Modafinil vs Armodafinil

People suffering from excessive daytime sleepiness often need medicines to prevent them from falling asleep at odd hours. This blog compares two of the most popular wakefulness-promoting agents, Modafinil and Armodafinil, to determine which is the better option for you.

Modafinil Vs. Armodafinil – An Overview Of The Nootropics

Modafinil and Armodafinil are central nervous system stimulants that help treat excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder. Armodafinil is the R-enantiomer of the racemic Modafinil, which means they have a slightly different structure arrangement but the same chemical structure.  

Working Mechanisms Of Modafinil And Armodafinil

The effects of Modafinil and Armodafinil are mediated through various chemical messengers or neurotransmitters. They increase the levels of dopamine, serotonin, orexin, histamine, and glutamate, all of which cause increased alertness. In contrast, they decrease the levels of GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric acid), which causes excessive sleepiness.

Armodafinil Vs. Modafinil – Similarities  

The similarities between armodafinil and modafinil are given below:
 

How Long Do the Nootropics Take To Kick In?

The nootropics take about 30 to 60 minutes to kick in 

What Class Of Drugs Are Modafinil And Armodafinil?

Modafinil and Armodafinil are stimulant-like drugs with a eugeroic property that promotes wakefulness.

What Are Modafinil And Armodafinil Used For?  

Armodafinil and Modafinil are prescribed to improve excessive daytime sleepiness associated with sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder.
They are also effective in treating the symptoms of

• Depression.
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
• Cancer and multiple sclerosis-related fatigue.

Drug Interactions

Medications known to interact with Modafinil and Armodafinil are cyclosporine, diazepam, phenytoin, omeprazole, ethinyl estradiol, and norethindrone.

Side Effects of Modafinil And Armodafinil
 

Common side effects of Modafinil and Armodafinil include nausea, headache, insomnia, diarrhea, dizziness, back pain, nasal congestion, dry mouth, indigestion, nervousness, anxiety, and decreased appetite.

The long-term use of the nootropics is considered safe if administered correctly. However, improper use of these nootropics for a long time can result in unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, fatigue, insomnia, and irritable mood, and can cause physical and psychological dependence.

What Form Do The Nootropics Come In?
 

Both the nootropics(Modafinil and Armodafinil) are oral medications that must be swallowed with a glass of water.

Drug Classification

Both Modafinil and Armodafinil, along with their brand drugs, are classified as Schedule IV prescription medications. They indicate a low potency for abuse and drug dependency.

Differences Between Modafinil And Armodafinil

Chemical Structure  

Modafinil is the racemic mixture of R-(-)-Modafinil and S-(+)- Modafinil, which are known as enantiomers. Meaning they have the same 3D structure and the same number of atoms, but in the third dimension, they are mirror images of one another.
In simpler terms – your hands are enantiomers of each other. Even though both hands are identical to one another, one cannot have the same hand if you try to place the right hand on top of the left hand.
Armodafinil consists purely of Modafinil’s R-enantiomer, whereas Modafinil consists of both enantiomers. That is why Armodafinil is called the enantiopure compound of Modafinil.

How Long Do Modafinil And Armodafinil Last?

Modafinil lasts for 12-15 hours in most individuals, whereas Armodafinil stays in the system for 15 hours [1].
 

Three basic factors that influence how long Armodafinil and Modafinil stay in the system are given below:

• Liver problem,
• Age
• Dosage. 

The Half-Life Of Armodafinil And Modafinil

According to a 2010 study by M. Darwish et al. [2], armodafinil has a longer half-life than modafinil, and it gives a longer-lasting effect and better wakefulness throughout the day.
The half-life of Modafinil is 10-12 hours, whereas the half-life of Armodafinil is 12-15 hours.
 

Armodafinil And Modafinil Brand Names

The brand names of Armodafinil are Waklert and Artvigil, while the brand names of Modafinil are Modvigil and Modalert.

Armodafinil And Modafinil Dosage

The standard recommended dosage of Modafinil is 200 mg, whereas the standard dosage of Armodafinil is 150 mg [3]. The dosages of both the nootropics vary from patient to patient.
 

Armodafinil and Modafinil – Cost Comparison

The cost of Armodafinil at Mymodalert online pharmacy is $1 per pill, whereas the price of Modafinil is $1.25 per pill. 

Precautions And Warnings During Modafinil And Armodafinil Use  

These drugs should not be used if –

• Do not use the drug if you are allergic to any ingredient present in Modafinil or Armodafinil.
• The patient has a history of developing a rash after taking the nootropics.
• The patient had heart problems or heart disease.

Before taking these wakefulness-promoting agents, people should have prior consultation from a doctor if they are –

• Breastfeeding, pregnancy, or taking contraceptives.
• Taking any herbal medicines or vitamin supplements or taking any prescription or non-prescription medicines.
• Allergic to certain foods, medicines, or other substances.
• Having kidney, heart, liver, or high blood pressure problems.
• Having a history of mental illness such as mania, depression, anxiety, psychosis, suicidal actions or thoughts, or substance abuse such as alcohol.

Modafinil Or Armodafinil – Our Final Thoughts

There are a few distinctions between Modafinil and Armodafinil, although both work in a similar manner and produce similar effects. They are both classified as effective medications when it comes to treating different sleep disorders.
Armodafinil is a newer medicine than Modafinil, and in a study, it was stated that Armodafinil is 1.33 times more potent than the racemic Modafinil published in the year 2011 [5].
Below is a glimpse of the pros and cons of Armodafinil and Modafinil that will help you choose the right nootropic for you.

Pros of Modafinil And Armodafinil

• Both generics have a faster onset of action.
• Armodafinil has longer-lasting effects than Modafinil.
• Modafinil is cheaper as compared to Armodafinil.
• Both the nootropics have less potential for abuse.

Cons of Modafinil And Armodafinil

• They interact with other medicines .
• The nootropics are not a good choice for people with heart disease as it increases blood pressure.
• They are not proven to be effective in children.
• People having a mental health history should take the nootropics with proper caution.

Therefore, according to our findings, Armodafinil emerges as a better option for people who are looking for longer hours of effectiveness, whereas modafinil is suitable for people on a budget.