What is Modafinil?
Modafinil is a drug that belongs to a class of drugs called “nootropics”( it is a specific category of drugs that prevents excessive somnolence such as narcolepsy by targeting sleep mechanisms in the brain). It is also called “eugeroic” as it promotes alertness and wakefulness and prevents you from feeling tired. It was discovered in mid-1970 in France and introduced as a pharmacological drug in 1994.
It was introduced to treat sleep-related problems like narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder. It is also used by people who do very demanding jobs and they have to stay awake for a longer period. It is sold under many brand names like Modactive, Modafresh, Vilafinil, Modalert etc.
Narcolepsy is a condition in which you experience severe sleep attacks during the daytime or you fall asleep in inappropriate situations because you lose control. Similarly, in shift work sleep disorder people who do night shifts or rotating shifts feel sleepy during working hours and are unable to sleep during sleeping hours. Modafinil pills help in such conditions.
It is the most widely used smart drug as its benefits range beyond its primary functions. Some off-label uses of Modafinil are as follows: enhance mental alertness, wakefulness, boost your energy level and improve your memory and cognitive functioning of your brain, etc. Modafinil enhances your concentration and alertness during working hours. It improves your focus and also spikes up alertness. Such benefits of this drug make it an ideal drug for people who have a hard time concentrating on tasks. It is also very helpful for students as it helps them in staying up during exams or submissions. It also helps to cope up with fatigue and make you active. Moreover, this drug is very cost-effective and also easily accessible.
Modafinil is also known as:
- Stimulant drug
- Wakefulness Promoting Agent
- Cognitive enhancer
- Brain booster
- Psychoanaleptic drug
- Alertness Drug
- Psychostimulant
- Smart drug
- Study drug
How do Modafinil works?
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Psychoanaleptics, centrally acting sympathomimetics
ATC-code: N06BA07
Despite extensive research and studies, the exact mechanism of action of Modafinil is still not known. The drug crosses the blood-brain barrier and reaches the CNS.
It increases the concentration of dopamine in the brain and enhances your motivation and mental focus. It also enhances the level of serotonin and histamine, which helps control mood and also the sleep-wake cycle.
Who should use Modafinil?
Modafinil is prescribed to people who are suffering from narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder. But people who want to enhance their Cognitive abilities, Memory, Focus, Concentration, Stamina, Productivity, and Problem-solving skills can also take Modafinil.
When you take modafinil you will experience:
- The enhanced focus for more than 12 hours
- Improved cognition power of brain
- Better memory retention
- Enhanced productivity
- Inability to get tired for hours
Therefore this drug is highly popular among students, high achievers, entrepreneurs, CEOs, etc.
What do you need to know before taking Modafinil Tablet?
Do not take Modafinil tablet:
- If you are allergic to modafinil or any other excipient used in the formulation
- If you have hypertension i.e., high blood pressure
- If you are experiencing irregular heartbeats
Warnings are precautions
You must consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking the Modafinil tablet:
- If you have cardiac issues or suffering from high blood pressure as in this case regular screening of heart performance and check on blood pressure would be required
- If you have severe renal or hepatic issues as dose adjustment is required in this case
- If you ever suffered from depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder, etc as this medicine exaggerate the situation or reoccurrence of the disease happen
- If you have a history of drug abuse or alcoholism
- Modafinil decreases the activity of hormonal contraceptives therefore, you should choose some other contraceptives while using Modafinil
You must immediately contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience suicidal thoughts, aggressive behavior or depression, upon using this medicine.
If you use this medicine for a longer duration of time then you may develop dependency.
Children and adolescents
Modafinil tablet is not meant for children less than 18 years of age.
Other medicines and Modafinil tablet
Do not take Modafinil tablet with omeprazole, antiviral medicines that are used to treat HIV infection, ciclosporins, antiepileptic medicines, anti-depressants, anxiolytics, blood thinners (eg; Warfarin), hormonal contraceptives, antifungal medications, calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, or statins.
Modafinil and food interaction
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking Modafinil. It can be taken with or without food.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
It is suspected that Modafinil can cause congenital malformations when administered during pregnancy. Therefore it must not be used during pregnancy.
It should also be not used during breastfeeding as it is excreted in breast milk.
Effect on the ability to drive or operate machines
It is reported that the use of the Modafinil tablet can cause blurred vision or dizziness. If you feel dizziness or blurred vision or you still feel sleepy after taking the Modafinil tablet, then do not drive or operate machinery.
How to take Modafinil (Modafinil) tablet?
Always take this medicine exactly the way your doctor or pharmacist has told you.
Administration:
Take this medicine orally with a glass of water.
Dosage:
The recommended adult dose is 200mg a day. This can be taken as a single dose of 200mg or the dose can be split into two doses, 100mg in the morning and 100mg in the evening.
The recommended maximum dose of Modafinil is 400mg per day.
The recommended daily dose for elderly patients (>65 years of age) and patients with kidney or liver problems is 100mg or as advised by your doctor or pharmacist.
You can take this medicine with or without food as food does not affect the bioavailability of modafinil. However, the absorption of the drug may be delayed for about an hour if taken with food.
What if you take more Modafinil tablets than you should?
If you take more Modafinil tablets than you are prescribed by your doctor, you will experience side effects associated with modafinil that are sporadic, difficulty to fall asleep, hallucinations, restlessness, ataxia, diarrhoea, anxious or excited behaviour, etc. You must immediately contact your doctor or visit the nearby hospital if you take an overdose of Modafinil.
What if you missed a dose of Modafinil tablet?
If you forget to take your dose of Modafinil (Modafinil) tablet, take it as soon as you remind it, or can take the next dose at its right time. But do not take a double dose to make up for your missed dose.
Side effects associated with the use of Modafinil tablet
Modafinil is considered a safe drug to use. However, hypersensitivity to the drug or misuse of the drug can cause some side effects. Such effects are usually after-effects of CNS stimulation, e.g. anxiety, insomnia, nervousness, trembling, euphoric feeling. Some other side effects are vomiting, headaches, nausea, abdominal pain, taste alteration, dry mouth, etc. If you experience hallucinations, aggression, or suicidal thoughts you must immediately stop using the medication and consult your doctor or pharmacist.
How to prevent side effects of Modafinil?
It is reported that people who were using choline do not experience side effects associated with modafinil. Keep yourself hydrated while using modafinil, which helps to combat headaches, dry mouth, and dry throat. Its off-label use should not be on daily basis but it should be used 1 to 2 times a week to reduce the side effects and dependence on the drug.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorization of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.
How to use Modafinil effectively?
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Use the perfect dose
The ideal dose of modafinil is 100-200 mg per day. If you are new to the drug then you should take the minimum dose of 100 mg and you can eventually go to 200 mg when you feel 100 mg is not working best for you.
Some people do microdosing of modafinil as they take only 100 mg of modafinil. But some people need 200 mg to get the desired results. Every human is different and so is their body so take the appropriate dose of modafinil as per your need.
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Split the dose
It is found that the best way to take modafinil is to split the dose throughout the day. As take 50-100mg at the start of the day (at breakfast) and the same can be taken at lunch and so on, only if you feel the need. Dose splitting makes the effects of modafinil more stable and predictable.
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Plan the things rightly
The elimination half-life of modafinil is almost 15 hours therefore its effects last longer (up to 15 hours). So, if you take one tablet of modafinil at the start of the day you can perform well throughout the day. It is better to take modafinil early in the morning or one hour before your performance.
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Modafinil and sleep
If you take modafinil keep in mind that it can affect your normal sleep pattern. If you want to take modafinil to try to take early like 7.00 am so that you can sleep well during the night. Some people can sleep well after several hours of taking modafinil but some found it difficult as it is a wakefulness-promoting agent. However, It also depends upon modafinil tolerance, the dosage, and also your sleep pattern.
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Don’t forget to eat
Modafinil is a hunger suppressant so it is important to eat during the day after taking modafinil. You have to stick to your normal eating pattern even if you don’t feel hungry. Eating properly throughout the day after taking modafinil help to reduce side effects such as headache and nausea.
People who do not eat well after taking modafinil usually complain of stomach issues and nausea.
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Stay hydrated
People after taking modafinil become so focused that they forget to drink and eat. Their mouth gets dry by the day and then they realize how dehydrated they have become and eventually they get uncomfortable and feel headaches. Keep a gallon of water along your side and drink water after every 30-60 minutes. Pedialyte is a great source of hydration so try to take it with your final meal of the day.
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Tolerance
People who take modafinil on daily basis develop tolerance with time. Modafinil is a non-addictive medication but you can develop tolerance with time if you use this every single day for the sake to enhance your cognitive functioning, for extended periods. It is recommended to take modafinil 1-3 days per week.
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Don’t hit the gym
If you are taking modafinil you must not go to the gym to work out. Modafinil won’t allow your muscle to get feel tired and also improve your focus, therefore there are chances you might get a muscle injury if you do the gym after taking modafinil. In a study, it is found that acute ingestion of modafinil prolonged exercise time to exhaustion.
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Avoid alcohol
Modafinil is an ideal drug to stay productive even after a hangover but it is not recommended to take modafinil while you are drunk as both alcohol and modafinil put extra stress on the liver as the liver metabolizes both alcohol and modafinil.
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Combining coffee with modafinil
Coffee is a powerful performance enhancer and so is modafinil and if they both are used together the effect is synergistic. It is found that caffeine pairs exceptionally well with smart drugs such as modafinil.
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Don’t mix smart drugs
Mixing modafinil with coffee is a smart choice but mixing modafinil with other smart drugs can be harmful.
Further information
Always follow all directions on your prescription label. Read the patient information leaflet, medication guide, or instruction sheet provided to you by your doctor. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Always remember to keep such medications and all other medications out of the reach of children.
Reference Links:
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/4319/smpc#PHARMACODYNAMIC_PROPS
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.4319.pdf
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-017-4614-9
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0924977X15002497
https://www.fda.gov/media/79539/download
https://www.nature.com/articles/npp201083
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15179180/
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Using modafinil for studying might be a way for some students with mental health issues to try and catch up if they have an unproductive period stemming from a mental illness.
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It’s a prescription drug that’s commonly used to treat narcolepsy and a range of other issues including sleep disorders, and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. It’s also used, off prescription, as a ‘cognitive enhancer’.
Modafinil has been marketed online as a ‘smart drug’ that keeps you alert and focused for long periods of time with little to no side effects. However, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is warning consumers that off-label use of these so-called smart drugs is not a wise choice.
“Provigil (Modafinil) was an absolute miracle for me to help me control my Multiple Sclerosis related fatigue. I have taken it for nearly 14 years with no side effects whatsoever (200mg two times a day). I liked that it never made me feel edgy, jumpy or nervous and I especially liked that I could still sleep with a 200mg dose on board as well so it didn’t absolutely control my sleep patterns. Helpful. Effective. Cost prohibitive if unable to get insurance coverage for it. I have only recently stopped taking Modafinil due to my insurance (which I have the same company for the last 10 years) company not covering Modafinil for off-label uses (crazily, MS Fatigue being one of them?). So far, I am not at ALL impressed by any of the “substitutes”.”
“A life-changer. I have treatment resistant depression and have been making the circuit of meds all my life. My depression is characterized by fatigue and lack of motivation. If I had found modafinil when I was younger, my life would have been completely different. But I am grateful I found it now. it’s exactly what I’ve needed.”
“I’ve been using Modafinil for a while now, mostly in periods where I have a lot of work to do and can’t afford enough sleep, having a young son additionally. I’ve experienced noticeable less fatigue and better concentration, but also somehow it seems to making social interactions less stressful (I must say I’m not having any kind of social anxiety, just being maybe a shy person). Absolutely no side effects noticed, it starts working after 2 to 3 hours and lasting for about 8 to 12 for 200mg dose.”
“Modafinil is one of the best prescription drugs I have ever taken and I have tried everything. If it was not for this medication I could not even get up in the morning and do anything. This is the only one that works. No bad side effects at all only problem insurance won’t pay for this so I somehow try too come up with the money too pay for this. This is something too try if nothing else’s works. Also I have taken all ADD and depression meds I have even tried some of the new medication this is one of the Best.”
I have read this smart drug and I have taken this pill to increase my cognitive performance. I felt really good. Thank you…
“I am 42 years old and have suffered panic disorder since I was 17 years old. Have racing thoughts, mind won’t slow down enough to accomplish a task. Since taking Provigil I have moved forward and been able to complete and follow through on projects and not get frustrated and anxious. Have had no side effects, nor have I experienced a come off effect. I’m stable as she goes all day long. It has not effected my sleep either.”
“I have just started taking Modafinil for a few days now. For the last few years I have been taking medicines to calm me down and ease my stress levels. I felt like I was a walking zombie most of the time when I was awake, but most of the time I just slept. I can’t believe how amazing this medicine is, the cloudiness is gone I feel like Rip Van Winkle when he finally woke up. Wow!”
“I had to work part time because I was so tired. Eventually I had to stop altogether. Now I buy modafinil and my life has changed . I am a cab driver able to do airport runs thinking clearly and never tired. I don’t take it every day just 200mg or half a tab before driving. I can do all my paperwork now and am enjoying life.”
“Very effective. Eliminates the anxiety associated with ADHD. Able to process and function. None of the jittery side effects that I had with Adderall, Straterra or Concerta. It was the smoothest thing I ever took. The only two knocks is that the medicine is off labeled and will not be covered by my insurance. Out of pocket can be $3-$400 a month? I can’t cover that, so my joy will be short lived. ”
“Modafinil is one of the best prescription drugs I have ever taken and I have tried everything. If it was not for this medication I could not even get up in the morning and do anything. This is the only one that works. No bad side effects at all only problem insurance won’t pay for this so I somehow try too come up with the money too pay for this. This is something too try if nothing else’s works. Also I have taken all ADD and depression meds I have even tried some of the new medication this is one of the Best.”
“I have taken antidepressants many years. They helped but it was always my lack of motivation that was a problem. My Dr added Modafinil. It works for me almost every day. It is not like taking a stimulant. It makes me feel like myself.!!”
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“I have used modafinil for more than 5 years for MS fatigue. It allows me to lead a normal life. Before I started using it I said I would be happy to just sleep for the rest of my life. My insurance paid for it at first, but then stopped. I purchase it by prescription through Modapills LTD. ”
I have been taking modafinil, also known as Provigil, for greater than 10 years for the fatifue that is part of multiple sclerosis. It helps me get through each day. It is restricted by my insurer (Medicare Part D thru Humana) and they make itas difficult as possible to fill the script. They are requiring my neurologist to file a prior authorization which is the insurer’s way of hoping you will give up. However, persist! Threaten a Uniform Insurers Practices Action suit against them. Usually, that will put you through to a person with some authority.
“Wow is all I can say. I asked my doctor about Modafinil for my excessive daytime sleepiness and hypersomnia. She mentioned it also might be helpful for my ADHD. I am also prescribed Adzenys (amphetamine) which is great for the cognitive and emotional dysregulation aspects of ADHD, but Modafinil handles other symptoms: overwhelmed mood that results in low energy, anxiety around task initiation, and of course excessive daytime sleepiness. This should be approved for ADHD. And no crash when it wears off!”
“I was feeling extremely tired and unmotivated after a short time since beginning night shift (emergency worker) duty. My doctor prescribed modafinil. I had never even heard of it before. This is what I need. I am wide awake when I need to be, either day or night and I can still catch a cat nap on duty, and I don’t have trouble sleeping in the daytime anymore. I know many people on modafinil in emergency services. Almost all of us work nights or rotating shifts. I can’t say I have heard of any ill side effects other than dehydration and headache. Drank more water and it all went away.”
i took Modafinil for my excessive tiredness. after taking it i got rid off my tiredness,became more alert, less forgetful. i am using it for one and half months without apparently any side effect,feeling fine, i only worried about its long time effect. suuestion most welcomed
Hello Readers! I am so glad I am taking Modafinil! Before this, I would find myself dosing off at the office after lunch time. Then I discovered people talking about Modafinil and its benefits. I found so many positive responses about this drug and so I tried it. At first, I started with 100 mg and found it to be a bit strong for me. I had tight jaws, could not sleep right and the sensation of being on stimulants. I reduced the dosage down to 50 mg and it seems to be working great with no side effects. I have been using this for a little over 6 months now and I am so glad I found this.