It’s time to know about Modafinil, the performance-enhancing smart drug that belongs in your bag of biohacker tricks. We’ve set out to debunk some of the theories around modafinil use and talk about where you can buy Modafinil in USA.
Modafinil, known under brand name Provigil, is used to promote wakefulness in patients with extreme sleepiness during daytime or sleepiness due to sleeping disorders. It also helps in staying awake during work hours if the work schedule is not adjusted to having a scheduled sleeping time.
How does Modafinil work?
Modafinil is a type of medicine known as a CNS stimulant. It works by stimulating activity within the central nervous system, ie the brain and spinal cord.
The way in which modafinil improves wakefulness is not yet fully understood, but it is believed to have an effect on several neurotransmitter systems in the brain, mainly in areas of the brain that regulate sleep, wake and alertness.
How To Take Modafinil
Modafinil is known to have a long half-life (about 14-15 hours), which is why it is highly recommended to take the drug in the morning. For a majority of people, 200 mg is enough to get them through the day. If you are new to modafinil, you probably want to start with the standard dose of 100 mg. Over time, your body will build up a tolerance and you can move on to 200 mg. Overall, make sure you find the perfect dose that works for you if you want to have a great experience with modafinil.
In case of sleep apnea and narcolepsy, take 200-400 mg once in the morning or twice a day. And in case of shift work disorder, take a 200 mg dose one hour before work time.
Modafinil is a wonder drug when it comes to enhancing your concentration. But the downside is that it can make you concentrate on your work so much that you forget to drink water, which can cause dehydration. So remember to drink plenty of water (a little more than you normally do) on the day that you will be taking modafinil. Alternatively, you can keep a jug of water by your desk to drink every time you feel thirsty.
Using Modafinil for Studying
Modafinil can offer some serious benefits when it comes to studying. However, it isn’t a miracle drug. There are still some limitations when it comes to using modafinil.
Modafinil can only go so far it delays the need to sleep for several hours, but can’t replace it. A lot of the recovery process happens when we sleep. Our brain uses the downtime to organize what we learned for the day and removed the buildup of oxidative and toxic products.
Modafinil makes us feel refreshed, but unless we actually go to sleep, these recovery processes don’t happen as they need to. For modafinil to have the best results, it’s vital that you still get a good night’s sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
Academic success isn’t as simple as just taking modafinil before every exam, it can go a long way in optimizing the process as a whole. We need to remember that sleep, nutrition, exercise, and self-discipline are also critically important — modafinil is merely another tool you can add to your arsenal to get the most out of your study efforts.
Modafinil Cost
The cost of modafinil in USA can vary quite a bit. Brand name products like Provigil® or Nuvigil® can cost between 5 € and 20 € per 200 mg tablet at your local pharmacy.
That’s a lot of money for a pill. Fortunately, there are ways to get this cost down to 100 € per month.
Patent laws only protect drug manufacturers for 20 years. At this point, other companies can step in to produce generic (non-brand-name) versions of the drug. You can find generic options online at places like modafinil-rx.com for a cheap price.
This means that the generic modafinil products have the same quality as expensive brand name options — but can save you hundreds of euros per year. Generic versions cost between 1€ and 2 € per 200 mg tablet.
Commonly asked questions for Modafinil
Onset of action: The amount of time required for this medicine to show its action is 20 to 60 minutes.
Duration of effect: This medicine remains active in the body for an average duration of 5 to 10 hours after administration.
Safe with alcohol? Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Usage in pregnancy? This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Usage while breast-feeding? This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. Your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue the drug based on your clinical condition.
Other Benefits
Provigil may improve cognition in people with MS, especially working memory, as evidenced by a small 2015 study on 16 patients in Rehabilitation Psychology.
Also, in a very small 2007 study in the European Journal of Neurology, two patients with MS and primary nocturnal enuresis — the involuntary discharge of urine during sleep at night — had improvement in their nighttime urination episodes after taking Provigil.
Of course, larger, randomized studies are needed to substantiate both of these findings.
Modafinil Vs. Piracetam
Modafinil is a nootropic that outperforms all other smart drugs. It gives you the focus and energy you need to perform optimally at two to three times normal capacity without giving you a mental breakdown, latent side effects, or being addictive like others.
Other nootropics like Piracetam or Noopept are well known for their focus enhancement effects. However, Piracetam or Noopept users repeatedly report latent side-effects, including skin blistering, dry mouth, and inability to urinate, among others. In addition, these nootropics show inconsistent results.
Modafinil gives you an immediate effect unlike Piracetam and allows you to work continuously. Instead of having to wait nearly a month to get focused, wouldn’t it be better to focus immediately when you need it?
Side Effects
Despite its purpose to treat sleep disorders, Provigil tablets may cause minor sleeping and cognitive disorders. The common side effects of Modafinil include:
- Trouble with falling asleep;
- Feeling anxious or nervous;
- Headache and dizziness;
- Nausea and diarrhea;
- Back pain.
According to a number of performed studies, there is only a very small chance of any of these side effects’ appearance. Nevertheless, if you notice any of those signs, seek emergency help at once.
Talking To Your Doctor
Modafinil is a prescription drug for a reason. Your doctor will be able to evaluate your personal risk to benefit ratio. If you are not a good candidate for Modafinil, he might recommend another more suitable medication.