Modafinil: preclinical, clinical, and post-marketing surveillance--a review of abuse liability issues.
Modafinil is an agent that is frequently used in the treatment of narcolepsy. More recently it has been used in the treatment of a variety of psychiatric, neurological, and medical illnesses. Due to its ability to improve wakefulness, modafinil has been viewed as a stimulant. Based on the potential for modafinil to become widely used in a variety of syndromes and settings, evidence from preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies, human laboratory studies, and post-marketing experiences examining the potential abuse liability of modafinil were reviewed. Initial evidence suggests that modafinil has limited potential for large-scale abuse.
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, USA. myrickh@musc.edu
Hugh
H
Myrick
Robert
R
Malcolm
Brent
B
Taylor
Steven
S
LaRowe
D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D000077408:Modafinil; D009290:Narcolepsy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011358:Product Surveillance, Postmarketing; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders
D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D000077408:Modafinil