Modafinil is a wakefulness-promoting medicine used for narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work disorder. It is generally well tolerated. Rarely, a serious skin reaction called Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) has been reported with modafinil and with its R-enantiomer, armodafinil. Knowing the early signs and what to do next helps reduce harm (U.S. Food and Drug…

Modafinil is a wakefulness-promoting agent approved for treating narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and shift work disorder. Since its approval in 1998, it has become one of the most widely discussed “smart drugs,” gaining popularity beyond clinical use for its potential to improve alertness, focus, and productivity. But how does Modafinil affect social life, mood,…

Modafinil is a wakefulness-promoting medicine used for narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work disorder. Some people say they need to pee more often when they take it. Is that likely, and what does the science say? Key Takeaways What modafinil does in the body Modafinil is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that modestly…

Modafinil improves wakefulness and focus. People also ask if it can change emotions, especially anger or irritability. Most studies do not show a direct link to anger, but some users report irritability or anxiety, and rare psychiatric reactions are documented on the official label (Randall et al., 2003; U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2015). Key…

Modafinil is a wakefulness medicine that changes brain chemicals involved in attention and motivation. Researchers are also asking how it might shape neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to adapt by strengthening or weakening connections between neurons. This article explains what is known, what is not, and how to use the evidence carefully in practice…

Schizophrenia is a severe, chronic mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It is characterized by positive symptoms (e.g., hallucinations, delusions), negative symptoms (e.g., avolition, anhedonia), and cognitive deficits (e.g., impaired memory and attention). Standard antipsychotic medications primarily address positive symptoms, leaving a significant need for treatments targeting negative and cognitive…

Modafinil is a widely prescribed medication used to promote wakefulness in conditions such as narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and shift work sleep disorder (SWD). While effective for many, Modafinil is not safe or suitable for everyone. Understanding who should not take Modafinil—due to health conditions, potential drug interactions, or population-specific risks—is essential to ensure…

Modafinil is a wakefulness-promoting medication commonly prescribed for narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder (Greenblatt & Adams, 2023; U.S. Food and Drug Administration [FDA], 2015). Beyond its alertness-enhancing effects, research suggests that modafinil interacts with several neurotransmitter systems such as dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, glutamate, GABA, histamine, and orexin. These interactions can influence…