Quick facts
- Available strengths: 100 mg and 200 mg tablets
- Therapeutic class: wakefulness-promoting agent
- Active ingredient: Modafinil
- Primary conditions: narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea residual sleepiness, shift work sleep disorder
Note: Modafresh helps you stay awake but does not cure the underlying sleep disorder. Keep using other treatments your clinician has prescribed, such as CPAP for OSA.
What Modafresh is used for
Modafresh, which contains modafinil, is intended to improve wakefulness in adults who experience excessive daytime sleepiness linked to:
- Narcolepsy
- Obstructive sleep apnea when residual sleepiness persists despite optimal airway treatment
- Shift work sleep disorder when night or rotating shifts cause sleepiness during work hours
It is not a substitute for core therapies for these conditions. For example, do not stop CPAP for OSA unless your clinician has advised it.
See also safety restrictions in Who should not take it.
How to take it
Use Modafresh exactly as your prescriber directs. Do not adjust the dose or duration on your own.
- Narcolepsy or OSA-related sleepiness: typical adult dose is 200 mg by mouth once each morning.
- Shift work sleep disorder: 200 mg about 1 hour before the work shift begins.
- You may take with or without food. Taking it late in the day can cause insomnia.
- Hepatic impairment: clinicians often start at lower doses (for example 100 mg daily).
If you are uncertain which dose to use, contact your healthcare provider before taking the tablet.
For cautionary details, see Safety checklist.
Safety checklist
Before starting, tell your clinician about your full medical history and all medicines you use. Use extra caution if you have or have had:
- Heart conditions such as prior heart attack, angina, structural heart disease, or uncontrolled hypertension
- Liver disease (including cirrhosis) or significant kidney impairment
- Anxiety, mania, depression, bipolar disorder, or psychosis
- Substance or alcohol misuse
- Pregnancy, plans to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
Modafinil may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives. Use a nonhormonal backup method while taking Modafresh and for at least 1 month after the last dose.
Until you know how you respond, avoid driving, operating machinery, or risky activities. Avoid alcohol because it can unpredictably alter alertness when combined with modafinil.
For specific restrictions, see Legal status and purchasing rules in the USA.
Who should not take it
- Anyone with a known hypersensitivity or serious rash to modafinil, armodafinil, or products such as Provigil or Nuvigil
- Individuals under 17 years of age (not approved)
If you developed a rash, fever, mouth sores, blistering, or swelling with modafinil in the past, do not use Modafresh again. Seek medical advice immediately if any severe skin reaction appears.
Possible side effects
Common, usually mild effects can include:
- Headache
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Back pain
- Stuffy nose
- Decreased appetite
- Insomnia or trouble sleeping
- Nervousness or anxiety
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
Weight loss is not a typical effect of Modafresh, but poor appetite or nausea may indirectly lead to some weight change.
Stop the medication and seek urgent care for serious reactions like rash, hives, blistering, chest pain, severe anxiety, hallucinations, or signs of liver trouble such as dark urine or yellowing of the eyes.
Drug interactions
Always tell your clinician and pharmacist about all prescription drugs, OTC products, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Notable interactions include:
- CYP3A4/5 substrates: reduced levels possible (for example certain contraceptives, cyclosporine, midazolam, triazolam)
- CYP2C19 substrates: increased levels possible (for example diazepam, propranolol, omeprazole, phenytoin, clomipramine)
- Warfarin: monitor INR closely when starting or stopping modafinil
- MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine: avoid combination unless specifically directed
- Stimulants and caffeine: may add to insomnia, anxiety, or palpitations
If you rely on hormonal birth control, use an additional nonhormonal method while on Modafresh and for at least 1 month after stopping.
For advice on alternatives that may have different interaction profiles, see Alternatives and price comparison.
Missed dose
If you forget a dose and it is late in the day or near bedtime, skip it to avoid insomnia. Do not double the next dose to catch up.
For shift work use, if the work period is nearly over, do not take the missed dose.
Overdose
In case of suspected overdose, call emergency services or contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (USA). Provide the drug name, strength, and the amount taken if known.
Storage
- Store at room temperature, protected from heat and moisture
- Keep tablets in a closed container and out of reach of children and pets
- Do not use past the expiration date printed on the package
Alternatives and price comparison (USD)
Prices below are rough out-of-pocket cash estimates in the USA and can vary widely by pharmacy, location, strength, insurance, or discount programs. Use them only as a very general guide.
- Generic modafinil (Modafresh or equivalents, 200 mg): about $5 to $20 per tablet; brand Provigil often $30 to $60+ per tablet
- Armodafinil (generic Nuvigil, 150 to 250 mg): about $3 to $15 per tablet; brand Nuvigil often $20 to $50+ per tablet
- Solriamfetol (Sunosi, 75 to 150 mg): roughly $600 to $900 per month
- Pitolisant (Wakix, 17.8 to 35.6 mg): often multiple thousand dollars monthly (for example $4000 to $7000+)
- Methylphenidate IR or ER (Ritalin, Concerta and generics): generics may range about $0.20 to $2 per immediate-release dose; extended-release often higher
- Mixed amphetamine salts IR or XR (Adderall and generics): generics may range about $0.30 to $2 per immediate-release dose; extended-release commonly $2 to $6+ per dose
Clinical notes on alternatives:
- Armodafinil is the R-enantiomer of modafinil and may last slightly longer for some users.
- Solriamfetol and pitolisant are non-amphetamine wakefulness agents with different mechanisms; they can be options if modafinil is not tolerated or insufficient.
- Traditional stimulants like amphetamines or methylphenidate can improve alertness but have different risk and dependency profiles and are usually Schedule II in the USA.
- For OSA, optimizing CPAP or oral appliance therapy often reduces daytime sleepiness and may lower the need for medication.
Always discuss with your prescriber which option best fits your condition and medical history. For regulatory aspects that affect choice and access, see Legal status in the USA.
Legal status and purchasing rules in the USA
- Prescription status: Modafinil is prescription-only and classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance federally.
- Refills: Federal rules allow up to 5 refills within 6 months from the date the prescription is issued unless your state imposes tighter limits.
- Telemedicine: Federal law generally requires at least one in-person medical evaluation before prescribing controlled substances, with limited telemedicine exceptions. Policies have changed over time; verify current DEA and state regulations before seeking an online prescription.
- Importation: Personal importation of controlled medicines is generally prohibited. Ordering modafinil from overseas websites without a valid US prescription risks seizure and legal issues.
- Online pharmacies: Use only US-licensed pharmacies that require a valid prescription. Look for accreditation such as NABP .pharmacy or safe.pharmacy; avoid sites that offer modafinil without a prescription.
- Possession and use: Possession without a valid prescription can be illegal. Do not share your medication with others.
- Driving and work safety: Even though modafinil promotes wakefulness, impairment can still occur. Use caution until individual effects are known.
- Sports: Modafinil is prohibited in-competition by many anti-doping bodies (including WADA) unless you have an approved therapeutic use exemption.
If you are under 17 years old, modafinil is not approved for use. State rules may add extra requirements such as PDMP checks or identification at pickup.
