What is better – Modafinil Vs Adderall

Adderall is a combination of two central nervous system stimulant drugs, Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine. Adderall works by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine activity in people with ADHD, who tend to have lower levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine.

It provides cognitive enhancement in the short term for healthy individuals, making it popular among college students and office goers for improving performance.

Adderall and its alternatives could be more popular among recreational users than among those who need it to manage ADHD symptoms. There is a risk of using higher doses than what is recommended by the manufacturer and medical practitioners.

Positive Effects of Using Adderall

• Uplifted mood
• Euphoria
• Cognitive enhancement
• Stimulation
• Improved physical performance
• Increased motivation
• Greater alertness
• Greater sociability
• Increased focus

Negative Effects of Using Adderall

• Increased heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Irregular heartbeat/palpitations
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Reduced appetite
• Paranoia
• Fever
• Diarrhea and gastrointestinal problems
• Increased temperature
• Skin breakouts (acne)
• Dry mouth and thirst

Withdrawal Symptoms

• Significant lack of energy
• Fatigue
• Depressive symptoms
• Mood swings
• Lack of motivation
• Anxiety
• Increased appetite
• Sleepiness
• Sleeplessness

Modafinil is a wakefulness-promoting agent whose stimulant effects are usually subtle unlike those of some other drugs that are used for managing ADHD such as Adderall and Adderall alternatives. It is used to manage conditions that feature sedation and fatigue. 

Modafinil is widely accepted for both medical and non-medical uses because not only does it promote wakefulness but it has fewer stimulant side effects than some other medications and has low abuse potential. Negative effects while taking normal dosages are rarely anything more than insomnia, stomach upset and anxiety.

Modafinil has been studied and investigated for addressing sedation and fatigue in cases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and cancer. It has also been investigated and tested for use by the military, to assist them to retain cognitive performance in the face of long and demanding missions.

It is also a top drug among students for the cognitive enhancing drug, what is referred to as study drugs. Modafinil’s use is mainly for non-medical or recreation purposes. In most countries, it is prescription-only medication. It is not an illicit drug.

It does not present much risk for healthy people even when taken in fairly high doses. It has not been associated with stimulant psychosis and seizures or any other life threatening responses, as is the case with other stimulants.

People use it for cognitive enhancement and also because it makes them remain alert for longer periods. It is effective in managing disorders that are characterized by excessive sleepiness such as narcolepsy and other sleep disorder. 

Positive Effects of Modafinil

• Cognitive enhancement
• Wakefulness
• Does not provide euphoria but does provide some level of mood lift though minimal
• Improved motivation

• Increased heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Anxiety
• Nausea
• Insomnia
• Dryness of the mouth
• Running nose or stuffy nose
• Diarrhea

It may cause dizziness. It can also cause serious and sometimes fatal skin reactions which manifest in symptoms like fever, rash, or swollen glands; though this is rare. In case one develops a rash and flu-like symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice. It not approved for use by children and should be used with caution with the elderly.
It does, however, increase the risk of mania or psychosis in vulnerable people especially when taken in high doses. Overdosage happens with very high doses and is often non-life threatening.

Very extreme overdosing could be dangerous, and medical attention should be sought in case it happens.

Over Dosage on Modafinil

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Hypertension
• Tachycardia
• Stomach upset
• Nausea
• Tremors
• Hallucinations
• Dizziness
• Involuntary face and mouth movements
• Headache

It does not cause much risk for tolerance and withdrawal symptoms are not a major concern.

It has been found to greatly reduce sleep leading to sleep deprivation. It does help to combat the effects of sleep deprivation such as in the area of cognitive performance. It can help in conditions such as ADHD and schizophrenia, although it is not yet listed among the drugs that are approved for the management of ADHD. 

So, which is right drug to use, Modafinil or Adderall?

Both Modafinil and Adderall are prescription-only drugs and should not be used without medical supervision. It is not advisable to use either of them for recreational or off-label purposes.

Both provide cognitive enhancement, increase motivation and improve the enjoyment of tasks as well as improve the symptoms of ADHD. Modafinil poses less risk of any major side effects. There is minimal risk of withdrawal symptoms or dangers involved with overdosage with Modafinil.