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DG DISPATCH - AAN: Modafinil safe and effective for narcolepsy By Richard Robinson Special to DG News SAN DIEGO, CA -- May 2, 2000 -- Modafinil is an effective treatment for narcolepsy for up to 14 years, according to new research. Michel Billiard, of the Montpellier University Sleep and Wake Disorders Center, in Montpellier, France, presented these findings Monday (May 1) at the 52nd Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology, in San Diego, CA. The study, "Treatment of narcolepsy with modafinil: A long-term open study with 244 patients," was the longest trial to date to look at the efficacy of modafinil in of narcoleptic patients. Two hundred forty-four patients with excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy received modafinil beginning at 200 mg/day for a median of 3.6 years. Six patients received treatment for 14 years. Dr. Billiard reported that the best effect of modafinil on excessive daytime sleepiness was good or very good in 64 percent, moderate in 23 percent, non-existent in 9 percent, and unknown in 5 percent. Sixteen percent showed a positive effect on cataplexy. More than half of all patients remaining on the drug for more than 10 years reported no diminution of effectiveness. Sixty-nine patients discontinued use, with loss or lack of effect being the most common reason. The most common adverse effects were irritability, insomnia, headache, and dry mouth. No cases of tolerance or dependence were recorded. "We conclude that modafinil is both safe and effective for narcolepsy," Dr. Billiard said, "and the effect can be sustained for more than 10 years in many patients." Related Link: modafinil (Provigil). E-mail this page to a friend or colleague! To print, use this version