Modafinil vs Armodafinil: Your Guide To Choosing the Best ‘Afinil
If I gave you three options:
- Double your productivity
- Double your earnings
- Double your memory
and you only get to choose one — which one would you choose?
If you’re the smart cookie I trust you are, you will choose to double your memory and then use that to double your productivity and earnings.
Most of us try to improve our memory by meditating, reading books, playing brain games, and doing everything that the bloggers tell us to. The thing is, activities like these do help with memory and mood, but they only go so far.
In this article, I’m going to talk about Modafinil and Armodafinil – two “smart drugs” that will keep your brain running in top gear. Here is everything you need to know about switching to an unexaggerated version of Bradley Cooper’s Limitless role in real life for a few good hours with Modafinil and Armodafinil.
In this article:
Modafinil and Armodafinil: The Basics
Modafinil and Armodafinil are both nootropics that are primarily used to enhance wakefulness, focus, and cognition. I’m always looking for new ways to give my brain some extra boost so when I read glowing reviews on Modafinil and Armodafinil I had to try them to see what all the hype was about.
Although Modafinil and Armodafinil are quite similar, there are also some stark differences between the two.
In this article, I will explore everything you need to know about Modafinil and Armodafinil. If you are looking for a cognitive edge in your day-to-day life, this article will help you decide if one of these drugs is right for you.
History
Before getting into the details, I think it is important for you to understand the history of both nootropics. The Journal of Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment has put together a review of current research that details much of the drugs’ history.
Modafinil
Modafinil’s history begins with the invention of a drug called Adrafinil, which was developed to help treat sleep disorders. Researchers developed Adrafinil in France in 1970. Researchers considered it superior to amphetamines because it had fewer side effects and was less addictive. After several years of trials, France approved Adrafinil in 1986.
After the body full digests Adrafinil, it can be used properly. The body then uses the drug to create a new substance that serves as a stimulant for the body.
This metabolized substance was named Modafinil. Modafinil had the edge over Adrafinil because it did not have to be fully metabolized to work. Modafinil is also less likely to cause liver damage and is more bioavailable than Adrafinil.
France approved Modafinil as a treatment for narcolepsy in 1994. The United States approved Modafinil for the same use in 1998. Through research and trials, scientists were able to determine that Modafinil was helpful in treating other sleep disorders like sleep apnea and shift work sleep disorder. Over the years the FDA has also approved its use to treat these disorders.
Modafinil has a history of use in the United States military, where soldiers have used the drug to stay awake during long helicopter flights.
The drug has also been used to treat some symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD. Some athletes claim that Modafinil can help boost performance. World Anti-Doping Agency has banned the use of Modafinil during sports in 2004, just a few days before Summer Olympics.
Armodafinil
Scientists discovered Armodafinil much more recently than Modafinil. The lab that owned Modafinil had an exclusivity patent on the drug that was set to expire in 2008. To maintain their market share on the drug, they sought to create a similar drug. This drug was Armodafinil, and it received approval for clinical trials in 2007.
After scientists conducted four different studies, the FDA approved Armodafinil in 2008. It is used as a treatment for the same sleep disorders as Modafinil, including narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder.
There have been trials using Armodafinil as a treatment for jet lag, but it is still awaiting approval for this purpose. Armodafinil’s history is much shorter than Modafinil because the drug is an offshoot of Modafinil. Modafinil and Armodafinil are the two most recent iterations of the same compounds originally used in Adrafinil.
Armodafinil and Modafinil were both created, developed, and tested by the French pharmaceutical company Lafon Laboratories. In 2001, the American biopharmaceutical company, Cephalon, bought Lafon Laboratories. Cephalon owns both drugs. Cephalon’s parent company is Teva Pharmaceutical Companies.
Chemical Compounds
One of the most notable differences between Armodafinil and Modafinil is the chemical makeup. Based on research done by the Chemico-Biological Interactions Journal, Armodafinil is considered to be an enantiopure version of Modafinil.
Here’s what that means –
Modafinil is made up of two stereoisomers. The University of Calgary describes a stereoisomer as one of two or more compounds that differ only in the spatial arrangement of their atoms. The stereoisomers in Modafinil have the same molecular structure, known as enantiomers.
Modafinil’s enantiomers are identical, except that they are mirror images of one another. Look at the way your left hand is a mirror image of your right hand, and you can get a sense of how these enantiomers look. According to a study published by the Biological Psychiatry Journal, the two identical enantiomers found in Modafinil are R-Modafinil and S-Modafinil.
The study goes on to say that although these enantiomers are very similar, R-Modafinil is more active than S-Modafinil. R-Modafinil is also more stable and is a longer-lasting isomer. R-Modafinil was isolated and used to create a new drug – Armodafinil. If you look closely at Armodafinil’s name, you can see that it comes from the R-Modafinil enantiomer in Modafinil.
Effects
Probably one of the most common questions I hear about Modafinil and Armodafinil is what is the difference in how they affect the body. Below I’ve outlined some key differences and similarities.
Modafinil
As I mentioned earlier, scientists created Modafinil as a therapy for those suffering from certain sleep disorders. It was one of the first medications on the market to provide genuine relief for people who experienced chronic tiredness and exhaustion. The drug can help normalize your sleep cycle and can work to keep sleeplessness at bay.
Modafinil acts as a wakefulness agent that can help you feel more awake and alert. Patients report that after taking Modafinil, they experience intense, pleasant energy. In my experience, the drug also enhances cognitive ability, and can help improve memory, productivity, and focus.
According to the Journal of Neuroscience, Modafinil can help patients improve their mood. Modafinil can help combat fatigue and make you both happier and more productive throughout the day. It has also been proven to promote motivation and reaction time in healthy adults.
According to another study by the University of Cambridge, Modafinil can even help reduce impulse response in stressful situations. The drug can help minimize poor decision making during times of emotional or physical anguish. Modafinil is a tried and true smart drug that has helped improve my productivity and cognitive function.
Armodafinil
In my personal experience, Armodafinil’s effects are quite similar to those of Modafinil. Some have reported that the sense of wakefulness on Armodafinil is more pronounced than on Modafinil, which I haven’t felt was noticeable. I’ve also heard people compare the effect of Armodafinil to the jolt of wakefulness you experience when you consume caffeine.
Another difference is that Armodafinil does not have as strong of an impact on your existing sleeping patterns. If you are seeking a drug to help normalize sleep patterns or treat a sleeping disorder directly, I would say Modafinil is probably a better choice. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, Armodafinil is most effective at treating the symptoms of a sleep disorder, but not the sleep disorder itself.
Armodafinil can also help improve focus and attentiveness, but some users report that it may not be as strong as Modafinil. Due to its effectiveness in enhancing cognitive functionality, many people use Armodafinil to treat jet lag after a long flight. Similarly to Modafinil, Armodafinil can also improve memory, focus, and mental fluidity.
Common Effects Showdown
I want to give you a sense of how these drugs might differ, especially when it comes to some of the most common effects.
Below I’ve detailed how each of drugs performed for different purposes. I’ve mostly focused on some notable differences, but there are still plenty of ways that Modafinil and Armodafinil are similar.
Keep in mind that drugs can affect different bodies in different ways. There are so many factors that contribute to how a drug impacts your system. Some of these are long-term factors, like your weight and gender. Others are short-term factors, like how much you’ve had to eat or drink that day. So, the way these products affect me and the way they may affect you won’t necessarily be the same.
Effect on Sleep
I have found in my research that people fall asleep more readily when they are taking
Armodafinil than when they take Modafinil. When people take a similar dose at a similar time, they tend to sleep easier on Armodafinil. This effect can be a pro or a con depending on why you are taking the drug.
If your goal is experience enhanced cognition during the day, but still easily fall asleep at night, Armodafinil is probably a better choice for you. If you want to stay up late or would like to thrive on less sleep, then you may want to go with Modafinil. Many people find it almost impossible to fall asleep after taking a dose of Modafinil.
That “High” Feeling
According to the American Journal of Psychiatry, Modafinil does not produce a discernable sense of euphoria. However, many people report that Modafinil produces a feeling similar to a small “high.”
I was slightly concerned since I wasn’t necessarily looking for mind-altering effects. That said, this feeling of euphoria can make certain mundane tasks more enjoyable. It also means Modafinil might be an option if you are looking to enhance a night out on the town. Of course, I would recommend exercising caution here.
With Armodafinil, I didn’t notice the same moderate “high” as Modafinil. It still provides you with plenty of steady energy, but that extra boost of euphoria will not necessarily be present. If you are looking for an energy boost that is smoother and more stable, Armodafinil may be a better choice for you.
Brain Cognition
Both Armodafinil and Modafinil are great for enhancing brain cognition. There is a reason why successful CEOs, entrepreneurs, and athletes use both of these drugs. They work! However, I have found that Modafinil has a slight edge over Armodafinil when it comes to increasing brain cognition.
Modafinil is a little bit stronger than Armodafinil and users have reported that they have a longer and more sustained focus on Modafinil. However, both drugs will do a solid job of keeping you awake and focused, so you can improve your grades, expand your business, or enhance your day-to-day life.
Weight Loss
According to the Journal of Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, Armodafinil can support weight loss and act as an appetite suppressant. Armodafinil simulates stimulation of the brain’s dopamine receptors. This process can help increase the speed of your metabolism and can also help decrease your appetite. Some Armodafinil users claim that any time they start the drug, they begin to lose weight almost immediately.
Armodafinil users have reported that food moves through their systems much faster when they are on the drug. There are also reports of Armodafinil users going the entire day without feeling hunger pains. If you are looking to increase cognitive function and also lose weight, Armodafinil may be the superior drug for you.
Half-Life
A drug’s “half-life” refers to the amount of time it takes for the drug to reduce by half in the body’s plasma. The half-life of a drug can tell us how long the drug will affect the body before it wears off. Generally speaking, a drug will impact the body over the course of four half-lives, after which point it has mostly disappeared from the body’s plasma.
Modafinil
Modafinil’s half-life in the body is approximately 12 hours. The Nature and Science of Sleep Journal indicates that the elimination half-life of the S-enantiomer is shorter than that of the R-enantiomer. When taking Modafinil, expect it to remain in your system for a long time and do not expect to return to normal sleeping patterns for at least 12 hours. Modafinil’s half-life indicates that it can keep you awake and at optimal cognitive function throughout most of the day’s waking hours.
Armodafinil
According to Nature and Science of Sleep, the half-life of Armodafinil is 15 hours. For this reason, some believe it is more effective at treating excessive levels of daytime sleepiness. Armodafinil can stay in your system for 66 to 82 hours after your last dose, depending on a variety of factors. If you are looking for a drug that will work for a longer period, I would steer you towards Armodafinil over Modafinil.
Tolerance
Tolerance is certainly something to consider for both of these drugs. Once you build up a tolerance to a drug, it can be less effective. In extreme cases, building up tolerance can even lead to addiction. Those with a high caffeine tolerance need more coffee to feel energized. The same is true here.
Tolerance has historically been an issue in some patients taking Modafinil. There are not as many reports of tolerance build-up occurring with Armodafinil. One possible solution to the tolerance issue is to cycle your dosage of Modafinil.
You can also limit tolerance build-up by only taking Modafinil occasionally. For this reason, Armodafinil may be more effective if you are looking for a smart drug to take on a daily basis.
Armodafinil and Modafinil are very similar, which means there is also the possibility of cross-tolerance between the drugs. Cross-tolerance occurs when taking one drug (i.e., Armodafinil) can create tolerance in another drug, like Modafinil. Cross-tolerance could also occur with other nootropics, including Adrafinil.
According to Environmental Health and Toxicology, the risk of Modafinil tolerance has not been fully studied. However, they do conclude that you are less likely to develop tolerance to Modafinil than you would to cocaine or amphetamines.
Dosing
Above I discussed the way that Armodafinil is an enantiopure version of Modafinil. Armodafinil only contains the most active half of Modafinil. For this reason, you will need less Armodafinil to achieve the same effect you would get from a higher dose of Modafinil.
For example, if you typically take 300mg of Modafinil to achieve your desired effect, you will only need 150mg of Armodafinil to experience the same effect.
According to Dave Asprey, for the majority of healthy adults, a dose of 30-50mg of Modafinil is enough to experience 6-8 solid hours of enhanced cognitive performance and wakefulness.
If you want to experience extra wakefulness during the day, I suggest you take Modafinil in the morning, with or without food. If I’m doing my math correctly, this means that most healthy adults can take 15-25mg of Armodafinil to experience the same effects.
Nuvigil is manufactured in doses of 50mgs, 150mg, 200mgs and 250mgs.It makes it have more dosing options as compared to Provigil. Provigil is manufactured in doses of 100mgs and 200mg. Provigil is taken in a dosage of 200mgs per day while Nuvigil is taken in a dosage of 150mgs per day.
Side Effects
The mild side effects of Armodafinil and Modafinil are more similar than they are different. Some of the major side effects can differ, which we will discuss below, but first I want to look into the side effect you could experience while taking either one of these drugs.
Mild Side Effects
The U.S. National Library of Medicine lists many of the possible side effects of Modafinil and Armodafinil. The most common physical side effects reported in both of these drugs include:
- Insomnia
- Indigestion
- Anxiety
- Weight Loss
- Nausea
- Loss of Appetite
- Nervousness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nervousness
- Chest Pain
Armodafinil and Modafinil have also been known to cause some mental and emotional side effects. These include:
- Irregular Heartbeat
- Fast/Pounding Heart
- Mood Swings
- Agitation
- Confusion
- Depression
- Hallucinations
- Thoughts of Suicide
I would suggest that you keep in mind that many drugs, including Armodafinil and Modafinil, have an adjustment period that can last up to three weeks. If you experience one of the side effects from this list, it may go away once you have your right dosage down and your body has adjusted.
If you experience insomnia when taking Armodafinil or Modafinil, it may not be a true side effect, but instead an issue with the timing of the drug. If you take one of these drugs at night, it will go into effect and promote wakefulness well into the dark hours. Adjusting the timing or dosage of the drug can help eliminate any insomnia.
In general, I would recommend taking both Armodafinil and Modafinil in the morning. Given the long half-life of each of these drugs, you are more likely to have a normal sleeping pattern if you plan to experience the drug’s effects during the day.
The only side effect reportedly caused by Armodafinil not also caused by Modafinil is dry mouth. If you find you experience a dry mouth while taking Armodafinil, switching to Modafinil will provide many of the same benefits and may help eliminate this unpleasant side effect.
Serious Side Effects
As with any drug, it is possible to experience some fairly serious side effects from taking both Armodafinil and Modafinil. These side effects are incredibly rare, but it is still important to be aware of them in case you are experiencing any of the symptoms. The following side effects are usually found in people who have already have a genetic predisposition that makes them more sensitive to the drugs.
I would always advise speaking with your doctor if you are experiencing any type of unpleasant side effects.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
One possible serious side effect is Stevens-Johnson syndrome. According to MayoClinic, Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rare disorder of the skin and mucous membranes. It usually begins with flu-like symptoms, and over time you might experience a red or purple rash that can spread or blister. At this point, the top layer of the skin dies, sheds, and then heals.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome is quite serious. If you have been taking Armodafinil or Modafinil and believe you are experiencing symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately. It can cause burning eyes, a sore throat, fatigue, and a cough. If you experience Stevens-Johnson syndrome after taking Modafinil or Armodafinil, you will want to avoid the drug permanently.
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN)
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) is another possible serious side effect. According to the Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Library, TEN is a potentially life-threatening skin disorder, identified by widespread erythema, necrosis, and detachment of the epidermis or mucous membranes. In worst case scenarios, TEN can cause serious issues with the eyes and even respiratory failure.
TEN is similar to Stevens-Johnson syndrome but is more serious and more severe. You can also identify TEN if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms or skin abnormalities. Seek hospital care if you suspect you might be experiencing TEN and immediately cease taking Armodafinil and Modafinil.
Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)
The final serious reaction you could experience when taking Armodafinil or Modafinil is Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms, more commonly referred to as DRESS. According to the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, DRESS is an extremely rare and life-threatening reaction that can include skin eruption and may even involve your internal organs, including the liver, kidneys, or lungs.
It usually takes quite a long time for a patient to experience DRESS after taking the drug that causes the reaction, sometimes as long as 6-8 weeks. As you take Armodafinil or Modafinil, stay hyper-aware of your reactions for at least the first two months. Remember that these reactions are not common, but can be fatal if not treated quickly and accurately.
Armodafinil and Side Effects
Above I discussed how scientists make Armodafinil by isolating R-Modafinil. Because Armodafinil does not include the S-Modafinil found in Modafinil, some consider it to be a purer form of the drug. Modafinil users do report some side effects that Armodafinil users do not seem to experience. The most notable of these include back pain and a stuffy nose.
Drug Safety
There is some debate as to the safety of Modafinil and Armodafinil. Because Modafinil has been around longer, there has been more research. Armodafinil’s history is shorter, so there is still some disagreement regarding its safety.
Modafinil and Addiction
For a long time, I saw Modafinil lauded as a safe alternative to other mood enhancers and wakefulness drugs, which is what made me interested in the first place. Modafinil interacts with the brain’s dopamine differently than alternative drugs. Dopamine is a chemical signal that exists between your nerves and your brain. Dopamine is also responsible for much of life’s pleasure and is also responsible for managing many of our addictions and impulses.
Drugs like Adderall work by increasing the body’s dopamine. Adderall can be addictive because as the body grows accustomed to using the drug, it expects more and more dopamine on a regular basis.
Sometimes when a patient stops taking Adderall, they can experience a crash in their dopamine. This crash can trigger an increased desire for the drug, which in extreme cases can even lead to addiction.
Modafinil is pleiotropic, which means that it affects many different neural circuits in the brain. According to the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, these neural circuits include:
- Catecholamines
- Orexin/Hypocretin
- Histamine
- GABA and Glutamate
- Gap Junctions
In addition to these neural circuits, Modafinil does have some effect on dopamine. The Journal of the American Medical Association published a study demonstrating Modafinil’s impact on the body’s dopamine levels. The drug has a relatively weak affinity for the Dopamine Transporter and can cause a mild build-up of Dopamine in the brain. Some addictive drugs, like cocaine, amphetamines, and methamphetamines, work the same way – they inhibit the Dopamine Transporter and allow dopamine to build up.
This association has led some to believe that Modafinil is addictive. The good news is that Modafinil will not intrinsically increase your existing dopamine levels, unlike methamphetamines. It allows your natural dopamine levels to build up but does not encourage your body to create extra dopamine.
In an interview with TIME magazine, Dr. Nora Volkow, head of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, pointed out that Modafinil blocks the body’s re-uptake of Dopamine by more than half the amount that your brain would normally release. Based on this evidence I can conclude that Modafinil is, in fact a dopaminergic drug. It, therefore, does have the properties necessary to cause addiction.
Some researchers argue that the connection is so minimal that Modafinil’s impact on dopamine is minimal. Others argue that Modafinil’s impact on dopamine is more significant. Either way, Modafinil’s impact on dopamine is far less significant than other drugs.
Adderall and Ritalin both have a far greater impact on dopamine. Many researchers agree that Modafinil is not addictive, or at the very least it is far less addictive than some of its alternatives. Modafinil does stimulate dopamine, but at levels that are just right for people who naturally produce the correct amount of dopamine.
Modafinil and Long-Term Use
Modafinil may be more impactful if it is cycled or used sparingly. This means that Modafinil will have the greatest impact on the user when ingested 1-2 days per week. Some people have reported a build-up of tolerance if they take Modafinil every single day.
For this reason, if you are looking for a nootropic to take on a daily basis, I would say Armodafinil might be a better choice. Armodafinil can be taken 5-6 days each week and can still maintain its efficacy. However, if you are looking for an occasional boost to your cognitive function, Modafinil may be the better choice.
Armodafinil and Addiction
Research conducted by the Biological Psychiatry Journal indicates that Armodafinil is more likely to cause a physical or psychological addiction than Modafinil. This is because R-Modafinil has a higher affinity to bind to DAT than S-Modafinil, and as you may remember, Armodafinil is 100% R-Modafinil.
If you are taking Armodafinil, you will want to carefully follow your doctor’s instructions and closely monitor your dependence on the drug. Withdrawal symptoms for Armodafinil can include sleepiness and fatigue.
If you have a history of addiction or are prone to some addictive behaviors, you may want to consider Modafinil over Armodafinil. Part of the reason Armodafinil is more addictive than Modafinil is because it is a purer form of the drug. Armodafinil is stronger and more potent than Modafinil.
Armodafinil and ADHD
According to a study published by the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology in 2000, Armodafinil has beneficial effects on patients suffering from ADHD. Additionally, it does not include some of the negative side effects that common ADHD drugs, like Adderall and Ritalin, include. As outlined above, Armodafinil is also less addictive than drugs like Adderall and Ritalin because it does not have as strong of an effect on the brain’s dopamine levels.
Despite this research, the FDA has not approved Armodafinil as a treatment for ADHD. This is partly because in the world of prescription drugs, Armodafinil is relatively new. Newer drugs to do not have as many studies done, and there have been far fewer studies regarding the relationship between Armodafinil and ADHD then there have been regarding Armodafinil and sleep disorders.
Using Armodafinil to treat ADHD would be considered an off-label use. Just because the FDA hasn’t approved Armodafinil for ADHD does not necessarily mean it won’t be effective. However, it is unlikely a doctor will prescribe the drug solely for this purpose. This does not necessarily mean that Armodafinil is dangerous, it simply means there is not yet enough information for the FDA’s approval.
A Note on Breast Milk
As with any drug, both Modafinil and Armodafinil can have an effect on your breast milk. Anecdotal evidence indicates that there is a high risk for Armodafinil to enter your breast milk. I do not recommend that you take the drug while breastfeeding. It can also decrease the production of your breast milk while nursing.
According to the FDA, knowledge is limited when it comes to Modafinil and Armodafinil and breastfeeding. The FDA recommends not taking the medication while nursing. If you chose to take Modafinil or Armodafinil while breastfeeding, stay diligently aware of your baby’s wakefulness. If you start to see your baby experience insomnia or sleeplessness, you may want to cease taking either drug while you nurse.
Legality
In the United States, both Modafinil and Armodafinil have been categorized as Schedule IV prescription drugs by the FDA. It is 100% legal to own and use both of these drugs as long as you have a prescription from a doctor. These drugs are also prescription-only in many other countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
Unfortunately, the only on-label reason a doctor might prescribe either Modafinil or Armodafinil is to treat a serious sleep disorder. As you have probably realized by now, these drugs have the potential to do much more than treat sleep disorders but prescribing them for these uses has not yet been approved by the FDA.
Doctors are unlikely to prescribe Modafinil and Armodafinil for nootropic purposes or to treat ADHD. Because these uses are off-label, doctors can face some serious consequences when prescribing these medicines for off-label purposes.
If you are looking to use Modafinil or Armodafinil for an off-label purpose, you can purchase both drugs online from international pharmaceutical companies. These companies are located in countries like India or Mexico and do not have the same prescription-only laws as the United States. If you live in a country where Modafinil and Armodafinil are prescription-only, then purchasing the drugs online without a prescription is technically illegal. Here is how I managed to get a prescription for Modafinil.
Cost
The price you pay depends a lot on the quantity you buy. Here is what you can expect to pay:
Adrafinil
Adrafinil 30 capsules – $32.99 (1.09 per capsule)
Adrafinil 100 capsules – $94.99 (0.94 per capsule)
Adrafinil 150 capsules – $119.99 (0.79 per capsule)
Modalert (Modafinil by Sun Pharma)
Modafinil 20 pills – $56 (2.80 per pill)
Modafinil 100 pills – $160 (1.60 per pill)
Modafinil 300 pills – $294 (0.98 per pill)
Purchasing
As I mentioned above, purchasing Modafinil and Armodafinil online is illegal in the United States. However, it is fair to say that the United States law enforcement officials rarely enforce it. Given the safety of purchasing these drugs online, doing so remains a fairly common practice. Below are some online retailers that sell Modafinil and/or Armodafinil.
I would recommend reading reviews and doing a good bit of research before going down this road. Online retailers aren’t always reputable and it’s hard to know if you’re actually getting what you pay for.
ModafinilXL
ModafinilXL (read my review here) exclusively ships to the United States, so if you live in another country, it is not an option. They discreetly package the drugs and offer competitive pricing. If you order $80 or more, then you can get free shipping on your drugs. ModafinilXL sells Modafinil and offers discounts when you use e-Checks and Bitcoin.
AfinilExpress
AfinilExpress (read my review here) has been around for a long time. In fact, it is one of the longest-lasting online retailers for Modafinil. They offer global shipping that is quick, convenient, and free. ModafinilCat, which shut its doors in 2016, recommended AfinilExpress to its customers as an alternative retailer.
BuyMod
BuyMod (review coming soon) is a relatively new Modafinil vendor. It is one of the most technologically advanced options and even offers online chat on its website. It prices its Modafinil identically to AfinilExpress. They also offer more traditional forms of communication like email. BuyMod offers worldwide shipping.
A Note on Safety
It is important to keep in mind that anytime you purchase a drug online there is some risk involved. Some risks include:
- Never receiving what you paid for
- Receiving an unauthentic drug
- Receiving an unsafe product
- Products may be uninspected
- Legal ramifications, including being placed on a Drug Enforcement Agency watchlist
Read plenty of reviews for every online site that sells Modafinil or Armodafinil and proceed at your own risk.
Efficacy
Given that both Modafinil and Armodafinil are both prescription-only drugs used to treat sleep disorders, there are not many formal studies that have been conducted on their efficacy as nootropics. If you are unsure about which drug might work better for you, I would consider purchasing both drugs and experimenting with how they affect your body. Start small and work your way up if need be.
AfinilExpress and ModafinilXL offer trial packages:
- Free Trial Pack with Armodafinil Samples (10 x Artvigil 150mg) for $0 (USA only)
- Free Trial Pack with Modafinil Samples (10 x Modalert 200mg) for $0 (USA only)
- Trial Pack (10 X Modalert 200, 10 X Modvigil 200, 10 X Waklert 150, and 10 X Artvigil 150) for $75. Click “order trial pack” to get this offer.
Studies show that both Modafinil and Armodafinil tend to work well in the majority of patients. Below I’ve outlined some more detailed information regarding each drug’s efficacy.
Modafinil
The majority of patients who experience excessive daytime sleepiness saw a significant reduction in symptoms when they began to take Modafinil. According to a study conducted by SleepMed, disease severity improved in over 80% of patients during a 40-week study. The report goes on to say that there was no evidence of tolerance during the 40-week study.
Armodafinil
J Clin Sleep Med conducted a study regarding the efficacy of Armodafinil. According to the study, approximately 13% of patients quit the drug due to adverse effects, including headaches, nasopharyngitis, and insomnia. Nasopharyngitis is also known as the common cold. There were also small increases that occurred in patients’ vitals.
Overall, they found that Armodafinil is an effective treatment for sleep disorders and tolerance remained fairly low. They concluded in the study that doctors may want to monitor patients’ vitals regularly, given the increases that occurred during long-term use.
Summing It Up
So, which drug is better, Armodafinil or Modafinil?
The truth is that there is no definite answer. Your choice should come down to your needs and desired use. Below I’ve included a chart that sums up some of the information from this article. If you do not want to try both drugs yourself, this chart may help you decide which one is for you.
| Generic Name | Armodafinil | Modafinil |
| Brand Name | Nuvigil | Provigil |
| Improves Brain Cognition | Yes | Yes* |
| Improves Wakefulness | Yes | Yes |
| Feeling High | No | Yes |
| Weight Loss | Yes | No |
| Prescription-Only | Yes | Yes |
| Drug Form | Oral Tablet | Oral Tablet |
| Cost | $$ | $$$ |
| Online Availability | Less Common | More Common |
| Suggested Use | 5-6 Days per Week | 1-2 Days per Week |
| Stuffy Nose Side Effect | No | Yes |
| Back Pain Side Effect | No | Yes |
*In my personal opinion this product has an edge when it comes to brain cognition.
Ultimately, if you have the funds, my recommendation would be to give both Armodafinil and Modafinil a try. Experiment with each drug in the same conditions so you can easily track and monitor how they affect you. Keep a journal and write notes about what you’re feeling. Check in with your mental, physical, and emotional state.
Space out your use of each drug so you can be certain they are not interfering with one another. Once you have conducted this experiment, you will know whether Armodafinil or Modafinil is best for you.
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