Modafinil is a wakefulness-promoting drug created to treat narcolepsy and other sleep disorders that cause people to lose fall asleep during the day. In addition to its capacity to avoid sleepiness and fatigue, extensive tests have demonstrated that Modafinil delivers an astonishing array of cognitive benefits, ranging from improved mood and mental alertness to higher motivation, faster reaction time, and better memory.
Modafinil is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a narcolepsy treatment. In the United States, it is a Schedule IV substance and a prescription-only medication. That said, Modafinil is frequently used off-label by those who know where to buy Modafinil legally. Individuals who use Modafinil include students, entrepreneurs, shift workers, and others who seek to improve their productivity and performance.
What are the Benefits of Modafinil?
Promotes Wakefulness
Modafinil is highly effective at improving cognitive performance, promoting wakefulness, and enhancing alertness. Modafinil’s effectiveness in preventing daytime sleepiness has been repeatedly demonstrated and it has been shown to have no negative effects on overnight sleep. Shift workers who need to stay awake and alert late at night can also benefit from Modafinil as it helps them to manage their circadian rhythm.
Cognitive Effects
Both non-fatigued individuals and those with sleep deprivation have shown considerable cognitive improvement while taking Modafinil. Scientific research shows that Modafinil can help healthy people focus more, make better decisions, remember more, and retain new information. Patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or substance abuse disorders have also exhibited positive effects from using Modafinil.
Fewer Side Effects
Despite sharing some of their effects, Modafinil is substantially different from amphetamines like Adderall. Amphetamines are psychostimulants that generate a brief increase in total psychomotor activity, whereas Modafinil is a wakefulness-promoting agent that focuses on enhancing alertness. Hence, Modafinil produces less frenetic energy with fewer side effects and reduced potential for addiction than amphetamines.
Other Benefits
Another benefit of Modafinil is that it can improve sports and exercise performance by decreasing the perception of fatigue and increasing the time before the sportsperson feels tired.
Research also suggests that Modafinil may promote brain health thanks to its antioxidant properties. These properties are thought to help reduce the levels of free radicals in the brain, protecting it from damage.
Finally, Modafinil helps with the symptoms of ADHD and is sometimes used as an alternative to amphetamines or stimulants for ADHD. However, ADHD treatment with Modafinil is currently only limited to adult patients.
Multiple applications of Modafinil are still being studied. Clinical trials are currently exploring Modafinil as a treatment for depression, schizophrenia, and seasonal affective disorder.
How Does Modafinil Work?
Modafinil works by activating selective neurons in the hypothalamus and amygdala of the brain. Its wakefulness-inducing effects can be attributed to its action on the hypothalamic orexin/hypocretin pathway that controls wakefulness (amongst other things.)
By activating these neurons in the hypothalamus, the body is stimulated to produce more histamines. Histamines are often thought of in the context of allergic reactions, but they are also essential elements of our sleep-wake cycles. Higher histamine levels help us to stay awake and alert.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that improves mood, motivation, and focus. Modafinil works indirectly by occupying the dopamine transporter, thus increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain. This gradual influence does not trigger the ‘rush’ associated with addiction and is thus safer.
Similarly, Modafinil enhances the availability of norepinephrine by inhibiting norepinephrine transporters. Norepinephrine is part of the body’s ‘fight-or-flight’ response. Increased norepinephrine levels can improve alertness and attention, and affect sleep-wake cycles, memory, and mood.
Modafinil increases the levels of glutamate, the brain’s primary excitatory neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in cognitive function. At the same time, it lowers gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a relaxing and sleep-promoting neurotransmitter, hence promoting wakefulness.
Finally, Modafinil stimulates the serotonergic system in the cortex, hypothalamus, and amygdala, which causes a rise in serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in the regulation of mood. Higher levels of serotonin will bring you a better mood.
Side Effects
Modafinil is typically safe and well-tolerated. Side effects are mostly mild and can include headache, dizziness, nervousness, anxiety, dry mouth, or difficulty sleeping. Modafinil is known to interact with beta-blockers, blood thinners (warfarin), anti-seizure medicines, and some antidepressants. Consult your doctor if you are considering taking Modafinil in addition to other medications.
Where to Buy Modafinil?
Modafinil requires a doctor’s prescription in several countries, including the US, the UK, and Canada. In many countries, Modafinil is legal to be purchased without a prescription in small quantities for personal use. Hence, many people choose to buy Modafinil online from international pharmacies that do not require a prescription.
There are some risks involved in purchasing medicines from an online pharmacy such as paying too much, receiving ineffective drugs, receiving the wrong drugs, or waiting too long to receive your products. Therefore, online shoppers must be careful to purchase only from reputable international pharmacies with a proven track record.
Modafinil is a wakefulness-promoting drug that has proven benefits for people with sleep disorders as well as otherwise healthy individuals. It is thought to bring a range of cognitive improvements such as stronger focus, more mental alertness, and better memory. If you are unhappy with your productivity or performance, Modafinil may be able to help.