Modafinil has become the go-to smart drug. Despite its recent popularity, researchers actually created this drug way back in the 1970s. Doctors first used it as a treatment for narcolepsy. Since then, doctors have used it for many reasons, mostly treating various sleep disorders.
Modafinil has has also been used by the American and British military. They have provided the drug to their soldiers to keep them awake, alert, and functioning for as long as 40 hours.
But this drug doesn’t just keep people awake. It minimizes the effects of short-term sleep deprivation. It also helps people concentrate. This is why it has become the nootropic smart drug of choice.
How It Works
Modafinil has a unique way of working in the brain, one that researchers have not yet fully identified. It works differently than other types of stimulants. These other stimulants tend to activate neurons on a widespread basis, whereas modafinil is selective in its activation of neurons.
Modafinil affects the levels of histamine, orexin/hypocretin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain. Let’s take a closer look at how this drug affects each of these critical systems:
- Histamine—Works in the hypothalamus to raise histamine levels and alter the regulation of the wake/sleep cycles. This helps keep people more awake and alert.
- Orexin/Hypocretin—The drug’s stimulation of the neurons in this system is a major factor in its ability to keep people awake.
- Norepinephrine—This is another neurotransmitter stimulated by modafinil that is responsible for feeling more awake.
- Dopamine—Stimulates the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is primarily responsible for our stimuli/reward responses. This helps people focus better and feel more motivated.
The primary benefit of modafinil is that it keeps people awake. While this has many medicinal uses when treating certain sleep disorders, it can also be used by people who want to increase their productivity. This is incredibly useful for students and others who need to put in long hours.
When a person pushes themselves past the point at which the body needs sleep, they tend to lose focus, the ability to concentrate, and the ability to remember things. These symptoms of short-term sleep deprivation are countered by modafinil. It will help the brain retain its cognitive function even when deprived of sleep.
Overall, modafinil is considered safe to take, provided you take it as directed. However, as with any pharmaceutical drug, there are mild side effects that can occur, including:
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Insomnia
- Lack of appetite
- Nervousness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Rapid weight loss
It is rare for modafinil to result in psychological dependence, even when taken at higher dosages. However, the possibility exists. Withdrawal symptoms in such cases include insomnia, anxiety, lethargy, and an inability to experience pleasure.
Modafinil is available as a generic drug. It is most affordable when purchased that way. There are a number of brand names under which the drug is sold. What is sold where depends on the country. Here is a list of brands:
- Alertec (Canada, Ecuador)
- Carim (Colombia, Honduras, Ecuador, Uruguay)
- Modasomil (Switzerland, Austria)
- Modvigil (Australia, New Zealand)
- Modiodal (much of Europe, Turkey, Japan)
- Vigicer (Argentina)
- Vigia (Colombia)
- Stavigile (Brazil)
- Vigil (Germany)
- Provigil (U.S., U.K., Ireland, Italy, Belgium, Israel, South Africa, South Korea)
- Provoke, Modalert, Modapro (India)
- Alertex, Mentix, Resotyl, Zalux (Chile)
Every one of these brands has the same basic effect. However, each person responds to different brands in different ways. So, it is important to determine which brand works best for you.
The brands we use and recommend are Modalert and Modvigil. You can order them from most reputable online modafinil sellers.
Modafinil Dosage
The maximum safe dosage of modafinil has been determined to be 400 mg. However, testing has shown that dosage to be no more effective than 200 mg. Yet, the potential danger of side effects is heightened. For the medical treatment of sleep disorders, the general prescribed dosage is 100 mg to 200 mg.
When it comes to taking modafinil as a nootropic, experts highly recommend you start at a dosage of 50 mg. You can gradually increase this amount over a period of time, until the desired effect is reached. You should not go beyond the dosage required for the desired effect.
Stacking
Stacking in nootropics is a way to combine various nootropic drugs for the maximum positive effect. People most often stack modafinil with phenylpiracetam and ALCAR. The result is an increase in the flow of thoughts, creativity, and curiosity.
Legal Status
In many countries around the world, modafinil is only legal with a prescription.
These countries include:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Australia
- Germany
- Finland
- Sweden
Russia has completely banned modafinil.
If you order modafinil from within one of these countries, there is no guarantee the order will make it past customs officials. It is important that you are aware of the laws in your country before ordering modafinil. And always order modafinil from a vendor that guarantees delivery. That way, if officials seize the package, you will get your money back.
Final Words on Modafinil
Modafinil is a popular and safe nootropic “smart drug.” You can use it if you want to work harder to improve your performance. However, you should not mistake it as a wonder drug that can boost your intelligence.
It is not always easy to get modafinil. Many countries only allow people to get the drug with a prescription. If you are in one of these countries and order modafinil online, you might not receive your order. It is common for customs officials to seize these packages.
The key is to order modafinil from a reputable online vendor. They will generally offer a delivery guarantee. If your order does not arrive, they will reship it or give you your money back. This makes the purchase risk-free. Popular vendors include:
No matter who you get modafinil from or which brand you use, please stay safe. And enjoy your new level of concentration and mental performance. You never know where it will take you.
