Armodafinil Review in 2024: Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions & More

Armodafinil is one of the most popular nootropics frequently discussed on Reddit. It was developed nearly two decades after the famous “smart drug” modafinil, but it shares a similar chemical structure & effect. Nonetheless, what exactly is armodafinil & how does it compare to modafinil? What does it do? What are its benefits? Does it work? How about its legality? Can you get some pills for yourself?

Below we’ll review this awesome medication to give you answers to all these questions you might be curious about.

What Is Armodafinil?

Armodafinil (trade name Nuvigil) is produced by the pharmaceutical company Cephalon, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. It was certified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2007 as a prescription med used to promote wakefulness. It is usually prescribed to individuals suffering from excessive sleepiness as a result of sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), & shift work sleep disorder (SWSD). While armodafinil doesn’t cure the mentioned disorders, it does assist users to remain awake & productive during the day [1].

It’s frequently used off-label to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), major depressive disorder, dementia, chronic fatigue syndrome, among other health conditions. Besides, a high percentage of healthy people, such as students, CEOs, executives, and military personnel, use armodafinil as a robust nootropic to ameliorate their cognitive abilities and ultimately enhance productivity. Most individuals across the globe use it due to the fear of academic failure, the urge to meet high work demands, & to overcome procrastination.

Armodafinil indeed improves cognitive functions such as learning, thinking, perception, alertness, mental acuity, vigilance, motivation, attention, etc. Some people administer this “smart drug” for other rewards such as heightened concentration & focus, boosted productivity and drive, and fostered mental stamina. Just like stimulants, armodafinil affects the mind, producing various cognitive benefits.

Armodafinil Pharmacology

What’s this medication made out of? What effect does it have on the body after ingestion? This section explains what exactly armodafinil is & how it functions in the user’s body.

Chemical Structure

The chemical name for armodafinil is 2-[(R)-(diphenylmethyl)sulfinyl]acetamide, and its chemical formula is C15H15NO2S [1]. Modafinil, the world’s most renowned “smart tab,” features a two enantiomer structure: It’s composed of both the R- and S-enantiomers. Armodafinil is a single-isomer of modafinil, meaning that it only has the R-enantiomer. This signifies that it typically takes a lower dose of armodafinil to provide similar effects to modafinil.

Mechanism of Action

The exact mechanism via which armodafinil fosters wakefulness is not known. However, scientists think it works by stimulating various regions of the brain associated with the sleep-wake cycle. As a dopamine reuptake inhibitor, it binds to the dopamine transporter and inhibits the reuptake of this chemical, thus increasing its concentrations. Armodafinil also heightens the levels of other neurotransmitters such as serotonin, orexin, norepinephrine, and histamine. Each chemical has its own role in the brain [2].

Some important pharmacological characteristics of the medication are the following:

• an elimination half-life is about 15 hours. It certainly lasts longer than modafinil;
• it reaches peak plasma concentrations at about 2 hours. It takes longer if it’s used with food;
• it’s metabolized chiefly by the liver, through CYP3A4 pathways.

Now that you know armodafinil acts on several neurotransmitters, what are the benefits it offers? Let’s discuss them below.

Main Benefits

Armodafinil certainly changes how your brain functions. It is increasingly used by those eager for greater brainpower effects & improved productivity. Besides, armodafinil has cognitive benefits similar to those offered by its elder brother modafinil. Below are some of its effects supported by research.

Enhanced Memory

According to several studies, taking armodafinil indeed helps improve memory quality [3][4]. It certainly ameliorates performance on standardized memory, significantly enhances episodic secondary memory & long-term memory [5]. Armodafinil heightens the concentrations of glutamate, a major excitatory neurotransmitter that’s linked with learning & memory. It also increases the levels of dopamine & acetylcholine neurotransmitters that also play a role in memory and learning, as well as behavior & movement coordination.

Ameliorated Wakefulness & Reduced Fatigue

Armodafinil is a wakefulness-fostering agent. It increases the concentrations of several chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin that are involved in wakefulness, sleep onset, as well as preventing rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. There exist several studies confirming that this drug results in heightened wakefulness & a significant reduction in fatigue, both in those with various health conditions and healthy individuals [3][4][6].

From another study, armodafinil also lessens fatigue & the impact of sleepiness on daily activities in patients with OSA who have residual excessive sleepiness [5].

Improved Alertness & Focus

Various studies have proven that armodafinil is able to ameliorate alertness & attentional focus and can stop brain fog & sleepiness [7]. Taking this nootropic leads to a longer-lasting boost in focus that feels “cleaner” & “smoother.” This is where all the claims about insanely great productivity come from. The med is more likely to aid in ameliorating attention, alertness, & learning for more complex thought processes rather than basic tasks.

Some neurotransmitters improved by armodafinil such as dopamine, norepinephrine, & acetylcholine play a prime role in attention & focus. Each one performs a critical role in making sure you can efficiently focus your attention where needed in the face of undesirable distractions, which compete for your brain’s resources.

Heightened Mood

Research depicts that armodafinil, like the famous nootropic modafinil, can result in remarkably augmented mood & lessened depressive symptoms [8]. That’s partly why it’s used as a complementary therapy for patients suffering from depression. Some neurotransmitters that regulate mood are dopamine, serotonin, & norepinephrine.

Increased Motivation

From a study, individuals receiving armodafinil reported heightened motivation [9]. According to another study, intraperitoneal administration of the “smart tab” to rats was linked with heightened Fos activity in brain regions involved in motivation, sleep, arousal, circadian rhythm, body movement, emotion, & memory [10]. The outcome provides some indication for armodafinil enhancing cognitive performance, memory, & motivation.

The neurotransmitter dopamine plays a significant role in motivational control – in learning what things in the world are good & bad, as well as in selecting actions to gain the good things & certainly avoid the bad things. Dopamine is considered one of the “feel-good” neurotransmitters, along with oxytocin, endorphins, & serotonin. It’s been termed the “motivation molecule” for giving the drive & focus you need to be productive & successful. It’s your achievement hormone. The higher the dopamine levels in the body, the better your focus, creativity, alertness, motivation, long-term memory, & concentration.

Because there hasn’t been a lot of research carried out on armodafinil, its complete range of positive effects has not yet been ascertained. Nonetheless, researchers suppose that its effects are similar to those of its cousin, modafinil. Some of the cognitive advantages of modafinil such as augmented spatial planning, heightened visual pattern recognition, improved reaction times, better decision-making & planning, and heightened visual processing may also be benefits of armodafinil.

Generally, these two meds work similarly, so it makes sense to expect them to also have comparable cognitive effects.

Recommended Dosage

Nuvigil tabs contain 50 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, or 250 mg of armodafinil. Most generic armodafinil meds come in 150 mg pills. The recommended dosage of this medication is 150 mg. If using it to treat narcolepsy or OSA, 150 mg to 250 mg is taken orally once a day in the morning. Doses up to 250 mg/day are well-tolerated, but there is no consistent proof of additional benefit beyond the recommended dosage per day. The usual adult dose for SWSD is a 150 mg tab ingested orally once a day approx. an hour before the start of the work shift. Based on individual health status, armodafinil should be used with caution in some patients. Lower doses & close monitoring are advisable in elderly people [11].

For those using armodafinil off-label, after consulting a physician & looking for cognitive & productivity benefits, we’ve discovered that the best dosage is 150 mg taken orally as a single dose in the morning (certainly before 10 am) with or after a large meal. However, note that the drug may take longer to start working if taken with food.

Armodafinil Side Effects

Like any med, some users report some negative effects from armodafinil use. Nonetheless, they are typically mild & fade away in a while as the body adjusts to the active ingredient. The most frequent armodafinil negative effects are as follows [12]:

• headaches;
• nausea;
• dizziness;
• insomnia;
• dry mouth;
• diarrhea.

Some of these symptoms are avoidable. The following are effective strategies to lessen the likelihood of getting armodafinil negative effects:

• start with a low dose: That way, you can notice how it affects you. Read our comprehensive armodafinil dosage guide for more info on how to select an appropriate dose;
• don’t ingest too high doses of the drug: While you can get armodafinil tabs in 200 mg & 250 mg dose strengths, we don’t recommend taking them. High doses won’t offer you any added advantage & may cause severe negative effects;
• take armodafinil early in the morning: The “smart tab” can lead to sleeplessness if you’re not careful. To avoid this symptom, make sure you ingest it early in the morning or at least before 10 am;
• take the drug with food: Certainly, eating a large meal before ingesting armodafinil aids in lessening nausea or stomach issues. The “smart tab” may decrease appetite, so it’s essential to remember to eat;
• drink plenty of water: You must stay hydrated. This is one of the greatest ways to prevent dehydration & headaches.

Besides mild adverse reactions, the use of armodafinil may be associated with more serious side effects, including the following:

• suicidal thoughts;
• anxiety;
• depression;
• mood or mental changes;
• chest pain;
• difficulty breathing;
• irregular heartbeat;
• blisters;
• hives.

These symptoms rarely occur, but when they do, they’re mostly due to misuse of the medicine. Seek urgent medical attention if you experience any of these side effects or if the common ones persist.

Overall, research consistently confirms that armodafinil is certainly well-tolerated by almost everyone using it & is considered absolutely safe [13][14].

Is an Overdose Possible?

There is limited direct research on the overdose potential of this medicine. However, it’s known to have a similar safety & overdose profile to modafinil, its elder brother.

The info on modafinil overdose is very explicit. While an overdose (ingesting more than the prescribed dose) heightens the likelihood of experiencing negative reactions, there is virtually no peril of permanent injury or death. According to a case report, individuals taking up to 8 grams of the “smart tab” — 40 times higher than the advisable dose — remained in a stable condition but with an increase in common negative effects [15].

Based on the extensive modafinil research on an overdose & the similarity with armodafinil, researchers are quite confident that the “smart tab” overdose isn’t lethal [16]. In general, armodafinil is a remarkably safe med. Even though an overdose of armodafinil/modafinil can be incredibly unpleasant (anxiety, tachycardia, tremor, hypertension), no long-lasting side effects or permanent damage occur [17].

Armodafinil Interactions

Interaction occurs when two or more drugs are taken together. It can increase the risk of side effects and alter the effectiveness of one or both of the combined meds. To prevent any interactions, you shouldn’t use this nootropic with the following drugs [18]:

• certain antifungals like ketoconazole;
• birth control pills;
• anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin;
• monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors like Carbex and Eldepryl;
• antiepileptic drugs such as diazepam;
• certain antidepressants.

Besides, avoid the excessive consumption of grapefruit & grapefruit juice while taking armodafinil. Grapefruit juice decreases the metabolism of armodafinil that is metabolized via the CYP3A4 isoenzyme. Grapefruit can also raise the levels of armodafinil in the body. This can certainly affect the rhythm of the heart & cause other negative effects.

Furthermore, armodafinil & alcohol shouldn’t be mixed. While armodafinil makes you more alert, alcohol triggers drowsiness, negating the effectiveness of the medication. Mixing armodafinil with other mind-altering substances can certainly cause severe confusion, blackouts, vomiting, & lack of coordination.

Before combining any med with armodafinil, it’s prudent to consult a physician to determine if it can cause a drug interaction. Besides, the nootropic should be used with caution if you have a certain health condition such as cardiovascular disease, bipolar disorder, psychiatric disorder, liver dysfunction, or psychotic disorder [19].

What About Legality of This Nootropic?

It’s certainly legal for you to purchase armodafinil for personal use if you’ve got a prescription. Like modafinil, it is a well-known & well-researched med that has been certified for medical use with a prescription in the USA, Europe, & most other parts of the globe.

Across the Western world, armodafinil is considered a controlled substance and/or a prescription-only med. And we’re guessing that if you’re reading this armodafinil review, then you certainly don’t have a prescription. Continue reading to know where to buy genuine generic armodafinil online at a favorable price.

In the USA, armodafinil is considered to be a Schedule IV prescription-only med. That means it is accepted for medical use & has a low potential for abuse. In Canada, the “smart tab” is a Schedule F prescription drug. In most parts of Europe, this med is only obtainable by prescription. In Australia, the “smart tab” is a Schedule IV drug under the Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons [20]. In India, this med is available over the counter (OTC). In China, it’s under strict control & isn’t obtainable for medical use. It’s difficult to get armodafinil even with a prescription there.

As you can see, in most countries across the globe, armodafinil is obtainable by prescription only. It’s only available OTC in a small number of countries, such as India & Mexico. This depicts that the only 100% legit way to get this drug in the majority of countries is to get a prescription from a physician. To be eligible for a prescription, you’ll certainly need to have a diagnosis of OSA, narcolepsy, or SWSD.

Another paramount legal deliberation relates to professional sports. Just like modafinil, armodafinil is banned by most sports leagues & organizations, including the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) & the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as a performance-augmenting med [21].

Where to Buy Armodafinil Online?

Can you possess & use armodafinil if you don’t have a physician’s prescription for it? The answer to this question certainly depends on your country of residence as well as its regulations concerning the distribution, purchase, & personal use of this nootropic. As discussed earlier, every country has different rules & regulations regarding the purchase & use of armodafinil. Because we know how confusing it can be to get this drug depending on your country, we’ve listed the best legit e-pharmacies that offer armodafinil for sale online & ship to various countries across the globe. Certainly, getting the desired medicine online is more cost-effective compared to visiting a local pharmacy where a prescription is required. It’s very easy & private.

Armodafinil is available in various generic versions. Artvigil, Armod, & Armodavinil are some of the most popular brands. Another popular armodafinil generic version is Waklert made by Sun Pharma, but it isn’t available for purchase from most of the e-pharmacies we recommend due to legal issues. To get the desired nootropic pills, all you need to do is to find a reputable & trustworthy “smart tab” vendor you can bank on for high-quality & genuine drugs sourced from certified pharmaceutical companies. As usual, we recommend the following e-drugstores:

• BuyArmodafinil.com;
• BuyModafinilOnline.com;
• ModafinilXL.com;
• BuyModa.org;
• Afinil.com;
• FreeModafinil.org.

Listed e-pharmacies are 100% legit & offer armodafinil at discounted prices without a prescription. They provide guaranteed package delivery, meaning that you’ll get a full refund or another free reshipment of the product if it gets stuck at customs. Besides, you’ve got various payment options to choose from.

What’s more? We’ve presented you with the most trusted “smart tab” e-pharmacies, & it’s up to you to choose the best one that matches your needs.

FAQ

Before wrapping up this comprehensive armodafinil review, we’ll answer some questions you may need to get clarified. Read on to learn a few more facts about this popular nootropic.

How Long Does Armodafinil Last?

The “smart tab” half-life is approx. 15 hours. You should take it in the early morning hours if you intend to achieve productivity or cognitive boost throughout the day and need to have adequate sleep at night. Because all users have different metabolism rates, some may experience the drug’s effects for up to 20 hours. Other factors that may affect how long armodafinil remains in your system include age, dosage ingested, health status, how long you’ve been on the “smart tab,” etc.

What Happens If You Stop Taking Armodafinil Suddenly?

Many patients or “smart tab” enthusiasts don’t get severe withdrawal symptoms after stopping armodafinil. Some people, however, have reported mild withdrawal symptoms such as a decrease in energy levels, reduced alertness, & sleepiness. Take note that not every user will get armodafinil withdrawal in the same way. This is because every person has their own unique physiology. In most scenarios, the armodafinil withdrawal timeline is quite short. Discontinuing the drug from higher doses tends to yield more severe & longer-lasting withdrawal symptoms than quitting from lower doses. Abrupt discontinuation isn’t recommended, so if you need to play it safe, be sure to gradually taper from your prescribed dose – this will help lower the severity of symptoms.

Why Is Armodafinil Given for up to 12 Weeks?

The study duration for the “smart tab” is usually 12 weeks, with doses ranging from 50 mg to 250 mg daily to assess its effects in promoting wakefulness. This period is enough to ascertain the safety of the med as well as the expected adverse effects associated with it. However, the long-term effectiveness & safety of armodafinil can’t be adequately determined within 12 weeks. Although it is considered safe for use during this period, physicians should monitor the patient’s health for adverse effects, particularly cardiovascular complications.

What Is the Difference Between Modafinil and Armodafinil?

Although these meds have a similar structure and effect, they aren’t the same. Armodafinil contains ONLY the R-enantiomer of modafinil, while the latter is comprised of R- & S-enantiomers. In this way, armodafinil may have a longer half-life compared to modafinil. In some cases, armodafinil is certainly considered a stronger pharmaceutical med with better wakefulness effects. While both meds can have similar expected negative effects, some of these symptoms may be more frequent in one med versus the other.

The Verdict: Armodafinil Review

Most individuals familiar with “smart tabs” usually know quite a bit about modafinil, the most popular nootropic, but many are still wondering what armodafinil is. Indeed, this med is not as common as modafinil, but it has already shown itself to be an effective eugeroic and nootropic.

In situations where cognitive performance matters, this med could change things. Certainly, armodafinil doesn’t just offer endless energy for hours but also aids in increasing focus & ameliorating memory. The drug is also believed to be 1.33 times more powerful than modafinil. Overall, armodafinil is safe & one hell of a “smart tab.” If you want to supercharge your productivity & get more done, there’s no doubt that the “smart tab” could be a great option for you. If you need some pills for yourself, sourcing them online from the aforementioned e-pharmacies without a prescription is easy, cost-effective, & swift. Place an order with any recommended vendor and have the desired med delivered to your doorstep as fast as possible.