Modafinil
| Modafinil | |
|---|---|
 Modafinil's 3D molecular structure. | |
| Dosage (oral) | |
| Threshold | 0 - 0mg |
| Light | 0 - 0mg |
| Common | 0 - 0mg |
| Strong | 0 - 0mg |
| Heavy | 0mg |
| Dosage (insufflated) | |
| Threshold | 0mg |
| Light | 0 - 0mg |
| Common | 0 - 0mg |
| Strong | 0 - 0mg |
| Heavy | 0 - 0mg |
| Duration (oral) | |
| Onset | 20 - 60 minutes |
| Come up | 20 - 90 minutes |
| Peak | 5 - 10 hours |
| Come down | 1 - 3 hours |
| After effects | 2 - 8 hours |
| Duration (insufflated) | |
| Onset | 0 - 0 minutes |
| Come up | 0 - 0 minutes |
| Peak | 0 - 0 hours |
| Come down | 0 - 0 hours |
| After effects | 0 - 0 hours |
Modafinil (Provigil, Alertec, Modavigil) is a wakefulness promoting agent (eugeroic) used to enhance cognition, reduce fatigue, and increase alertness. It is approved by the United States' Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, shift work sleep disorder, and narcolepsy. [1] However, studies have shown that Modafinil may also be useful off-label for alleviating the symptoms of Depression, [2], Bipolar Disorder, [3] Parkinson's Disease, [4] Seasonal Depressive Disorder, [5] ADHD, [6]and various other diseases which cause fatigue as a symptom. The substance has also been used as a doping agent by various athletes due to its effects on physical stimulation. Modafinil is a fairly long-acting substance with a half-life of 15 hours.
Chemistry
Pharmacology
Subjective effects
Physical Effects
The physical effects of Modafinil can be broken down into # components. These are described below and generally include:
- Stimulation - In terms of its effects on the user's physical energy levels, Modafinil is commonly considered to be stimulating and energetic, but can be considered less stimulating when compared to amphetamine. This stimulation encourages physical movement and activities such as running, playing sports, socializing, and/or exercising. The particular style of stimulation which Modafinil presents can result in jaw clenching, teeth grinding, or other involuntary movements comparable to that of traditional stimulants, but are manifested much less consistently and intensely when compared to stimulants like amphetamine or cocaine.
- Dehydration - Dehydration and dry mouth commonly occur due to an increase in motivation to engage in physical activities as well as an increased sense of focus which causes one to forget to drink water.
- Appetite suppression
- Headaches - In terms of physical discomfort, Modafinil can cause headaches, especially if dehydrated or if one has been sitting in an awkward position for an extended period of time focused intensely on a task.
- Photophobia - Although uncommon, Modafinil can cause a temporary visual intolerance to light.
- Dizziness - Dizziness can sometimes occur as a side effect when consumed at moderate to high dosages.
- Nausea - It is common for Modafinil, especially in high doses, to cause nausea as a side effect.
Cognitive Effects
Toxicity and Harm Potential
Lethal Dosage
The median lethal dose at which 50% of participants die (LD50) from Modafinil for human beings has never been reached. No life-threatening effects have taken place in clinical trials involving the administration of 1000mg to 1600mg of Modafinil per day for 7 to 21 consecutive days. Intentional acute overdoses of 4500mg and 4000mg in two adult subjects and an accidental injestion of 800mg by a three-year-old child did not result in any life-threatening effects or death. [7] After overdosing on 5000mg of Modafinil in a suicide attempt, a fifteen-year-old female reported a severe headache, nausea, and tachycardia, but did not appear to have any lethan or long-term effects. [8]
Tolerance and Addiction Potential
Legal Issues
Modafinil is legally approved for medical purposes worldwide. However, it is illegal to sell and possess in most countries without a prescription.
- In the United States, Modafinil is a Schedule IV controlled substance. It is illegal to buy, sell, or possess the drug without a prescription or DEA license. [9]
- Modafinil is listed as a Schedule F prescription drug in Canada, meaning it can be prescribed for human and veterinary use. [10]
See Also
References
- ↑ Provigal (Manufacturer's Website) | http://www.provigil.com/
- ↑ PubMed - Modafinil augmentation of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor therapy in MDD partial responders with persistent fatigue and sleepiness | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17729016
- ↑ PubMed - A placebo-controlled evaluation of adjunctive modafinil in the treatment of bipolar depression | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17671288
- ↑ PubMed - Neuroprotective effects of modafinil in a marmoset Parkinson model: behavioral and neurochemical aspects | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16940766
- ↑ PubMed - Modafinil treatment in patients with seasonal affective disorder/winter depression: an open-label pilot study | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15306145
- ↑ PubMed - Modafinil improves symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder across subtypes in children and adolescents | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18280848
- ↑ The National Library of Medicine - PROVIGIL | http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=fd75a8a7-a8ab-4141-9af9-989a220b9c19
- ↑ Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine - Unsuccessful Suicide Attempt of a 15 Year Old Adolescent with Ingestion of 5000 mg Modafinilhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2725258
- ↑ Placement of Modafinil Into Schedule IV - U.S. Department of Justice | http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/fed_regs/rules/1999/fr0127.htm
- ↑ National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities - Regulations Amending the Food and Drug Regulations (1184 — Modafinil) | http://napra.ca/Content_Files/Files/FDR-Project1184-Modafinil-Oct122006.pdf