Excessive sleepiness is associated with reduced work efficiency, decreased job performance, and poor quality of life. Falling asleep at work and driving while sleepy are common causes of motor vehicle accidents.1,2 Modalert can improve alertness and is effective in sleep disorders and fatigue associated with neurological conditions such as MS and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Evaluation of Modalert for Sleep Disorders

Modalert 200 mg is a powerful agent that can significantly improve task performance and decrease excessive sleepiness in patients with narcolepsy. It is also more effective than amphetamine and does not produce the side effects of excess locomotor activity, anxiety, or jitteriness that are associated with this drug class. It also has a mood-enhancing effect and can be used in patients with depression.

Dr. Schwartz has received research support from AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Cephalon, Sepracor, and Glaxo-SmithKline; consults for AstraZeneca, Boehringer, Pfizer, and ShoeringPlough; is a member of the speaker’s bureau for Sanofi, Jazz Pharmaceuticals and Takeda; and has stock ownership in Neurogen.

Dr. Hirshkowitz has received research support from AstraZeneca, Neurogen, Sepracor, and BioMarin; consults for AstraZeneca, BioMarin, Glaxo-SmithKline, Neurogen, and Pfizer; and is on the speaker’s bureau for BioMarin and Jazz Pharmaceuticals. He is the Editor-in-Chief of Sleep Medicine Reviews and the author of numerous articles on sleep disorders and fatigue. His book “Overcoming Fatigue: A Complete Guide” is available on Amazon.

Evaluation of Modalert for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include snoring, gasping, or choked breathing while asleep. Symptoms can also occur during the day and are related to tiredness, lack of energy, and poor work performance. In addition, obstructive sleep apnea can cause headaches and a dry mouth. It is important to talk to your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.

Obstructive sleep apnea often causes impaired cognitive function and attention span, as well as difficulty participating in religious services or meetings. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea should avoid drinking alcohol before bedtime. Drinking alcohol makes obstructive sleep apnea worse.

Dr. Hirshkowitz has received research support from AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Cephalon, GlaxoSmithKline, and Neurogen; has consulted for AstraZeneca, Nippon Boehringer Ingelheim, Philips Respironics GK, Takeda, and Jazz Pharmaceuticals; and is on the speaker’s bureau for Pfizer and Shoering-Plough. 

This study was funded by Alfresa Pharma. Dr. Inoue has received lecture fees and service bureau fees from Nippon Boehringer-Ingelheim Co., Inc; has consulted for Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co., Inc; has provided expert testimony for Nippon Boehringer-Ingelheim; and has received manuscript preparation fees from Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Pacific Medico Co., Ltd and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Evaluation of Modalert for Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders are complex physiologic states that involve dynamic changes in neural, metabolic, and cardiorespiratory function. These conditions include insomnias, sleep-related breathing disorders, hypersomnias of central origin, circadian rhythm sleep disorders, and parasomnias.

Diagnosis of most sleep disorders requires a detailed clinical history including the patient’s typical sleep and wake schedule, daytime behavior, psychosocial stressors, and current drug use. A sleep questionnaire is often helpful, and a bed partner or observer can provide valuable information regarding sleep-related behaviors.

A clinical examination and polysomnography may be required for the diagnosis of certain disorders, particularly nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (a paroxysmal form of sleep-related epilepsy) and narcolepsy. Modalert has been demonstrated to be superior to amphetamine in treating excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy and is also safer. It does not cause the jitteriness and rebound effects seen with amphetamine.