The prescription-only “smart drug” modafinil is a benzhydryl sulfinyl compound. The medication improves wakefulness in patients with excessive daytime sleepiness. The drug is prescribed to treat patients with narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea.
Modafinil, however, is not just for sleep disorders. Totally healthy people are using the drug to stay awake for an extended time and to increase their cognitive performance
In recent years, off-label use of modafinil has also increased. The drug is being used for conditions such as treatment-resistant depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia, and multiple sclerosis has also increased.
Buying Modafinil
You can buy Modafinil from a pharmacy or online. The number of online sellers has ballooned, thanks to the drug’s mushrooming popularity. Buying online is undoubtedly convenient. However, you need to make sure that the vendor is selling a quality product sold, and has a good reputation. Our research shows that ModafinilXL meets both criteria.
Our Modafinil XL review talks about this product at length and our overall experience with them.
People looking to purchase Modafinil in Australia should check out this page here.
And we also made this article for Canadians.
How Modafinil Works
Modafinil produces stimulant-like effects via the central nervous system (CNS). Those effects are similar to those that amphetamines produce. However, the drug does not fit the exact criteria for a stimulant. This is because it has different pharmacological properties. The drug’s neurochemical and behavioral effects also differ from traditional amphetamines.
Designed for oral use (tablets), Modafinil increases the levels of certain hormones and neurotransmitters in the brain. Namely, catecholamines, serotonin, glutamate, gamma amino-butyric acid, orexin, and histamine.
- Catecholamines – These are hormones made by your adrenal glands. The primary ones are dopamine, epinephrine (adrenaline), and norepinephrine. Modafinil is a catecholaminergic agent. The drug’s wake-promoting effects are dependent on these hormones whose levels it’s known to increase.
- Serotonin – This is a chemical and neurotransmitter produced by nerve cells. It is found mostly in the digestive system and is believed to help regulate wakefulness and memory, among other functions. Modafinil enhances the release of serotonin.
- Glutamate – This is an excitatory neurotransmitter that’s generally referred to as the brain’s energy chemical. Modafinil increases glutamate release in thalamic areas and hippocampus. This action effectively blocks GABA sleepiness signals, which keeps people awake and alert
- Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) – A naturally occurring amino acid that works as a neurotransmitter in your brain. It’s known as the brain’s primary sleep regulator. This chemical promotes calm and relaxation, enabling one to not only fall asleep but to also sleep soundly. Modafinil decreases GABA levels.
- Orexin – A neuropeptide, also known as hypocretin that regulates arousal, wakefulness, and appetite. Modafinil activates orexin neurons in the hypothalamus, which increases alertness.
- Histamine – A nitrogenous compound that regulates different physiological functions, including wakefulness. Modafinil stimulates the brain to release this hormone.
Common Side Effects of Modafinil
Modafinil is generally well tolerated. The drug is even preferred over some traditional stimulants. This is due to its higher levels of efficacy and low risk of addiction and abuse. However, due to the drug’s mechanism of action, some users may experience some side effects.
Listed below are some of the drug’s common side effects and different ways you can avoid experiencing them.
Headaches
One of the most common side effects of taking Modafinil is headaches. Most users experience them after the first couple of hours after administering the drug.
Headaches have multiple triggers. However, if you’re taking Modafinil, dehydration is the usual suspect, as the drug can cause you to urinate more often.
Therefore, one easy way to avoid getting headaches while taking this drug is to stay well hydrated. Experts recommend about 13 cups per day for men and about nine for women.
If you’ve recently increased your Modafinil dose, you may also experience headaches. This may be a sign that you increased the dose too quickly. If you are increasing the amount of medication you take, do so gradually to avoid experience headaches.
Exceeding the prescribed dose or double dosing may also cause headaches. Always stick to the recommended dosage. If you miss a dose and remember before 12 noon, you can take it. Otherwise, skip it and also don’t make up for it by choosing the skipped pill with the next one in the schedule.
Insomnia
Another common side effect of Modafinil is insomnia. This makes perfect sense considering that the drug’s initial purpose is as a wake-promoting agent.
Modafinil improves wakefulness and alertness by increasing the production of dopamine, norepinephrine, and histamine excitatory neurotransmitters. The drug also has a half-life of up to 15 hours, meaning it stays in the body for quite a long while.
If you’re trying to fight exhaustion and stay awake, this good news. However, despite the desire to mitigate fatigue, sleep is essential. Luckily this side effect is easy to resolve.
To avoid lying awake when you should be sleeping, take Modafinil as early as you can. Preferably at least 10 hours before you plan on turning in for the day. This gives the drug time to work its way through and out of your system. However, you may want to split your dose if you find yourself struggling with late afternoon/evening sleepiness.
Insomnia may also be triggered by double-dosing skipped pills. As noted with headaches, you should never make up for skipping a pill by taking two the next time.
Combing Modafinil with other stimulants, especially those that are long-acting or extended-release may increase the impact of the compounds on the brain and body. This may also cause insomnia as a result. So, stick to one stimulant at a time.
Nausea
Nausea or stomach discomfort, upset, or pain is another common side effect of taking Modafinil. There are several reasons why you may experience this effect.
One of them is the drug metabolism process. As the digestive system breaks down the drug, it may irritate the intestinal tissue.
Taking the medication on an empty stomach allows for quicker absorption. This means you’ll experience the effects faster than if you had taken the drug with food. Modafinil, however, is a powerful drug and can irritate the lining of the stomach.
Another reason for nausea could be the release of noradrenaline (norepinephrine). This is a hormone and neurotransmitter that mobilizes the brain and body for action. Modafinil increases the levels of noradrenaline in the brain. High levels of this chemical may cause nausea and even vomiting.
The best way to avoid this side effect is to take the drug with food. You should also avoid exceeding the maximum recommended daily dose which is 400 mg,
Dizziness
Dizziness or feeling lightheaded is one of the most common side effects of many prescription drugs, including Modafinil.
One cause of this side effect when taking this drug is a sudden drop in blood pressure. This can be the result of restricted blood flow to the brain. Stimulants like Modafinil can restrict blood flow to the brain.
Modafinil may also cause dehydration or low blood sugar. These two conditions can also trigger lightheadedness.
To avoid feeling dizzy after taking Modafinil, make sure you drink lots of water. You should also consume the drug with food and eat well throughout the day to avoid low blood sugar avoid. Also, avoid taking more than 400 mg of Modafinil daily.
Anxiety
Anxiety after taking Modafinil is another common side effect. Feelings of nervousness, shakiness, and tachycardia (fast heartbeat) are characteristic of this side effect.
People who are anxious tend to have high levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine. As mentioned earlier, that is one of the chemicals whose levels Modafinil increases. The increase is the result of the drug stimulating effect on the sympathetic nervous system, a common mechanism of stimulants.
Most studies show, however, that this side effect is dose-dependent. This means that you’re more like to experience it if you’re taking a high dose of the medication (in excess of 400 mg). For most people and conditions, the recommended therapeutic dose of Modafinil is about 200 mg. You may avoid feeling anxious by sticking to that dose.
Taking Modafinil with L-Theanine may also lower anxiety-related side effects. L-theanine is an amino acid found naturally in both green and black tea. It’s also available as a supplement in pill or tablet form. Research indicates that this compound promotes relaxation, which may help ease anxiety.
If, on the other hand, you have pre-existing anxiety, Modafinil can exacerbate your symptoms. If this applies to you, you should first talk to your doctor. They’ll be to advise on what treatment options you can combine with this medication that might help reduce your symptoms.
Loss of Appetite
Some people may experience a loss of appetite after taking Modafinil. This most likely stems from the drug’s effects on dopamine, serotonin, orexin, and histamine
Modafinil enhances the release of serotonin and dopamine D2 receptors. Studies show that people who are excessively overweight have shown reduced dopamine D2 receptors. Serotonin is known to curb cravings and suppress appetite.
Studies show that orexin staves off weight gain and boosts metabolism. Histamine can also regulate appetite as it mediates the effect of leptin on appetite. Leptin is often referred to as the “satiety or starvation hormone. It is the chemical that tells the body that it’s hungry.
Sustained loss of appetite can result in significant health problems. So try eating small meals more frequently to avoid experiencing this side effect. Taking supplements like B vitamins can also help you increase your appetite.
When To Seek Medical Attention
The common side effects associated with Modafinil are mild to moderate. They usually pass quickly as the body acclimates to the drug. 200 mg is the typical dose for the medication. Taking a higher dose could lead to overdose.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience chest pain, high blood pressure, or if your heart is either beating slow, fast, or pounding. You should also consult a doctor if any of the above list side effects are not dissipating.
