Sublingual Modafinil | What you should know

Thomas Thorne

Last update: February 18, 2023

What is modafinil?

Skeptical about sublingual modafinil? You are definitely not alone.

It's a unique type of modafinil that, surprise, is taken sublingually (dissolves under the tongue), rather than swallowed like a traditional pill.

There are several benefits of taking medications sublingually, but there are still many outstanding questions about whether sublingual modafinil is worth buying or not.

Here's what we know about sublingual modafinil, its pros and cons, and where to buy it.

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Disclaimer: The content on Modafinil.space is for informational and educational purposes only. We do not provide legal advice. Likewise, we do not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult your doctor before consuming modafinil or related nootropics. Your access to Modafinil.space is subject to our complete Disclaimer and conditions of use.


What is sublingual modafinil?

As we mentioned above, sublingual modafinil is a form of the drug modafinil that dissolves under the tongue rather than swallowed like modafinil pills.

Modafinil is a prescription medication that was originally developed for the treatment of various sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and shift work sleep disorder. It is designed to help these people be more awake and alert during the day or, in the case of shift workers, during their work hours.1, 2].

However, doctors also prescribe it to help with fatigue related to many other conditions (multiple sclerosis and depression, for example). As a wakefulness agent, it also offers many cognitive benefits in addition to energy, such as increasing attention and concentration. For this reason, it is commonly prescribed for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. It's also a popular nootropic or "smart drug," and many nootropic users report that it helps them focus more, retain information better, and power through their day more efficiently.3, 4].


Sublingual Modafinil Versus Provigil

Provigil is the original modafinil, manufactured by Cephalon Labs. It is an oral tablet that comes in 200 mg form, but can be split in half if necessary.

Since generics first became available, several generic versions of modafinil have been introduced to the market. While many of these are essentially identical to Provigil, some also offer 100 mg pill formulations.

However, there appears to be only one generic of modafinil with a sublingual route of administration and it is called Modafil MD. It comes in 100 mg or 200 mg tablets that are specifically designed to dissolve under the tongue rather than swallowed.

In theory, all of these different formulations and brands should offer the same benefits because they contain the same active ingredient (modafinil); However, that has not been our experience nor does it match what other nootropic users report. Certain generic modafinil products appear to be more effective than others.


Benefits of sublingual modafinil

Several nootropic benefits of modafinil have been reported. These are the ones that also align with existing research on modafinil and how it affects the brain:

  • More energy. Several studies have noted that modafinil may help reduce fatigue in people with many different conditions, including depression and multiple sclerosis. It has also been used to help sleep-deprived (but otherwise healthy) fighter pilots stay awake and alert. Many users report that modafinil helps them stay awake without feeling groggy or jittery throughout the day, without any blockages either [5, 6, 7].
  • Better memory, concentration and decision making. A study in healthy adults found that, after a single dose of 200 mg of modafinil, participants experienced improvement in memory, pattern recognition, planning, and decision making. Many people who use modafinil for its nootropic benefits report that these benefits are more valuable to them than increased energy: they are looking for an increase in their focus.8].
  • Improved mood. In depressed people, modafinil could be a good complement to traditional therapies, such as counseling and medication. A review of trials found that modafinil helped improve depression symptoms in people with major depression and bipolar depression.9].

Unfortunately, evidence of modafinil's brain-enhancing effects in healthy people is sparse. However, a review suggests that many of the studies investigating the effects of modafinil in healthy people report that it improves executive functioning (decision making), attention, learning and memory, with very limited side effects or mood changes. . Our own experience and anecdotal reports from nootropic users agree with this, although we hope to see more research into modafinil's cognitive-enhancing potential in otherwise healthy people.10].

Additionally, sublingual drug administration has several benefits.Below are some ways it stands out compared to the traditional route of administration, which involves swallowing a pill.

Taking medications sublingually helps reduce pill burden among people who have to take many pills daily and also provides an alternative route of administration for people who have trouble swallowing pills. But one of the most interesting benefits of sublingual drugs is that they are absorbed directly into the bloodstream.11].

Traditional pills have to pass through the entire digestive system and are then transported to the liver, where they can be significantly modified during hepatic metabolism. This is known as the “first pass effect” and happens to many medications.12, 13].

However, because sublingual medications are absorbed directly into the bloodstream, they bypass digestion and liver metabolism, meaning they take effect more quickly and may be more potent than the same dose of medication when taken in oral form. pill.

Unfortunately, no research has been done on sublingual modafinil directly, so we can't say for sure if it provides any benefits beyond the pill form of modafinil. In fact, nootropic users who have reported using sublingual modafinil before (although they are few) are generally unimpressed and prefer other types of modafinil.


Sublingual Modafinil Side Effects

Like brand name Provigil and other generic versions, sublingual modafinil has many potential side effects. These are the most common side effects of modafinil, according to the US National Library of Medicine.2]:

  • "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, they warn that the following serious side effects require urgent medical attention:

  • "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”

In our experience and what others have reported on forums, the most common side effect of using modafinil is headaches. Fortunately, we have a helpful guide on how to get rid of modafinil headaches if this is something you have experienced.

Interestingly, sublingual modafinil can have the unfortunate side effect of unpleasant body odor. Two different Reddit users They mentioned that taking sublingual modafinil made them stink or made their sweat smell bad. This side effect does not seem to be typical for the modafinil pill based on what we have heard and read, so it may be related to the sublingual route of administration.


Where to buy sublingual modafinil online? | Guide 2023

Interested in buying sublingual modafinil? We recommend a supplier called Modafinil XL. They sell Modafil MD, currently the only brand of sublingual modafinil on the market, in 100 mg and 200 mg versions. It costs about $1 per tablet, but larger quantities have a lower price per tablet.

We like Modafinil XL because they ship worldwide, use professional packaging, and offer flexible payment options. With a purchase of $80, you can get free standard shipping and with a purchase of $180, you can get free express shipping. You can also get 20% off your entire purchase if you pay with Bitcoin.

Finally, online nootropic communities also trust them as a company that won't scam you.

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Is sublingual modafinil legal?

The legality of modafinil (and therefore sublingual modafinil) depends on where you live. For example, in the United States it is a legal Schedule IV prescription drug, meaning it carries a low risk of abuse. It is also a legal prescription medicine in the UK [14].

Before purchasing online, make sure you understand the legality of modafinil in your country.

To date, we have not heard of a single case in the US of a person facing legal problems for having purchased modafinil for individual use online.


How long does it take for sublingual modafinil to work?

Unfortunately, this is a difficult question to answer because we know very little about sublingual modafinil. It is not widely used by nootropic enthusiasts, so there are not many reports online about it.

Most users of modafinil in pill form report feeling the effects within 1 to 2 hours after ingestion.

In theory, because sublingual modafinil is absorbed directly into the bloodstream, it should be felt more quickly than the pill form of modafinil.15].

However, this does not seem to be the case among the few people who have tried it and shared their experience online.

In fact, many people on online nootropic forums report preferring other generics of modafinil, such as Modalert and Modvigil.


Dosage and tolerance of sublingual modafinil

Sublingual modafinil comes in two doses: 100 mg and 200 mg. Surprisingly, the 200 mg tablets are the least expensive option if you purchase larger quantities of Modafinil XL.

200 mg of modafinil is the standard prescribed dose given to people who need the medication to stay awake. However, nootropic users report great success with modafinil doses ranging from 50 mg to 300 mg per day.

Fortunately, modafinil carries a very low risk of abuse and tolerance to the drug is unlikely to develop.

In our experience, it's best to be careful when trying a new nootropic, and even when trying a different type of modafinil. We find it best to start slowly with the lowest possible dose, carefully monitoring our reaction to the medication and re-evaluating the dose from there.


Sublingual Modafinil vs. Modalert vs. Modvigil vs. Provigil

So if you've tried Modafinil XL, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed by how many different types of modafinil there are. Should I buy sublingual modafinil or stick with something like Modalert, which is more used among nootropic enthusiasts?

We recommend the latter for several reasons, but first let's do a quick recap of some of the most common types of modafinil:

  • Provigilia: This is the Cephalon Labs brand of modafinil. It is not widely used among the set of nootropics.
  • Modal alert: Modalert is one of several types of generic modafinil. Based on our experience, as well as user reports on Reddit and nootropic forums, it appears to be the most potent in terms of brain-enhancing effects.
  • Modvigil: Like Modalert, Modvigil It is another type of generic modafinil. Nootropic users like it because it is actually the least expensive type, but they still report that it is effective.

Of all the versions of Modafinil (including the brand name Provigil and Modafil MD sublingual), we recommend sticking with Modalert and Modvigil. They are easy to buy in Modafinil XL and both are widely used by nootropic users. Its manufacturers have been around for a while and have earned a better reputation than other modafinil manufacturers.

And finally, many people have reported that they appear to be more effective than other types of modafinil, despite containing the same amount of active ingredient. This suggests that there could be quality control issues with others, leading us to think that sticking with Modalert or Modvigil are the best options.


Sublingual Modafinil Review | Verdict?

Sublingual modafinil is a type of modafinil that is taken by dissolving it under the tongue, rather than swallowing it as a pill. At this time, the only type of sublingual modafinil on the market is Modafil MD, which is available for purchase in Modafinil XL.

Sublingual medications can enter the bloodstream directly, bypassing digestion and liver metabolism, meaning they could be stronger than pills of the same medication. However, this does not seem to be the case with Modafil MD based on the user reports we have seen.

Unless you need to take modafinil sublingual because you have trouble swallowing the pills, we recommend that you opt for other types, such as Modalert or Modvigil.

Get 10% off everything ModafinilXL

Simply use this code at checkout: ENJOY10OFF


References

  1. Takenoshita S, Nishino S. Pharmacological management of excessive daytime sleepiness. Sleep Med Clinic. 2020;15(2):177-194.doi:10.1016/j.jsmc.2020.02.006
  2. US National Library of Medicine Modafinil. MedlinePlus website. February 15, 2016. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a602016.html
  3. Peñaloza RA, Sarkar U, Claman DM, Omachi TA. Trends in on- and off-label modafinil use in a nationally representative sample. JAMA Internal Medicine. 2013;173(8):704-706. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2013.2807
  4. Wilms W, Woźniak-Karczewska M, Corvini PF, Chrzanowski Ł. Nootropic drugs: methylphenidate, modafinil and piracetam – Population use trends, presence in the environment, ecotoxicity and elimination methods – A review. Chemosphere. 2019;233:771-785. doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.06.016
  5. Videbech P. Modafinil i behandling af depression [Modafinil in the treatment of depression]. Ugeskr Laeger. 2012;174(6):348-351.
  6. Brown JN, Howard CA, Kemp DW. Modafinil for the treatment of fatigue related to multiple sclerosis. Pharmacist Ann. 2010;44(6):1098-1103. doi:10.1345/aph.1M705
  7. Caldwell JA, Caldwell JL, Smith JK, Brown DL. Effects of modafinil on simulator performance and mood in pilots during 37 hours without sleep. Aviat Espacio Environ Med. 2004;75(9):777-784
  8. Müller U, Rowe JB, Rittman T, Lewis C, Robbins TW, Sahakian BJ. Effects of modafinil on nonverbal cognition, task enjoyment, and creative thinking in healthy volunteers. Neuropharmacology. 2013;64(5):490-495. doi:10.1016/j.neuropharm.2012.07.009
  9. Goss AJ, Kaser M, Costafreda SG, Sahakian BJ, Fu CH. Modafinil augmentation therapy in unipolar and bipolar depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Clin Psychiatry. 2013;74(11):1101-1107. doi:10.4088/JCP.13r08560
  10. Battle day RM, Brem AK. Modafinil for cognitive neurological improvement in healthy subjects without sleep deprivation: a systematic review. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2015;25(11):1865-1881. doi:10.1016/j.euroneuro.2015.07.028
  11. RI Shader.Polypharmacy, pill loading and first aid kit optimization. Clin Ther. 2019;41(12):2461-2462.doi:10.1016/j.clinthera.2019.11.002
  12. Herman TF, Santos C. Effect of the first pass. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; September 3, 2020.
  13. Khan AB, Kingsley T, Caroline P. Sublingual tablets and the benefits of the sublingual route of administration. J Pharm Res. 2017;16(3):257-267. doi:10.18579/jpcrkc/2017/16/3/118766
  14. Justice Department. Controlled Substance Schedules: Placement of Modafinil on Schedule IV. Published January 27, 1999. https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/fed_regs/rules/1999/fr0127.htm
  15. Saha P, Verma S, Das PS. Sublingual drug delivery: an indication of a possible alternative route. Int J Curr Pharm Res. 2017;9(6):5-7. doi:10.22159/ijcpr.2017v9i6.23436

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