Modafinil

[brettDbass]

I have a friend who suffers from terrible fatigue. Having been reading this morning about the proclaimed wonders of Modafinil (http://www.modafinil.com/) I'm thinking it could be of great benefit to him.

Can people give me any further info regarding it's legal status in the UK, ie. if it's available on prescription, over the counter ro whatnot? Or if you know of a reputable supplier, or generally any info which may be pertinent, personal experience, whatever you've got.

I've read the articles in Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modafinil), New Scientist (http://www.newscientist.com/channel/health/mg18925391.300.html) and the modafinil.com page above.


And yes, you're right, I can't work out how to use the wiki-tag.

Thanks,
Brett.

[sophia8]

You don't say what your friend is suffering from, but there are any number of causes for continual fatigue. The best advice on this or any other treatment will come from his doctor, not an internet forum.
Using an untried drug (which may not even be pure) bought over the internet could be the worst possible thing for him.

[brettDbass]

Aha, yes. To clarify I'm looking for advice to give him on whether it may be a suitable thing for him to ask for from his GP, if it's legally available (which I also don't know).

He suffers from insomnia and mild (controlled) bipolar disorder which causes the fatigue either through the depression directly or as a result of pushing himself way too hard during an up phase.

I was reading this morning about Modafinil being used in conjunction with SSRIs to help ward off day-fatigue, which sounded appropriate to a non-mediciny-type like me.

Cheers again,
Brett.

[Darat]

I read the New Scientist article and was wondering about this - it seems a little too good to be true.

Oh and to Wiki tag something just add Modafinil around the word e.g. Modafinil

[brettDbass]

Indeed Darat, it feels like it should be that way doesn't it?

I can't find anything to contradict it online & I thought I'd better ask "The Learned Ones" for more info before mentioning it to my friend.

Thanks for the advice too,
Brett. :)

[Mongrel]

Well it appears to have a proper product license (Here (http://emc.medicines.org.uk/emc/industry/default.asp?page=displaydoc.asp&documentid=11337)), it has an entry in MIMs (http://www.emims.net/) and the prescribing 'bible' BNF (http://www.bnf.org/bnf/noframes/search.htm?q=Modafinil&submitImage.x=8&submitImage.y=13). So yes it appears to be a legitimate drug.

[brettDbass]

That's a good start, thanks Mongrel.

[Mongrel]

That's a good start, thanks Mongrel.
Of course your friend now has the fun of asking his Doctor "about this drug I saw on the Internet". Reactions may vary ;)

[luchog]

I read the New Scientist article and was wondering about this - it seems a little too good to be true.
I'm currently taking Modafinil for what my doctors are currently calling CFS (I hate that diagnosis, but that's another rant entirely). I thought the same thing, but Modafinil is one of the most amazing drugs I've found. I'm hypersensitive to stimulants, and this is the only one that I can take. I can't even touch coffee because of the level of caffiene. I get the stimulant effect without the anxiety, tooth-grinding tension, jitteryness, etc. It seems less like i'm on a stimulant, and more like i'm just really awake and energetic.

The lack of negative side effects is actually a bit troubling, since it means that this thing has serious abuse potential. I don't normally have an "addictive" personality, and have managed to avoid any other dependency or psychological addition; but this one could be a problem if i let it.

It does give me mild to moderate headaches about half the time, but a small dose of acetaminophen kills that. I don't take it every day, but find it quite effective when I do.

Unfortunately, at least in the US, it's very hard to get a prescription, most insurance companies won't cover it, except for narcolepsy, and it's really d*mn expensive.

[brettDbass]

Hey luchog, thanks for that, really helpful info.

Glad to hear it's working so well for you too :fg: