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What Is Modafanil? Effects, Interactions Uses

Modafinil falls within the of the Schedule IV on the DEA drug list. Modafinil is a stimulant used to improve wakefulness in patients with sleep apnea, narcolepsy, or shift work disorder. Modafinil is a stimulant drug marketed as a ‘wakefulness promoting agent’ and is one of the stimulants used in the treatment of narcolepsy.

Narcolepsy is caused by dysfunction of a family of wakefulness-promoting and sleep-suppressing peptides, the orexins, whose neurons are activated by modafinil. The prexin neuron activation is associated with psychoactivation and euphoria.

The exact mechanism of action is unclear, although in vitro studies have shown it to inhibit the reuptake of dopamine by binding to the dopamine reuptake pump, and lead to an increase in extracellular dopamine. Modafinil activates glutamatergic circuits while inhibiting GABA.

Modafinil chemical compound image

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Modafinil is a Schedule IV drug

Modafinil is a Schedule IV which means it is . Other drugs like Xanax, serdexmethylphenidate, Soma, Darvon, Darvocet, Valium, Ativan, Talwin, Ambien, Mazindol, Tramadol in the same class at random are also classified as Schedule IV by the DEA.

Synonyms for Modafinil:

  • 2-((diphenylmethyl)sulfinyl)acetamide
  • Modafinil
  • Modafinilo
  • Modafinilum

Modafinil is a Small Molecule that is categorized for Approved, Investigational but can be dangerous when used recreationally or misused.Lifespan Of Modafinil In The Human Body

Half-Life Of Modafinil In The Human Body

The half-life of Modafinil means the amount of time that stays in your system before it is fully absorbed. The half-life of Modafinil is The normal half-life of modafinil in humans is between 12 to 15 hours.

Brand names for Modafinil

Modafinil is sold under a wide variety of brand names worldwide, including:

  • Alertec
  • Alertex
  • Altasomil
  • Aspendos
  • Forcilin
  • Intensit
  • Mentix
  • Modafinil
  • Modafinilo
  • Modalert
  • Modanil
  • Modasomil
  • Modvigil
  • Modiodal
  • Modiwake
  • Movigil
  • Provigil
  • Resotyl
  • Stavigile
  • Vigia
  • Vigicer
  • Vigil
  • Vigimax
  • Wakelert
  • Zalux

How Is It Modafinil Used?

To improve wakefulness in patients with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) associated with narcolepsy. It is also used during detox to treat cocaine addiction.

How does Modafinil become activated?

Modafinil is a stimulant drug marketed as a ‘wakefulness promoting agent’ and is one of the stimulants used in the treatment of narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is caused by dysfunction of a family of wakefulness-promoting and sleep-suppressing peptides, the orexins, whose neurons are activated by modafinil. The prexin neuron activation is associated with psychoactivation and euphoria.

Modafinil is not indicated for complaints of lack of energy or fatigue; but it appears to be very helpful for some patients. Also, it has been used in the treatment of hypersomnia, a disorder in which patients lack the capacity for meaningful sleep and may require ten or more hours per day. Recent studies have have found that modafinil may help recovering cocaine addicts fight their addiction.

What is the primary difference between Modafinil and Adderall

Drug name is Modafinil is a stimulant used to improve wakefulness in patients with sleep apnea, narcolepsy, or shift work disorder. which is different from because Modafinil is a stimulant used to improve wakefulness in patients with sleep apnea, narcolepsy, or shift work disorder.

Modafinil is effective in improving alertness, but it interacts with some medicines and shouldn’t be used long-term. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) and Adderall are better choices for medication to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Modafinil and Cocaine Addiction Treatment

Modafinil is not commonly addictive. There have been reports of Modafinil addiction, however, it is actually used in addiction treatment for individuals that have become dependent on cocaine. Modafinil reduces cocaine dependence and withdrawal phenomenon.

FAQ

Can Modafanil get you high?

Modafinil does produce a euphoric high if taken in excess amounts which are not safe. Although modafinil apparently has very low abuse liability (low reinforcing effects) in non–drug abusing individuals, the Physicians’ Desk Reference cautions that it can produce psychoactive and euphoric effects typical of central nervous system stimulant drugs,3 and there is debate surrounding its potential for abuse.

Is modafinil a narcotic?

Modafinil does produce a euphoric high if taken in excess amounts which are not safe. Although modafinil apparently has very low abuse liability (low reinforcing effects) in non–drug abusing individuals, the Physicians’ Desk Reference cautions that it can produce psychoactive and euphoric effects typical of central nervous system stimulant drugs,3 and there is debate surrounding its potential for abuse.

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Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, November 1). Modafinil (oral route) side effects. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved December 22, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/modafinil-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20064870

Alacam, H., Basay, O., Tumkaya, S., Mart, M., & Kar, G. (2018). Modafinil dependence: a case with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Psychiatry Investigation, 15(4), 424.

Volkow, N. D., Fowler, J. S., Logan, J., Alexoff, D., Zhu, W., Telang, F., Wang, G.-J., Jayne, M., Hooker, J. M., Wong, C., Hubbard, B., Carter, P., Warner, D., King, P., Shea, C., Xu, Y., Muench, L., & Apelskog-Torres, K. (2009). Effects of modafinil on dopamine and dopamine transporters in the male human brain. JAMA, 301(11), 1148.

D’Souza, P. D., & Mascarenhas, J. J. (2019). A case report on modafinil dependence. Galore Int J Health Sci Res, 4(3), 8-11.

 

 

 

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Magnified Health Systems aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.

Picture of This content is verified and moderated by Dr. Brendan Bickley

This content is verified and moderated by Dr. Brendan Bickley

Dr. Bickley graduated from U.C. Irvine with honors: Phi Beta Kappa, Golden Key International Honor Society, Cum Laude. He has been featured on national radio and print media. He is also a frequent lecturer at National Conferences. He holds an A.S. degree in Drug & Alcohol Studies, and two B.A. degrees in Criminology & Psychology, and masters and doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. He is a licensed California Drug & Alcohol Counselor Level II, a licensed Clinical Supervisor and is certified in treating Eating Disorders.

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