Vilafinil 400 mg

What is Vilafinil 400 mg?

Vilafinil 400 mg is an oral tablet containing modafinil a wakefulness-promoting agent and is commonly used to treat excessive sleepiness caused by narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder. Modafinil belongs to a group called eugeroics. These medicines act on the central nervous system to help a person stay awake and alert. Vilafinil 400 mg is not a replacement for a normal sleep regimen and should not be taken for normal tiredness or to improve study performance without medical advice.

How does Vilafinil 400 mg work?

Several chemical messengers in the brain control sleep and wakefulness. Modafinil affects some of these signals, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, histamine and orexin. These pathways together regulate alertness, attention and the ability to stay awake.

The exact mechanism of modafinil is not fully established. However vilafinil 400 mg may help lessen involuntary sleep episodes and improve daytime alertness in people with clinically diagnosed excessive sleepiness. It does not correct the underlying cause of every sleep disorder.

Key Features

Composition

Active ingredient: Modafinil 

Inactive ingredients: Croscarmellose sodium, Povidone, Magnesium stearate, Pregelatinized starch, Lactose Monohydrate and Microcrystalline cellulose

What is it used for?

Vilafinil 400 mg may be used to reduce excessive daytime sleepiness in the following conditions:

• Shift work sleep disorder when non-standard work hours disrupt the body’s usual sleep schedule
• Narcolepsy which can cause overwhelming daytime drowsiness and sudden sleep attacks
• Obstructive sleep apnoea when sleepiness persists despite appropriate treatment for interrupted breathing during sleep

For people with obstructive sleep apnoea Vilafinil 400 mg does not treat the blocked airway or replace CPAP therapy. Continue using CPAP or any other treatment recommended for the condition.

Dosage 

• Take Vilafinil 400 mg only as recommended. A 400 mg dose is not suitable for every patient and dosing should be based on the diagnosed condition, response to treatment, other medicines and medical history.
• Modafinil is often prescribed in the morning for narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnoea-related sleepiness. When used for shift work sleep disorder it may be taken approximately one hour before the planned work shift. A doctor may recommend a different schedule where needed.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water. It can generally be taken with or without food but meals may delay its onset. Avoid late-day doses unless they are specifically part of your treatment plan as the medicine may interfere with nighttime sleep. Do not exceed the prescribed dose or take two doses together if you forget a tablet.

Side effects

Vilafinil 400 mg may cause side effects particularly if the dose is higher than needed for the individual. Speak with a healthcare professional if side effects persist or are concerning.

Possible side effects include:

• Nausea, diarrhoea or stomach discomfort
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Dyspepsia 
• Headache 
• Depression 
• Influenza-Like Illness 
• Fast heartbeat, palpitations or raised blood pressure

Stop taking Vilafinil 400 mg and obtain urgent medical assistance if you develop a rash, peeling or blistering skin, sores in the mouth, facial or throat swelling, breathing difficulty, chest pain, fever with rash or severe mood and behaviour changes. Rare but serious allergic and skin reactions have been associated with modafinil.

Interactions 

Modafinil can alter how the liver processes certain medicines. Tell your pharmacist about all prescription medicines, non-prescription treatments, vitamins and herbal products before taking Vilafinil 400 mg.

Particular attention is needed with:

• Hormonal contraception, including oral contraceptive pills, patches, implants, injections, vaginal rings and some emergency contraceptives, modafinil can make these methods less effective. Use an additional reliable barrier or non-hormonal method during treatment and for one month after stopping.
• Warfarin and other anticoagulants, monitoring of blood-clotting levels may be required.
• Antidepressants, antipsychotics, sedatives, and anti-seizure medicines, their effects may change when used with modafinil.
• Ciclosporin; modafinil may lower ciclosporin concentrations.
• Certain antifungal medicines, antibiotics and antiviral medicines may increase or decrease modafinil levels.

Avoid alcohol unless your prescriber has said it is appropriate. Alcohol may worsen dizziness, affect decision-making and make the response to Vilafinil 400 mg less predictable.

Precautions & warnings

• Tell your prescriber before using Vilafinil 400 mg if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, an abnormal heart rhythm, chest pain, liver disease, kidney problems or a personal history of mental health conditions.
• Seek advice promptly if you develop new or worsening depression, anxiety, agitation, hallucinations, mania, aggression or suicidal thoughts. People with a history of substance misuse should use modafinil cautiously and under close medical guidance.
• Even though the medicine promotes wakefulness, it can still affect judgement, coordination, and vision in some individuals. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you.
• Discuss pregnancy plans to become pregnant, breastfeeding and contraception before starting treatment. Modafinil may not be appropriate during pregnancy and can reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives.

Conclusion

Vilafinil 400 mg is a modafinil-containing wakefulness-promoting tablet used in selected cases of excessive daytime sleepiness. When used under medical supervision, it may help promote wakefulness but it is not a substitute for adequate rest or treatment of an underlying sleep disorder. Take the medicine as directed. Call a health care professional if you have serious side effects or unusual mood changes.

FAQs

1. How quickly does Vilafinil 400 mg start working?
It may start to work within 30 to 60 minutes but the time can depend on what and how much you have eaten and on how you react.

2. How long does Vilafinil 400 mg last?
The effect may continue for around 10 to 12 hours, avoid taking it close to bedtime unless instructed otherwise.

3. Is Vilafinil 400 mg suitable for general fatigue?
No. It is not intended for everyday tiredness caused by poor sleep, stress or work demands, persistent fatigue should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

4. Can I take Vilafinil 400 mg with food?
It can usually be taken with or without food. Taking it after a meal delays the start of its effects.

5. Does Vilafinil 400 mg affect contraceptive pills?
Yes. Modafinil can make hormonal contraceptives less effective, use a suitable additional or non-hormonal contraceptive method while taking it and for one month after the last dose.