Can You Take Modafinil Everyday?

Modafinil is a super-effective medication used to treat certain sleep disorders like narcolepsy, but some people use it off-label to enhance cognitive function and ultimately maximize productivity. This blog post explores the drug’s benefits, safety, and potential risks of side effects based on how you take it.

It also sheds light on the correct way to take the drug for narcolepsy and other sleep disorders, as well as off-label. Let’s get started.

Modafinil Features

Modafinil is a wakefulness-promoting medication that has increasingly grown in popularity in recent years. It is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and shift work sleep disorder (SWSD). However, it is more commonly used off-label by individuals looking to stay awake for longer periods, improve their cognitive performance, and ultimately maximize productivity [1].

Also, doctors typically recommend it off-label as a treatment option for health problems such as chronic fatigue syndrome and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This is because it is relatively safer, is better tolerated, has fewer side effects, and has a lower potential for addiction compared to other stimulants.

Modafinil is commonly sold under the brand name Provigil, but it is also available in generic versions under different trade names like Modalert and ModaXL, among others. It comes in two dose strengths of 100 mg and 200 mg that are taken by mouth. Modafinil is special; unlike caffeine, it does not cause a sudden drop in energy (energy crash) when its effects begin to wear off.

Modafinil works by increasing the levels of dopamine, histamine, and certain other neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters influence alertness, mood, and motivation and regulate the sleep-wake cycle. It is worth noting that the drug only works for as long as it is used; it does not provide permanent cognitive enhancements [2].

It is advisable to consult your doctor or healthcare provider before starting treatment with modafinil, as it is a prescription medication.

Long-Term Safety of Modafinil

There is no doubt about modafinil being safe when used for the short term. In fact, researchers at Oxford and Harvard universities consider it the “world’s first safe ‘smart drug’” because of how minimal its risk of side effects is, relative to similar medications.

But what happens if it is used long-term? In order to find out, it is important to examine the outcome for people who have used it since it was developed. Many people, especially daily prescription users who have no choice but to use the drug daily, have used it long-term without experiencing any serious problems. What’s more, several studies conducted to determine modafinil’s long-term safety have shown that it is generally well-tolerated and has few side effects.

One study indicated that the drug was well-tolerated and didn’t cause any severe side effects in patients with OSA who were placed on it for 3 months. Another study revealed that modafinil was not only effective but also proved to be safe and well-tolerated for the treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy for 10 months. These findings suggest that the drug is safe for most people in the long term when used exactly as directed by a doctor [3][4].

However, at this point, it is worth noting that there are some potential risks associated with the long-term use of the drug. The common ones include dependence, cardiovascular problems, psychological effects, and the drug totally losing its effects (tolerance). Although modafinil isn’t considered addictive, some people may become dependent on it and experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking it.

Regarding its risk of causing psychological effects, people who are sensitive to stimulants may experience anxiety, nervousness, and agitation. It is important for patients with a history of heart disease to seek advice and supervision from a doctor if they plan to use it long-term, as it can increase their heart rate and blood pressure, which can be harmful [5].

Modafinil is considered safe for most people even in the long term as long as it is used correctly and under the supervision of a doctor.

Who Are Daily Prescription Users?

Modafinil is a medication with numerous benefits, so people use it for varying purposes. There are individuals who take it occasionally just for its ability to improve cognitive function.

These sorts of users use it strictly on days they intend to maximize their productivity. This category includes the following kinds of people:

• top-level business executives and CEOs with heavy workloads;
• students looking to facilitate their study efforts for a forthcoming exam;
• interns looking to impress their bosses through exceptional performance and score a job opportunity at the end of their internship period;
• creatives looking to give their creativity a boost.

There are also people who take modafinil more frequently, as they aim for daily cognitive enhancement. This category of users typically includes high achievers and very productive people who leave no room for underperformance. To achieve results without facing any serious risk of adverse effects, people in this category adopt and stick to a good modafinil use routine. They also eat healthily, get quality sleep, and avoid alcohol, smoking, and other bad lifestyle habits that can increase the risk of side effects when using modafinil.

At this point, it is worth noting that while both categories of users get to choose how they use the drug, there are those who have no choice but to use modafinil frequently due to medical conditions. People in this category are commonly referred to as daily prescription users. Narcolepsy, SWSD, OSA, and ADHD are some of the health conditions that confine them to the drug.

Whether you are a daily prescription user of modafinil, an occasional user, or a frequent user, it is important to first seek advice from a doctor or healthcare provider before starting treatment with it. Also, it is important to strictly adhere to the instruction for use.

Side Effects of Daily Nootropic Use and How to Avoid Them

Nootropics are well-tolerated and safe for most people who use them, but they are not without side effects. It is considered normal for some individuals taking nootropics like modafinil for the first time to experience some mild side effects that typically go away on their own without treatment.

These sorts of adverse effects are quite common. Here are some of them [6]:

• headache;
• nausea;
• runny nose;
• dizziness;
• dry mouth;
• upset stomach;
• insomnia.

Although rarely, more serious adverse effects can result from taking modafinil on a daily basis. Some of them include anxiety, hallucinations, mood swings, palpitations, and loss of hearing in one or both ears. These sorts of negative after-effects can become life-threatening if left untreated. Seek urgent medical attention if you notice any of them.

The best way to avoid side effects while taking nootropics like modafinil is to use them correctly. One of the common questions people ask is, Should I start with the 100 mg or 200 mg dose? Well, the recommended daily dose of modafinil is 200 mg, but it may be reduced to 100 mg if it causes any discomfort. Do not take more than one dose per day, as that can increase the risk of side effects. Swallow the tablet whole with a substantial amount of water.

As you take the drug, watch out for interactions with other medications you may be taking, as modafinil interaction can increase the risk of adverse effects or render one or more of the other drugs combined ineffective. Remember to consult your doctor before taking modafinil.

So, Should You Take Modafinil Every Day?

The “smart drug” is considered safe for most people, but can you take modafinil every day? Well, you can take it every day without experiencing any serious side effects if you use it correctly, meaning you take the ideal dose and not longer than your doctor recommends. Many people often take the drug every day over a long period of time without any problems.

It has been established that it is safe for long-term use, but do you have to take the pill more frequently than you need it? The simple answer is no. It is possible to stop getting the same results from modafinil if you abuse it. So, if you want to enjoy its cognitive-enhancing benefits long-term without building a tolerance, you should only take it when it’s absolutely necessary.

At the end of the day, whether you intend to enhance your mental performance or treat a sleep disorder, it is important to seek medical advice before popping the pill. Your doctor will help you determine a suitable dosage and how long you should be on it.

References

1. Modafinil. Retrieved: February 9, 2023. Wikipedia.org.
2. Modafinil: MedlinePlus Drug Information. Retrieved: February 9, 2023. Medlineplus.gov.
3. Modafinil As Adjunct Therapy for Daytime Sleepiness in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A 12-Week, Open-Label Study. By Jonathan R. L. Schwartz, Max Hirshkowitz, Milton K. Erman, and Wolfgang Schmidt-Nowara. Retrieved: February 9, 2023. Pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
4. Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Modafinil (PROVIGIL((R))) for the Treatment of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Associated With Narcolepsy. By M. M. Mitler, J. Harsh, M. Hirshkowitz, and C. Guilleminault. Retrieved: February 9, 2023. Pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
5. Can You Take Modafinil Every Day? By P. Tardner. Retrieved: February 9, 2023. Ijest.org.
6. Side Effects of Provigil (Modafinil), Warnings, Uses. Medically reviewed by John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP. Retrieved: February 9, 2023. Rxlist.com.