Medical Terminology

modafinil

Modafinil (Provigil, Alertec, Modavigil) is a non-stimulant, wake-promoting drug that is approved by the U.S. FDA to improve wakefulness in adult patients with excessive sleepiness associated with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work disorder. It is similar to armodafinil (Nuvigil), another non-stimulant, wake-promoting medication. Modafinil has been studied in two placebo-controlled trials that included people with IH, and has been shown to help with sleepiness in people with IH. However, both modafinil and armodafinil can interact with hormonal birth control to make it less effective (learn more HERE) and can result in a threatening rash. In addition, modafinil and armodafinil can sometimes result in headaches which, if severe enough, can cause a user to reduce the dosage, thereby limiting the effectiveness of the medications. Read more about modafinil at MedlinePlus.gov HERE and on HF’s Treatment web page HERE.