Modafinil, a wakefulness-promoting agent, is increasingly used for managing conditions like narcolepsy and shift work sleep disorder, and also off-label for cognitive enhancement. The primary concern regarding detectability stems from whether standard drug screening panels include assays for this particular substance.
The inclusion of specific substances in drug tests is driven by factors such as prevalence of abuse, regulatory requirements, and the setting in which the test is administered (e.g., workplace, sports, military). Historically, standard drug tests have focused on commonly abused substances like opioids, amphetamines, and benzodiazepines. The rise in modafinil use, coupled with increased scrutiny regarding cognitive enhancers, prompts consideration of its detectability.