Modafinil vs. Adderall- A Comparison Of Their Benefits, Potency, And Safety Profile

Most people debate on “Modafinil vs. Adderall” as they are the most comparative Nootropic on the market today. The effectiveness and potency of the two stimulants make it hard for most users to choose between them. This detailed study will compare Modafinil with Adderall to assist you in selecting the right one.

Is Modafinil The Same As Adderall?

Modafinil is a novel wake-promoting brain stimulant that has a similar clinical profile as methylphenidate (Adderall) [1]. It is a well-tolerated psychostimulant with lower potency for addiction and dependency.

Adderall is a medication combination of Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine and was approved by the FDA in 2002.

Both Modafinil and Adderall are prescription medications. Modafinil 200mg is a Nootropic approved by the FDA for treating excessive daytime sleepiness with glorious off-label uses.

On the other hand, Adderall is a brain stimulant and is not a Nootropic. The FDA approved the use of Adderall as an adjunctive treatment for ADHD. Therefore, people looking beyond cognitive enhancement are more inclined to buy Modafinil.

Modafinil Vs. Adderall - Medical Uses And Benefits

Adderall and Modafinil are potential solutions for treating excessive daytime sleepiness. In addition, with prescription uses, these brain stimulants are known for many off-label uses. Therefore, here are a few uses and benefits of these medications.

Adderall vs Modafinil for studying

Modafinil is a widely used off-prescription drug for enhancing brain activity. Researchers at the University of Oxford and Harvard Medical School indicate using Modafinil for studying. Scientific evidence shows it is an effective cognitive enhancer that helps students stay focused. It enables students to stay attentive for 12 hours without any drop in energy.

Students frequently take Adderall to perform better at exams with better concentration and focus. However, when the drug’s effect wears off, the users may go through a comedown. In addition, between Modafinil and Adderall for studying, Adderall is susceptible to developing tolerance. Thus, the person may no longer produce the same effect.

Modafinil and Adderall for ADHD

ADHD patients have a low level of dopamine. However, the use of Adderall and Modafinil Nootropic can manage ADHD signs by enhancing the level of dopamine in the brain. They also help in the secretion of norepinephrine, which further aids in managing this condition. Thus increasing the activity of the CNS in the body and improving the symptoms of ADHD.

These stimulants improve task completion and organization, help with short attention spans, and decrease hyperactivity. They also enhance concentration, focus, and ability to listen and follow instructions.

Modafinil Or Adderall- A Summary Of Their Differences

There are a few notable differences between Adderall and Modafinil that play a key role in helping people decide on the right stimulant. Some of the notable differences between Modafinil and Adderall are listed below.

Modvigil 200 mg vs. Adderall - Duration of action

The immediate-release version of Adderall lasts for around 4 to 6 hours. In comparison, the effect of Modafinil lasts for about 12 to 15 hours.

Provigil 200 mg, compared to Adderall, has a longer duration of action.

Adderall vs. Provigil - Risk of Withdrawal

The risk of withdrawal from Modafinil is low and thus is considered safe for long-term use. On the other hand, Adderall can lead to withdrawal signs from sudden discontinuation.

Modafinil 200 mg vs. Adderall - Addiction Potency

The addiction potency of Modafinil is comparatively lower than Adderall, which has a moderate risk of dependency. Thus, the long-term use of Adderall is not advised.

Adderall versus Modafinil - Drug Schedule

Modafinil is a Schedule IV controlled substance, whereas Adderall is a Schedule II medication.

Schedule IV drug has a low abuse potential and low risk of dependence. In comparison, Schedule II medications have a higher abuse risk but are considered safe for medical use in the United States.

Pregnancy Category

Modafinil is a Category C drug for pregnancy in the United States, whereas Adderall is also a Category C pregnancy medication and Category D prescription drug in Australia.

Modafinil Vs. Adderall: Dosage Guidelines

Both Adderall and Modafinil differ in their dosages and modes of administration. Correct medication intake is essential to ensure the best benefits of the drug and avoid possible side effects.

In addition, one should remember the best way to take Modafinil, and Adderall is to take the drugs with lukewarm water. The stimulants should be taken as a whole without breaking or crushing them.

Modvigil Vs Adderall- User Reviews And Testimonials

Since both Adderall and Modafinil are widely popular brain stimulants, several opinions exist. Reviewing the user experience of both drugs helps us better understand their effectiveness. The below shows Adderall and Modafinil reviews from two trusted websites, Drugs and WebMD.

According to the website Drugs, Modafinil has a rating of 7.2 out of 10, with 63% positive reviews and 19% negative experiences. In comparison, Adderall has a rating of 7.3 out of 10 from a total of 457 reviews, with 65% positive and 18% negative experiences.

Provigil Vs. Adderall- Drug Interactions

Taking Adderall or Modafinil with other medicines can cause drug interaction. Such interaction causes a lowering of efficacy and increases the chances of experiencing side effects. Therefore, one should avoid using other drugs and treatments with Adderall and Modafinil for better results.

It is not a complete list of all the possible drug interactions. In addition, both Adderall and Modafinil can interact with alcohol and result in adverse effects and drug tolerance. It's better to consult a health expert before using these stimulants with other drugs and supplements.

Adverse Effects Of Adderall Vs. Provigil

Adderall and Modafinil do not cause similar side effects as they follow different mechanisms of action. Following proper dosages and administration can help avoid such signs and symptoms from these stimulants.

Users can also suffer from Modafinil insomnia (a condition where a person cannot sleep due to the action of Modafinil) if taken incorrectly. Note that the intensity of these effects may differ from one person to another.

Health Risks Of Mixing Modafinil And Adderall

Mixing Modafinil and Adderall is not advisable as it can affect the person's normal health and cause drug interaction. To understand the consequences of mixing these stimulants, it is crucial to be aware of the interaction between Modafinil and the two active ingredients of Adderall (dextroamphetamine and amphetamine).

People often combine Modafinil and Adderall to double their benefits. However, such interactions can cause adverse effects such as Nausea, Anxiety, Dry mouth, loss of appetite, and increased blood pressure. Overdosing can cause dizziness, pulsation, and headache. Therefore, it is best to avoid the intake of these brain stimulants simultaneously without consulting a doctor.

Modafinil Vs. Adderall- Weight Loss

Administering both Adderall and Modafinil causes a loss of appetite. It lowers the patient’s food intake frequency, thus resulting in weight loss. However, the FDA has not approved either Modafinil or Adderall for weight loss.

A study on Modafinil and Adderall's effect on the food intake in users aged 21 and 35 showcases a significant reduction in daily calorie consumption [4]. The outcomes from the study were more user-specific and reported that Adderall increased the user’s heart rate and blood pressure compared to Modafinil. It further indicates that the use of Modafinil for weight loss is a fair off-label use of the Nootropic, but it still requires further investigation.

Modafinil And Adderall- Do They Make You Smart?

There are several trials to determine the effectiveness of Modafinil in enhancing cognition. People taking Modafinil feel alert with a better attention span and energy level.

A 2003 trial shows Nootropics benefit the person’s memory and enhance user visual recognition and digit span. Another report in 2014 indicates that using Modafinil improves impulsive decision-making and ensures better user performance. However, there were no differences in the user’s working memory [5].

The study of Adderall assumes that this stimulant is effective for ADHD and helps reduce hyperactivity in users. It improves the lack of attention and impulsive decision-making [5]. However, there is not much research done to understand the effect of Adderall on the brain.

Comparison Of Provigil (Modafinil) And Adderall Cost

The cost of Modafinil and Adderall has a notable difference. The price of Modafinil at Healthmatter is $1.37 per pill. According to the website SingleCare, Adderall costs $11 per pill and $337 for 20 mg tablets. Since the FDA approves both medications, most medical insurance covers their cost.

Adderall And Modafinil- Warning And Precautions

Improper dosing and abrupt discontinuation of Modafinil and Adderall can cause addiction and withdrawal. However, the potency of dependency on Adderall is higher than on Modafinil.

In addition, because of its Narcotic status, Adderall is more likely to be abused. Thus, Modafinil is a more tolerated drug with a lower tendency for abuse and side effects.

Signs of dependency on Modafinil and Adderall

Treatment options for Adderall and Modafinil abuse

The intake of more than one stimulant at a time is known as polydrug use and can also lead to combined drug intoxication. There are several treatment options for Modafinil and Adderall abuse, such as Medical detox, rehabilitation programs, and Inpatient and outpatient treatment.

Precautionary Facts On Modafinil And Adderall

There are certain health conditions where the use of Modafinil and Adderall is not advisable. The following precautions ensure the safe use of these stimulants.

• Adderall is often associated with increased strokes and myocardial infarctions. Thus, patients with cardiac disorders should take this medicine under the supervision of a doctor [5].

• These drugs can moderately increase the user's blood pressure. So, people with hypertension should not take them without a valid medical prescription.

• Adderall and Provigil can exhibit disturbance in patients with pre-existing psychiatric disorders.

• Pregnant and lactating women can take the stimulants after consulting a doctor. Although its use is safe for the mother, it can affect the child's growth.

• Some reports show that using Modafinil can cause Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS). This syndrome causes skin reactions and blisters in the patient. Thus, getting an allergy test before the intake of the Nootropic is advisable.

• Using brain stimulants is not safe for people over the age of 65 years and below 17 years. Such people should consult a doctor before taking the medication.

Is Modafinil Safer Than Adderall- A Better Choice?

To sum up, the Modafinil vs Adderall comparison, let us have a look at their pros and cons.

Studies further show Modafinil has higher efficacy and potency than Adderall. In addition, the use of Modafinil, compared to Adderall, also has other off-label benefits.

So, is Modafinil better than Adderall? Based on our research findings and user reviews, we recommend the use of Modafinil over Adderall. However, it is important to consult a doctor before taking either of the brain stimulants, as your physician may have a different option based on your medical condition.

The Armodafinil vs Adderall study further suggests Armodafinil is a better and more potent nootropic than Adderall. Armodafinil is the R- racemic enentiomer of Modafinil.

If you are looking forward to a few other comparative blogs on Modafinil, you can check out Modafinil vs Ritalin's comparative analysis.