Modafinil is a wakefulness-promoting agent, a brain stimulant initially developed for narcolepsy management in 1990. It is now officially used also for shift work sleep disorder and obstructive sleep apnea but unofficially the uses are much broader: for ADHD, depression, Parkinson, chronic fatigue syndrome, and as a cognitive functions enhancer for healthy people. The medication is sold under a variety of names among which the most known are Modalert and Provigil.
Armodafinil has the same wakefulness-promoting and brain stimulant properties like Modafinil. In fact, it is kind of a derivative of Modafinil. Officially it is the enantiopure compound of Modafinil which consists of only the (R)-(−)-enantiomer. It has the same indications for use as Modafinil. The main difference between the medications is in their half-life, i.e. the time the drug acts. Armodafinil renders a bit longer effect than Modafinil. The medication is sold under different names with Nuvigil being one of the most known.
Both medications have the same effect - they promote wakefulness even in lack of sleep for 48 hours and when it is impaired by congestive disorders such as narcolepsy.
Characteristics
Modafinil
Armodafinil
Class
analeptics; nootropics
analeptics; nootropics
Routes of administration
Oral (by mouth)
Oral (by mouth)
When taken
In the morning regardless of meal
In the morning regardless of meal
Daily dosage
200 mg
150 mg
Legal status
Rx-only
Rx-only
Approved for
Narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, obstructive sleep apnea
Narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, obstructive sleep apnea
Off-label uses
ADHD, depression, Parkinson’s disease, loss of cognitive functions due to brain injury, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, myotonic dystrophy, opiate drowsiness, suppressed cognitive functions after chemotherapy, multiple sclerosis, stimulant of cognitive functions in healthy people, weight loss
ADHD, depression, Parkinson’s disease, loss of cognitive functions due to brain injury, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, myotonic dystrophy, opiate drowsiness, suppressed cognitive functions after chemotherapy, multiple sclerosis, stimulant of cognitive functions in healthy people, weight loss
Trade names
Modalert, Provigil, Vigil, Modavigil, Modafinil, and others
Nuvigil, Armod, Armodafinil, Artvigil, and others
Time of effect
10-12 hours
12-15 hours
Excretion
Urine (80%)
Urine (as metabolites)
Mechanism of action
The mechanism of action is not fully studied. It is believed that it is based on the release of monoamines, especially catecholamine norepinephrine and dopamine from synaptic clefts. At the same time, Modafinil increases the level of histamine of the hypothalamus, which made some researchers to regard Modafinil as a remedy for drowsiness rather than a classic amphetamine-like stimulant.
The mechanism of Armodafinil action is not fully studied. It is believed that it is based on the release of monoamines, especially catecholamine norepinephrine and dopamine from synaptic clefts. At the same time, Armodafinil increases the level of histamine of the hypothalamus, which made some researchers to regard Armodafinil as a remedy for drowsiness rather than a classic amphetamine-like stimulant.
Side effects
Headache, anxiety, trouble sleeping, and nausea. Serious side effects may include allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Modafinil abuse, or hallucinations.
Headache, dry mouth, nausea, dizziness, and insomnia. Possible side effects also include depression, anxiety, hallucinations, euphoria, extreme increase in activity and talking, anorexia, tremor, thirst, rash, suicidal thoughts, and aggression.
Contraindications
Intolerance of the pills’ components; Pregnancy and lactation; Age below 18 years; Cardiovascular diseases, especially while taking other stimulants; Liver cirrhosis. Heart disease, in particular left ventricular hypertrophy or mitral valve prolapse.
Intolerance of Armodafinil components; Pregnancy and lactation; Age below 18 years; Cardiovascular diseases, especially while taking other stimulants; Liver cirrhosis. Heart disease, in particular left ventricular hypertrophy or mitral valve prolapse.
Use during pregnancy
Prohibited
Prohibited
Addiction development potential
Low
Low
Precautions
Should be taken only in the morning or can cause insomnia; Lowers the effect of oral birth control;
Armodafinil should be taken only in the morning or can cause insomnia; Lowers the effect of oral birth control;
If you feel like you need a boost of energy to cope with your daytime sluggishness, you can buy Modafinil or Armodafinil online even if you don’t have a prescription from your doctor. The medications are safe to use, do not cause addiction, and have minimal to no side effects.
