May 22 / 2019

What is better Modafinil vs Adderall?

Modafinil is one of the newest medications for narcolepsy. It is a non-addictive and non-amphetamine substance which has the positive effects of amphetamines such as powerful promotion of wakefulness and enhancement of cognitive functions. The other official uses of the medication include shift-work sleep disorder and obstructive sleep apnea. However, the use of Modafinil is not limited to these disorders. The pills are also used for enhancement of brain functions in healthy individuals including military and police forces officers, for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, in depression accompanied by fatigue and apathy, and so on.

Adderall is a combined medication made of two amphetamine salts. It is one of the most effective medications for narcolepsy as it has a potent wakefulness-enhancing effect, increases speed of reaction, and other cognitive functions. The medication is also used for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and off-label as a stimulant in healthy individuals and as a recreational drug as it causes euphoria. However, the medication can cause dependence and severe adverse effects especially when used in high doses.

Characteristics

Adderall

Modafinil

Class

Amphetamines, stimulator of CNS

analeptics; nootropics

How supplied

Oral tablets.

Time of intaken

From one to three times a day depending on the prescribed dosage without regard to meals.

Before noon without regard to meals.

Dosage per day

From 5 mg to 60 mg divided into several intakes.

From 200 mg to 250 mg.

Legal status

Rx-only

Indications for use

Narcolepsy, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Narcolepsy, sleep disorder associated with shift work, obstructive sleep apnea.

Uses without prescription

Stimulant of cognitive functions, wakefulness stimulant, weight loss medication.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depressive disorders with lowered productivity, Parkinson’s disease, cognitive functions lowering caused by brain trauma, chronic fatigue syndrome, cognitive functions lowering due to cancer treatment, multiple sclerosis, stimulation of cognitive functions, weight loss drug.

Commercial names

Adderall, Adderall XR, others

Provigil, Modafinil, and others

Effect duration

Approximately 4 hours.

10-12 hours

Excretion from the body

With urine

Principle of effect

Adderall is an amphetamine which enhances the effects of dopamine and norepinephrine – the major substances responsible for wakefulness. Besides, the medication also promotes the production of epinephrine, serotonin, and histamine. These effects enhance alertness, increase energy, better cognitive functions such as memory, and speed of thinking, and so on.

To date, it is believed that the effect of Modafinil is based on the release of norepinephrine and dopamine from synaptic clefts. The formulation also increases histamine levels. These effects make the medication a potent wakefulness-promoting agent and cognitive functions stimulant with minimal to none adverse reactions.

Withdrawal syndrome

Yes. To avoid the symptoms, low dosages should be used or the dosage reduction should be gradually made.

Negative reactions from body systems

The therapy with Adderall is associated with common adverse reactions. The majority of people who use the drug develop physical and psychological dependence, allergic response from mild to severe intensity. Other possible negative effects include dry mouth, pain in the abdomen, lack of appetite, stool disorders, anxiety, shaking of hands, nervousness, increased excitability, headache, lightheadedness, trouble falling asleep, lowering of libido, erectile dysfunction, weight loss, hallucinations, panic attacks, high blood pressure, fever, temporarily impaired vision, confusion, and even coma (in overdose). In the occurrence of allergic reactions the use of Adderall must be discontinued.

Modafinil use is rarely associated with adverse reactions occurrence. But based on when the pill is taken and the dose, the following negative effects can occur as headache, anxiety, trouble falling asleep. To prevent the occurrence of such symptoms, a patient should use a single pill a day and only in the first half of the day. The severe and life-threatening reactions that are related to the hypersensitivity to the drug are allergic reactions, i.e. anaphylaxis, swelling of the tongue, and others. In their occurrence, emergency help is needed and discontinuation of the medication use.

Use is prohibited in

Allergy to the drug, When expecting a baby or breastfeeding, Drug dependence (including history), Cardiovascular disease, Generalized anxiety, Severe arteriosclerosis, Glaucoma, Increased production of thyroid hormones, Therapy with MAO inhibitors, Anorexia, Bipolar disorder, Depression, High arterial pressure, Liver or kidney disease, Psychotic disorders, Raynaud syndrome, Conditions associated with seizures, Tourette syndrome.

Allergy to Modafinil pills, When expecting a baby or breastfeeding, Young age under 18 years (safety not checked), Elevated arterial pressure or vessels disorders associated with the use of stimulants, Liver cirrhosis. Severe heart disease.

Abuse potential

High

Low

Dependence potential

Increased

Low

Cautions to follow when using Adderall

- The medication can interfere with your sleep if you take it in the afternoon.

- If you are prone to developing allergy, you should be careful using the medication, i.e. inform your doctor about allergies, take the pills only if your doctor approves, and use small dosages.

- The higher dosages are used, the higher is the likelihood of addiction development.

- Adderall can make you dizzy so you should not drive or operate any dangerous equipment while starting the use of the medication.

- Inform a surgeon or dentist if you are about to undergo surgery or dental operation that you use Aderrall as it can negatively interact with anesthesia.

Cautions to follow when using Modafinil

- The use of Modafinil in the second half of the day can interfere with your night sleep.

- If you take birth control medications as the main contraception, keep in mind that the medication lowers their effect so it is recommended to use condoms instead.

- People with heart diseases can take Modafinil but only if their doctor approves.

Does Adderall interact with other substances?

- It is prohibited to use Adderall at the same time with MAO inhibitors as this combination can cause death. It is even recommended to stop using MAO inhibitors at least 3 weeks before starting the use of Adderall.

- The drug elevates the blood pressure so it mustn’t be combined with other medications and substances that have the same effect.

- Adderall increases serotonin level in the body and must not be taken along with other medicines with the same effect as the additive effect can be life-threatening.

- Do not start taking the stimulant without consulting your healthcare provider if you take any medications and do not start using any other medicines while on Adderall without the consultation.

Does Modafinil interact with other substances?

- Modafinil enhances the action of CYP3A4 enzyme so it can contribute to the faster fading of effect and excretion of some medicines metabolized with the enzyme. - The mediation mustn’t be combined with other brain-function stimulants.

- If you undergo a therapy with any other medications, consult your doctor before buying Modafinil and starting its use. If you plan to start using any other medicines while on Modafinil, consult your doctor first.

Number of pills

Adderall price

Modafinil price

30 pills

$200

$59.90

60 pills

$350

$99.80

90 pills

$550

$149.90

120 pills

$800

$168.90

150 pills

N/a

$229.88

180 pills

N/a

$249.80

As you can see from this comparison, Modafinil is a much less dangerous medication than amphetamines including Adderall as it doesn’t cause physical or mental dependence, has low potential to cause adverse reactions, practically doesn’t interact with other medications, and has minimal contraindications for use. Besides, it has a potent wakefulness-promoting effect and cognitive functions enhancement action comparable to amphetamines. If you need a highly effective and safe stimulant, look no further and buy Modafinil.

(Updated at Apr 12 / 2024)