Modafinil 200mg is a prescription medication, a wakefulness-promoting agent used to treat excessive sleepiness from conditions like narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea (with other treatments), and shift work sleep disorder, working by changing brain chemicals to promote alertness and a normal sleep cycle. It's typically taken once daily, about an hour before work for shift disorders or in the morning for others, but must be used under a doctor's supervision due to potential side effects like headaches, anxiety, insomnia, and rare but serious skin reactions or mental health changes.
 
Uses
 
Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS): Used alongside breathing devices to prevent daytime sleepiness.
Narcolepsy: Reduces excessive daytime sleepiness.
Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD): Helps people who work nights/rotating shifts stay awake during work hours.
 
How it works
 
Stimulates the brain and modulates brain chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) to promote wakefulness and restore normal sleep patterns.
 
Dosage & Administration
 
Standard Dose: 200 mg once daily.
For SWSD: Take about 1 hour before the start of the work shift. 
For Narcolepsy/OSAHS: Usually taken in the morning.
Can be taken with or without food, but at the same time daily. Swallow tablets whole with water.
 
Important Considerations & Side Effects
 
Prescription Only: Modafinil is a controlled substance and requires a doctor's prescription.
Common Side Effects: Headache, nausea, nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, dizziness, runny nose, indigestion.
Serious Side Effects: Severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson Syndrome), severe allergic reactions (DRESS), and mental health changes (e.g., suicidal thoughts, mood changes, psychosis) require immediate medical help.