What is the mechanism of action for modafinil?

The mechanism of action for modafinil primarily involves the inhibition of dopamine reuptake. Modafinil increases the availability of dopamine in the synaptic cleft by blocking the dopamine transporter, which leads to enhanced dopaminergic signaling. This is significant because the increase in dopamine levels is associated with alertness, wakefulness, and cognitive enhancement, which are some of the therapeutic effects of modafinil.

Modafinil is often used to treat sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder due to its ability to promote wakefulness without the stimulating effects typically seen with classical stimulants. Understanding this mechanism is crucial as it differentiates modafinil from other medications and helps inform its potential uses and side effects in clinical practice.