what is modafinil used for

Modafinil is a medication used to treat excessive sleepiness caused by certain sleep disorders. It is a wakefulness-promoting agent that works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the area of the brain that controls sleep and wakefulness. Modafinil is FDA-approved for the treatment of narcolepsy, sleep work shift disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea (adjunct to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)) in adults. It is also used off-label for other conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, and multiple sclerosis. Modafinil is generally safe, well-tolerated, and carries a low potential for abuse and dependence. However, it should be used cautiously in patients with structural cardiac disease, severe hepatic impairment, or a history of psychosis/mania. It may also interact with other medications, so it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on the list of interactions.