Whether you are using it as a sleep aid or a drug for anxiety, some things that take modafinil daily include drowsiness, blurred vision and the inability to use tools or machines. If you have any symptoms, you should know how to treat them.
Mechanism of action
Despite modafinil’s use in treating excessive daytime sleepiness, its mechanism of action is still unknown. Researchers have been studying modafinil’s effect on activity, vigilance, and cellular and neurotransmitter release. Some of these studies have focused on extracellular sites of action, while others have focused on intracellular processes.
The mechanism of action of modafinil is likely to include a combination of these effects. A direct intracellular site of action, such as an inhibitor of CYP2C9, is not ruled out, but other potential intracellular targets may also be relevant.
Another possible site of action is the basal forebrain, where adenosine is known to exert sleep-promoting effects. Modafinil likely acts on adenosine and other ATP breakdown products in this region. In addition, the cytochrome c enzyme may also be involved, as it accepts electrons from hydrogen peroxide in the intermembrane space.
Drowsiness
Several studies have shown that modafinil, also called Provigil, is effective in reducing the excessive sleepiness caused by shift work sleep disorder. In these studies, modafinil was administered in the morning before the shift began. However, studies have shown that modafinil may not cure a sleep disorder or eliminate all symptoms of sleepiness. Rather, modafinil may have various benefits, including enhanced cognitive performance and reduced sleepiness.
Studies have shown that modafinil may effectively treat the excessive sleepiness caused by obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). In these studies, modafinil was able to reduce sleepiness and improve fatigue. The effects of modafinil were observed at doses of 100 mg/kg.
Blurred vision
Taking modafinil every day may not suit everyone, but it has its pros and cons. The good news is that most of the side effects can prevent. The bad news is that you may need to get enough sleep. The appropriate solution to this problem is to take it easy and ensure you get enough rest. Ideally, you want to get at least eight hours of sleep. If you can’t achieve this, you should speak to your doctor.
The most significant step is to make sure that you take your modafinil in moderation. A good step of thumb is not to take more than one pill daily and be careful not to overdose. If you do need to take only one pill per day, make sure you take it at the same time.
Unable to use tools or machines
Using modafinil regularly can be quite the exercise in the short term. It is not uncommon to get the heebie-jeebies after all the circumstances and games are over. The best way to go about this is to keep your wits about you. A fantastic way to do this is to have an open conversation with your physician or psychiatrist. The next time you feel smarmy, do a shuffle and see if they can devise a treatment plan that will keep you out of the ER and on the clock for the duration of your prescribed treatment.
Using modafinil daily during pregnancy has been linked to a higher risk of congenital malformations. According to a new report, infants born to women who took modafinil during pregnancy were at considerable risk of developing significant malformations than infants born to women who did not take the drug.
Conclusion
Researchers from the Karolinska Institute compared modafinil use during pregnancy to non-modafinil use. They also studied data from birth registers in Sweden and Norway. The results showed that women who took modafinil were at a 15% higher risk of taking a child with a significant congenital malformation than women who did not take the drug.
Modafinil is indicated for treating excessive sleepiness in adults due to narcolepsy, sleep apnea and shift work disorder. In addition, it is also indicated for ADHD in pregnancy. However, Health Canada advises that modafinil should not be used in pregnancy unless there is a medical reason.
Author: Dr. Amaraseeli Sriyalatha Durayappah, graduated from the Medical College of Georgia School of Medicine,University of Colombo Faculty of Medicine in 1971. She works in Houston, TX and 1 other location and specializes in Family Medicine and Internal Medicine.
