Narcolepsy

Prescribing Notes:

• Modafinil is a useful treatment for many patients with narcolepsy and should be initiated by a specialist.
• In Lothian it has been agreed that supervision should remain the responsibility of the hospital staff for the first 3 months or until objective evidence of effectiveness has been provided.
• Dexamfetamine sulphate or methylphenidate hydrochloride may be prescribed by specialists when modafinil is ineffective.
• Modafinil potentially increases the risk of congenital malformations when used in pregnancy. Modafinil should not be used during pregnancy and women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during treatment and for 2 months after stopping modafinil. For further advice see MHRA Drug Safety Update November 2020.
• Due to risk of serious side-effects modafinil is only licensed for the treatment of narcolepsy. Modafinil is not recommended by the MHRA for use for any other off-label use.