Modafinil is a stimulant that acts directly on the brain to prevent sleep. The dosage varies based on what condition it is administered for, as well as any other medications being given. It can cause a wide range of side effects, and a dose may be lowered if side effects do not disappear. The standard dosing amount is 200 mg per day.
The medication can be given for sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and narcolepsy, and may also be prescribed to individuals who work irregular shifts and have difficulty getting to sleep and staying awake. Modafinil works directly on the chemicals in the brain in order to temporarily help the individual stay awake, but this impact is temporary and potentially habit-forming. Most medical professionals will recommend a dose be administered only when absolutely necessary, and will determine the minimum amount needed.
Like many medications, modafinil works best with a consistent amount in the body. Individuals who work irregular shifts and need to stay awake at different times may receive a different modafinil dosage than those awake during systematic hours because they are taking medication at irregular intervals.
Other medications may also impact the modafinil dosage that can be taken safely. If an individual is on medicines to regulate seizures, antifungal medications, or blood thinners, he or she may only be able to take a low dose without developing complications. Similarly, pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure, depression, or pregnancy may also limit the amount of modafinil that should be taken in one dose. Individuals who have been diagnosed with liver or kidney disease cannot process the medication as efficiently, and will typically be given half the normal dose.
Taking the medication may result in the development of side effects such as gastrointestinal distress, headaches, tremors, or a burning sensation in the extremities. If side effects do not go away, the prescribing medical professional may lower the modafinil dosage to alleviate some of them. The development in a patient of severe side effects, ranging from mood swings and hallucinations to difficulty breathing, may mean that there is no safe dosage.
The standard modafinil dosage is a 200-mg tablet. Some individuals will not respond to this, but increasing the modafinil dosage has not shown signs of working better. In this case, another medication will most likely be tried. Age has also been shown to have an impact on the effectiveness of the medication, and half the standard dose has usually been sufficient for elderly patients.