Students and young professionals looking for an edge that helps them learn faster, stay alert, and focus longer are turning to nootropics or smart drugs in large numbers. In Canada, one popular option is a prescription-only drug called modafinil, which was first approved to treat excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy.
The purchase and use of prescription drugs in Canada are subject to various laws and regulations under the Food and Drugs Act. In this article, we take a look at everything you need to know about buying modafinil in Canada.
Table Of Contents
- What is Modafinil?
- How Modafinil Works
- What is Modafinil Used For?
- Non-clinical Use Of Modafinil
- Canadian Drug Schedules
- How to Get a Prescription for Modafinil in Canada
- Cost of Modafinil in Canada
- How To Buy Modafinil For Less In Canada
- Conclusion
- References
What is Modafinil?
Modafinil is a racemic mixture (an equal mix of twin molecules) and the primary metabolite of a compound known as adrafinil. Studies show that the drug promotes alertness and wakefulness. Medications with these abilities are classified as “eugeroics.”
Modafinil is made for oral administration and is available in generic and non-generic (brand) form. In Canada, Alertec (made by TEVA Canada) and Provigil (made by Cephalon, Inc.), are the most common brand name products. Other non-generic versions of modafinil available include Vigil, Forcilin, Modasomil, Movigil, Wakelert, and Modiodal, among others.
How Modafinil Works
Modafinil is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that exerts its stimulant-like effects by interacting with certain parts of the brain. Particularly neurotransmitters that regulate sleep, wake, and alertness. Experts believe that modafinil specifically has an indirect effect on dopamine, norepinephrine, orexin, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
This drug is not addictive and has a low risk of abuse. It also has a similar mechanism of action to other stimulants such as amphetamines, methylphenidate, or cocaine. However, in comparison to other stimulants, studies show that modafinil has fewer or no adverse effects.
Common side effects of taking modafinil include the following headache, nausea, anxiety or nervousness, backache, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, and indigestion. Studies show that these side effects occur most often when users exceed recommended therapeutic doses.
What is Modafinil Used For?
Modafinil is used to treat the symptoms of sleep disorders caused by three main conditions and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that affects your ability to wake and sleep. This condition is characterized by overwhelming daytime drowsiness and sudden attacks of sleep. About 1 in 2,000 people have the disorder in Canada.
The recommended adult dose of modafinil for narcolepsy starts at 200 mg divided between a morning and a noon dose. The maximum optimal amount is 400 mg daily.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a potentially dangerous sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts due to complete or partial obstructions of the upper airway during sleep.
A study by the Public Health Agency of Canada estimated 5.4 million Canadian adults have been diagnosed with, or are at high risk of experiencing obstructive sleep apnea. To treat OSA, the usual adult daily dose of modafinil is 200 mg taken in the morning. This is administered alongside breathing devices or other treatments.
Shift Work Disorder (SWD)
Shift Work Disorder (SWD) is a circadian rhythm sleep disorder. The condition is characterized by insomnia and excessive sleepiness and affects people who do not work standard schedules.
The prevalence of shift work sleep disorder is approximately 10% of the night and rotating shift work population. Adults with shift work disorder are often prescribed 200 mg of modafinil once daily. The dose is best taken approximately 1 hour before the start of the work shift.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental disorder that affects children and teens and can continue into adulthood. Attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are three of the most common symptoms in children. Symptoms of ADHD in adults include chronic lateness and forgetfulness, anxiety, mood swings, and depression, among other issues.
Studies show that modafinil may improve the main symptoms of ADHD in children. The most consistent improvement in symptoms was found when doctors administered a once-daily dose of 300 mg) of modafinil.
Non-clinical Use Of Modafinil
Although modafinil is intended for use by patients with sleep disorders, the drug has become better known for its nootropic effects. When this medication is used for other conditions other than sleep disorders, this is referred to as off-label or non-clinical use.
Studies show that modafinil has the ability to boost concentration and productivity,memory, creativity, intelligence, and motivation in healthy individuals. Modafinil is one of the most widely-used off-label nootropic smart drugs in Canada. Majority of the people who use the drug include students who take it to study for exams. Working adults in incredibly high-pressure jobs like accountants, day traders, doctors, and stockbrokers, among others, also use the drug to helo them work longer hours without sleeping.
Some off-label conditions modafinil is commonly used for include the following:
- Age-related memory decline
- Attention deficit disorder
- Depression
- High-pressure job-related fatigue
- Chemotherapy-related fatigue
- Multiple sclerosis-related fatigue
- Fatigue experienced by people who need to be awake and alert for extended amounts of times such as soldiers, truckers or students cramming for finals
- Jet lag
- Alzheimer’ s-related memory problems
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Post-anesthesia grogginess
- Prescription medication-related sleepiness
- Cocaine addiction
Canadian Drug Schedules
In Canada, the Food and Drugs Act regulates the sale of any and all products used to treat or prevent diseases or symptoms. Authorization to sell an item is issued by Health Canada, a government agency initially created in 1919 as the Department of Health.
After authorization is granted, The National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) steps in to determine whether the drug requires a prescription for sale. If a drug has been given non-prescription status by Health Canada, it is up to the provinces and territories to determine the appropriate conditions of sale for that drug
Canada has three drug schedules:
Schedule I Drugs – Prescription only
Schedule I drugs require a prescription for sale. The purchase of these drugs must be controlled in a regulated environment. It can only be provided to the public by a pharmacist following the diagnosis and professional intervention of a practitioner. Pharmacists are also required to provide patient counseling on all prescriptions, whether they new orders or and renewals.
In Canada, modafinil is a Schedule I prescription drug. Other examples of substances n this category include the following:
- Opium
- Codeine (methylmorphine)
- Morphine (7,8-didehydro-4,5-epoxy-17-methylmorphinan-3,6-diol)
- Benzylmorphine
- Oxycodone (dihydrohydroxycodeinone)
- Ibuprofen (concentrations greater than 400mg per dosage unit)
Schedule II Drugs – No prescription required, sale from “no public access” area of pharmacy
Schedule II drugs do not require a prescription and are less strictly regulated than Schedule I drugs. The substances in this category are available only from a pharmacist and must be stored where there is no public access or opportunity for patient self-selection.
Professional intervention from a pharmacist (e.g., patient assessment and patient consultation may be required at the point of sale and may sometimes require referral to a medical professional.
Examples of Schedule II drugs include the following:
- Nabilone
- Parahexyl
- Acetylsalicylic acid (and its salts)
- Camphor
- Dextrose (sclerosing agents)
- Insulin
- Epinephrine (and its salts)
Schedule III Drugs – No prescription required, sale from area immediately adjacent to pharmacy
Schedule III drugs are available without a prescription. You’ll find these drugs in the self-selection area of the pharmacy under the direct supervision of the pharmacist. Pharmacists should be available, accessible, and approachable to assist patients as needed.
Examples of Schedule III drugs include the following
- Amphetamines
- Hallucinogens
- Acetaminophen – in sustained-release formulations in strengths of greater than 650 mg per unit or in package sizes of more than 50 units
- Ibuprofen (or its salts) – when sold in an immediate release dosage form containing 400 mg or less per oral dosage unit (in package sizes of up to 18,000 mg). Or, when sold in a modified-release oral dosage form that provides 600 mg or less per dosage unit
Unscheduled Drugs – Non-Pharmacy Sale
Unschedule drugs can be sold without professional supervision by a non-pharmacist to any person from any retail outlet such as a grocery store.
- Acetaminophen – in immediate-release tablets, capsules, suppositories or liquid
- Charcoal (activated) – except for use in poisoning treatment
- Esomeprazole (or its salts, for human consumption) – when sold for the 14-day treatment for frequent heartburn at a daily dose of 20 mg, in package sizes of no more than 280 mg of esomeprazole.
- Fluconazole (for human use) – when sold in a concentration of 150 mg per oral dosage unit and indicated for the treatment of vaginal candidiasis, in package sizes containing no more than 150 mg.
- Minoxidil – when sold in preparations for topical use in adults in concentrations of 5% or less, for human consumption only.
How to Get a Prescription for Modafinil in Canada
In Canada, modafinil was first approved for use in 1999. Access to the drug has always been limited to patients with a prescription. This mainly steps from concerns that drugs that produce stimulant effects can be potentially harmful if not used under the supervision of a licensed health care practitioner.
As a result, before getting a prescription for this medication, doctors must first confirm that you have symptoms related to sleep disorders. To do this, medical professionals use a combination of tests depending on the type of condition you have.
For example, to diagnose narcolepsy, doctors use an overnight sleep study and then a series of nap studies. For sleep apnoea, patients undergo a physical examination and a type of sleep study called polysomnography, or home sleep apnea testing.
For shift work disorder, patients need their employers to submit proof showing that they work night or rotating shifts. Doctors may also use the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, which is a medical tool that helps to assess daytime sleepiness.
In Canada, you cannot use a foreign prescription to get modafinil. You need to get an order from a Canadian doctor. Otherwise, the pharmacist will not give you the drugs.
Cost of Modafinil in Canada
Patients with a prescription can buy modafinil from a local registered pharmacy in person or online if they offer that service. This option may be convenient to some but comes at a high cost.
According to The Patented Medicine Prices Review Board, the price of modafinil is $1.20 per 100 mg tablet. If you take the standard dose, which is 400 mg per day, you are looking at a cost of almost $5.00 per day.
The prices of drugs sold in Canada are strictly monitored. The primary purpose of doing this is to prevent sellers from charging consumers exorbitant prices. The Patented Medicine Prices Review Board, or PMPRB for short, is a government agency.responsible for reviewing the cost of all medications.
How To Buy Modafinil For Less In Canada
You can spend less on modafinil if you buy it from an overseas vendor like this company. However, in Canada, prescription drugs are subject to seizure by Canada Border Services Agency if they are not accompanied by a copy of the original prescription.
To avoid custom issues, most people prefer to use a mail forwarding service. The companies give users a US address where they can ship their orders. Compared to Canada. The US laws regarding buying medications online are less strict. In Canada, Parcl, Qwintry, and Shipito are popular options when choosing a mail forwarding service.
If you have a valid Canadian prescription for modafinil, you can also buy the drug when you’re traveling. According to Health Canada, you can bring with you a single course of treatment or a 90-day supply of a prescription drug for your use or for the use of a person who is traveling with you and for whom you are responsible. The medication must be in the original retail packaging.
Conclusion
In Canada, modafinil is categorized as a Schedule I prescription-only drug along with substances like codeine, morphine, and oxycodone. The brand most commonly available is Alertec, which is made by TEVA Canada and costs about $1.20 per 100 mg tablet.
You can buy the modafinil from a local registered pharmacy with a doctor’s prescription. You can also bring with you a single course of treatment or a 90-day supply of a prescription drug when coming in the county if you have a valid prescription. If you don’t have a prescription, you can get the drug from online from various overseas companies and use a mail forwarding service to avoid running into issues with customs.
If you’re looking for an online company that successfully delivers modafinil to Canada, checkout BuyModa. To ensure you receive the highest-quality medicines, the company only works with ISO certified pharmaceutical and logistical companies. They also offer a 30-day 100% satisfaction guarantee on all their products.
References:
- Dongsoo, K. Practical Use and Risk of Modafinil, a Novel Waking Drug. Environmental Health and Toxicology. 2012; 27: e2012007.
- Wittich, Christopher M., Burkle, Christopher M., Lanier, William L. Ten Common Questions (and Their Answers) About Off-label Drug Use. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2012 Oct; 87(10): 982–990.
- Gerrard P, Malcolm R. Mechanisms of modafinil: A review of current research. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2007;3(3):349–364.
- Turner, D. A review of the use of modafinil for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Expert Rev Neurother. 2006 Apr;6(4):455-68.