Modactive 200 mg

Modactive 200 mg is used to help people with Narcolepsy, Shift Worker Sleep Disorder and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. It also helps you stay awake, alert and focused throughout the day. The medicine can be taken with or without food. 

Composition

Active Ingredient: 

• Modafinil (200 mg)

Excipients: 

• Microcrystalline cellulose
• Croscarmellose sodium
• Lactose Monohydrate
• Povidone
• Magnesium stearate
• Pregelatinized starch

MECHANISM OF ACTION 

• Modafinil stops the dopamine transporter (DAT) from clearing dopamine out of the space between neurons.
• This causes dopamine to build up in that space.
• More dopamine means stronger stimulation of the receptors it binds to.
• The result is better wakefulness and alertness. 

USES

• Excessive sleep disorders like Narcolepsy, Shift worker Sleep Disorder and Obstructive Sleep Apnea
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Depression
• Fatigue related to certain medical conditions
• Cognitive support in selected patients as directed by the physician 

This medication should only be used for the condition that your physician has prescribed for. 

Key Features

DOSAGE 

The tablet is usually taken once a day in the morning. For shift work sleep disorder, it’s taken about an hour before the shift starts. Only take this medicine as advised by your GP. 

SIDE EFFECTS 

Some commonly reported side effects you may see are:

• Mouth dryness
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Nervousness
• Nausea
• Dizziness or lightheadedness

Rare but serious side effects you should not ignore are:

• Chest ache
• Cardiovascular complications like heart palpitations or significant changes in a person’s heart rate or blood pressure
• Severe allergic reactions like swelling in the facial area, lips, or throat. Peeling of the skin, mouth ulcers, or even blistering can be experienced.
• Hallucinations or delusions
• Aggressive behaviour
• Mania or other psychotic symptoms

Try to immediately seek medical attention from an expert if you experience any of these.

 INTERACTIONS

Drug-drug interactions

• Hormonal contraceptives

Armodafinil can make hormonal contraceptives less effective and increase the risk of pregnancy. 

• Medications processed by the liver

CYP2C19 substrates: Drugs like omeprazole, diazepam and phenytoin may stay in the system longer due to armodafinil and increase the risk of toxicity and severe side effects. 

Cyclosporine: Armodafinil can reduce the effectiveness of cyclosporine by reducing the blood concentration of cyclopsporine. 

• Other Stimulants & CNS drugs

ADHD medications: Medications that are used for the treatment of ADHD like amphetamine, methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine when combined with armodafinil can increase the risk of side effects like elevated heart rate, high blood pressure and severe anxiety. 

Antidepressants: Armodafinil can interact with medications like SSRIs e.g. citalopram. 

Anticoagulants: Armodafinil can affect the blood levels of anticoagulants like warfarin making it less effective. 

Drug-Food Interactions

• Caffeine: Caffeine is also a Central Nervous system stimulant and combining it with Armodafinil can lead to additive effects.
• Grapefruit or grapefruit juice: Grapefruit affects the way your body breaks down modafinil, which can increase the level of modafinil in your body. 
• Alcohol: Concomitant use of alcohol and modafinil tablets can increase the risk of serious side effects. 

PRECAUTIONS & WARNINGS

• Take this medicine only as directed by your GP; don’t change the dose yourself.
• It manages excessive sleepiness but doesn’t treat the cause of the sleep disorder.
• Some people may still feel less alert than normal, so be careful until you know how it affects you.
• If you miss a dose and it’s close to bedtime, skip it rather than take it late. 
• Precautions for Special Populations such as Hepatic & renal impairment, Pregnancy, Cardiovascular history, Breastfeeding, Elderly patients, History of substance abuse 
• Use with extreme caution if you have a history of angina, recent heart attack, etc. 
• Avoid excessive alcohol with this medication. 

CONCLUSION 

Modactive 200 mg helps treat excessive daytime sleepiness linked to narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea and shift work sleep disorder. It is generally well tolerated, but it can cause side effects and interact with other medicines so should only be taken under the guidance of a GP.

FAQs

1. Is Modactive 200 mg safe during pregnancy?
No, it’s not considered safe to take during pregnancy. 

2. Can Modafinil affect hormonal contraceptives?
Yes. Modafinil may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives.

3. Is Modafinil addictive?
Modafinil carries a lower risk of dependence than usual stimulants, but should only be used as directed and not abused. 

4. Can Modactive 200 mg be taken with or without food?
Yes, it can be taken either way. 

5. What is the onset of action of Modactive 200mg?
The onset of action of Modactive 200 mg is 30 to 60 minutes.