Modafinil is a prescription drug used to treat narcolepsy, cocaine and amphetamine addiction, and for
other purposes, which is sold under the trade names
Provigil in the U.S. and
Alertec in Canada. In ordinary healthy adult humans, modafinil causes a sharp reduction in sleepiness and the need for sleep, without affecting the ability to sleep. It has
rare and mild side-effects, and apparently no long-term drawbacks associated with sleep loss; certainly none of the blood infections which eventually kill sleep-deprived mammals. According to FDA data, modafinil has one of the largest "off-label" prescription rates of all prescription drugs, with physicians prescribing it for "relief of fatigue" which is often equivalent to "not enough sleep."
Since many Kossacks are likely to have had such an off-label prescription, if you have, what have your experiences been with this drug? Most importantly, were you able to stop taking it with no withdrawal symptoms or unexpected inconveniences? Please take the poll.
Because
modafinil's patent expires on March 31st of next year, it is likely to be a very popular generic, and it may be nominated for over-the-counter sale.
Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with or interest in the makers of modafinil, other than a personal interest in "reducing fatigue."