Diagnosis of sleep disorders
Modafinil should be used only in patients who have had a complete evaluation of their excessive sleepiness, and in whom a diagnosis of narcolepsy, has been made in accordance with ICSD diagnostic criteria. Such an evaluation usually consists, in addition to the patient’s history, sleep measurements testing in a laboratory setting and exclusion of other possible causes of the observed hypersomnia.
Serious rash, including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis and Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms
Serious rash requiring hospitalisation and discontinuation of treatment has been reported with the use of modafinil occurring within 1 to 5 weeks after treatment initiation. Isolated cases have also been reported after prolonged treatment (e.g., 3 months). In clinical trials of modafinil, the incidence of rash resulting in discontinuation was approximately 0.8 % (13 per 1,585) in paediatric patients (age < 17 years); this includes serious rash. No serious skin rashes have been reported in adult clinical trials (0 per 4,264) of modafinil. Modafinil should be discontinued at the first sign of rash and not re-started (see section 4.8).
Rare cases of serious or life-threatening rash, including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), and Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) have been reported in adults and children in worldwide post-marketing experience.
Paediatric population
Because safety and effectiveness in controlled studies in children have not been established and because of the risk of serious cutaneous hypersensitivity and psychiatric adverse reactions, the use of modafinil is not recommended in the paediatric population (below 18 years).
Multi-organ hypersensitivity reaction
Multi-organ hypersensitivity reactions, including at least one fatality in post-marketing experience, have occurred in close temporal association to the initiation of modafinil.
Although there have been a limited number of reports, multi-organ hypersensitivity reactions may result in hospitalization or be life-threatening. There are no factors that are known to predict the risk of occurrence or the severity of multi-organ hypersensitivity reactions associated with modafinil. Signs and symptoms of this disorder were diverse; however, patients typically, although not exclusively, presented with fever and rash associated with other organ system involvement. Other associated manifestations included myocarditis, hepatitis, liver function test abnormalities, haematological abnormalities (e.g., eosinophilia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia), pruritus, and asthenia.
Because multi-organ hypersensitivity is variable in its expression, other organ system symptoms and signs, not noted here, may occur.
If a multi-organ hypersensitivity reaction is suspected, modafinil should be discontinued.
Psychiatric disorders
Patients should be monitored for the development of de novo or exacerbation of pre-existing psychiatric disorders (see below and section 4.8) at every adjustment of dose and then regularly during treatment. If psychiatric symptoms develop in association with modafinil treatment, modafinil should be discontinued and not restarted. Caution should be exercised in giving modafinil to patients with a history of psychiatric disorders including psychosis, depression , mania, major anxiety, agitation, insomnia or substance abuse (see below).
Anxiety
Modafinil is associated with the onset or worsening of anxiety. Patients with major anxiety should only receive treatment with modafinil in a specialist unit.
Suicide-related behaviour
Suicide-related behaviour (including suicide attempts and suicidal ideation) has been reported in patients treated with modafinil. Patients treated with modafinil should be carefully monitored for the appearance or worsening of suicide-related behaviour. If suicide-related symptoms develop in association with modafinil, treatment should be discontinued.
Psychotic or manic symptoms
Modafinil is associated with the onset or worsening of psychotic symptoms or manic symptoms (including hallucinations, delusions, agitation or mania). Patients treated with modafinil should be carefully monitored for the appearance or worsening of psychotic or manic symptoms. If psychotic or manic symptoms occur, discontinuation of modafinil may be required.
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