2. MODALERT- MODAFINIL Modalert is used to improve wakefulness in patients with narcolepsy (sudden uncontrollable attacks of daytime sleepiness), obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome, or in patients with shift work sleep disorder. Modalert is structurally different from other types of central nervous system stimulants, as it does not have the number of withdrawal problems that other stimulants have, and withdrawal effects are not as severe.
3. The exact way that modalert works is not known. Modalert is used to improve wakefulness in patients with excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea/hypoapnea syndrome (OSAHS), and shift work sleep disorder (SWSD). Modalert may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
4. Modalert may be habit forming. You should discuss the abuse and dependence potential of modalert with your doctor. Do not stop taking modalert without first talking to your doctor. Your doctor may want to gradually lower the dose of the medication before stopping treatment.
5. Before taking modalert, tell your doctor if you have left ventricular hypertrophy (enlarged left heart ventricle); chest pain, irregular heartbeats, or other symptoms of mitral valve prolapse due to central nervous system stimulant use; a recent history of a heart attack; high blood pressure; angina (chest pain); abused medicines called stimulants or street drugs; a history of mental illness; kidney disease; or liver disease. You may not be able to take modalert, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. Modalert is in the FDA pregnancy category C. .
6. Modalert may decrease the effects of hormonal methods of birth control including birth control pills and depot and implantable formulations (e.g., Norplant, Depo-Provera). Use a second, nonhormonal form of birth control while taking modalert, and for one month after stopping modalert, if prevention of pregnancy is desired.
7. Before taking modalert, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs: a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAO inhibitor) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or phenelzine (Nardil); a tricyclic antidepressant such as clomipramine (Anafranil) or desipramine (Norpramin); another CNS stimulant such as amphetamine-dextroamphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin, Methylin, Metadate ER, Concerta), pemoline (Cylert), and others; phenytoin (Dilantin); carbamazepine (Tegretol); phenobarbital;
