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. However, studies have shown that Modafinil may also be useful off-label for alleviating the symptoms of Depression, , Bipolar Disorder, Parkinson's Disease, Seasonal Depressive Disorder, ADHD, 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. It has recently gained popularity for its use as a smart drug to improve memory and increase productivity.

Pharmacology

Research suggests that Modafinil increases hypothalamic histamine levels in the brains of rats, which may contribute to its locomotor effects. Modafinil also

The reported nondopaminergic effects of modafinil include activation of α1 adrenergic receptors (Duteil et al., 1990), enhancement of serotonin (5-HT) function (Ferraro et al., 2000), inhibition of GABA release (Ferraro et al., 1997, 1998), and stimulation of glutamate and histamine release (Ferraro et al., 1999; Ishizuka et al., 2003).

Modafinil seems to inhibit the reuptake action of the dopamine transporter, thus leading to an increase in extracellular and thus synaptic concentrations of dopamine.[103]

Modafinil seems to inhibit the reuptake action of the dopamine transporter, thus leading to an increase in extracellular and thus synaptic concentrations of dopamine

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 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.
• Headaches - In terms of physical discomfort, Modafinil can cause headaches, especially if dehydrated or if you have 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.
• Appetite suppression - The above components are also accompanied by a suppression of appetite which can be either less intense or identical in strength to the appetite suppression experienced with amphetamine.

Cognitive Effects

• Increased Focus
• Enhancement of memory
• Increased motivation
• Euphoria
• Anxiety

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. 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.

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.
• Modafinil is listed as a Schedule F prescription drug in Canada and it can be prescribed for human and veterinary use.

See Also

• Nootropics
• Stimulants
• Armodafinil
• Caffeine
• Amphetamine