Does Provigil (modafinil) cause weight loss?
Weight loss wasn’t a reported side effect during 9-12 week clinical studies of Provigil (modafinil) submitted to the FDA for approval. However, nausea, indigestion, and poor appetite are common side effects of Provigil. These side effects could lead to weight loss.
There is currently not enough research to know the effect Provigil has on weight. Two small studies showed that Provigil reduced the amount of food patients consumed while taking it. As of March 2024, the FDA has received 168 reports of weight loss in patients taking Provigil. However, these reports are not always complete and it is not clear if the weight loss is due to Provigil or another reason.
Provigil is not FDA approved to treat weight loss. It’s used to treat adults with excessive sleepiness due to narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, or shift work disorder.
If you are experiencing a loss of appetite or weight loss while taking Provigil, consult with your healthcare provider. They can help determine if the medication is the cause and recommend alternative treatment options if necessary.
References
FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) Public Dashboard. Modafinil. Accessed 07/02/2024 at https://fis.fda.gov/sense/app/95239e26-e0be-42d9-a960-9a5f7f1c25ee
Makris, A. P., et. al. (2004). Wake-promoting agents with different mechanisms of action: comparison of effects of modafinil and amphetamine on food intake and cardiovascular activity. Appetite, Volume 42, Issue 2, Pages 185-195. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2003.11.003
Perezm G. A., et. al. (2018). Modafinil decreases food intake in humans subjected to simulated shift work. In: Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.pbb.2008.05.018
Provigil [package insert]. (Revised Dec 2022). Cephalon, LLC. Accessed 07/01/2024 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=e16c26ad-7bc2-d155-3a5d-da83ad6492c8
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