Armodafinil

Struggling with narcolepsy, sleep apnea, night shift work… or just plain sleepiness?

You will find a welcome friend in Armodafinil. A wakefulness-promoting agent, Armodafinil helps combat fatigue and increases alertness.

Some take it as a nootropic for increased mental capacity and focus. Armodafinil functions in a way similar to its predecessor Modafinil but boasts more strength with the same low risk of adverse side effects.

What is Armodafinil?

Armodafinil is a stimulant-like agent used to promote wakefulness.

It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2007. This supplement is sold as a powder or in tablet form. It is available by prescription only in the USA and some countries.

The most effective use for armodafinil and the one that has been approved by the FDA is for the treatment of sleep-related disorders. Narcolepsy, severe sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder are all treatable with armodafinil.

It can also be used as a nootropic to increase alertness, focus, and enhance cognitive functions. Currently, researchers are investigating whether armodafinil can be used as a treatment for ADHD and bipolar disorder.

Armodafinil is most similar to Adderall, but with lower strength and fewer side effects.

Some users reported adverse effects like sweating and racing thoughts when using Adderall but found that these were absent when they used Armodafinil. However, everyone reacts a little differently to Armodafinil.

Also known as:

Artvigil, Waklert, Nuvigil, 2-[(R)-(diphenyl methyl)sulfinyl]-acetamide

Editor’s Note

I’m a proponent of armodafinil, although I have met individuals who find it too strong of a stimulant.

For those who are more sensitive to medication, be cautious when taking this nootropic.

However, if you’ve taken Adderall and are looking for an alternative, don’t expect to find the same intensity in this supplement.

Armodafinil has been a reliable way to promote alertness and focus for me. I don’t take it consistently, but use it when I need a boost. It hasn’t particularly helped me with motivation, but it gives a sense of drive, and sometimes urgency.

The result is lighter than a few cups of coffee in the morning, especially given that it takes at least two hours for me to begin feeling any effects.

This lag time might also be what makes the wakefulness of this drug feel more natural, as I experience a progression into a more alert stage, rather than a sudden high.

This wakefulness lasts longer than I expected, which has at different times been both a pleasant surprise and a source of frustration.

I would strongly caution against taking Armodafinil late in the day. One dose in the morning kicks in by the afternoon and usually lasts me through the evening. When I did try Armodafinil around lunchtime, I was restless and unable to sleep that night.

If Modafinil didn’t have much effect on you, Armodafinil is a great next step. It won’t necessarily have much effect on memory or mood (although for some users it has), but it is a reliable choice for an alternative stimulant.

Check out this video comparison of Armodafinil and Modafinil:

Armodafinil Reviews

We’ve taken an extensive look at what people are saying about armodafinil online. These were some of the positive experiences that users reported:

“I feel amazing on armodafinil. Like how I should be. It’s like flipping a switch in my brain, and I suddenly have the energy levels of a normal human-being. No more constant lethargy.” -Nomenklatura

“Amazing! Perfect? No, but a solid 88%. I can now hold and be aware of conversations and remember them again. Plan and complete simple (and complex!) tasks. I can now be an active member in my family and community.” -Anonymous, rated for narcolepsy

“Amazing drug for me. Brought back wakefulness and momentum to do things. MS, neuropathy, and autoimmune diagnosis over 20 years. Nuvigil seems to have an edge over modafinil, anyway thankful to have an Rx allow me to have the momentum and energy to do things!” -Anonymous

Benefits and effects

• Wakefulness and Alertness
• Treatment of Narcolepsy, Severe Sleep Apnea, and Shift Work Sleep Disorder
• Enhance Mental Performance

Wakefulness and Alertness

As a wakefulness-inducing agent, armodafinil’s primary function is to keep you awake and alert. For those experiencing excessive daytime fatigue, armodafinil might be a good option.

It has fewer side effects than other prescription medications. Although it is not a full stimulant, armodafinil replicates many of the effects of a stimulant, without as many risks.

One study found that armodafinil increased wakefulness in individuals experiencing jet lag. Armodafinil was effective even when traveling across six different time zones.

Treatment of Narcolepsy, Severe Sleep Apnea, and Shift Work Sleep Disorder

Armodafinil has been most successful in treating narcolepsy and other sleep-related disorders.

This led to its approval by the U.S. FDA in 2007 as a prescription drug. It does not interfere with the body’s circadian rhythms, making it a feasible choice for those with sleep disorders.

Narcolepsy can interfere with individuals’ daily lives, making it difficult to focus and concentrate tasks when while awake.

Sleep apnea is a condition in which the individual cannot breathe during periods of sleep. While mild sleep apnea is manageable, severe forms of the disease can prevent sleep and interrupt the individual’s ability to function normally during the day.

Shift work sleep disorder occurs when a person cannot maintain a regular sleep schedule due to their work hours.

Consistently working at irregular hours can eventually prevent workers from getting quality sleep, and also interfere with their capabilities at work.

Although well-known prescription medications like Adderall are available, they can have adverse effects. Individuals who take Adderall for extended periods of time are at risk of addiction.

Serious side effects like heart palpitations, eye disorders, and psychotic episodes have been reported. It is only natural that many individuals look for alternatives with lower risk.

Enhance Mental Performance

Some people also turn to armodafinil to increase their mental capacities and create more focus. Those who experience constant fatigue or brain fog might consider seeking a prescription of armodafinil.

Users report that the wakefulness effects of Armodafinil are completely different from other traditional stimulants like caffeine.

The effect feels more natural and lasts longer, which allows users to remain focused and productive throughout the day.

Given these effects on the brain, researchers are also examining whether armodafinil could be used as a treatment for ADHD.

Bipolar disorder, depression and schizophrenia are other possible conditions that may be treatable with armodafinil. One study found that bipolar subjects who took 150 mg of armodafinil a day experienced a decrease and improvement in their depressive episodes.

Armodafinil’s potential is especially important for those who may have built up a tolerance to other mainstream ADHD and bipolar medications.

How It Works

Armodafinil is primarily a wakefulness-promoting agent but is also used as a nootropic.

It functions by increasing dopamine in the brain and may also act as a receptor for D2. In the hypothalamus, it increases histamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin levels to make the brain more alert.

Unlike its predecessor modafinil, armodafinil contains only an “R” enantiomer, causing it to react more quickly and last longer. Modafinil contains both “S” and “R” enantiomers which shorten the duration of its effects.

Armodafinil is available in tablets as its prescription brand Nuvigil, or as a water-soluble powder. You can purchase the tablets in doses of 50, 150 or 250 mg.

Depending on the dosage and user, armodafinil takes two to four hours for the user to feel its effects. Some users have reported feeling effects eight hours after intake.

Once active, the effects last around eight hours, but Armodafinil remains in your system longer.

Those who are more sensitive to medication might feel effects longer too. Its half-life is 15 hours, which is how long the supplement can be detected in the body after consumption.

Dosage

The recommended dosage for armodafinil is 150 mg. In the US, Armodafinil is only available with a prescription.

For most uses, you should take one dose in the morning. For those using armodafinil to treat shift work sleep disorder, one dose should be taken roughly one hour before your work shift begins.

For narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, or hypopnea syndrome, the dosage can range from 150 to 250 mg daily.

While taking 250 mg a day has not been shown to produce any additional risk, studies have been unable to show that doses above 150 mg a day increase effects or benefits. Stick with 150 mg daily unless otherwise advised by your doctor.

Personally, I prefer taking a very small dose — just 1/4 of a tablet (or 37.5 mg if we’re being particular).

Armodafinil can be taken with or without food, although some users have reported that taking the supplement with a meal delays the onset of effects.

Side Effects

Armodafinil may cause minor side effects like headaches, nervousness, dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, or difficult sleeping.

Serious side effects include chest pain, a fast or irregular heartbeat, and dramatic mood changes, including depression and suicidal thoughts. If you experience any of these serious side effects, stop taking Armodafinil and get medical help.

Armodafinil doesn’t have any dangerous food-pairings and is safe to consume with or without food.

Caffeine doesn’t interact negatively with Armodafinil, but both are stimulants. You should consider reducing your caffeine intake while on Armodafinil, as too much could result in increased anxiety or greater susceptibility to panic attacks.

Alcohol and Armodafinil (or Modafinil) can be a dangerous combination, as it can hinder your ability to tell how intoxicated you are.

It is best to avoid alcohol while on prescription drugs, though a drink or two isn’t going to kill you. In general, also avoid other stimulant drugs while on Armodafinil.

Children, adolescents, and pregnant women should avoid taking this medication unless otherwise advised by a doctor.

Sufficient research in these areas has not yet determined the safety for these groups.

If you have any sort of adverse reaction (whether a minor rash or something more serious), stop taking Armodafinil and talk to a doctor.

Stacking

Armodafinil and Noopept Stack

Armodafinil and Noopept are popular nootropics to stack. Together, their effects are lengthened and increase in intensity.

They have shown increases in memory, learning capability, and focus, in addition to Armodafinil’s original purpose of keeping you awake and alert.

They function well together, using different mechanisms in the body to interact. Taking complementary supplements is important because taking nootropics that influence the same receptors can result in an effect that is too intense.

Try this combination:

• 75mg Armodafinil (once a day)
• 15 mg Noopept (up to three times a day)

Armodafinil, N-Acetyl-Semax, and Alpha GPC Stack

N-Acetyl-Semax is a nootropic with neuroprotective properties. It also raises dopamine and serotonin levels to increase motivation and attention.

Combined with Armodafinil, it increases productivity by addressing not only wakefulness but mood. Alpha GPC contains, choline, which can eliminate harmful side effects like headaches.

Recommended doses:

• 75 mg Armodafinil (once a day)
• 300 mg N-acetyl Semax (twice a day)
• 350 mg Alpha GPC (once a day)

Alternatives

• Modafinil
• Ritalin
• Piracetam

Modafinil

Modafinil is the more common version of Armodafinil, with an almost identical chemical structure.

It is only available in the US with a prescription, and boasts the same similarities to Adderall, with less strength.

The biggest difference from Armodafinil is the strength of the medication. Modafinil is weaker, and as a result, most users have reported fewer or milder side effects than Armodafinil.

Modafinil can be taken longer with less risk of becoming tolerant. For users who are more sensitive to medication, Modafinil can be a great alternative.

• Promotes wakefulness
• Used for narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder
• Prescription only
• Less strength, but fewer and milder side effects
• Dosage: 100 – 200 mg
• Effects last 6-8 hours; half-life is 12 hours
• Similar price to armodafinil

Ritalin

Ritalin is a popular form of methylphenidate, a common stimulant. It reduces fatigue and can help treat narcolepsy and daytime sleep episodes.

Ritalin stimulates the central nervous system, which helps improve cognitive functions. Research has suggested it can be effective in treating ADHD in some children and teenagers.

Alcohol and foods with vitamin C can decrease the effectiveness of Ritalin, so they should be avoided.

• Reduces fatigue; treats narcolepsy
• Enhances cognitive functions and learning capacity
• Could be effective for ADHD
• No prescription required
• Dosage: 20 – 60 mg, 2 – 3 times a day
• Effects last 3 – 4 hours
• Cheaper than armodafinil

Piracetam

If you’re looking to focus on the cognitive benefits of Armodafinil, then Piracetam could be a good alternative.

Along with improving cognitive functions, Piracetam has been shown to have positive effects on conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and dyslexia. It also promotes better learning, focus, and memory.

The effects of Piracetam last six to eight hours. There is no prescription required for Piracetam, so it is more easily accessible and costs less than Armodafinil.

• Enhances brain function and helps prevent brain trauma
• Improves Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and dyslexia
• Might improve longevity
• No prescription required
• Effects last 6-8 hours
• Dosage: 4000 – 4800 mg
• Cheaper than armodafinil

Closing Thoughts

Armodafinil is a great supplement for wakefulness and treating sleep-inhibiting disorders.

Narcolepsy, severe sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder, in particular, have been effectively treated with the supplement, with users reporting higher alertness, energy levels, and concentration throughout the day.

Unlike other prescription medications, Armodafinil has relatively few and mild side effects. It’s low-risk alternative to Adderall but may result in more side effects than Modafinil, a chemically similar drug.

Many also use Armodafinil as a nootropic to improve cognitive functions. As when used to treat sleep disorders, Armodafinil improves alertness, attention, and focus, resulting in a more productive day.

Consider looking into Armodafinil of you struggle with fatigue, brain fog, or sleep disorders.

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