Disclaimer: The content provided here is only meant for educational purposes. It doesn’t provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If anyone needs to take either of these smart drugs, they should consult with a doctor first.
Armodafinil and Modafinil are two nootropics that perform a similar function. Biologically, they work in the same way as stimulants such as Concerta and Adderall by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. Both Armodafinil and Modafinil have been FDA approved and used to treat excessive daytime sleepiness and improve wakefulness.
Nevertheless, there are slight differences between them which leads people to ask the question, “Armodafinil vs Modafinil, which one is the most effective?” This is a genuine concern for people suffering from conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), narcolepsy or Shift Work Disorder. The main aim of taking drugs is to find relief from the symptoms of a condition without experiencing any of the side effects associated with the medication.
There are many factors that will go into deciding whether you should take Modafinil or Armodafinil such as: How much do the drugs cost? What chemicals are in the drugs? Are both classified as Schedule IV non-narcotic drugs?
Will I experience any negative side effects? Which one is strongest? How long will it take before they start working and what is their half-life? All of these questions and more will be answered in this comprehensive review of Armodafinil vs Modafinil. By the end of the article, you will know exactly which drug (aka nootropic) will work best for you.
Modafinil and Armodafinil – A Historical Context
The drug Modafinil originates from France, it was created in the late 1970’s by neurophysiologist professor Michel Jouvet et al. At the beginning of the research phase, it was discovered that the drug gave participants energy and kept them awake for long periods.
In 1986, Modafinil was tested on patients suffering from narcolepsy, it was tested for eight years in a clinical trial, afterward, it was approved as a treatment for sleep disorders such as Shift Work Disorder in 1994.
In 1998, the drug Modafinil was first brought to America and the FDA approved it as a treatment for narcolepsy; it is currently sold under the brand name Provigil by a range of pharmacies. Worth mentioning that Modafinil is classified as a schedule IV drug in the United States. In 2003, after the clinical trial, Modafinil was approved for the treatment of other sleep disorders as well, such as Narcolepsy Obstructive Sleep apnea and Shift Work Disorder.
After Modafinil’s release in the American prescription drugs market, it quickly became popular amongst internet entrepreneurs, CEOs, and students due to its performance enhancement capabilities.
As a result, the smart drug craze was birthed. When Modafinil first came out, unless you moved in certain circles, not many people knew about it, and the drug was difficult to purchase. However, this is no longer the case, today anyone can purchase Modafinil online. Most vendors offer free delivery and you will receive it in discreet packaging within 1 to 2 weeks.
The drug Armodafinil is the newest drug of the two, emerging in 2007 after being FDA approved. It is sold under the brand name Nuvigil and considered a stimulant because of the long-lasting mental “arousal” it provides.
What Are the Benefits of Taking Modafinil and Armodafinil?
Research suggests that there are several benefits associated with taking the drugs Modafinil and Armodafinil for daytime sleepiness and sleep disorders such as Narcolepsy Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Shift Work Disorder. However, there are a limited number of studies regarding the benefits of taking Armodafinil throughout the day. Therefore, this section will mainly focus on the benefits of Modafinil.
1) Modafinil Eliminates Fatigue
The main purpose of the drugs Modafinil and Armodafinil is to eliminate fatigue. It gives users the energy they need to work for extended hours. No matter how long a person has been awake, they still feel vibrant and motivated after taking these drugs.
2) Modafinil Accelerates Weight Loss
If you are trying to lose weight, Modafinil makes a great addition to your diet and exercise regime. There are several factors that contribute to weight loss. As you have read, one of the conditions Modafinil is prescribed for is Obstructive Sleep Apnea. One of the main causes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea is obesity.
Additionally, a suppressed appetite is one of the side effects of Modafinil and Armodafinil, to some who are not trying to lose weight, this may be seen as a negative side effect. But for those who are looking to shed a few pounds, a loss of appetite assists in controlling food portions.
Finally, people who suffer from sleep-related conditions lack energy. As a result, they find it difficult to motivate themselves to go to the gym. Modafinil is a powerful energy booster which is an added incentive for those wanting to lose weight while working out.
3) Modafinil is Not a Stimulant
It is not uncommon for people to get the jitters after their third cup of coffee. This anxious feeling can become very uncomfortable. Modafinil on the other hand stimulates the central nervous system but not the adrenal gland. Coffee stimulates the adrenal gland, and it is this that causes the symptoms associated with the jitters. Modafinil provides the focus and alertness required to get things done without the adrenaline rush.
4) Modafinil Improves Motivation
As you are aware, motivation runs out. People get pumped up after watching a motivational film or listening to a motivational speech. However, within a couple of days, this drive disappears, and you sink back into your normal routine. One study found that participants who took Modafinil became increasingly excited about their work and this gave them the motivation they needed to keep going.
5) Modafinil Eliminates the Need For Midday Naps
Modafinil is especially beneficial for those who work from home. People find it difficult to work from home because once that desire to take a nap kick in, it’s easy to give in and climb into bed for 20 minutes. Unfortunately, for most people, that 20 minutes turns into an hour or two, and time is lost sleeping when you could have been doing something more productive. Modafinil keeps you so focused and alert during the day that you have no desire to take a nap in the middle of the day.
6) Modafinil Improves Mood
Peer-reviewed studies have concluded that Modafinil provides a euphoric feeling. For this reason, yes, it is often prescribed as a complementary therapy to treat patients suffering from depression.
7) Modafinil May Reduce Dependency on Hard Drugs
Research suggests that Modafinil works well for people battling with addictions to drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines. As a result, it is currently being considered as a complementary therapy for addiction to hard drugs.
Armodafinil vs Modafinil Does it Treat Shift Work Sleep Disorder and Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Both drugs Modafinil and Armodafinil are effective treatments for Shift Work Disorder and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Nevertheless, clinical trials suggest that Armodafinil lasts longer once taken, but both drugs Modafinil and Armodafinil were considered similar in terms of their safety when it comes to the treatment of excessive sleepiness. Research indicates that there were higher concentrations of Armodafinil in the bodies of the participants. For this reason, Armodafinil may be slightly more effective than Modafinil.
Armodafinil is immediately absorbed by the body after it is taken for excessive sleepiness. The peak effects are experienced within 2 hours of taking the drug on an empty stomach. After consuming food, the peak effects are experienced 2-4 hours later.
The half-life for Armodafinil is approximately 20 hours. The half-life for Modafinil is between 10 and 12 hours but it can stay in the system for up to 15 hours. Therefore, Armodafinil has a longer half life.
An analysis of data concludes that the drugs Armodafinil and Modafinil are effective treatments for conditions associated with excessive sleepiness and they do not have a negative effect on the central nervous system.
What Information Should I Disclose to my Doctor Before Taking Armodafinil and Modafinil?
Before you take the drugs Armodafinil and Modafinil for excessive sleepiness, you will need to make sure it is safe for you to do so. Therefore, it is essential that you seek advice (diagnosis or treatment ) from your healthcare provider and let them know if you have suffered from any of the following:
- Alcohol or drug addiction
- Psychosis or mental illness
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- A previous heart attack
- Mitral valve prolapse
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
There is no evidence to prove that 200 mg (one of the most popular doses) of the drugs Armodafinil and Modafinil will have a negative impact on an unborn baby. Either way, women should tell their doctor if they are pregnant, or if they are planning on getting pregnant. It is not known whether Armodafinil or Modafinil contaminates breast milk; therefore, nursing mothers should tell their doctor they are breastfeeding before taking the medication.
What Are the Ingredients in Armodafinil and Modafinil?
The main ingredients in Armodafinil are povidone, stearate, magnesium, monohydrate, lactose, sodium, and croscarmellose. The main ingredients in Modafinil are Magnesium stearate, povidone, croscarmellose sodium, pregelatinized starch, cellulose microcrystalline, and lactose monohydrate.
How Should I Take Armodafinil and Modafinil?
All the information you will need to take Armodafinil will be on the prescription label. It is essential that you take the medication exactly as has been stated, do not take any more or any less than you are supposed to. As mentioned, Armodafinil has addictive tendencies; therefore, it is important that you do not share the drug with anyone else, especially if they have a history of addiction or drug abuse.
Read all patient guides, data, and instruction sheets about prescription drugs provided and if there is anything you are not sure of, ask your pharmacist or doctor. Patients with excessive sleep disorders should take one 250 mg tablet once a day.
It is typically taken first thing in the morning as a protective measure against daytime sleepiness. For those suffering from Shift Work Sleep Disorders, Armodafinil should be taken one hour before the start of a shift. You can take Armodafinil before or after eating.
Doctors typically prescribe Armodafinil for 12 weeks. If you are taking Armodafinil to treat medical conditions such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea. You may also have been given a continuous positive airway pressure machine (CPAP). A CPAP keeps your airway open to prevent it from collapsing while you sleep. Unless your doctor tells you to stop using the machine, you must continue to do so whilst taking Armodafinil or it could cause negative side effects. Armodafinil does cure or treat the underlying causes of the condition.
You should take Modafinil orally once per day. It can be taken before or after food. Choose the best time to take Modafinil and stick to it; if you need to change the time, it is important that you speak to your doctor beforehand. You should also let your doctor know if your work shifts start at different times throughout the week.
In order for Modafinil to be most effective, you will need to find the right dosage. Modafinil works best when you take between 100 mg, 150 mg 200 mg per day. However, 50 mg may not have any effect on some individuals as it is such a low dosage. Experts advise that if you have just started taking the drug, you should start with a single dose of 50 mg 150 mg, or 100mg and increase the dose over the long term.
Read our review Modalert Review (one of the best generic Modafinil available on the market)
What Should I Do if I Miss a Dose of Armodafinil?
As soon as you remember that you have missed a dose, take the medication. However, if it is late in the day, do not take it. If you remember that you’ve missed your dose of Armodafinil just before going to bed, don’t take the medication again until the next day.
Drug Interactions and Armodafinil?
It is not advised that you combine Armodafinil with medication that makes you sleepy as this might intensify the effects. Before taking medication for seizures, depression, anxiety, muscle relaxer, narcotic medication, or a sleeping pill, consult your doctor. Additionally, Armodafinil might interact with herbal products, vitamins, over counter, and other prescription medications. Therefore, make sure you seek medical advice before taking Armodafinil or Modafinil.
Read our Modalert vs. Modvigil vs. Waklert vs. Artvigil: Detailed Review to learn more about Modafinil generic brands.
Armodafinil and Modafinil Physical Dependence
It is also possible for patients to become physically dependent on Armodafinil and Modafinil because of their wakefulness-promoting effects. Physical dependence is when there is a psychological adaptation as a result of repeated drug use.
Physical dependence manifests as withdrawal symptoms when a patient’s dosage of Armodafinil or Modafinil has been reduced or when the drug is discontinued. These symptoms include atrial fibrillation, aggression, confusion, vomiting, nausea, chills, sweating, shaking, suicidal thoughts, depression, body aches, insomnia, fatigue, and headaches.
Armodafinil and Modafinil Tolerance Levels
Tolerance of Armodafinil and Modafinil takes place when Armodafinil or Modafinil have been taken for an extended period of time and the biological response is no longer as effective. In order to produce the same effects, an increase of the dosage must be applied.
Armodafinil and Modafinil Overdose Potential
There have been reports of fatal overdoses with Armodafinil or Modafinil alone and when they have been combined with other drugs. Symptoms that suggest an overdose of Armodafinil and Modafinil include chest pain, hypertension, diarrhea, nausea, hallucination, confusion, disorientation, restlessness, insomnia, dyspnea, and anxiety.
When considering Armodafinil vs Modafinil, the minor side effects are not a cause for concern; however, if you start experiencing any of the more serious side effects from Armodafinil or Modafinil, book an appointment with your doctor immediately.
Armodafinil vs Modafinil What Are Differences?
The chemical structure of Armodafinil is slightly different from that of Modafinil. The Food and Drug Administration approved Armodafinil as the R-enantiomer of Modafinil. An enantiomer is a molecule that mirrors another compound. So even though they are similar, they are not exactly the same. In other words, they perform the same function, but there are differences between them. For example, the left and the right hand perform the same function, they have similar biological makeup but they are not exactly the same.
Armodafinil vs Modafinil What is the Price Difference
Armodafinil is available as a generic medication under the brand name Nuvigil. Armodafinil is covered by insurance plans and Medicare. The average retail price of Armodafinil is in excess of $500 for 30 tablets. However, if you are in receipt of a SingleCare discount card, you can purchase 30 Armodafinil tablets for $277.
Modafinil is slightly more expensive in comparison to Armodafinil under an insurance plan; additionally, whether it is covered will depend on the insurance plan you are on. It can cost more than $600 for 30 tablets and if you are in receipt of a SingleCare savings card, you can purchase 30 Modafinil tablets for between $35-$280, but this will depend on the pharmacy you use.
Where Can I Buy Armodafinil and Modafinil?
You can purchase Modafinil online at any of the following approved retail stores:
Modafinilxl.com | Visit Website
Before you put in bulk order, they provide a free sample so you can determine whether Modafinil is the right medication for you. The company ships worldwide and they offer a 20% discount if you pay with Bitcoin (Get started with Bitcoin at Coinbase.com)
Buymodafinilonline.com | Visit Website
They have branded themselves as the best online vendor of Modafinil. Your package is sent from India and delivered directly to your front door. They offer a 33% discount if you pay with Bitcoin (Get started with Bitcoin at Coinbase.com). In the event that your product doesn’t arrive, you will get a full refund.
Freemodafinil.com | Visit Website
This online pharmacy delivers generic smart pills to your door from India. They ship to many countries including America, England and Australia, but they do not ship to every country in the world.
Buymoda.org | Visit Website
They are the only Modafinil vendor in the world that is American run. If you are ever in doubt, they provide all year-round customer support. Additionally, they offer some of the cheapest prices on the market.
Is it Safe to Buy Modafinil Online?
Yes, it is one hundred percent safe to buy Modafinil online, let me tell you why. Every online vendor recommended has been thoroughly vetted to ensure they are licensed pharmacies selling certified products that have been properly manufactured.
They are all legitimate organizations and you can make your purchases from them with the same confidence you would have with your local pharmacy. Also, your credit card details, address, and phone number are all protected through their secure online systems. See our detailed guide on “How To Buy Modafinil Online” for further information.
Armodafinil on the other hand is not so easy to get your hands on unless you get a prescription from your doctor.
Armodafinil vs Modafinil and Drug Abuse
It is also important to mention that there have been reports of Armodafinil abuse and Armodafinil dependence in patients treated with the drug. Abuse patterns include recurrent use of Armodafinil and Modafinil or taking large doses to induce a euphoric mood. There have also been reports of drug diversion where patients have taken Armodafinil after being told not to by their physician and getting prescriptions from several doctors.
When Armodafinil is abused, there is the risk of overdose which can cause the following: abdominal pain, vomiting, flushed skin, loss of coordination, decreased appetite, restlessness, hyperactivity, dilated pupils, sweating, tachypnea, hallucinations, delirium, seizures, hypertension, chest pain, tremors, dystonia, headache, nausea, anxiety, dizziness, agitation, insomnia, and tachycardia.
When Modafinil is abused, it causes euphoric feelings, alterations in feelings, thinking, and perception. Due to the Armodafinil and Modafinil abuse potential, physicians are advised to monitor patients with a history of drug or stimulant (cocaine, amphetamine, or methylphenidate) closely. Signs of abuse include drug-seeking behavior or incrementation of doses.
Armodafinil vs Modafinil What Are the Common Side Effects?
There are several side effects associated with Armodafinil and Modafinil; the most common include the following:
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headache
Additionally, it has been reported that Modafinil causes side effects such as:
- Back pain
- Diarrhoea
- Nasal congestion
- Nervousness
Armodafinil and Modafinil can also cause anxiety, indigestion, and dry mouth, and weight loss due to a reduced appetite. However, these symptoms are rare. Some of the more serious side effects include allergic reactions such as shortness of breath and rashes. There have also been reports of psychiatric side effects such as psychosis and depression due to Armodafinil.
It is not advised that Armodafinil and Modafinil be taken by anyone under the age of 17 or if you suffer from any of the mentioned conditions such as high blood pressure. Additionally, you should consult your health care provider for advice on diagnosis or treatment
Armodafinil vs Modafinil What is the Final Conclusion?
As you have read, Armodafinil and Modafinil provide similar functions, they both work as effective treatments for conditions such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Shift Work Sleep Disorder, and are also considered effective cognitive performance enhancers.
Whether you decide to use Armodafinil or Modafinil will depend on which differences are most important to you. The side effects are generally the same, research suggests that Armodafinil is slightly more effective than Modafinil because its effects are stronger.
In terms of the benefits of both drugs, there is a lot more research highlighting the benefits of Modafinil than Armodafinil. If cost is your main concern, Modafinil is definitely cheaper when purchased from one of the approved retailers online.
Scientifically, whether Nuvigil (Modafinil) is better than Modafinil is inconclusive; nevertheless, in light of the above, if your main concern is effectiveness, it is advised that you try both Armodafinil and Modafinil to see which one works best for you. Finally, if you are looking for a budget-friendly, private, and easy way to buy Armodafinil and Modafinil, making your purchase online is your best option.
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