The common brand names of the generic Modafinil include Modalert, Modvigil, and Provigil.
They are manufactured by different pharmaceutical companies and are available in the market with varying price ranges.
There is no doubt that Modafinil is one of the safest generic nootropics to treat sleep disorders.
The generic is also available under different brand names, with more suitable features and preferences. The blog here cites various brand names available under the generic Modafinil.
Modafinil: An Overview
Modafinil is a novel-wakefulness-promoting drug that is classified as a schedule IV controlled substance. It was approved by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration in 1998 to treat excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder. The drug was developed in the 1970s in France[1].
Modafinil starts working in the brain within 30 minutes after administration by increasing the neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) such as - serotonin, orexin, histamine, and dopamine. The generic Modafinil tablet is available in HealthMatter at $1.01.
Differences Between Generic And Brand Names
The two basic differences between generic drugs and brand drugs are as follows:
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Generic names are given after the active compound, whereas brand names are given after the manufacturing companies.
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The inactive ingredients present in the medication might be different from those in the generic drug.
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The generic drug is always more cost-effective than the brand versions [3].
Similarities Between Generic And Brand Names
The US Food and Drug Administration has always set some standards for generic and branded drugs to maintain their uses and benefits.
Three basic similarities between generic and brand drugs are given below:
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It should contain the same active ingredients.
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The dosage strength must be equal and the same.
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The overall stability, quality, and safety should not change.
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The generic drug and the brand product should be bio-equivalent (chemically the same) [2].
What Are The Different Brand Names Of Modafinil?
The different brands of Modafinil include:
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Modalert
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Modvigil
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Provigil
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Modafil MD
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Modawake
Modalert Tablets
The salt composition of Modalert is 200mg of Modafinil. Sun Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. manufactures the medication. The tablet should always be stored under 30°C. The duration of the effects of the product lasts for about 10–12 hours. In comparison to other products, Modalert is a little pricier. Modalert costs $1.25 per pill at HealthMatter, a trusted online pharmacy.
Modvigil Tablets
Modvigil is another brand used for the generic Modafinil. HAB Pharmaceuticals is the manufacturer of Modvigil. It is considered the second-best generic product of Modafinil. The effects of the medication last for about 10–13 hours, which is slightly longer than Modalert. Modvigil tablet are readily available in HealthMatter at $0.9 per pill.
Provigil Tablets
This brand of Modafinil is available in 100 and 200 mg oral tablets. The manufacturer of Provigil is Cephalon, Inc. (now taken over by Teva Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd.). The price of Provigil 100mg, according to the website PharmacyChecker.com, is $0.63 per pill (for 30 tablets).
Modafil MD
It is one of the unique forms of the generic Modafinil. Intas Pharma is the manufacturer of Modafil MD. The tablets come in sub-lingual form, where you need to take the tablet under your tongue. The tablet is dissolved and gets absorbed in the blood through the tissue. The tablet takes 15 minutes to start working, as it is not metabolized in the liver and is directly passed into the bloodstream. The effects of the medication last for about 5–7 hours.
Modawake
HAB Pharmaceuticals manufactures this medication. The available dosage strength of Modawake is 200mg. The manufacturers of both Modawake and Modvigil are the same, but it has been found that Modvigil is more preferred than Modawake [2].
Modafinil Dosage Guide
The dosage of Modafinil might vary from patient to patient, depending upon factors such as age and health conditions (kidney or liver dysfunction). The standard recommended dosage of Modafinil is 200mg/day, and the maximum dosage of the medication is 400mg/day.
Missed Dose of Modafinil
If you skip a Modafinil dose, you should follow your normal dosage schedule and not take the missed dose of Modafinil.
Modafinil Overdose
In the case of Modafinil overdose (intentionally or by mistake), seek emergency medical help. Some of the symptoms of Modafinil overdose include - agitation, insomnia, depression, and severe headache.
Administration Of Modafinil
Six basic steps must be followed while administering the tablet:
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Swallow the tablet as a whole with a glass of water.
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Avoid crushing or chewing the tablet.
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You should not take alcohol while taking the drug; this might make you feel more dizzy.
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You can take the tablet with or without food, as the doctor prescribes.
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Take the tablet at the same time of the day for better effectiveness.
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You should not take the tablet at the stage of pregnancy or breastfeeding [4].
Our Final Thoughts
With various options of Modafinil brands in the market, it might become overwhelming to choose the right brand for yourself. However, while making an informed decision, make sure to consider several factors like personal needs, the brand's reputation, quality, and pricing to ensure the brand that you choose for yourself is the most suitable for you.