A stimulant for people who suddenly fall asleep without warning, will soon be removed from online prescribing services due to concerns it’s being abused as a ‘smart drug’.
Popular medication modafinil is licensed for patients with narcolepsy who experience excessive daytime sleepiness and falling asleep unexpectedly at random times of the day.
The condition means they can also encounter temporary loss of muscle control. Modafinil is an oral drug that promotes wakefulness by stimulating the brain.
But following new regulatory guidelines, on Saturday February 29th online prescribing services will cease supplying the medication to patients due to concern the drug is being misused.
The NHS estimates that narcolepsy only affects 30,000 people in the UK. Yet, the amount of prescriptions being issued for modafinil is higher than the registered stats of sufferers.
“Unfortunately, modafinil has gained a reputation as a ‘study drug’, with some believing that it can help them to focus more on revision or assignments,” explained James O’Loan, a pharmacist at online doctor service Doctor-4-U.
“However, the drug isn’t licensed for this purpose, and fears arose that it was being misused and abused, with online prescribing services making it easy to access.
“Because of this, the General Pharmaceutical Council (the body responsible for the independent regulation of the pharmacy profession within England, Scotland and Wales) have enforced new guidelines that restrict modafinil from being sold via online services.”
Those that need the drug to function in their day to day life will, instead, have to have a face-to-face consultation with their GP and should be able to access it on the NHS and through private healthcare.
“However, it’s important to remember that the ultimate decision lies with the doctor as to whether modafinil is an appropriate treatment for you, so a prescription may not necessarily be guaranteed, even if you’ve been buying it online,” he added.
Aside from medications and herbal remedies, Mr O’Loan has some sound advice for practising good sleep hygiene.
“Leave your phone, tablet or other electronics out of the bedroom,” he said.
“Have a set routine of going to bed and waking up at the same time each day.
“Exercise regularly and reduce caffeine and alcohol intake.”
