Modafinil : a review of its use in excessive sleepiness associated with obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome and shift work sleep disorder.
Modafinil (Provigil is a wake-promoting agent that is pharmacologically distinct from CNS stimulants, such as amfetamine, dexamfetamine and methylphenidate. Modafinil is approved for use in the US and certain European countries for use in patients with excessive sleepiness associated with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (OSA/HS) or shift work sleep disorder (SWSD). Oral modafinil promotes wakefulness in patients with OSA/HS and SWSD. It is an effective adjunctive therapy in patients with residual excessive sleepiness associated with OSA/HS who are receiving nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) therapy. In SWSD, the drug improves night-time wakefulness without disrupting daytime sleep. Modafinil is generally well tolerated in patients with OSA/HS or SWSD and has a low abuse potential. Thus, modafinil is a valuable new treatment option for use in patients with excessive sleepiness associated with OSA/HS (as an adjunct to nCPAP) or SWSD.
Keating
Gillian M
GM
Adis International Limited, Auckland, New Zealand. demail@adis.co.nz
Raffin
Michael J
MJ
D000818:Animals; D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006970:Disorders of Excessive Somnolence / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D006801:Humans; D000077408:Modafinil; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects; D011788:Quality of Life; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D020178:Sleep Disorders, Circadian Rhythm / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014851:Wakefulness / Q000187:drug effects
D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D000077408:Modafinil