Modafinil is a long-lasting prescription drug that was initially developed for treating narcolepsy, a condition where people fall asleep uncontrollably.
But its abilities aren’t just limited to preventing sleepiness and fatigue.
Extensive studies have shown that modafinil offers a range of benefits, including mental alertness, increased motivation, improved reaction, and better memory.
In a rush?
These cognitive benefits classify modafinil as a nootropic or a smart drug.
But unlike other smart drugs, modafinil stands in its own category, due to a few reasons:
- Firstly, and foremostly, it’s a prescription drug, backed up by tons of clinical research, with known benefits and side effects. It’s a derivative of non-amphetamine stimulant adrafinil, which is a eugeroic, a wakefulness-promoting agent.
- Though its effects are similar to those of amphetamines, it’s a very different substance, more targeted and selective. That’s why it provides a smoother, less edgy energy, with fewer side effects.
- And since it’s not an amphetamine derivative, it has a meager potential for abuse or addiction. In fact, modafinil has been proposed as a treatment for methamphetamine and cocaine addicts.
How modafinil works
The effects of the drug are, in many ways, similar to those of conventional stimulants.
While traditional stimulants, like amphetamine, induce wakefulness by widespread neuron activation, modafinil activates neurons selectively.
It focuses primarily on the hypothalamus and amygdala, modulating the brain’s histamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine, and orexin systems.
Its precise means of action aren’t yet identified in terms of significant receptor bindings. However, its effects on essential neurotransmitters as a nootropic have been proved.
Much of its wakefulness-promoting action is due to its impact on the orexin system, located in the hypothalamus. By stimulating these neurons, the modafinil increases the production of histamines and other important neurotransmitters related to wakefulness and alertness.
Know what’s interesting?
Histamine, besides its relation to allergies and local immune response, plays an essential role in the regulation of sleep/wake cycle. Modafinil’s effects on hypothalamus elevate histamine levels, significantly increasing wakefulness and alertness.
Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter that improves mood and increases motivation and focus.
It’s also associated with a well-known stimuli/reward response.
Stimulants that directly stimulate dopamine release, like amphetamine, increase the levels of dopamine in a rapid and highly amplified manner. This can lead to a reduction in dopamine receptors.
However, modafinil does NOT affect dopamine release.
No.
It blocks a dopamine transporter (DAT), a protein that stores dopamine into intracellular fluid, for future release.
By blocking this protein, this product elevates the amount of dopamine available for immediate use in the brain. This indirect, gradual effect on the dopamine system reduces the euphoria associated with addiction.
Modafinil is known to increase levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood. It appears to enhance serotonin release by stimulating the serotonergic system in the cortex, hypothalamus, and amygdala. Still, research indicates that the drug does not cause serotonin release or uptake; it just enhances it.
Dosage and effects of Modafinil
When taking modafinil as a nootropic, the main thing to consider is the duration of its effects, which are known to last up to 20 hours.
That’s a lot longer than other nootropics.
Make sure that you take your desired dose as SOON as you wake up.
Dosing after midday is not recommended unless you’re planning on staying up all night. Taking a dose late in the day may affect your sleep cycle, and harm your health.
To reduce the duration of the drug’s effects, most people take modafinil sublingually. Placing the pill under the tongue, or by swallowing it on an empty stomach, allows for quick absorption.
Keep in mind that the drug tastes extremely bitter, and taking it on an empty stomach can cause stomach upset and nausea. To better control, the dosage,crushing the pill, and dissolving it in water is recommended.
What else is modafinil used for?
Modafinil is approved for the treatment of specific disorders, so there is no official recommendation for dosage when used as a nootropic.
For healthy individuals, 30-50mg of the drug will be more than enough to provide an effect that lasts up to 6-8 hours. If you’re looking to ramp up its effects, the recommended dosage is up to 200mg.
Clinical studies have shown that moderate daily dosage (100-200mg) over prolonged periods appears to be safe. Large-scale clinical trials have demonstrated the absence of any significant indication of the development of tolerance, ranging up to several months.
Side Effects of modafinil
Generally considered safe and well-tolerated, modafinil DOES have some possible side effects.
The most commonly reported side effects include headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, anxiety, agitation, dry mouth, and trouble sleeping.
These side effects are considered minor and temporary; however, they should be reported to a physician if they persist or worsen.
Side effects like fever, bruising or bleeding, hallucinations, depression, fast or irregular heartbeat, or mood changes are considered severe. Anyone experiencing them is advised to seek medical attention immediately.
Also, modafinil is known to interact with several drugs, including high blood pressure medication and blood thinners, some types of antidepressants, and anti-seizure medications. It’s also known to decrease the effectiveness of hormonal birth control.
Long story short?
Modafinil is NOT for beginners.
Benefits and Detriments of Using Modafinil
Modafinil is an incredible drug that gradually became known for its mood-brightening and memory-enhancing effects. It also improves focus, motivation, and even physical performance when taken correctly.
However, modafinil may cause some adverse effects, like headaches, depression, bruising, dizziness. Still, it has no long-term detrimental effects on our health.
Conclusion
Modafinil is one of the most exciting, widely discussed nootropics, allowing you to perform at peak levels, both physically and mentally.
It’s generally safe and well-tolerated, with almost no potential for addiction.
But is it so?
Decades of research have shown that it’s safe, effective, and well-tolerated drug that can’t be legally purchased without a prescription.
So, if you’re interested in using modafinil as a nootropic, in maximizing your cognitive abilities and reduce fatigue, consult with your physician. He or she may write you a prescription, or offer possible, over-the-counter alternatives.