When taken excessively, the stimulant drug modafinil—also known as a "smart drug" or "study drug"—can become addictive. It is available only by prescription.
We shall examine the clinical on- and off-label uses of modafinil in this article and provide a solution to the query: Does it improve cognitive ability? We'll also examine who is most likely to abuse modafinil and the pathophysiology of modafinil addiction.
We will also discuss the potential short- and long-term consequences of modafinil use and abuse, as well as available treatment alternatives in the event that you or a loved one needs help.
Modafinil: What is it?
The drug modafinil, often known as Provigil, is a member of the stimulant and wakefulness-promoting drug class. It functions by encouraging wakefulness and activating the central nervous system (CNS).
Like any drug, modafinil can cause adverse effects, some of which are more prevalent than others and some of which are more dangerous than others. Both during therapeutic dosages and during Modinfinil addiction and misuse, these adverse effects are possible.
Typical modafinil side effects include:
Unease
runny or blocked nose
Disturbances
back pain
wooziness
Tiredness
Migraines
emesis
Vomiting
Uneasy feeling
reduced appetite
Perspiring
It hurts
Rarer yet more dangerous modafinil adverse effects:
Perplexity
Mood changes
Depressive States
alterations in eyesight
loss of vision
heightened or lowered BP
palpitations, arrhythmias, or a racing heart
sore mouth and throat
Loss of Memory
Anxiety and panic attacks
Crazy
blisters and peeling of the skin
Intolerance response: anaphylaxis
alterations in blood sugar
Hives and skin rash
Johnson-Stevens Syndrome
There are several possible negative effects of modafinil; the list above is not all-inclusive. Notifying your prescriber of any severe or bothersome side effects should happen right away. In the event of allergic reactions, blindness, or cardiac issues, seek emergency medical attention right away.
Because they are taking too much and overloading their system, people who abuse modafinil or who have been addicted to provigil are more prone to experience severe negative effects.
What is treated by modafinil: Clinical Uses
If you have a condition like narcolepsy, constructive sleep apnea, or sleep work shift disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness, your doctor may prescribe modafinil.
A person with sleep work shift disorder may find it difficult to go asleep and stay up during shift changes. One drug that can help someone stay awake during work hours is modafinil.
In addition, modafinil is used in conjunction with other therapies or breathing apparatuses to counteract excessive daytime sleepiness brought on by obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome. This is a type of sleep disorder when the patient repeatedly breathes shallowly or stops breathing momentarily while they are asleep. As a result of not getting enough sleep at night, individuals frequently experience extreme fatigue during the day.
How addictive is modafinil? Can it result in addiction and dependency?
It is unknown if modafinil causes physical addiction. This is contradicted, nevertheless, by the possibility of withdrawal symptoms in the event of prescription cessation.
Furthermore, physical dependency is not the only sign of addiction. Changes in behavior and behaviors related to psychological dependence are the most common indicators of addiction.
It is not advised to take modafinil by anyone who has previously struggled with drug or alcohol addiction.
Since addiction modifies the brain permanently, the brain is predisposed to addiction and may get attached to any substance that elevates an individual's mood.
Off-label applications and treatments for modafinil
Since modafinil increases alertness, some people may abuse it, including long-term workers and students. Self-medication is risky and can result in addiction.
According to research, modafinil can be used to treat a variety of diseases and disorders that are not prescribed.
According to one study, modafinil may help cure the excessive daytime sleepiness that some psychiatric medications may cause. It was also discovered to assist in promoting wakefulness in patients suffering from brain trauma-related dementia.
ADHD and modafinil
Dubbed a "smart drug," modafinil (Provigil) has been demonstrated to be more effective than a placebo in treating attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in both adults and children. The advantages and disadvantages of modafinil must be considered in each situation, though.
Modafinil side effects might include headaches, sleeplessness, and decreased appetite, which can be detrimental. To determine modafinil's long-term efficacy in treating ADHD patients, more research is necessary.
Can you get smarter with "smart drugs"?
Instead of improving cognitive function, as many people mistakenly think, "smart drugs" only serve to raise alertness and attention. Scientific studies on modafinil's impact on cognition have supported this.
Provigil was found to have limited promise in improving cognitive function in those without ADHD or sleep disorders, according to research on the effectiveness of medications like modafinil. To put it briefly, "smart drugs" might help you stay awake longer without affecting your cognitive function.
Does abusing modafinil make you feel high?
Research indicates that therapeutic doses of modafinil raise dopamine levels in the brain, which results in a slight euphoric effect, despite the drug's perceived minimal potential for addiction. Abuse and addiction are risks associated with any artificial elevation of dopamine in the brain.
A modafinil abuser might experience euphoria and a high, especially at non-therapeutic dosages.
To properly comprehend the precise processes and effects of modafinil on the brain, more studies with a larger range of subjects are required.
Indications of Modafinil Dependency and Misuse
Despite not being a psychostimulant like amphetamine, modafinil can be abused because of its stimulant qualities. Ritalin and Adderall are two examples of amphetamine-based stimulant medications that are promoted as study aids and can be abused for similar purposes.
Students abusing medicines like modafinil to extend their study periods are becoming more prevalent. They anticipate that by doing this, their exam scores will improve over those obtained without taking modafinil. Modafinil abuse carries some risk, and it's particularly harmful for kids and teenagers.
In case you have concerns about your loved one or child misusing prescription stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall, you should be aware of the following indications of Modefinil abuse.
Physical indicators of abuse and addiction to modafinil (Provagil):
Sleeplessness and prolonged intervals of wakefulness
Fainting and dizziness
Being extremely thirsty and dehydrated
Weeping noses
tense muscles or discomfort when moving
sensations of burning, tingling, or numbness on the skin
intestinal problems
Vomiting
appetite loss and weight loss
Seeing problems or eye pain
oral sores
Selecting skin
A change in attitude, appearance, or cleanliness
Among the behavioral indicators of modafinil addiction and abuse are:
Reticent actions
Being defensive when confronted
alterations in friendliness
Mood changes
removing oneself from friends and family
looking for a doctor, purchasing Modafinil online or from friends without a prescription
There are further indicators that your loved one or child may be abusing or misusing modafinil. Kindly give us a call if you have any questions or concerns.
Abuse, Addiction, and Overdosage of Modafinil
You run the danger of overdosing if you take too much modafinil all at once or in a short period of time. Combining modafinil with other drugs, including alcohol or cocaine, raises the possibility of experiencing overdose symptoms.
A person is more prone to overdose by taking too much modafinil at once if they have a strong tolerance, reliance, or addiction to the drug.
Modafinil-Related Birth Defects and Deaths
Although many individuals can use modafinil without experiencing any negative side effects, the FDA has received 9,916 reports of adverse events for the brand names Provigil and Nuvigil, as well as their generic forms, modafinil and armodafinil, since 1999. 384 deaths and 4,291 serious incidents were reported from the whole data.
It is uncertain how many of these deaths linked to modafinil were brought on by therapeutic doses, abuse, or addiction.
Furthermore, Teva Pharmaceuticals Ireland warned pregnant women not to take modafinil since it may result in birth abnormalities. This warning was published in June 2019. There is a chance that certain birth abnormalities will result in mortality.
Modafinil, booze, and weed
Feeling lightheaded and sick is one of the most typical side effects of modafinil. Combining modafinil with alcohol or cannabis (weed) can exacerbate these side effects and lead to the development of mental health problems. Therefore, it is advised that you abstain from alcohol and narcotics when using modafinil.
Before taking modafinil, you should disclose to your doctor any alcohol addiction or dependence. The same holds true for marijuana or any other recreational substance.
Even if the drugs you are taking are not prescribed, please talk to your doctor about this as modafinil will interact with several prescriptions.
We can assist you if you are dual-dependent on modafinil and any other medication, including alcohol. Please get in touch with us to find out more about our specially designed medical detoxes that are suited to your needs.
Assistance for addiction and dependence on modafinil
Even though modafinil addiction is uncommon, it can nevertheless occur. Substance abuse on a physical level is only one aspect of addiction. It's a complicated mental illness. Most of the time, in order for someone impacted by addiction to recover and remain well, they need professional assistance or rehabilitation.
