Modafinil, a drug marketed for use in the treatment of narcolepsy, can be effective in reducing fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis, according to research presented this week at an American Academy of Neurology conference.
The nine-week study involved 72 patients who received placebo for two weeks, then modafinil 200mg for two weeks, 400mg for two weeks and placebo again for the final three weeks. Modafinil had a positive effect on patients' fatigue severity scale scores. The 200mg dose was generally well tolerated, while headache and nervousness were more frequent with the 400mg dose, said lead author Dr Kottil Rammohan (Ohio State university). He added that many of the patients in the study had tried conventional fatigue treatments without benefit. The study was funded by Cephalon.