Modafinil headaches are a frequent side effect of the powerful nootropic and can occur for a variety of reasons, including dehydration, insufficient sleep, overstimulation, etc. But the good news is that these headaches can be prevented through various preventable measures such as hydration, proper sleep, less amount of the nootropic, etc.
If you’ve ever taken Modafinil and experienced a headache, you’re not alone. Headache is a common Modafinil side effect that most users have encountered. However, there are a few ways through which one can avoid or treat headaches induced by the nootropic.
If you’re concerned about getting a headache from Modafinil and wondering how to get rid of it, we’ll cover everything that you need to know in this detailed blog.
What Is Modafinil And What Are Its Uses?
Modafinil is a prescription medication that promotes wakefulness in people suffering from excessive daytime sleepiness. It is sold under various brand names such as Modalert, Provigil, and Modvigil.
The use of Modafinil for sleep disorders is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to treat the following conditions -
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Narcolepsy,
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Obstructive Sleep Apnea,
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Shift Work Sleep Disorder.
It is also used off-label to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, cocaine dependence, cancer, multiple sclerosis-related fatigues, acute bipolar and unipolar depressive episodes, and as a cognitive enhancer [1].
What Is The Link Between Modafinil And Headaches?
Being a Modafinil user, it is possible that you might have experienced a headache at some point. Extreme headache is one of the critical negative effects of Modafinil. Various studies and medical reports have diagnosed headaches as occurring more frequently than other side effects, such as nausea, agitation, dizziness, etc., after taking Modafinil.
Modafinil And Headache Symptoms
There are various types of headaches, such as sinus headaches, tension headaches, Modafinil migraine headaches, and cluster headaches, but Modafinil is identified as causing Tension-type headaches.
The headaches arise after 2-3 hours after administration and can last for around 10–12 hours from the time of ingestion.
But the good news is that these headaches are not a serious issue, and in most cases, they do not require medical attention.
Modafinil Headache Symptoms
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There was no nausea associated with the headache.
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A pain that is dull and persistent.
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The pain doesn't change, whether you’re about to nap or hit the gym.
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A sense of pressure in the eyes
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A feeling of tightness from the forehead that might migrate to the neck [2].
Modafinil Headache Relief And Treatment: How Do I Get Rid Of Modafinil Headaches?
8 important tips to get rid of Modafinil-induced side effects are given below:
Hydration-
One of the most common side effects of Modafinil is dehydration, which is already mentioned above and can be a major source of headaches. Therefore, hydration is by far the easiest way to fix a Provigil headache.
Food-
Headaches can also result from high levels of hunger. While Modafinil is more effective when taken without food on an empty stomach, this is not a healthy approach.
A solution to this problem is to schedule the times of the day you have your meals, such as breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And it is advised to consume at least a small-sized nutritious breakfast before taking the smart drug.
Sleep-
Not getting proper or adequate sleep is another cause of tension headaches. Just 1-3 hours of lost sleep is enough to induce a headache that lasts a few hours to a whole day. Since Modafinil is a stimulant, you must take the nootropic to ensure you get to sleep each night at an appropriate hour.
Many Modafinil users have noticed that headaches go away once they start getting enough sleep at night.
Less Modafinil-
One of the most common mistakes made by Modafinil users is that they go beyond the recommended dose of Modafinil, which is 100 to 200 mg per day, 1-3 times per week. They up the dosage to 300–400 mg a day, sometimes taking Modafinil every single day of the week, and Modafinil headaches are often connected to an overdose.
The solution is to reduce your Modafinil dose. Lowering the dosage to 200 mg and limiting its use to a few times a week can help to avoid headaches.
Do not mix Modafinil with other stimulants or medications-
The intake of Modafinil with other stimulants or medications can result in headaches. Therefore, do not use other stimulants with Modafinil.
Over-The-Counter Medication For Treating Headaches Associated With Modafinil
In rare cases, additional over-the-counter medicines in the form of a Modafinil headache cure may be required. While these medicines or supplements are not necessarily curative of headaches, they are useful options when you've tried everything but nothing has worked for you.
Anxiety medications
Anxiety is a notable adverse event of Modafinil, and suffering from anxiety can often lead to headaches. Thus, anti-anxiety medicine can help manage Modafinil headaches.
One can also get rid of Modafinil headaches by taking melatonin before bed, rubbing magnesium oil on your body, and consuming an L-theanine supplement after meals.
Correct Dosage Regimen Of Non-Prescription Users
It is also essential for people buying Modafinil 200 mg online to take the medication safely to minimize the risk of experiencing headaches. Most people getting Modafinil without a prescription are unaware of its correct dosage regimen and potential health risks and end up overdosing, which often causes headaches. So, it is advisable for such people to thoroughly read about Modafinil dosing and intake before starting the treatment without consulting a doctor.
Modafinil Headaches: Our Final Thoughts
Headaches are one of the most common side effects of Modafinil, and most of the time, these headaches are preventable. The first step to getting rid of Modafinil-induced headaches is to identify what the most likely cause may be. From there, a few simple modifications or steps are usually all it takes to prevent the issue altogether.