Modafinil ADHD | What you should know

Interested in modafinil for ADHD management?

You're not alone.This mild stimulant drug can help people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) be more productive, focused, and calm, without the side effects of other ADHD treatments.

However, it is important to understand the existing research on modafinil for ADHD, the possible side effects of modafinil, and how other people with ADHD have fared using modafinil.

Here is our guide to Modafinil for ADHD.

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What is modafinil?

Modafinil is a prescription wakefulness medication for sleep disorders, specifically narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder. It is a eugeroic agent, meaning it provides stimulant effects that help keep people awake and alert, making it a good choice for people with sleep disorders.1].

However, researchers have also found that modafinil is helpful for many other conditions, such as addiction, depression, and ADHD. In fact, most Modafinil prescriptions are off-label, meaning they are written for conditions other than sleep disorders.2, 3].

Modafinil was first discovered in the mid-1970s in France and became available there as a prescription medication in 1994. Since then, it has been available worldwide in both brand-name and generic versions. Brand-name Modafinil, known as Provigil, is owned by Cephalon Labs [4].

The standard prescribed dose for sleep disorders is 200 mg per day, which provides long-lasting alertness. Modafinil may also offer other cognitive effects, such as improved memory, better concentration, and better performance on tasks and decision making. For this reason, Modafinil is also widely used as a nootropic or cognitive booster.5].

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Modafinil Side Effects and Safety

Like any medication, modafinil has some side effects.

Among nootropic research circles, the most commonly reported side effects seem to be headaches and insomnia.

Typically, insomnia and sleep loss while taking modafinil can be minimized by taking it as early in the morning as possible. This allows time for the drug to be fully metabolized and out of the system before bedtime.

For headaches with modafinil, drinking adequate fluids may help or reduce the dose of modafinil.

However, according to the US National Library of Medicine, these side effects are also associated with modafinil.6]:

• "headache
• dizziness
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• drowsiness
• nausea
• diarrhea
• constipation
• gas
• acidity
• loss of appetite
• unusual tastes
• dry mouth
• excessive thirst
• nosebleed
• redness
• perspiration
• tight muscles or difficulty moving
• Back pain
• confusion
• uncontrollable shaking of a part of your body
  burning, tingling, or numbness of the skin
• difficulty seeing or pain in the eyes

Additionally, the US National Library of Medicine also details the potentially serious effects of modafinil:

• "rash
• blisters
• peel skin
• mouth ulcers
• urticaria
• itching
• hoarseness
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• chest pain
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• frantic and abnormally excited mood
• hallucinate (see things or hear voices that do not exist)
• anxiety
• depression
• thinking about killing you or hurting you”

These side effects appear to be rare, but it is important to know about them anyway.

Modafinil use may also be linked to a potentially fatal side effect called Stevens Johnson syndrome. This link was theorized as a hypothetical possibility after a participant in a modafinil trial developed a skin rash similar to that characteristic of the condition, but since then there has been at least one case of Stevens Johnson syndrome related to armodafinil, which is very similar in structure and function to modafinil [7].

Unless prescribed by a doctor, modafinil should not be given to children under 18 years of age, pregnant or breast-feeding women.

Additionally, people with existing health problems or who are taking other prescription medications should consult their doctor about possible interactions. Modafinil should also not be combined with alcohol, drugs, or excessive amounts of caffeine.

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Modafinil for ADHD

ADHD is characterized by the inability to concentrate or stay on task, hyperactivity or restlessness, and impulsivity. It occurs in all ages, from young children to adults, and can significantly affect productivity, school performance, work performance, and quality of life.8].

While modafinil is not currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for ADHD, doctors can prescribe it for off-label use. Additionally, some research suggests that modafinil may be a better option for ADHD than the prescription stimulants currently used for this condition.

While it seems counterintuitive that stimulants are prescribed for a disorder that has the word "hyperactivity" in its name, they are actually extremely helpful for ADHD. Stimulants increase dopamine levels, which "stimulates" the ADHD brain to higher levels of focus and calm, while reducing hyperactivity.

Therefore, modafinil, with its mild stimulant effects, may be an excellent alternative to stronger stimulant medications such as Ritalin or Adderall, especially for people with mild ADHD.

In fact, according to the American Addiction Centers, modafinil [9]:

• “It may be significantly more effective in treating ADHD symptoms than placebo.
• It may have comparable effectiveness for the treatment of ADHD to that of methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin, Concerta) and fewer side effects.
• “It may have comparable effectiveness for the treatment of ADHD compared to dextroamphetamine (one of the ingredients in Adderall).”

A 2006 review on modafinil for ADHD notes that modafinil is more potent for ADHD than placebo, particularly in children and adolescents.In the studies investigated in this review, the most common side effects were insomnia, headache, and reduced appetite. However, most side effects were easily manageable and minor [10, 11].

These researchers also note that modafinil may be a better alternative to stronger stimulants, not only because of its milder side effects, but also because it is less habit-forming [10].

Still, Cephalon Labs suspended development of Sparlon, the film-coated version of modafinil especially for ADHD in children, in 2006 after the Food and Drug Administration notified them that the drug would not be approved due to a possible link. with Stevens Johnson. Syndrome [12].

For this reason, FDA approval of modafinil for ADHD appears to be off the table for now, but ADHD remains one of the most common off-label uses of modafinil.3].

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An effective treatment for atypical ADHD

Many adults with ADHD remain interested in modafinil for the treatment and management of the condition, and those who have been able to obtain a prescription report massive success.

Some people report that consistent use of modafinil has greatly increased their concentration and allowed them to do more at work, school, and household tasks, such as cleaning or folding laundry. However, many people have also emphasized the importance of getting enough sleep while taking modafinil (at least 7-8 hours per night) to optimize your cognitive performance.

The effective doses that people report online range from 50 mg to 400 mg per day, depending on the severity of their symptoms and other medications they have tried.

While some people report that modafinil did not help their ADHD, most report positive effects.

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Modafinil and ADHD | Verdict

Modafinil is a prescription wakefulness agent designed for use in people with sleep disorders such as narcolepsy. However, it can also be useful for people with ADHD because it not only increases alertness and wakefulness, but also improves attention, concentration, and task performance.

Clinical trials noted that modafinil was successful for the treatment of ADHD in children with ADHD; However, FDA approval was suspended due to a possible link to Stevens Johnson syndrome, a serious side effect.

The most common side effects related to modafinil include headache, loss of appetite, and insomnia, all of which appeared to be relatively mild and easy to manage in the majority of cases reported in the literature.

Still, many adults with ADHD still prefer modafinil because it has fewer side effects than the stronger stimulants most commonly prescribed for ADHD. ADHD is also one of the most common reasons why doctors prescribe modafinil without authorization.

While modafinil may not work for everyone with ADHD, it may be worth considering, especially for people who want to avoid stronger medications.

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