Modalert 200 mg Tablets

How It Works

Modalert 200mg contains an ingredient modafinil. Modafinil works by inhibiting the  dopamine transporter by binding to it. As a result, it prevents dopamine from being reabsorbed into the brain cells. Thus, it makes more dopamine available to the brain. It also increases levels of histamine, orexin, and norepinephrine in the brain. These are neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) that control sleep and wakefulness.

Thus, this drug makes you more focused and increases your alertness and motivation. By promoting wakefulness, it helps a person work without feeling tired or sleepy. 

This medicine is popular among people working in late-night shifts, changing shifts, and in the armed forces. It is also used “off-label” as a “smart drug” or “smart pill” by general populations e.g., college students, office workers etc. 

Modalert 200 Uses

Narcolepsy treatment 

A brain disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness. 

Obstructive sleep apnea treatment 

A condition in which breathing stops during sleep due to blockage in the upper airway tract. 

Shift work sleep disorder

Sleep problems in people working in late-night shifts, rotational shifts, and early morning shifts. It is a type of circadian rhythm sleep disorder.

Modalert Benefits

• Reduces daytime excessive sleepiness 
• Improves cognitive functions 
• Improves productivity and alertness
• Helps reset your sleep-wake rhythm

Modalert 200 Dosage

A single tablet of Modalert 200mg is taken every 24 hours. Your doctor will prescribe you an appropriate dosage after examining your condition.

If you are suffering from narcolepsy, your doctor will probably advise you to take a pill in the morning.  You can take it with or without food. 

Those with shift work sleep disorder typically take one pill 1 to 2 hours prior to their work shift. This helps the drug to dissolve into the system by the time the work shift starts.

If you are suffering from sleep apnea, you may be advised to take a single pill in the morning.

The effects of Modalert 200mg are known to last for 12 to 14 hours. Modalert effects duration may vary from person to person. It depends on factors such as age, health conditions, etc.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Modalert for narcolepsy or any other illnesses, take it as soon as possible. If it’s time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose. Do not take the medicine if you are planning to sleep. Skip it and continue the next day.

Overdose

Avoid an overdose of the drug at all costs. An overdose can lead to severe side effects. If such a case arises, contact your doctor right away.

Safety Advice

Alcohol : USE CAUTION
It is important to use extreme caution when taking alcohol with modafinil. It may increase your side effects risk.

Pregnancy : POSSIBLY UNSAFE
Although there has not been sufficient research on humans, animal studies show it can be harmful for the unborn baby. So, seek your doctor’s advice.

Breastfeeding : POSSIBLY UNSAFE
Modafinil may be unsafe for the baby. Consult your doctor if you are a lactating mother.

Driving : UNSAFE
People with sleep problems or excessive sleepiness who take modafinil should not drive a car while under the influence. Have patience until your sleep-wake pattern goes back to normal.

Kidney : POSSIBLY SAFE
Although we have limited evidence, modafinil is not known to affect the kidneys. If you have a severe kidney problem, talk to your doctor first.

Liver: USE CAUTION
Be careful if you have a severe liver disease. Speak to your doctor before using modafinil.

Other Precautions

Before you take Modalert cognitive enhancer, tell your doctor:

• If you are allergic to modafinil or any other drugs.
• If you have a history of stroke, heart attack, or congestive heart failure.
• If you suffer from diseases, e.g., diabetes, hypertension, angina, etc.
• If you suffer from stress-related disorders, e.g., anxiety, depression, etc.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you have a kidney or liver disease.
• If you have a history of alcohol or any form of drug abuse.

Modalert 200 mg Side Effects

Common side effects of modafinil: 

• Anxiety
• Dry mouth
• Back ache
• Stomach upset
• Headache
• Nausea
• Nervousness

In rare events, some severe side effects can occur: 

• Fever and chills
• Allergy
• Unsteadiness 
• Urination problems
• Confusion
• Unusual behavior/moods
• Depression
• Extreme dizziness 
• Fainting

If you experience any serious side effects, e.g., hallucinations, bruising or bleeding, depression, and mood changes which include anxiety, suicidal thoughts, etc., contact your doctor immediately.

Drug Interactions

If you take any herbal, OTC, recreational, or any other form of drugs, let your doctor know about them. These medications can affect the way Modalert 200 mg works.

• Clopidogrel
• Cyclosporine
• Theophylline
• Deflazacort
• Hormonal contraceptives
• Blood thinners such as warfarin
• Diazepam
• Ranolazine
• Fentanyl
• Propranolol
• Carbamazepine
• Rifampin
• Imipramine
• Ketoconazole
• Bosutinib

Interaction with alcohol

Alcohol can increase the chances of side effects and worsen your health. Avoid consuming alcohol along with this medicine.

Storage Instructions

• Store Modalert 200mg tablets in their original packaging.
• Keep the tablets out of reach of children.
• Keep the pills away from moisture, heat, and sunlight.
• Once the pack is opened, store the tablets in an airtight container.
• Do not consume the pills past their expiration date.

Substitutes Available

MODVIGIL 100 MG TABLETS

Signature Pharmaceuticals

MODVIGIL 200 MG

Signature Pharmaceuticals

WAKLERT 150 MG

Sun Pharmaceuticals

References

1. Kim, D. (2012). Practical use and risk of modafinil, a novel waking drug. Environmental Health and Toxicology, 27, e2012007. https://doi.org/10.5620/eht.2012.27.e2012007
2. Gerrard, P., & Malcolm, R. (2007, June 1). Mechanisms of modafinil: A review of current research. PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2654794/
3. Minzenberg, M. J., & Carter, C. S. (2007). Modafinil: A review of Neurochemical actions and Effects on Cognition. Neuropsychopharmacology, 33(7), 1477–1502. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.npp.1301534
4. Fry, N. (1998). Randomized trial of modafinil for the treatment of pathological somnolence in narcolepsy. Annals of Neurology, 43(1), 88–97. https://doi.org/10.1002/ana.410430115
5. Sigurgeirsson, B., Þorsteinsson, H., Arnardóttir, H., Jóhannesdóttir, I. Þ., & Karlsson, K. Æ. (2011). Effects of Modafinil on Sleep–Wake cycles in larval zebrafish. Zebrafish, 8(3), 133–140. https://doi.org/10.1089/zeb.2011.0708