Modafinil film-coated tablets in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, fixed-dose study followed by abrupt discontinuation.

Objective: The objective of this fixed-dose study was to determine the efficacy and safety of a new formulation of modafinil (modafinil film-coated tablets) in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In addition, the effect of abrupt discontinuation of modafinil was evaluated in a 2-week observation period.

Method: Patients aged 6 to 17 years with DSM-IV-TR-defined ADHD were randomly assigned to 7 weeks of double-blind treatment with modafinil or placebo in a 2:1 ratio, followed by abrupt discontinuation of modafinil and a 2-week, double-blind observation period in which 46% of patients receiving modafinil were switched to placebo without tapering and half continued to receive modafinil.