Modafinil Hair Loss: A Possible Side Effect

Modafinil is a non-amphetamine stimulant that helps in the treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness with fewer side effects. 

Modafinil Hair loss is a touchy subject, and many people are curious to know, “Does Modafinil cause Hair Loss?” The blog here states the possibilities of Hair loss due to the administration of Modafinil.  

Modafinil: An Overview

Modafinil is a prescription drug that belongs to the Eugeroic group (a group that promotes wakefulness properties).  The stimulant helps to treat excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work disorders.  The medication belongs to the Schedule IV controlled substance, as stated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  Modafinil was developed in the 1970s in France, and its use was approved by the FDA in 1998. 

The tablet starts working within 30 minutes after administration. Modafinil is available under different brand names, such as Modalert, Provigil, and Modvigil [1]. 

Hair Loss: A Side Effect Of Modafinil 

To understand Modafinil Hair Loss, you should first know the reasons behind hair loss. Harvard Medical School stated numerous factors contributing to the disappearance of hair:

• Certain adverse effects from medications like cancer chemotherapy treatments, amphetamines, and blood thinners might lead to hair loss. 

• Certain illnesses, like thyroid disorder, hormonal imbalance, and vitamin deficiency, contribute to hair loss. 

• Alopecia Areata is an auto-immune disorder that allows small patches of hair to fall out. 

• Androgenic Alopecia is a hereditary baldness pattern that primarily affects men. However, hormonal levels and older age might also contribute to this. 

• It is also important to mention that high levels of stress contribute to hair loss. The users of Modafinil are in high-stress environments as they are in competition, which might contribute to hair loss.  

To understand the relationship or answer the question, “ Does Modafinil cause hair loss?” we need to review the scientific evidence regarding Modafinil Hair Loss [2].

Science Behind Modafinil And Hair Loss

The ongoing relationship between Modafinil and hair loss is not properly studied and investigated to note that Modafinil causes Hair loss specifically. However, there are two connections through which we say that Modafinil might cause Hair loss:

• The majority of Modafinil pill users are males, and due to stressful careers, they are more susceptible to balding. 

• Overload of histamine and dopamine might also be a possible connection between Modafinil and hair loss. 

How Does Modafinil Cause Hair Loss?

Modafinil works in the brain's hypothalamus region, where it increases neurotransmitters such as dopamine, histamine, orexin, and serotonin. Excessive levels of the neurotransmitters might induce hair fall. 

Studies Related To Modafinil And Hair Loss

According to the website DrugInformer.com, 89 FDA reports were submitted in regard to Modafinil Hair Loss. 

According to another website, ehealthme.com, the data analysis found that 233 patients, out of a total of 20,270, suffered hair loss (1.15%) [4].

It has been found that Hair loss is found among people who are 50-59 years old and also for those who have been taking the drug for 6–12 years. 

Precautionary Measures To Avoid Hair Loss

Certain preventive measures or tips need to be taken in order to avoid Modafinil Hair loss-

1. Lower your Modafinil dosage- Increased doses of Modafinil increase the chances of hair loss. 

2. Optimizing your sleep quality- Modafinil should not be taken at night, as it might cause you insomnia. You can try supplements such as organic cherry tart juice and melatonin along with Modafinil, for better results. 

3. Products such as Biotin and Rogaine Foam will not completely stop hair fall but will help you slow down the process. 

Our Final Verdict

Hair Loss is a common issue that is seen in most people. There are many contributing factors to hair loss. Modafinil, a prescription drug, might be a reason for hair loss. However, there is a lack of evidence and support to denote that Modafinil causes hair loss. You should consult with your doctor if you are facing hair loss after consuming Modafinil.