Modafinil (Provigil)

Modafinil (Trade name: Provigil) is a/an wakefulness-promoting agent and CNS stimulant. It is commonly used in the treatment of sleep disorders such as narcolepsy and daytime fatigue in obstructive sleep apnea.

• Modafinil comes in oral formulation.

• Co-administration of modafinil with drugs such as diazepam, phenytoin and propranolol (which are largely eliminated via CYP2C19 pathway), may increase the circulating levels of these drugs.
• For women of child-bearing age, combined oral contraceptives, transdermal patches, vaginal oral contraceptives, and progesterone contraceptives may be reduced in efficacy when taking modafinil.
  • Copper intrauterine devices, levonorgestrel releasing intrauterine systems, and depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) are not affected and should be recommended for women for whom there is this interaction.

• There is a risk for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and patients should be counselled on this potential risk.^[1]

• There is an increased risk for major congenital malformations when used during pregnancy.^[2]