What does it do?

Modafinil is used to treat narcolepsy and other sleep disorders.

Before you start

• Tell your doctor if you have heart or liver problems, high blood pressure or a mood disorder.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How should you take it?

Take modafinil as directed with a glass of water. Take modafinil in the morning, or in the morning and at noon if you are taking it twice a day, so you can sleep at night.

What if you forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and carry on as normal. Do not take two doses at the same time. Do not take close to bedtime.

Can you take other medicines?

Some medicines available without a prescription may react with modafinil including:

• levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pill (e.g. Postinor-1®)

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side Effects	Recommended action
Fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain Symptoms of allergy including: skin rash, itching, swelling, trouble breathing	Tell your doctor immediately
Anxiety, agitation, unusual behaviour or thinking, low mood, confusion Changes in vision Strange or uncontrolled movements	Tell your doctor
Trouble sleeping, headache Chills, sweating, tingling or numbness Loss of appetite, dry mouth, stomach upset	Tell your doctor if troublesome

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

• If you are taking an oral contraceptive you will need to use additional birth control methods while taking modafinil, and for four weeks after stopping. Talk to your doctor.
• Modafinil can impair your ability to do tasks such as driving or using machines. Alcohol makes this worse. Discuss your risk with your health professional. (search NZTA - Are you safe to drive?)