The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK, along with various non-governmental organizations focused on multiple sclerosis (MS), endorse the off-label use of modafinil to alleviate fatigue associated with MS.
MS-related fatigue is a common and often debilitating symptom experienced by people with multiple sclerosis. It can significantly impact their daily functioning, quality of life, and ability to perform everyday activities. When prescribed for MS-related fatigue management, modafinil works by promoting wakefulness and increasing alertness without causing drowsiness or disrupting nighttime sleep. People with multiple sclerosis often report increased energy levels, reduced feelings of tiredness, improved cognitive function, and an overall improvement in their quality of life when taking modafinil. While modafinil can provide relief from MS-related fatigue symptoms, it does not treat the underlying cause or cure MS itself. The primary goal of using modafinil in MS is symptom management and improving daily functioning. The effects of modafinil on other aspects of MS-related fatigue, such as severity and cognitive function, are less clear.
While modafinil has been shown to be effective in managing fatigue in people with MS, optimal dosing and treatment schedules are not well established.