Modafinil and Mind Lab Pro are two popular choices of cognitive enhancers among students, entrepreneurs, and professionals. While both increase alertness, improve focus, enhance memory, and ultimately help increase productivity, one provides even more benefits.
This guide compares the “smart drugs” based on their dosage, side effects, safety, interactions, and other factors to help you make an informed decision. Let’s get started.
What Is Modafinil?
Modafinil is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of several sleep disorders: shift work sleep disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, and narcolepsy. Besides, doctors often prescribe it off-label to manage other conditions, including major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, and jet lag [1].
The drug also has strong cognitive-enhancing effects, so many healthy individuals use it off-label to improve alertness, concentration, and memory. It is known to be safe, well-tolerated, and highly effective. However, it is not without side effects. It is essential to consult a healthcare provider before starting using the medicine.
What Is Mind Lab Pro?
Mind Lab Pro (MLP) is a natural nootropic supplement made up of a fine blend of 11 research-backed substances that help improve focus, mental clarity, and overall cognitive function. Its active ingredients include N-acetyl-L-tyrosine, maritime pine bark extract, Bacopa monnieri, lion’s mane mushroom, vitamins B6, B9, and B12, citicoline, Rhodiola rosea, L-theanine, and phosphatidylserine.
Mind Lab Pro is a dietary supplement, and like all other dietary supplements, it does not have FDA approval. This means that there is no way to confirm its nutritional content or safety. However, many users give it a thumbs up based on safety, effectiveness, and ease of use.
It remains important to talk to a doctor before using this product.
Compare Modafinil and Mind Lab Pro
Modafinil and Mind Lab Pro are two nootropics that are commonly used to enhance cognitive abilities and boost productivity. While they provide similar benefits, they also have their differences. To compare both products and decide which one is best for you, check out this table showing their similarities and differences based on the same questions.
Drug | Modafinil | Mind Lab Pro |
What form does this nootropic come in? | oral tablet | capsule |
What is the product used for? |
|
|
What strengths does the nootropic come in? | 100 mg and 200 mg | each supplement’s ingredient comes in a specific dose |
What is the half-life of this drug? | 12+ hours | 6–8 hours |
Is it effective? | excellent | good |
Is this nootropic a controlled substance? | yes (a prescription drug) | no (an over-the-counter supplement) |
Is there a risk of withdrawal? | yes | no |
What is the typical length of treatment? | long-term | long-term |
Modafinil is a medication that can only be obtained with a doctor’s prescription. On the other hand, MLP is a natural supplement that can be purchased without one. In a nutshell, both substances have their individual set of benefits and drawbacks. Also, it is worth noting that they both have potential side effects and should be used with caution.
Modafinil vs Mind Lab Pro: Difference Between…
One major difference between these nootropics is how they work: they have different mechanisms of action. Modafinil works by altering the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine, serotonin, and histamine, that increase wakefulness, alertness, and attention [2].
On the other hand, MLP works by targeting and supporting the 6 pathways of mental performance: brain regeneration, brain energy, brain protection, brain circulation, brain chemicals, and brain waves. Each of its key ingredients handles different aspects of its impact on the pathways. For example, while Bacopa monnieri and lion’s mane mushroom support brain circulation, phosphatidylserine and N-acetyl-L-tyrosine support brain regeneration and protection.
Other differences between both “smart drugs” can be seen in their dosage, potential side effects, and safety.
Dosage
The recommended daily dose of modafinil is 200 mg. However, a lower dose may be used if it causes discomfort. Taking higher doses is known to increase the risk of adverse effects and should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor or healthcare provider [3].
On the other hand, the recommended way to take MLP is to swallow 2–4 capsules in the morning or early afternoon. It is essential to consult a doctor before taking this nootropic.
Side Effects & Safety
Just like every other drug, modafinil may cause mild adverse effects such as headaches, insomnia, nausea, and dry mouth. However, only a handful of first-time users experience them. It may also cause more serious adverse effects, such as chest pain, hallucinations, and depression, if used incorrectly [4]. This is why it is important to strictly adhere to a doctor’s instructions for use.
Mind Lab Pro is typically considered safe with few reported adverse effects. However, it can result in serious negative after-effects if misused. At this point, it is worth noting that as with all other dietary supplements, there’s no way to be 100% sure of the safety of its ingredients, as it is exempted from scrutiny by health regulatory bodies. However, most users consider it safe and well-tolerated.
Interaction with Other Meds, Food, and Alcohol
Modafinil may interact with alcohol and certain foods, including grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and fatty foods. It may also interact with certain medications, including birth control pills, street drugs such as methamphetamine, and blood pressure drugs, among other substances [5].
On the other hand, MLP may interact with other cognitive-enhancing supplements or medications. It is advisable to avoid taking any drug when using it unless such a combination is approved by a doctor.
Interactions can render one or more of the drugs combined to be ineffective. It can also increase the risk of experiencing negative after-effects.
Be sure to talk with your doctor before mixing either of these products with any supplement or medication.
Can You Mix Mind Lab Pro with Modafinil for Better Results?
Some people consider mixing or stacking two or more “smart drugs” to achieve better results. However, mixing MLP with modafinil is not recommended. As both nootropics have similar effects on the brain, their combination may cause additive effects. It may equally increase the risk of interactions and ultimately lead to severe adverse effects.
If one nootropic proves ineffective, it is advisable to try a higher dose based on instructions from a doctor or healthcare provider. Also, trying out a different nootropic entirely is almost always a better option.
Where to Buy These Smart Drugs Online?
Many online drugstores sell MLP and modafinil. However, it is important to be cautious about where you buy them from, as many vendors may sell counterfeit products. A guaranteed way to get authentic versions of these “smart drugs” is to source them directly from their manufacturers, major distributors, or trustworthy and reliable vendors with a proven track record.
Mind Lab Pro is available on Amazon and the manufacturer’s official website. On the other hand, the best places to buy modafinil are as follows:
The above-listed e-pharmacies are all reputable vendors that guarantee to deliver high-quality modafinil pills to a buyer’s doorstep fast and affordably. They source the meds from the manufacturers and ship them to customers absent of middlemen, which results in lower prices.
What’s more, they provide excellent customer service, discount deals, and a satisfaction guarantee. They have tons of positive reviews on third-party review platforms such as Yotpo and Trustpilot, which speaks volumes about their reputation. Do well to compare prices among them to determine which vendor will give you the best bang for your buck.
Mind Lab Pro vs. Modafinil – Which One Is Better for You?
The question “Mind Lab Pro vs. Modafinil – which is better?” is one that many looking to start taking nootropics ask, but the answer is simple. It actually depends on your reason for needing a “smart drug.” Do you need cognitive enhancement for a short-time task or a complex job that requires you to concentrate for several hours at a stretch? If you’re looking to work on a simple task, MLP may be a great option. However, if you’re looking to take on a complex task that requires you to be alert and focused for 12+ hours, then modafinil is your best bet.
At this point, it is worth noting that the vast majority of nootropic enthusiasts prefer modafinil versus Mind Lab Pro because it is FDA-approved. The drug has been rigorously tested in the lab and used by millions of people across the world who find it safe and effective. While several MLP users also give it a thumbs up based on its safety and effectiveness, many enthusiasts don’t use it since it is a dietary supplement and therefore unapproved by the FDA.
References
- Modafinil. Retrieved: April 9, 2023. Wikipedia.org.
- Mechanisms of Modafinil: A review of Current Research. By Paul Gerrard and Robert Malcolm. Published: June 2007. Retrieved: April 9, 2023. Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
- Provigil (Modafinil): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions, Warning. Retrieved: April 9, 2023. Rxlist.com.
- Modafinil (Oral Route) Side Effects. By IBM Micromedex. Retrieved: April 9, 2023. Mayoclinic.org.
- Modafinil Oral: Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings, and More. Retrieved: April 9, 2023. Webmd.com.