Modafinil Guide

Complete guide of Modafinil

If you find yourself battling with excessive daytime drowsiness or sleepiness, then Modafinil is what you need!

Modafinil has brought about a revolution in the field of Nootropics because of its effectiveness.

This blog is for all those people who are interested in Modafinil but don’t appear to be fully informed about it.

What Is Modafinil?

Modafinil is a wakefulness-promoting agent that has several uses and benefits but is primarily indicated for the management of excessive daytime sleepiness. 

Modafinil Pharmacokinetics:

After administration, Modafinil is readily absorbed and metabolized in the liver, and its metabolites (intermediate products that are produced during metabolism) are excreted in the urine. 

How Does Modafinil Work?

Modafinil increases the levels of neurotransmitters( chemical messengers), namely orexin, glutamate, norepinephrine, dopamine, histamine, and serotonin, by acting on the brain. The increase in these chemical messengers executes stimulant effects that improve wakefulness and alertness and enhance the overall functions of the brain.

Modafinil reduces the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is responsible for inducing sleep.

Modafinil Half-Life

The half-life of Modafinil ranges between 10-12 hours for most patients and can last for 15 hours in some [2]. Half-life is defined as the duration that is taken by a drug’s active substance to reduce by half. 

Modafinil Indication or Modafinil Uses 

Modafinil is approved by the FDA to treat excessive sleepiness associated with the following three conditions – 

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea, or OSA, is a chronic disorder that causes partial or complete collapse of the upper airways during sleep, resulting in breathing difficulties. 

OSA impacts 2%-4% of middle-aged individuals. 

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a long-term sleep disorder of sleep/wake regulation characterized by excessive sleepiness.  

In the United States, Narcolepsy affects approximately 1 in every 2,000 people. 

Shift Work Sleep Disorder

Shift work sleep disorder is a circadian rhythm sleep disorder that affects people who work in different shifts, impacting their normal sleep schedule. 

Modafinil is a well-tolerated and effective therapy in the management of Obstructive Sleep. Apnea, Narcolepsy, and Shift Work Sleep Disorder, as stated by a study, namely “Modafinil in the treatment of excessive sleepiness published in the year 2008 [3]. 

Modafinil off-label uses 

Two off-label (unapproved use of approved drugs) uses of Modafinil are as follows –

Modafinil for depression

Depression is a serious mood disorder that is characterized by low mood and loss of interest in activities, impacting the day-to-day life of a person. 

Modafinil appears to be an augmenter of antidepressants, especially in people with fatigue or residual tiredness, according to a review by M. A. Menza, KR Kaufman, and A. Castellanos, 2000 [4]. 

Modafinil for ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

ADHD is a common mental disorder that mostly affects children. It is characterized by trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behavior, or being overly active. 

Modafinil may have an advantage over current treatment and therapies for ADHD and could be a valuable treatment option for ADHD, says Danielle Turner in a 2006 study [5]. 

Benefits Of Modafinil 

• Modafinil is a well-tolerated nootropic with fewer side effects.
• The nootropic has a quick onset of action.
• Its addiction and dependence liability is very low to low.
• It works as a cognitive enhancer.
• Most health insurance plans cover the cost of this drug. 
• Modafinil is the most extensively studied.

Modafinil Dosage Guidelines:

The recommended or standard dosage of modafinil is 200 milligrams (mg). For Narcolepsy and Obstructive Sleep Apnea, a dosage of 200 mg is usually taken in the morning. Whereas for Shift Work Sleep Disorder, the recommended dosage of this nootropic is 200 mg, which is taken half an hour or one hour before work or shift [6]. 

Modafinil Dosage For ADHD – 

The recommended dosage of Modafinil for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is 200 mg, ingested in the morning. 

Modafinil Dosage For Depression –

The dose of Modafinil for depression is 200 mg, which should be taken in a single dose in the morning. 

Modafinil overdose: 

In case of an overdose, visit your nearby hospital or talk to your healthcare provider immediately. Four signs and symptoms of overdose are –

• Fast or pounding heartbeat
• Trouble sleeping
• Agitation or excitement
• Increased blood pressure. 

How To Consume Or Administer The Nootropic?

• Do not use more than the directed dosage of Modafinil. 
• Take the nootropic with food ( light meals) or without meals orally with a full glass of water.
• Read and follow all the instructions that come with the medicine. 
• Breaking or crushing the medicine is not advisable.
• For maximum benefits, take Modafinil at the same time each day.

Modafinil Warning And Precautions – Things That One Should Remember:

Pregnant and lactating women

Modafinil should not be used in pregnant and lactating women without prior consultation with your doctor. 

Hepatic impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment should use Modafinil with caution. In such patients, the Modafinil dose should be reduced by one-half of the usual dosage recommended for the patients.

Renal impairment

Modafinil should be used carefully in patients with renal impairment. However, there is no recommendation for renal dosing exist.  

Pediatric Use

The use of Modafinil has not been studied for its use in children. Therefore, keep the nootropic away from kids or children. 

Geriatric use

With age, the metabolic rate of a person reduces; therefore, in elderly people, Modafinil and metabolite elimination are reduced; therefore, lower doses of this drug should be given to patients of this population [7].

Modafinil Side Effects – What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Modafinil?

Six common side effects of Modafinil are – 

• Headache
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Upset stomach
• Nervousness
• Trouble sleeping 

Eleven less common side effects of Modafinil are –

• Skin rash,
• Breathing problems
• Anxiety
• Chest pain,
• Fast, irregular heartbeat
• Hallucinations
• Increased blood pressure
• Fever
• Suicidal thoughts
• Tremors
• Vomiting 
  

Modafinil Long-Term Effects 

The use of Modafinil in the long term can cause physical and psychological dependence on the nootropic.

Modafinil Interactions – Things That Should Not Be Combined Or Coadministered With Modafinil

Modafinil And Alcohol

Alcohol reduces glutamate production and increases the levels of GABA(Gama-aminobutyric acid), whereas Modafinil reduces the production of GABA and increases the levels of glutamate. 

Therefore, combining Modafinil and alcohol can be a tug-of-war between opposing neurotransmitters. While one helps stimulate brain activity in one direction, alcohol reduces brain activity in the opposite direction. 

Some of the consequences of combining alcohol and Modafinil are blackouts, dehydration, alcohol tolerance, dizziness, and drowsiness [8]. 

Modafinil And Birth Control

Modafinil can interact with certain contraceptives, reduce their effectiveness, and may impact fetal development. 

If you’re taking Modafinil, it is important to discuss birth control with your doctor. 

Modafinil Drug Interactions

Do not take Modafinil with any of the following medications – 

• Procarbazine
• Amphetamine or dextroamphetamine
• Dexmethylphenidate or methylphenidate
• MAO inhibitors
• Pemoline
• Procarbazine
• Antifungal medicines
• Barbiturates
• Carbamazepine
• Cyclosporine
• Diazepam
• Phenytoin
• Warfarin
• Triazolam

This list does not describe all the possible interactions. Tell or inform your healthcare provider of a list of all the herbs, supplements, and medicines you use [9]. 

Conclusion 

Modafinil is a highly recommended medicine that possesses numerous uses and benefits. Nowadays, this smart drug is the first choice for people who seek to treat their daytime sleepiness and improve their brain function. 

If you want the benefits of this nootropic and want to take this medicine safely, then consult your doctor today. One can easily buy Modafinil from Mymodalert online pharmacy with great deals and discounts.  We also offer genuine and affordable Modafinil brand drugs such as Modalert 200 mg and Modvigil 200 mg online. 

Mymodalert is a licensed online pharmacy that sells 100% genuine Modafinil tablets and its brand versions, such as Modvigil and Modalert.