By Princess Essang
Modafinil (Provigil) and adderall to a non-pharmaceutical eye may appear to be similar medications because they can both be used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy and as study aids.
But which drug is best for you? vs Adderall
Continue reading to learn how these drugs function, their similarities, and what side effects you should be cautious of. This information can help you make a more informed decision.
Modafinil vs Adderall
Adderall and modafinil are both stimulants. They both have diverse clinical applications and
potential adverse effects because of their chemical properties and modes of action.
Adderall is primarily used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. However, it has a great potential for misuse, physical and psychological dependence.
Modafinil is used to treat narcolepsy, shift-work sleep disorder, and obstructive sleep breathing cessation, as well as to ease the exhaustion induced by depression and cancer. Provigil, Modavigil and Alertec are some of the brand names for modafinil.
The tendency of misuse for modafinil is much lower than that of adderall.
Similarities between modafinil and adderall
1. Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that causes abnormally high daytime sleepiness.
Although a case study on a 60-year-old man showed that adderall is more helpful for late-stage narcolepsy, both modafinil and adderall can be used in persons with narcolepsy.
2. ADHD
ADHD is a disorder that is marked by a loss of concentration, hyperactivity, and impulsive
behavior.
Adderall is a stimulant that is frequently recommended for children with ADHD. The medication primarily improves attention and concentration while decreasing distraction and excessive activity.
Modafinil is also linked to improved ADHD symptoms.
Side effects of modafinil and adderall
Long-term usage of modafinil at the recommended dose can result in:
● Infection
● Headache
● Nervousness
● Nausea
● Anxiety
● Insomnia
● Low back ache
● Indigestion
● Inflammation of the lining of the nose
● Vertigo
The following are the most frequent adderall side effects:
● Dizziness
● Dry mouth
● Headache
● Appetite loss.
● Having trouble sleeping
● Stomach ache
● Loss of weight
Potentials for abuse in modafinil vs adderall
Modafinil has a low risk of addiction, and it’s even used to treat withdrawal symptoms in those addicted to stimulants like amphetamines and cocaine.
Adderall can be addictive. Users who used adderall without a prescription were more likely to surpass the maximum dose recommended. Long-term use of adderall and other amphetamines has been linked to brain damage and chemical irregularities, which can lead to psychosis and other mental illnesses.
Drug Interactions: Modafinil vs Adderall
Modafinil
Modafinil may increase the effect of several medications, including:
● Antidepressants (clomipramine)
● Antiepileptics (diazepam, phenytoin)
● Antifungals (ketoconazole)
● Antipsychotics (haloperidol)
● Benzodiazepines (triazolam)
● Calcium channel blockers (amlodipine)
● Chemotherapeutics (tamoxifen)
● Glucocorticoids (hydrocortisone)
● H1 receptor blockers (chlorphenamine)
● Hypnotics (zopiclone)
● Immunosuppressants (cyclosporine)
● Macrolides (erythromycin)
● Opioids (codeine)
● Protease blockers (ritonavir)
● Proton pump blockers (omeprazole)
● Sex hormones (ethinylestradiol)
● SSRIs (citalopram)
● Statins (verapamil)
The effect of modafinil may be increased by:
● Antibiotics (clarithromycin and erythromycin)
● Antifungals (ketoconazole and itraconazole)
● HIV antivirals (indinavir, ritonavir, and saquinavir)
● Medications for cardiovascular diseases (diltiazem and verapamil)
However, these drugs reduce the effect of modafinil:
● Antibiotics (rifamycin)
● Anti-seizure medications (carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin)
● HIV antivirals (efavirenz and nevirapine)
Adderall
Adderall may interfere with the effect of the following medications:
● Acetazolamide
● Allergy medications
● Ammonium chloride (cough medicine)
● Antacids and other stomach medicines (cimetidine, esomeprazole, omeprazole,
pantoprazole, sodium bicarbonate)
● Antidepressants (lithium, desipramine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, protriptyline)
● Antiepileptics (ethosuximide and phenobarbital)
● Antipsychotics (chlorpromazine and haloperidol)
● Blood pressure medications (guanethidine and reserpine)
● Buspirone (medication for anxiety)
● Fentanyl (sedative)
● Hydrochlorothiazide (diuretic)
● Methenamine (antibiotic)
● Pain medications (meperidine, propoxyphene, and tramadol)
● Phenytoin (stimulant)
● Quinidine (heart rate medication)
● Ritonavir (HIV antiviral)
● Triptan (medicine for migraine headache)
● Tryptophan supplements
Fruit juice and vitamin C can decrease the effect of adderall by reducing its absorption.
