Modafinil for excessive daytime sleepiness in myotonic dystrophy.
The authors conducted an open-label trial of modafinil for excessive daytime sleepiness in myotonic dystrophy. Eleven patients were evaluated: two were not treated because of obstructive sleep apnea, and nine received 200 to 400 mg modafinil/day for an average of 16.4 weeks. There were no major side effects. Average sleep latency as measured by the Multiple Sleep Latency Test increased from 7.3 to 22.7 minutes ( p = 0.00013), and average Epworth Sleepiness Scale score decreased from 13.25 to 7.75 (p = 0.01028). Modafinil shows evidence of effectiveness for excessive daytime somnolence in myotonic dystrophy and should be investigated further.
Department of Neurology, Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital, University of Technology, Dresden, Germany. damian@rcs.urz.tu-dresden.de
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Damian
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Gerlach
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Schmidt
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Lehmann
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Reichmann
D000328:Adult; D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000077408:Modafinil; D009223:Myotonic Dystrophy / Q000150:complications*; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000187:drug effects; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*
D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D000077408:Modafinil