This article describes modafinil oral tablet’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for modafinil. If you want to know more about modafinil oral tablet, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Modafinil oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Provigil. To learn more about Provigil, talk with your doctor.
Form and strengths of modafinil
Modafinil oral tablet comes as follows:
- Form: oral tablet, which you’ll take by swallowing
- Strengths: 100 milligrams (mg) and 200 mg
Dosage of modafinil
This article describes the recommended dosages for modafinil oral tablet. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of modafinil oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of modafinil in adults
The following table shows recommended dosages of modafinil for its approved uses.
| Condition | Starting dosage | Maintenance dosage | Maximum dosage |
| narcolepsy | 200 mg once per day | 200 mg once per day | 400 mg once per day |
| obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) | 200 mg once per day | 200 mg once per day | 400 mg once per day |
| shift work disorder (SWD) | 200 mg once per day | 200 mg once per day | 200 mg once per day |
Dosage adjustments for modafinil
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of modafinil oral tablet based on several factors. In some cases, they may recommend a lower dosage for you, depending on:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
- how well your liver is working
Missed dose of modafinil
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of modafinil oral tablet. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of modafinil oral tablet and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about modafinil oral tablet and its dosage.
Can modafinil be taken for depression or to help with studying? If so, what is the dosage?
Modafinil is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be used for depression or to help with studying.
However, modafinil can be used off-label to treat depression. With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for. For depression, Provigil may be prescribed along with an antidepressant.
If you have questions about taking modafinil for depression and the dosage, talk with your doctor.
Does modafinil have a 400 mg dose?
Modafinil tablets come in 100 milligrams (mg) and 200 mg strengths. If you have narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), your doctor may prescribe up to 400 mg per day. If so, you’d likely take two 200 mg tablets once per day.
If you have questions about taking a 400-mg dose of modafinil, talk with your doctor. It is important that you consult your doctor before changing your dosage of modafinil.
Is modafinil taken long term?
Yes, doctors typically prescribe modafinil oral tablet as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should take modafinil oral tablet, talk with your doctor.
Is there a risk of dependence or withdrawal with modafinil?
Modafinil is a controlled substance, which means the government regulates how the drug is prescribed due to its risk of dependence or misuse. With dependence, your body needs a drug in order to function like usual. With misuse, a drug is taken in a way other than how it’s prescribed. The risk of dependence with modafinil is small but possible.
Withdrawal symptoms can sometimes happen when you stop taking a drug your body is dependent on. But withdrawal symptoms haven’t been reported in people who’ve stopped taking modafinil.
If you have concerns about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. If you want to stop taking modafinil, talk with your doctor about ways to safely do so.
How modafinil is taken
You’ll swallow modafinil oral tablet once per day, with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush, split, or chew them.
The time of day that you take modafinil depends on the condition you are treating. For narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), you’ll take your modafinil dose once per day in the morning. For shift work disorder, you’ll take your modafinil dose 1 hour before the start of your shift.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
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Overdose of modafinil
It’s important that you do not take more modafinil oral tablet than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of modafinil overdose
Symptoms of an overdose can include:
- feeling more excited, agitated, or anxious than usual
- being unable to sleep
- feeling aggressive, confused, or nervous
- feeling shaky
- feeling like your heart is racing
- feeling nauseous or having diarrhea
What to do if you take too much modafinil
If you think you’ve taken too much modafinil, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes the usual recommended dosages for modafinil oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.
Do not change your dosage of modafinil oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take modafinil oral tablet exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Will you prescribe a higher dosage of modafinil oral tablet if it isn’t working for my condition?
- Will you prescribe a different dosage of modafinil oral tablet if I’m taking other medications with it?
- Would a different dosage of modafinil oral tablet raise or lower my risk for side effects?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.