A 9-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, dose-finding study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of modafinil as treatment for adults with ADHD

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of modafinil at a range of doses, versus placebo, in alleviating symptoms of ADHD in adults.

Method: Adult patients with ADHD were randomized in 1:1:1:1:1 fashion to double-blind treatment with modafinil 255, 340, 425, or 510 mg daily or placebo for 9 weeks. The primary efficacy outcome was the change from baseline at final visit in the Adult ADHD Investigator Symptom Rating Scale (AISRS) total score.

Results: A total of 338 patients were enrolled, of whom 330 received at least 1 dose of study medication (modafinil or placebo). No statistically significant difference in the AISRS total score was observed at final visit between any modafinil group and placebo; however, some observations among patients who completed the trial may warrant further investigation.

Conclusion: Modafinil was reasonably tolerated but did not demonstrate a benefit on ADHD symptoms in adults.

Keywords: ADHD; adults; efficacy; modafinil.