Modafinil is an example of a new type of medication known as nootropics or smart drugs. Originally developed initially for its use as a treatment for narcolepsy. However, it’s since gained much popularity around the world for its use in boosting cognitive functions.
While many people might think Modafinil is a stimulant, it behaves differently from medications such as amphetamine. It promotes wakefulness rather than making you overly alert. As a result, it doesn’t cause side effects such as jitters, mood swings and withdrawals like stimulants commonly do. On top of that, Modafinil hasn’t been shown to cause addiction, and there is even research to suggest it can help addicts in recovery.
At the moment, Modafinil is available on prescription in countries such as the United States and Australia. You can also purchase Modafinil online. More people than ever are using Modafinil to increase their wakefulness at work, prolong their study time and stay awake during drives.
Uses for Modafinil
- Wakefulness
Modafinil was first developed in France in the late 1970s. It was trialled as a treatment for sufferers of narcolepsy and was soon available under prescription. Since it’s early usage as a treatment for narcolepsy, it has also been tested for many other purposes. This includes its use as an alternative for amphetamine-based medications used by the US military. Its limited side effects compared to drugs such as dextroamphetamine make it a preferable choice for militaries around the world. Countries such as France, the UK and India have also adopted the drug for reducing fatigue on long missions. Canada even conducted a study on its effects on astronauts aboard the International Space Station. The study found that the crew had better performance while fatigued and were able to get better sleep.
- Improving Cognitive Function
In recent years, the usage of Modafinil and its alternatives for non-medical reasons has increased. Many students, doctors, office workers, programmers, truck drives and more have admitted to using it as a smart drug. The drug not only helps people to stay awake for longer, but it has also been shown to boost cognitive function. A study in 2015 showed that standard doses increased attention, learning and memory in subjects. For this reason, it’s become a very popular choice for students who are looking to study harder for their exams. A 2014 study of 2000 students in the UK found that one in five admitted to having used Modafinil at some point to stay awake and study for longer periods.
- Doping in Sports
Modafinil also has uses in helping athletes train for longer and maintain optimal performances. It’s currently on the World Anti Doping Agency banned list, but many athletes have tested positive for it over the years. A study found that Modafinil allowed athletes to perform for longer at reduced levels of oxygen and higher fatigue. It also found that the perception of effort for the athlete was much lower. This meant it was easier for them to maintain their performance even when tired. While this may be a secondary effect compared to the cognitive increase, it still provides enough of a benefit that many athletes have admitted to using it during training.
Is Modafinil Safe?
Side Effects
Modafinil has been available as a prescription medication since 1986 and has been found the have very few adverse effects. The following are some of the known side effects associated with the drug:
• Mild headache
• Nausea
• Decreased appetite
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Diarrhoea
Normally, these symptoms are reported in less than 10% of users. The chance of side effects increases with higher doses and if the drug is used to stay awake for very long periods. It’s also worth noting that Modafinil can reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives.
In very rare cases, Modafinil can also case Stevens-Johnson syndrome in people with a certain genetic disposition. This presents itself as a rash and can potentially be life-threatening if not treated.
Overdose Risk
There have been no recorded fatal overdoses of Modafinil in the United States, and the drug has a fairly high median lethal dose when tested in rats. The normal dose for humans is around 30-50mg. However, tests have been conducted using 1200mg per day and even 4500mg. These doses increased the side effects but didn’t appear to be life-threatening. Side effects from heavy doses can include severe headaches and impaired movement but will normally wear off quite quickly.
Addiction and Tolerance Risk
Modafinil has a very low addiction risk. The drug is classed as a schedule IV controlled substance in the US due to its important medical uses and the low tendency for users to develop a dependency. There’s no medical evidence of users building a tolerance of Modafinil. The same dose will work for many years without needing to be increased.
How Does Modafinil Work?
The exact mechanisms of Modafinil and how it affects our brains aren’t fully understood. What is known, however, is that it affects several key areas in the brain, interacting with certain receptors. These interactions include the following:
• Dopamine – Modafinil partially affects the brain’s dopamine transporter, increasing dopamine levels. Dopamine is increased by a lot of recreational drugs, providing a happy and feeling excited effect. Unlike other drugs, however, Modafinil only slightly increases the amount of dopamine, leading to more of a calming effect.
• Serotonin – Modafinil also slightly increases the amount of serotonin in certain areas of the brain. Some studies suggest that Modafinil could have the potential to increase the effect of SSRIs. This could help to alleviate symptoms of depression and other psychiatric disorders.
• Norepinephrine – It’s believed that Modafinil interacts with the norepinephrine transporter and increases the amount of norepinephrine in certain parts of the brain. It’s not fully understood what effects this directly causes, but it could be behind helping Modafinil regulate sleep.
• Histamine and Orexin – Lastly, Modafinil appears to increase the release of histamine and orexin in the brain. These two neurotransmitters are responsible for controlling wakefulness and the sleep cycle. This may be the primary mechanism behind the effects of Modafinil, but more study is needed to determine this.
Where to Buy Modafinil
Modafinil is a scheduled drug in most countries, including Australia, the UK, the US and most of Europe. It’s typically obtained through the use of a prescription from a doctor. However, it can also be bought online from reputable vendors.
If you’re looking to buy Modafinil online, it’s important to make sure that the site you use is trustworthy. Take a look through our Modafinil site reviews to find a site that offers what you’re looking for at a reasonable price. There are a lot of great sites out there, and many of them offer special discounts and offers, especially if you purchase in bulk.
Check through the reviews carefully to make sure you find a site that ships to your country. Shipping can take a few weeks depending on the site, but orders will usually be refunded if they fail to arrive after a certain amount of time. Other things to look out for include the payment methods accepted and whether the site has encryption or not.
