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Modafinil: expanded options for the treatment of excessive sleepiness

Jonathan RL Schwartz

Modafinil is an oral wake-promoting agent, initially approved in December 1998 for the treatment of excessive sleepiness associated with narcolepsy. Based on the results of additional randomized, placebo-controlled studies, the indication for modafinil was expanded in January 2004 to include excessive sleepiness associated with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome and shift work sleep disorder. Modafinil represents a safer alternative to CNS stimulants for the treatment of excessive sleepiness and it has become the most widely prescribed agent for excessive sleepiness associated with narcolepsy over the past 5 years. This article summarizes the key studies on modafinil, outlining the unique pharmacologic profile, efficacy and safety.