects cognition, perception, feelings, and mood while producing psychoactive and euphoric effects.

What are The Side Effects of Modvigil 200mg Tablets?

Given below are some common side effects of Modvigil 200 mg

• Anxiety
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Indigestion
• Insomnia
• Nausea

Some of the severe side effects are mentioned below. If patients experience any of these reactions, they must immediately inform their doctor or call emergency services.

• Skin rashes:

There have been several cases of severe complications, like Steven-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). SJS and TEN can result in hospitalization and could be fatal. These complications normally start with skin rashes, discoloration, blisters, etc. Hence, if the patient observes even the slightest skin abnormality, they must immediately inform their doctor.

• Allergic reactions.

It might be possible that the patient is allergic to modafinil or any of the inactive ingredients present in Modvigil 200 mg. They must be careful while taking this tablet if they have experienced an allergic reaction to armodafinil. To identify allergic reactions, patients must look out for the following reactions: hives, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, throat, difficulty in breathing, etc.

• Psychiatric effects

Modvigil 200mg is a medicine that acts on the neurons to induce wakefulness. It might be possible that patients consuming it show signs of mania, depression, hallucinations, or psychosis. Generally, in such cases, treatment has been discontinued.

• Cardiovascular effects

Common cardiac side effects include chest pain, increased or decreased heartbeat, palpitations, etc., especially in those with a history of cardiac issues.

Precautions & Warnings:

Doctors must take special precautions while administering Modvigil 200 mg to patients suffering from or with a history of the following conditions:

Cardiovascular complications

Modvigil 200mg should not be prescribed to patients with a history of left ventricular hypertrophy or mitral valve prolapse. It must also not be recommended to patients who have previously experienced cardiac side effects in reaction to other stimulant drugs. Modafinil can increase blood pressure; hence, it must be carefully considered for hypertension patients.

Hepatic (Liver) and Renal (Kidney) complications

Modafinil is metabolized in the liver. Its metabolic products are processed through the kidney and excreted via urine. Hence, doctors must take precautions before prescribing this medicine to patients with liver and kidney complications.

Psychiatric issues

There is a possibility that the symptoms of psychiatric patients will become worse. Symptoms of those with histories of psychiatric problems may relapse. Doctors must take special care in case of patients suffering from mania, depression, or psychosis.

General precautions for patients

• Take Modvigil 200 mg only after consulting the doctor.
• Inform the doctor about any allergies, medical conditions, or use of any substances or medications.
• Inform the doctor of any side effects or allergic reactions.
• Do not share Modvigil 200mg with another person, especially one with a history of alcoholism/substance abuse.
• Do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without a doctor’s instructions.
• Modvigil 200mg can reduce the efficiency of hormonal contraceptives. Women are advised to switch to physical contraceptive methods while taking Modvigil 200mg.
• Store the medication in a clean, dry place without sunlight.
• Keep the medication out of children’s reach.

Interactions:

Modvigil 200 mg is known to have interactions with the following substances:

• amphetamine or dextroamphetamine
• dexmethylphenidate or methylphenidate
• medicines like Nardil, Parnate, Marplan, Eldepryl, etc.
• pemoline
• Procarbazine
• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• phenytoin
• propranolol
• triazolam
• warfarin

Food interactions:

• Grapefruit
• Alcohol
• Caffeine 

FAQs:

Q. What does Modvigil 200 mg do?

Modvigil 200 mg is a wakefulness-promoting drug. It prevents excessive sleepiness, drowsiness, and lethargy.

Q. What are the side effects of Modvigil 200 mg?

Common side effects are headaches, insomnia, dizziness, and nausea. However, side effects differ from person to person. Hence, patients must inform their doctor if they experience any abnormal conditions.

Q. How to take Modvigil 200 mg?

Modvigil 200 mg is in tablet form. It must be swallowed whole with water without crushing or chewing it.

Q. Can I drive after taking Modvigil 200 mg?

Although there are no cases of accidents after taking Modvigil 200 mg, it is a nervous system stimulant. Hence, it can affect movement and judgment while driving heavy vehicles.

Q. Can pregnant or lactating women take Modvigil 200 mg?

There is no scientific data about the effects of modafinil on the fetus or breast milk. Hence, doctors must be cautious while prescribing the medicine to pregnant and lactating women.