Modafinil vs. Adderall
Key Takeaways
- Modafinil and Adderall have different structures and side effects - Jump to Section
- Both improve wakefulness and cognitive functions - Jump to Section
- Modafinil treats sleep issues, is less addictive - Jump to Section
- Adderall treats ADHD and narcolepsy, higher addiction risk - Jump to Section
- Both drugs may cause serious side effects like increased heart rate - Jump to Section
- Adderall is more addictive than Modafinil - Jump to Section
- Adderall withdrawal is more intense than Modafinil's - Jump to Section
- Combining Modafinil and Adderall can be risky - Jump to Section
- Treatment for misuse includes medical detox and therapy - Jump to Section
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What’s the Difference Between Modafinil and Adderall?
Modafinil and Adderall are both stimulant drugs because they can affect the CNS. However, they differ in many ways.
These differences include:
- A different drug structure
- Modafinil is considered a wakefulness-promoting agent
- Adderall is considered a stimulant
- Modafinil is not approved for treating ADHD8
Modafinil can also be an off-label medication for multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson’s disease symptoms. Lastly, both substances have considerable differences in their potential for addiction and side effects.
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Modafinil and Adderall Benefits
Modafinil is a psychostimulant that promotes wakefulness, while Adderall is a central nervous stimulant. Both medications can be used for treating excessive sleepiness and narcolepsy.5
These prescription drugs are also called “smart drugs” because they can enhance the following:
- Cognitive function
- Decision-making capacities
- Wakefulness and attentiveness
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What is Modafinil and How Is It Used?
Modafinil belongs to a class of medications that promote wakefulness. It is sold under the brand name Provigil. Provigil works by altering the number of chemicals in the area of the brain that controls sleep and wakefulness.
The drug is used to treat sleep disturbances such as:
- Excessive sleepiness: Being unusually tired throughout the day, despite how much sleep you get
- Obstructive sleep apnea: A condition in which the airway is intermittently blocked during sleep
- Shift work sleep disorder: A sleep disorder in which the normal sleep rhythm has been disturbed due to working night shifts
- Narcolepsy: A chronic sleep condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, causing an uncontrollable desire to sleep4
According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Modafinil is a schedule IV controlled substance. This means it has a low risk of dependence or misuse.3
What is Adderall and How Is It Used?
Adderall (or Adderall XR) is the brand name for a combination of two stimulants: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Adderall is a prescription drug for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.1
Adderall works by affecting the central nervous system (CNS). It does this by enhancing the effects of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine.
It’s considered a schedule II controlled substance. This means it has a high potential for dependence and misuse.2
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Modafinil vs. Adderall Side Effects
Despite their strengths, both Modafinil and Adderall are known to cause serious side effects. They share similar side effects, such as:
- Increased heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Appetite loss
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
Modafinil Side Effects
Other common side effects of Modafinil include:
- Chest pain
- Muscle weakness
- Anxiety
- Nervousness
- Dry mouth
- Sore throat
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Headache
Adderall Side Effects
Other common side effects of Adderall include:
- Vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Weight and hair loss
- Fever
- Stomach upset
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Heart attack
- Stroke
Modafinil vs. Adderall: Addiction Potential
Both Adderall and Modafinil have potential for addiction and misuse. However, Adderall is more commonly misused because of its narcotic status.
Due to its high potential for addiction and abuse, Adderall shouldn’t be taken without medical consent. Some chronic users may be unable to function properly without this prescription medication.
On the other hand, Modafinil is more tolerated and less addictive. Because it’s a milder stimulant, it can be used for various sleep disorders and lethargy. It also has less potential to induce:
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Agitation
Modafinil vs. Adderall: Withdrawal Symptoms
Adderall has a higher chance of causing dependence and producing withdrawal symptoms if drug administration is stopped abruptly. This means Adderall shows more significant withdrawal effects compared to Modafinil.
Adderall withdrawal symptoms include:
- Depression
- Intense hunger
- Sluggishness or a “crash”
- Panic attacks
- Irritability
- Sleep disturbances
- Fatigue
- Suicidal thoughts
A study found that people with narcolepsy showed no amphetamine-like withdrawal symptoms such as agitation, insomnia, and vivid dreams.6 However, Modafinil users might report withdrawal symptoms such as lack of motivation and reduced energy when drug use is stopped.
Can You Overdose on Modafinil or Adderall?
Both drugs also have overdose risks. Modafinil can cause sleep disturbance at night when you take more than the prescribed dosage. On the other hand, an Adderall overdose can damage the sinuses, nasal linings, and lungs.
Can You Take Modafinil and Adderall Together?
A slight drug interaction exists between Modafinil and Adderall. Combining these drugs may increase the risk of over-stimulation and increase both of their side effects.
An article on ModaPharma says people should “think twice before combining Modafinil and Adderall.”7 However, your doctor may prescribe taking the two for treating conditions like ADHD.
Taking Modafinil and Adderall together requires a prescription. You’ll also need guidance from a physician or psychiatrist.
Dangers of Mixing Modafinil and Adderall
Some people believe that mixing Modafinil and Adderall will double the benefits gained from the substance. However, this is not the case. Taking Modafinil and Adderall together might cause serious risks.
Mixing these two drugs can increase the side effects of both drugs. These side effects include:
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Headache
- Nervousness
- Appetite loss
- Dry mouth
- Tachycardia (an abnormally rapid heart rate, such as one above 100 beats per minute)
- Palpitations
- Increased blood pressure
- Dizziness
Treatment Options for Modafinil and Adderall Misuse
Using more than one stimulant substance at a time is known as polydrug use. It can lead to combined drug intoxication (CDI), which occurs when a person takes more than one drug at a time.
Because drugs like Adderall are schedule II substances, they have a high risk of dependency and misuse. Just like other medical conditions, drug dependence and misuse require medical attention. The sooner you seek help, the better.
Addiction treatment options for Modafinil and Adderall include:
- Medical detox: Medically supervised detox used to avoid harmful withdrawal effects
- Inpatient treatment: Involves checking yourself into a rehab facility for 24-hour medical supervision
- Outpatient treatment: A treatment program where people are allowed to leave the rehab facility
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): A short-term therapy technique that explores the link between thought patterns and addiction
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- “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Stimulant Therapy.” Cleveland Clinic, 23 February 2016.
- Bourgeois, Florence, et al. “Premarket Safety and Efficacy Studies for ADHD Medications in Children.” Plos One, Vol 9,7, , DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0102249.
- “Drug Scheduling.” The United States Drug Enforcement Administration.
- “Modafinil.”MedlinePlus, 15 February 2016.
- Morgenthaler, Timothy et al. “Practise Parameters for the Treatment of Narcolepsy and Other Hypersomnias of Central Origin.” Sleep, Vol. 30,12 : 1705-11. doi: 10.1093/sleep/30.12.1705.
- Raman, Krishnan, and Krishnan, Chary. “A Rare Case Modafinil Dependence.” Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Vol. 6,1 : 49-50. doi: 10.4103/0976-500X.149149.
- Taylor Adam. “Modafinil Combinations – Full Guide 2016.” ModaPharma, 9 July 2016.
- Turner, Danielle C et al. “Cognitive Enhancing Effects of Modafinil in Healthy Volunteers.” Psychopharmacology Vol. 165,3 : 260-9. doi: 10.1007/s00213-002-1250-8.
