Which medication is used to treat obstructive sleep apnea?

• A. Methylphenidate
• B. Sumatriptan
• C. Modafinil
• D. Amphetamine

Answer: (C)

Daytime sleepiness is a common issue in obstructive sleep apnea, and beyond the primary therapy of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), a wakefulness-promoting medication can help improve alertness during the day. Modafinil fits this role by promoting wakefulness and reducing daytime drowsiness in people with OSA. It’s typically used alongside CPAP or when residual sleepiness persists despite CPAP treatment, helping patients stay awake and function better during the day. Its profile—effective wakefulness promotion with a lower abuse potential compared to traditional stimulants—makes it a preferred choice for managing this symptom. The other drugs listed don’t address daytime sleepiness in OSA: methylphenidate and amphetamine are stimulants with higher abuse risk and are not standard treatments for OSA-related sleepiness, and sumatriptan is used for acute migraine, not sleep regulation.