Modafinil Overview

You might be more familiar with its most common brand name, Provigil, but the drug’s generic name is Modafinil. It’s an FDA regulated drug in the category called nootropics, or smart drugs. There are several different nuances you’ll see in this category, though they all fit into the realm of cognitive enhancement (aka brain boosters).

Modafinil is generally prescribed for people with chronic fatigue due to shift work, sleep apnea, or narcolepsy. It’s not an amphetamine, and it doesn’t act like one. It doesn’t make you speedy or jittery. The feeling is described more as “wakefulness”. It allows users to be alert and to concentrate even on little or no sleep.

Modafinil is also commonly used “off-label” which means it’s used by people not to treat disorders, but to provide an edge, or enhancement, they’re trying to achieve. In the case of Modafinil, it’s mental clarity, focus, and wakefulness.

How Modafinil Works

In order to achieve FDA approval, plenty of tests were performed on Modafinil, but it still remains largely unclear how it works. What we do know is that it works on neurotransmitters in the brain, causing more to be released. To put it real simply, it’s like firing on all cylinders, even ones you didn’t know you had.

Modafinil Side Effects

Modafinil is a prescription drug for a reason. The side effects list is long and in bold print. First of all, severe allergic reactions have been reported. Then there’s the talk of irregular heartbeats, fever, chills, aggression, hallucinations, anxiety, depression, nervousness, and the ever so scariest of all – blisters on the inside of your eyes.

Modafinil Pros and Cons

Advantages of Modafinil

• It’s been shown to work very well for the purpose for which it was made.
• It provides a wakefulness without jitters or other typical stimulant effects.

Disadvantages of Modafinil

• It can cause serious side effects.
• Modafinilis only available with a doctor’s prescription.
• It can be expensive.

Where to Buy

In theory, you’re supposed to visit your doctor and get diagnosed with a disease or disorder that qualifies you to get a prescription.

However, there are some online pharmarcies that will sell you Modafinil without a doctors prescription.

One such pharmacy I recently reviewed is called Afinil Express, who sells legit modafinil online.

Click Here to read my full review.

Conclusion

While we can certainly appreciate the allure of Modafinil, the potential for serious and scary side effects is just too great. I would only recommend that you use it if your doctor prescribed it after finding a diagnosis of one of the conditions it’s for. If you’re looking for nootropics, there are over the counter options that are safer than Modafinil.

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Author: Rob Miller

Rob Miller founded SupplementCritique.com over 7 years ago, and has been the chief editor ever since. He has a diploma in Advanced Dietary Supplements Advisor, and worked at GNC for 3 years. He KNOWS supplements, both inside and out. Rob currently resides in Jupiter, FL, with his wife of 4 years.  Learn more about him in his Bio here. Follow him on Twitter , Facebook, LinkedIn, or find him on Google +. View all posts by Rob Miller