Prescription wakefulness-promoting agents (eugeroics) for the treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness in narcolepsy, shift-work sleep disorder (SWSD) and residual sleepiness in treated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). MedsBase stocks both major molecules in the class so that prescribers and informed patients can choose the profile that fits the clinical situation.
Modafinil — the parent drug of the class, FDA-approved in 1998. Racemic (R+S) formulation with 30-60 minute onset en 10-12 hour duration. A sharper early peak and slightly shorter tail than armodafinil. Stocked as Modvigil 200 mg (HAB Pharma) — the workhorse generic used by the narcolepsy and cognitive-health communities. Internationally equivalent to Modalert, Modaheal and the originator brand Provigil.
Armodafinil — the pure R-enantiomer of modafinil, FDA-approved in 2007. 1-2 hour onset en 12-15 hour duration with a smoother, more sustained alertness profile and lower early-peak anxiety risk. Stocked as Artvigil 150 mg (HAB Pharma) — internationally equivalent to Waklert, Armodapro and the originator brand Nuvigil. 150 mg armodafinil is approximately equivalent to 200 mg modafinil in wakefulness magnitude.
Typical clinical choice: modafinil first for faster onset and familiarity; armodafinil if the patient reports an early-afternoon crash, prefers smoother feel, or needs longer-duration alertness for long shifts and long flights. Both are used for the same FDA-approved indications and both are reasonable first-line options within the wakefulness-agent class.
Modafinil and armodafinil are prescription-only Schedule IV controlled substances in the US and most other jurisdictions. Both reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives via CYP3A4 induction — non-hormonal backup contraception is required during treatment and for 1 month after the last dose. Rare but serious Stevens-Johnson syndrome, TEN and DRESS reactions have been reported — stop immediately and seek urgent medical advice if any rash develops. Always use under the supervision of a qualified prescriber. MedsBase does not provide diagnosis or prescription services.