Sleep disorders are a growing global issue. Australia spends $5.1 billion a year on healthcare and indirect costs dealing with issues related to sleep disorders.
Another $31.4 billion a year is used to deal with a reduction in life quality caused by sleep disorders.
One way of dealing with these conditions is to use substances that alter catecholamines in the brain.
Wakefullness-promoting agents, also known as eugeroics, are a standard pharmaceutical treatment for sleep disorders. Modafinil, first discovered in France in the 1970s, is a popular drug in this category. In Australia, modafinil has found greater use as a cognitive agent among students.
In Australia, modafinil is a prescription-only drug that is available online and in pharmacies.
One site that specializes in the topic of modafinil in Australia is this one here.
They have a ton of articles that cover various topics.
The practices and procedures regarding the purchase and use of prescription medication vary from country to country.
Here’s a breakdown of Australia’s laws with regard to buying modafinil.
Table of Contents
- What Is Modafinil?
- What Does Modafinil Do To Your Brain
- What is Modafinil Used For?
- Other Uses of Modafinil
- Does Modafinil Have Side Effects?
- What Is The Difference Between Generic and Brand Modafinil?
- How Does Australia Classify Different Types of Drugs?
- Where Can You Buy Modafinil In Australia?
- What You Need To Know About Ordering Modafinil Online
- Conclusion
- References
What Is Modafinil?
2-[(diphenylmethyl) sulfinyl] acetamide better known as modafinil is a psychoactive drug. There are four main types of psychoactive substances: tranquilizers, depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens. Modafinil is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that enhances wakefulness by improving nocturnal sleep quality.
The drug is usually administered once daily in the morning, and therapeutic doses range between 200mg and 400 mg. Patients who experience excessive sleepiness in the late afternoon/evening often split their doses.
Adderall, Ritalin, synthetic Marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, ecstasy, and caffeine are examples of other stimulants. Modafinil, however, unlike traditional stimulants, does not overly excite the body’s nervous system. Instead, this psychoactive drug has wake-promoting properties.
What Does Modafinil Do To Your Brain
Modafinil, like other stimulants, affects different natural chemicals called neurotransmitters. The human body has over forty neurotransmitters. Although the exact mechanism of action is unclear, studies show that modafinil indirectly modulates the following neurotransmitters.
- Catecholamines – These are hormones made in the body’s adrenal glands. Dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine are the predominant catecholamines in the brain. These hormones play an essential role in regulating multiple aspects of the central nervous system.
- Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT) – This is a chemical that contributes to wellbeing and happiness. Serotonin helps regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycles.
- Glutamate – This is a primary excitatory neurotransmitter that has a widespread influence on the sleep-wake regulatory system.
- Gamma amino-butyric acid (GABA) – This is an amino acid that has a natural calming effect on the brain.
- Orexin (hypocretin) – This is a neuropeptide that regulates wakefulness as well as arousal and appetite.
- Histamine – This is a compound that regulates physiological functions, including wakefulness.
What is Modafinil Used For?
In Australia, modafinil’s approved for the treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness as a result of the following sleep disorders.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
Obstructive sleep apnea OSA is a sleep disorder that causes breathing to stop and start repeatedly during sleep. This condition is a known cause of sudden death at night time. In Australia, reports indicate that around 9% of women and 25% of men have clinically significant OSA. In addition, 4% of men and women have symptomatic OSA.
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that disrupts the brain’s ability to control sleep-wake cycles. Excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hallucinations are the most typical symptoms of narcolepsy. About one person in every 2,000 in Australia has narcolepsy.
Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWD)
Shift work sleep disorder is a circadian rhythm sleep disorder. The condition is most common among individuals who work the night shift or rotating shifts that involve night work. Symptoms of this condition include excessive sleepiness, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, and lethargy, among others. The prevalence of SWD among Australian night workers was 32%.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex mental health disorder that affects attention, the ability to sit still, and self-control. ADHD affects one in twenty Australians, which is about 1.2 million people.
In Australia, modafinil may be considered as an alternative medication for adults with
ADHD who are not responding to other stimulants or Atomoxetine (ATX).
Other Uses of Modafinil
Many people use modafinil for other issues other than sleep disorders and ADHD.
Modafinil has been shown to enhance cognitive performance under conditions of sleep deprivation. The drug’s cognition enhancement properties and minimal side effects make it popular with college students and young professionals.
Evidence also indicates that modafinil may help in the treatment of the following conditions”
- Cocaine addiction
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
- Bipolar depression
- Nicotine addiction
- Schizophrenia
- Neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s Huntington’s disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Does Modafinil Have Side Effects?
Studies show that modafinil is well tolerated. Even when taken daily, it does not have particularly severe side effects. Also unlike other stimulants, modafinil has a low potential for abuse and dependency. Research indicates that this may have to do with the fact that modafinil has a different metabolic activation from other amphetamines.
People may experience unwanted side effects as their body adjusts to the medicine. Exceeding the drug’s recommended dose is also another reason why most people experience side effects. The most common side effects are anxiety, headache, nausea, nervousness. Less common side effects include back pain, decrease in appetite, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, indigestion, and vomiting.
Combining modafinil with other drugs or alcohol may result in an overdose. Symptoms of a modafinil overdose include agitation, excitement, fast or pounding heartbeat, increased blood pressure, and trouble sleeping. It is advisable to seek immediate medical help if you experience any of those symptoms.
What Is The Difference Between Generic and Brand Modafinil?
When it comes to buying modafinil, you have a choice between generic and brand name options. In Australia, Modavigil is a popular brand version of generic modafinil. Provigil, Modalert, and Alertec, among others, are other brand name versions.
Generic and brand medications contain the same active ingredient(s) and must do the same job. Also, generic drugs are legally required to maintain the same form (liquid, pill, capsule, injectable, topical), concentration, and dosage as the original medication. Generic and brand drugs typically have different inactive ingredients, such as preservatives or fillers. Due to trademark laws, color and size may also be different.
One significant benefit of using generic medication is cost. Generic drugs are cheaper than brand name drugs as manufacturers can produce them at a much lower cost. Also, because manufacturing costs are low, more companies provide these types of drugs, which means more competition. The competition also helps keeps the price down.
How Does Australia Classify Different Types of Drugs?
Modafinil has been legal to use in Australia since July 2002. The country uses a drug scheduling system to categorize medications. The system groups medicines according to where they can be sold and whether a prescription is needed for their purchase. The main goal of the system is to protect the health and wellbeing of the public.
In Australia, there are currently ten schedules. The schedules are produced by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). A list of these items is noted in The Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Drugs and Poisons (SUSMP).
Here’s a look at the current drug classifications in Australia.
Schedule 1 (S1)
Not currently showing any listing for medicines or other substances
Schedule 2 (S2) – Pharmacy Medicines
Schedule 2 (S2) refers to medicines that may require instruction or guidance from an authorized medical professional or pharmacist. You don’t need a medical exam or to be under the care of a doctor to buy this type of medicine.
Aspirin, Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, nasal sprays, are some of the items in this category.
Schedule 3 (S3) – Pharmacist Only Medicine (potent substances)
Schedule 3 (S3) refers to medicines that are available from a pharmacist without medical authorization. Medicines in this category are considered safe to use but require advice or counseling from a medical professional like a pharmacist.
Items in this category include Orlistat, Xenical, Pseudoephedrine, and Ventolin among others.
Schedule 4 (S4) – Prescription Only Medicine or Prescription Animal Remedy
Schedule 4 (S4) substances may also be known as “restricted substances” in some parts of Australia. These substances require a prescription and a medical professional needs to manage or monitor how the medications are used.
Along with modafinil, Amoxicillin, Cannabidiol, Tramadol, Benzodiazepines, SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, MAOIs, are also in this category of medicines.
Schedule 5 (S5) – Caution
Schedule 5 (S5) substances that are toxic if ingested or misused. For this reason, they must not be directly accessible to any customers wherever they are sold. In addition, Schedule 5 (S5) substances need to kept separately from food and drink.
Schedule 5 (S5) substances include turpentine oil, acetic acid, acetone, ammonia, boric acid, and methylated spirits, among others.
Schedule 6 (S6) – Poison
Schedule 6 (S6) are substances that have a moderate to a high level of toxicity. Death or severe harm may occur after accidental consumption or contact of any kind. Substances in this category include arsenic, aspirin (for veterinary use), barium salts, and formaldehyde, among others.
Schedule 7 (S7) – Dangerous Poison
Schedule 7 (S7) substances have a high to an extremely high level of toxicity. Exposure, even in low amounts may result in death or serious harm. Therefore, these require special safeguards for any sort of handling or consumption. The availability, possession, or of items in the category are also subject to special regulations and restrictions.
Cyanide, Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), Mirex, and Thallium, among others, are examples of substances in this category.
Schedule 8 (S8) – Controlled Drug (drugs of addiction)
Schedule 8 (S8) are substances that can cause an increased likelihood of abuse or dependence. For this reason, they are strictly regulated in terms of prescription, dispensation, and documentation. It is also illegal to own a Schedule 8 (S8) substance without the required authorization.
Substances in this category include Amphetamine, Barbiturates (most), Carfentanil, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Hydrocodone, Ketamine, Methamphetamine, Morphine, Opium, and Oxycodone, among others.
Schedule 9 (S9) – Prohibited Substance
Schedule 9 (S9) are items for experimentation and research use only. The purchase and utilization of any items with this labeling are strictly forbidden.
Benzylpiperazine, Cannabis, Heroin, Kratom, Coca leaf, LSD, and Psilocybin. Among others are examples of substances in this category.
Schedule 10 (S10) – Dangerous Substances
Schedule 10 (S10) are items that are extremely harmful to human health. These items are not allowed to be made available for purchase or use of substances of any kind. This category was previously referred to as “Appendix C.”
Substances that fall in this category include Borage, Juniperus sabina, and Oxyphenisatin for therapeutic use and Coal tar for cosmetic purposes.
Where Can You Buy Modafinil In Australia?
There are two ways to get modafinil in Australia. The first option is buying the medication from a pharmacy. The second option is purchasing the drug online. Here is what both options entail.
How to Purchase Modafinil From A Pharmacy
In Australia, customers have two options when they choose to purchase modafinil from a pharmacy. They can either walk into a physical location or use the pharmacy’s online option. Keep in mind that not all pharmacies offer an online service. Also, to use the online option, you have to first mail in proof of your prescription.
The pharmacy option is only available to people who have a prescription. This is because of modafinil’s labeling as a prescription-only drug. Another thing to keep in mind is that pharmacists only accept authorizations from doctors located in Australia.
How To Get A Prescription For Modafinil In Australia
The process of getting authorization to use modafinil from a doctor can take some time. First, you need to undergo a series of tests with a GP or other medical practitioner. Doctors use those examinations to assess whether you have any of the conditions modafinil is prescribed to treat.
To check for a sleep disorder, doctors use overnight sleep studies and. They may also conduct a variety of nap tests to check how quickly a person falls asleep during the day. An overall wellness check and a review of the patient’s medical history will also be conducted. These two activities are done to check for other causes of sleep disorder symptoms.
Some medical practitioners may also speak with or request proof of shift work when checking for shift work sleep disorder.
For patients with ADHD, doctors may conduct a series of interviews and also take a detailed of a person’s physical and mental health.
If you have an existing prescription for modafinil, you may be able to avoid getting all the tests. Typically this is done after speaking with the original prescribing medical practitioner. However, this depends on the doctor to choose to see as it is not a standard practice.
With a prescription in hand, purchasing modafinil using the pharmacy option can be easy and straightforward. For many, this is not a popular option as medications are often more expensive. Also, many locations have a limited variety of brand and generic medicines.
How To Purchase Modafinil Online
A more popular way to purchase modafinil in Australia is to use online pharmacies. These companies don’t ask for a prescription when buying modafinil as they are located in countries where the medicine is available over the counter.
Affordability is another benefit of buying modafinil online. Online pharmacies purchase drugs in bulk from different companies. A majority of those companies like Sun Pharmaceuticals, Intas and HAB are located in India where manufacturing cost for things like medications is not as high as in other countries.
Buying direct from these distributors allows online pharmacies to save money, which makes drugs more affordable. Online pharmacies also have a wider variety of generic and branded versions of modafinil.
What You Need To Know About Ordering Modafinil Online
In Australia, you can bring certain medicines into the country under a program run by The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). The importation program allows for the importation of Schedule 4 (S4) medications. However, not all prescription medicines qualify as the program has certain restrictions.
One of the restrictions has to do with a drug’s ingredients. Australia’s health department maintains a list of substances whose use is either controlled or prohibited. Any medicine that contains a substance that’s listed cannot be brought into the country. Modafinil does not contain any controlled or banned ingredients.
The importation program also limits the quantity of medicine you can bring in to the country at one time. You’re limited to a three months supply of the maximum dose recommended by the drug’s manufacturer. Additionally, medicine should only be for your use or a family member in your direct care.
Prescription medicines should also be transported in their original package and be accompanied by a prescription. Your package may be searched by border control agents. Items without authorization from a medical professional are held until one is provided. If a prescription is not provided in a timely manner, the border control agents will get rid of the package.
Conclusion
Modafinil falls under Schedule 4 (S4) prescription-only labeling in Australia. You can buy the medication online and in pharmacies. The online option is preferred due to budget-friendly drug prices.. Customers also get a wider variety of generic and brand drug options.
Ther’s a legal directive that allows people to bring into the country a three month supply for personal use or for a family member whose care you are responsible for. However, There’s a TGA requirement that states that all prescription drug orders include a prescription. Should border authorities randomly search packages coming into the country. If they find modafinil, they’ll request for a prescription if one is not located inside the package. The contents are destroyed if you cannot produce one.
References
- Chattu VK, Manzar MD, Kumary S, Burman D, Spence DW, Pandi-Perumal SR. The Global Problem of Insufficient Sleep and Its Serious Public Health Implications. Healthcare (Basel). 2018;7(1):1. Published 2018 Dec 20. doi:10.3390/healthcare7010001
- Young JW, Geyer MA. Action of modafinil–increased motivation via the dopamine transporter inhibition and D1 receptors?. Biol Psychiatry. 2010;67(8):784–787. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2009.12.015
- Greenblatt K, Adams N. Modafinil. [Updated 2019 Dec 16]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-.
- Kim D. Practical use and risk of modafinil, a novel waking drug. Environ Health Toxicol. 2012;27:e2012007. doi:10.5620/eht.2012.27.e2012007
- Minzenberg, M., Carter, C. Modafinil: A Review of Neurochemical Actions and Effects on Cognition. Neuropsychopharmacol 33, 1477–1502 (2008).