Drug could help late-shift fatigue
Patient Safety Monitor Alert
August 12, 2005
A new drug may help relieve the fatigue caused by working late shifts and off-hours, according to a study funded by the pharmaceutical company that makes the medication. The study followed patients from 28 medical centers and found a 25 reduction in the number of commuting accidents in patients who used the medication, according to Reuters.The drug, Cephanlon's modafinil (sold as Provigil), is aimed at reducing the effects of shift-work sleep disorder, which causes fatigue in workers in graveyard shifts and other off-hour activities. The medication does not completely eliminate sleepiness, but does help, according to the study.
The short-term study did produce some side effects, like insomnia and headaches.
To read the complete article, click here.
