Active Drug Information

Modalert (modafinil) is one of the wakefulness-promoting agents prescribed for oral administration only. Modafinil is one of the racemic compounds, with molecular formula C15H15NO2S and molecular weight 273.35. This nootropic agent is a white, crystalline powder, which is insoluble in water and cyclohexane. However, it is sparingly soluble in acetone and methanol. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Modafinil for people with narcolepsy, OSA, and shift work disorder in December 1998.

Mechanism of Action

The exact action mechanism of Modalert in treating the abovementioned sleep disorder and improving cognitive function is poorly understood. This smart drug is known to work by enhancing or improving the secretion of a neurotransmitter or brain chemical called dopamine, which helps nerves to connect and communicate each other. By working on this neurotransmitter, modafinil is known to improve cognitive abilities and mental performance.

Dosing Instructions

• You should check with your doctor for appropriate dosing instructions and directions.
• The ideal recommended dose of Modalert is 200 mg once a day, which should not be exceeded to 400 mg.
• The medicine should be taken in the morning for treating OSA and narcolepsy so that you can stay awake and alert during the daytime.
• This nootropic agent should be taken an hour before work by patients who have a shift work sleep disorder.
• You can take Modalert with or without food, with a glass of water for proper drug assimilation.
• You must use this smart drug regularly to get the most out of the drug; irregular use may not provide you the desired effects.

Storage and Disposal

• Keep Modalert pills out of reach of children, teens, and pets. Store the medicine at room temperature, preferably away from heat, sunlight, and moisture.
• It is important to store the medicine in a very safe place so no other person can take it intentionally or unintentionally. You can keep a track of how many pills you have been taking.
• The pills that are no longer in use should be disposed of in a very careful manner to make sure childrenand other people do not use them.
• The best way to discard outdated or unwanted pills is under a “medicine take-back” program. You can talk to your pharmacist or doctor to know about this program.

Precautions and Warnings

• You should tell your doctor whether you are allergic to nootropics or smart drugs, including modafinil and armodafinil.
• You must tell your doctor about the prescription or nonprescription medications, multivitamins, supplements, or herbal products that you have been taking before using Modalert 200.
• More impotently, before treatment, tell your doctor whether you drink large amounts of alcohol regularly or use street drugs or any stimulants.
• Also, tell your doctor if you have medical conditions related to the heart, brain, liver, kidney, or blood before starting treatment with any nootropics.
• Inform your doctor if you get pregnant or plan to get pregnant, or breast-feed before taking this medication.
• Modalert 200 mg may affect your thinking or judgment, or may not completely keep you awake. So, do not drive, ride, or operate machinery while undergoing treatment.

Drug Interactions

• Cyclosporine
• Theophylline
• Hormonal contraceptives – progestin or estrogen and progesterone containing drugs
• Warfarin (Coumadin)
• Diazepam (Valium)
• Propranolol (Inderal)
• Phenytoin (Dilantin)
• Mephenytoin (Mesantoin)

Contraindications

People who have following medical conditions are not advised to take Modalert:

• psychotic disorder
• suicidal tendencies
• depression
• high blood pressure
• severe liver or kidney disease
• pregnancy
• Modafinil allergy

Common Side Effects

• Headache
• Nausea
• Nervousness
• Dizziness
• Trouble sleeping

If these side effects persist or aggravate, immediately tell your doctor.Many people who use this smart drug do not experience any serious side effects, except if overdosed.