Wake up and smell the Provigil

Nursing, May 1999

Patients suffering from narcolepsy may be getting a wake-up call, thanks to a new drug recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Modafinil (Provigil) offers an alternative to amphetamines and other stimulants currently available to treat narcolepsy. Although it isn't as effective as stimulants at combating sleepiness, it appears to cause fewer adverse reactions and have less addictive potential than stimulantsdrawbacks that can lead patients to abandon these treatments.

Taken orally once a day, modafinil works in an area of the hypothalamus that promotes wakefulness. Because it doesn't cause the rush of stimulants (or a "crash" when it wears off), abuse is unlikely; the Drug Enforcement Agency is classifying it as a lowlevel controlled substance.

Modafinil isn't yet widely available for use. Testing is under way to determine whether it can help healthy people remain alert longer.