Armodafinil may decrease excessive sleepiness associated with jet lag disorder

January 01, 0001

Armodafinil may decrease excessive sleepiness associated with jet lag disorder

The aim of this study by researchers from the US was to assess the effect of armodafinil, the longer-lasting isomer of modafinil, on jet lag disorder. It consisted of a double- blind, randomized, parallel-group, multicenter study was conducted between September 18, 2008, and February 9, 2009. Adults with a history of jet lag symptoms on previous flights through multiple time zones flew from the United States to France (a 6-hour time zone change) for a 3-day laboratory- based study period. Participants received armodafinil (50 or 150 mg/d) or placebo each morning. A total of 427 participants received armodafinil at 50 mg/d (n=142), armodafinil at 150 mg/d (n=143), or placebo (n=142).

Armodafinil at 150 mg/d provided a significant benefit in sleep latency on the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) (days 1- 2: mean, 11.7 minutes vs 4.8 minutes for placebo; significant) and participants' perception of their overall condition in relation to jet lag symptoms (Patient Global Impression of Severity, days 1-2: mean, 1.6 vs 1.9 for placebo; significant). The most frequently reported adverse events for armodafinil at 150 mg/d were headache (27%), nausea (13%), diarrhea (5%), circadian rhythm sleep disorder (5%), and palpitations (5%).

The researchers concluded: "Armodafinil increased wakefulness after eastward travel through 6 time zones."

It would be interesting to see the effect on westbound travel and longer journies.

For the full abstract, click here.

Mayo Clinic Proceedings 85(7):630-638, July 2010 © 2010 by Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
A Phase 3, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo- Controlled Study of Armodafinil for Excessive Sleepiness Associated With Jet Lag Disorder. Russell P. Rosenberg, Richard K. Bogan, Jane M. Tiller et al. Correspondence to Russell Rosenberg: [email protected]

Category: A. General/Unspecified. Keywords: armodafinil, sleepiness, jetlag disorder, double-blind randomized parallel-group multicenter study, journal watch.
Synopsis edited by Dr Stephen Wilkinson, Melbourne, Australia. Posted on Global Family Doctor 12 October 2010

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