Modafinil’s Mechanism of Action Explained: From Dopamine Transport to Orexin Activation
Modafinil is a wakefulness-promoting agent commonly used to treat narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea. Unlike traditional stimulants such as amphetamine, modafinil enhances alertness through a distinct neurochemical pathway that results in a lower risk of dependence and euphoria. Its mechanism of action involves modest inhibition of the dopamine transporter, indirect activation…