Acute modafinil exposure reduces daytime sleepiness in abstinent methamphetamine-dependent volunteers

Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2012 Oct;15(9):1241-9. doi: 10.1017/S1461145711001805. Epub 2012 Jan 4.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of acute, oral modafinil (200 mg) exposure on daytime sleepiness in methamphetamine (Meth)-dependent individuals. Eighteen Meth-dependent subjects were enrolled in a 7-d inpatient study and were administered placebo or modafinil on day 6 and the counter-condition on day 7 (randomized) of the protocol. Subjects completed several subjective daily assessments (such as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Beck Depression Inventory and visual analogue scale) throughout the protocol as well as objective assessments on days 5-7, when the Multiple Sleep Latency Test was performed. The results of the current study suggest that short-term abstinence from Meth is associated with increased daytime sleepiness and that a single dose of 200 mg modafinil reduces daytime somnolence in this population. In addition, a positive correlation was found between subjective reporting of the likelihood of taking a nap and craving and desire for Meth, as well as the likelihood of using Meth and whether Meth would make the participant feel better. The results of this study should be considered when investigating candidate medications for Meth-dependence, especially in those individuals who attribute their Meth use to overcoming deficits resulting from sleep abnormalities.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amphetamine-Related Disorders / complications
  • Amphetamine-Related Disorders / psychology*
  • Benzhydryl Compounds / therapeutic use*
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / therapeutic use*
  • Cognition / drug effects
  • Demography
  • Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methamphetamine*
  • Modafinil
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Polysomnography
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Sleep / drug effects
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / etiology*
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / psychology
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Benzhydryl Compounds
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • Methamphetamine
  • Modafinil