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How Long Does Modafinil Take To Show Effect?

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Posted on Mon, 4 Apr 2016
Question: In march my husband (80) had a brain bleed from a fall and was coming along nicely- then in November he had a small stroke (affected swallowing and speech - Has a PEG, but no longer used for food or meds). He is now at home. I have a helper morning and evening and we use a Hoyer. He gets in home therapy twice a week (OT & PT). Lately he has taken to sitting with his eyes closed and kind of ignores me and the therapist. If I ask him questions he will answer with a nod or yes/no. He has been taking Modafinil for a week to help keep him awake (he uses a c-pap) which is helpful but not every day. Does med need to build up in his system? Also is the sleepiness a part of the brain working to heal itself? What can I do to help my husband?
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Reevaluation by the Doctor is needed.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

Modafinil starts to show its effects on weakfullness since the first day of use, so, medication doesn't need more time to build up in the system.

It is a drug that needs to be taken in the morning, and optimal dosage is 200 mg/ day, so, it depends on the time of use and dose in order to achieve good results.

Probably the behavior of your husband isn't completely related by sleepiness, it could be some of " negativism " due to disease, but it can indicate progress of brain damage too.

So, besides physical therapy, an evaluation by your husband's treating Doctor and discussion with him about dose of Modafinil is needed. Perhaps there might be a need to undergo for a Repeat CT/MRI of the Brain after the physical evaluation to properly narrow down the disease process.

Follow up and appropriate recommendations by your husband's Doctor are needed not to loose the rehabilitation program.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Do get back to me if you have further questions.

Greetings.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4493 Questions

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How Long Does Modafinil Take To Show Effect?

Brief Answer: Reevaluation by the Doctor is needed. Detailed Answer: Hello and thanks for using HCM. I have read your question and understand your concerns. Modafinil starts to show its effects on weakfullness since the first day of use, so, medication doesn't need more time to build up in the system. It is a drug that needs to be taken in the morning, and optimal dosage is 200 mg/ day, so, it depends on the time of use and dose in order to achieve good results. Probably the behavior of your husband isn't completely related by sleepiness, it could be some of " negativism " due to disease, but it can indicate progress of brain damage too. So, besides physical therapy, an evaluation by your husband's treating Doctor and discussion with him about dose of Modafinil is needed. Perhaps there might be a need to undergo for a Repeat CT/MRI of the Brain after the physical evaluation to properly narrow down the disease process. Follow up and appropriate recommendations by your husband's Doctor are needed not to loose the rehabilitation program. Hope you found the answer helpful. Do get back to me if you have further questions. Greetings.