Provigil (Modafinil)

Modafinil tablet

What is this medicine?

MODAFINIL is used to treat excessive sleepiness caused by certain sleep disorders. This includes narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• history of depression, mania, or other mental disorder
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to modafinil, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. This medicine is not approved for use in children. Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• amphetamine or dextroamphetamine
• dexmethylphenidate or methylphenidate
• medicines called MAO Inhibitors like Nardil, Parnate, Marplan, Eldepryl
• pemoline
• procarbazine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• antifungal medicines like itraconazole or ketoconazole
• barbiturates like phenobarbital
• birth control pills or other hormone-containing birth control devices or implants
• carbamazepine
• cyclosporine
• diazepam
• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• phenytoin
• propranolol
• triazolam
• warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while taking this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. The full effects of this medicine may not be seen right away. This medicine may affect your concentration, function, or may hide signs that you are tired. You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Alcohol can make you more dizzy and may interfere with your response to this medicine or your alertness. Avoid alcoholic drinks. Birth control pills may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about using an extra method of birth control. It is unknown if the effects of this medicine will be increased by the use of caffeine. Caffeine is available in many foods, beverages, and medications. Ask your doctor if you should limit or change your intake of caffeine-containing products while on this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• anxiety
• breathing problems
• chest pain
• fast, irregular heartbeat
• hallucinations
• increased blood pressure
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• sore throat, fever, or chills
• suicidal thoughts or other mood changes
• tremors
• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• headache
• nausea, diarrhea, or stomach upset
• nervousness
• trouble sleeping

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and against the law. Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.