Published January 19, 2017 NEUROLOGY Narcolepsy Drug Could Curb Food Addiction By Staff US Pharm. 2017;42(1):12. Coventry, England—Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered that modafinil, which is used to treat narcolepsy and other sleep disorders, could also reduce the impulse for food in overweight persons. Physical addiction to foods high in sugar and fat can be a contributor to obesity. Impulsive behavior is a factor in food addiction, and because modafinil can also reduce impulsivity, researchers believe it may reduce the impulse for food. In a series of trials in 60 healthy men aged 19 to 32 years, subjects who took modafinil had a significantly lower level of impulsivity compared with those who took placebo or atomoxetine, another drug used for impulse disorders. Researchers theorize that modafinil could be even more effective for food addiction. To comment on this article, contact rdavidson@uspharmacist.com.