Modafinil capsules 100 mg from European Lab

Modafinil is the most well-known wakefulness-promoting drug that has recently gained popularity as a cognitive enhancer. While it possesses some stimulant properties, it does not typically produce the euphoric effects (“rush”) classical psychostimulants are known for, which is why it is often classified as an eugeroic (wakefulness-promoting) substance rather than psychostimulant.

In many countries, it is primarily prescribed for treating narcolepsy, often as first-line choice treatment. It’s also commonly used in treating the symptoms of work shift sleep disorder and excessive daytime sleepiness caused by obstructive sleep apnea. Off-label applications of modafinil include major depression (especially in patients with residual tiredness or fatigue), acute depression in people with bipolar disorder and ADHD due to its lower abuse potential than psychostimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamines and superior side-effect profile over amphetamines.

Modafinil is a racemic compound, a mixture of with two enantiomers with distinct pharmacokinetics, armodafinil ((R)-modafinil) and esmodafinil ((S)-modafinil). The mechanisms of action of modafinil are not yet fully understood. Generally, it is thought to exert a complex neurochemical profile – it appears to have multiple effects on the catecholamine systems in the brain. Modafinil acts as an atypical, selective, and weak dopamine reuptake inhibitor that indirectly prevents noradrenaline reuptake, leading to elevation in extracellular concentrations of serotonin, glutamate, histamine, and orexin, and reducing concentrations of GABA (gamma-amino-butrytic acid).

There is increasing evidence that supports the view that modafinil can improve cognitive function in healthy, non-sleep-deprived individuals, in particular executive function, working and episodic memory. Studies show that modafinil might enhance not only performance on highly demanding cognitive assignments, but also cognitive flexibility and task enjoyment, planning and decision making, attention (including sustained attention performance), inhibitory control and processing speed.

 Benefits of taking modafinil

• reduced fatigue in times of sleep deprivation;
• increased alertness and wakefulness;
• enhanced concentration and focus;
• upgraded ability to sustain attention for prolonged periods of time;
• improved working and episodic memory;
• increased processing speed and improved reaction time;
• better decision making;
• boost in energy and motivation;
• enhanced mood;
• decreased impulsivity.

 Side effects

Compared to classic psychostimulants, modafinil is generally well-tolerated. Most of its side effects are mild, and often subside as the body becomes accustomed to the medication or when the dose is properly adjusted.

• headache;
• nausea;
• reduced appetite;
• anxiety;
• insomnia;
• dizziness;
• diarrhea;
• rhinitis.

In rare cases, serious adverse effects can develop. They include skin rashes and allergy related symptoms (erythema multiforme, Stevens–Johnson syndrome).

Those who suffer from histamine intolerance or multiple allergies, if they decide to use modafinil, should proceed with caution, regardless of whether they’re prescribed an antihistamine medication. Due to modafinil’s action on histamine, it’s safer for them not to take it more than 2-3 days in a row and avoid histamine-rich foods when using the drug. 

Drug interactions

Modafinil is known to affect the levels of some enzymes of the cytochrome P450 superfamily, including CYP3A4 (weak to moderate inducer) and CYP2C19 (weak inhibitor). Those enzymes, produced by the liver, are important for the clearance of various compounds, which also means metabolizing drugs.

• aripiprazole;
• amphetamine;
• aspirin;
• diphenhydramine;
• hormonal birth control;
• hydrocortisone;
• opioids (methadone, buprenorphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, fentanyl).

Dosage

Typically, doses range from 50 to 200 milligrams per day, usually in a single dose taken in the morning (or when needed, i.e., before the night shift) with or without food.

Due to modafinil’s long elimination half-life (10-15 h) using it later in the day might result in insomnia. However, for some people who are faster metabolizers, the effects of modafinil tend to wear off after a few hours – if that’s the case, they can re-dose early in the afternoon. That said, it’s important not to exceed 400 milligrams a day.

While food ingestion has no impact on overall modafinil bioavailability, its absorption can be postponed by ca. one hour if taken with food or on full stomach.

Even though it can irritate the stomach, modafinil shouldn’t be taken with olmeprazol, which is a CYP2C19 substrate (rabeprazole, esomeprazole or pantoprazole would be a better choice). Taking the drug with a full glass of water might reduce the risk of heartburn and acid reflux.