Managing narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia often calls for a layered treatment plan. Xywav® (low-sodium oxybate) and modafinil (Provigil®) are two of the medications commonly used in that plan, and their roles naturally lead many patients and clinicians to ask how the two fit together, as well as the advantages and risks of pairing them. Key…
Modafinil, a wakefulness-promoting agent originally approved for narcolepsy and shift work sleep disorder, has attracted attention for its potential off-label uses in cognitive and behavioral symptoms associated with dementia. Dementia patients often suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness, apathy, and cognitive decline, which significantly impact their quality of life and caregiver burden. While some studies suggest…
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, memory impairment, and behavioral symptoms. Despite numerous therapeutic efforts, effective treatments for the cognitive symptoms of AD remain limited. Modafinil, a wakefulness-promoting agent approved for sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, has gained attention for its off-label use as a cognitive enhancer. Key Takeaways…
Fatigue is a persistent and serious challenge in military aviation, compromising safety and performance during long and demanding flight missions. To combat this, air forces worldwide have turned to pharmacological aids, with modafinil emerging as a favored option. Originally developed for sleep disorders, modafinil is now widely used to enhance alertness and cognitive function among…
Modafinil is a medication used to promote wakefulness, mainly for conditions like narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and shift work disorder. It is also popular off-label as a cognitive enhancer. A recent study by Delli Pizzi et al. (2025) reveals how modafinil changes brain connectivity in ways that boost attention and alertness. These findings explain part of…
Modafinil is a wakefulness medicine used for narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work disorder. People also ask if it can improve memory. The short answer is that modafinil can help certain types of memory in some situations, but it is not a general memory booster and this use is not approved by the U.S….
Modafinil is a prescription medication approved to treat excessive sleepiness caused by narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and shift work disorder (SWD) (U.S. Food and Drug Administration [FDA], 2015). In recent years, it has gained popularity as an off-label “smart drug” among students, tech workers, and others seeking sharper focus. But what actually happens when…
Modafinil is a prescription medicine that helps people stay awake. It was first approved to treat conditions like narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work disorder. Over time, it has also become popular among healthy adults who hope it will improve focus and mental performance. But how strong is the evidence, and is it safe…