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Loading...When comparing Xywav vs Modafinil, the question arises: does Xywav match the effects of modafinil? Determining which drug is better than the other depends on various factors such as individual responses, medical history, and specific treatment goals.
This detailed review guide compares and contrasts these two meds, providing insights into their medical use, mechanisms of action, dosage requirements, potential negative effects & interactions, similarities and differences, and where to purchase online.
Modafinil Features
Modafinil, developed by Lafon Laboratories in France in the 1970s, gained approval from regulatory agencies such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998 for treating narcolepsy and later for shift work sleep disorder (SWSD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Initially marketed under the brand name Provigil, it quickly became renowned for its unique properties that set it apart from traditional stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin.
Modafinil’s approval stemmed from its novel mechanism of action, which involves selectively targeting neurotransmitters in the brain to promote wakefulness without the adverse effects like the jittery side effects commonly associated with stimulants like caffeine. This approach reduces the potential for abuse and dependency, distinguishing it as a safer alternative for long-term use, as it reduces the likelihood of addiction and withdrawal symptoms. Notably, researchers from Oxford and Harvard Universities hailed modafinil as “the world’s first safe ‘smart drug,’” underscoring its pivotal role in cognitive enhancement [1][2].
Beyond its prescribed uses, modafinil has garnered popularity for off-label applications, including enhancing cognitive function in healthy individuals and alleviating symptoms of conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), jet lag, Alzheimer’s disease, etc. Similarly, being dubbed the “world’s first safe ‘smart tab,’” modafinil is utilized by healthy individuals from all walks of life to upgrade their brainpower to achieve an edge & boost productivity. Upon administration, modafinil’s effects commonly kick in within 30 minutes & its extended duration of action—typically 12-15 hours—ensures sustained cognitive performance throughout the day, minimizing the need for frequent dosing and preventing abrupt declines in energy levels.
Indeed, users from diverse backgrounds, such as business executives, students, coders, professionals, and more, have reported numerous benefits from modafinil [3][4]. These include improved alertness, enhanced cognitive capabilities and creativity, augmented productivity, and the capability to maintain intense focus for over 12 hours.
Undoubtedly, the “smart drug” represents a significant advancement in mental sharpness & processing speed, providing a substantial energy boost, improved working & episodic memory, amplified motivation, lessened fatigue, and augmented alertness when used appropriately. Its benefits extend to aiding decision-making & planning, improving thinking & perception, and ameliorating fluid intelligence, underscoring its multifaceted advantages.
Further, modafinil’s well-tolerated profile enhances its appeal, with most users experiencing mild and transient side effects like headaches or insomnia. This favorable safety profile broadens its utility across diverse demographics seeking to optimize cognitive function and increase productivity effectively and safely.
These unique attributes position modafinil as a standout option for optimizing cognitive function and boosting productivity.
Basics About Xywav
Xywav (potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sodium oxybates) is a med primarily used to treat immoderate daytime sleepiness & cataplexy in patients 7 years of age and older with narcolepsy. It’s a central nervous system (CNS) depressant that aids in improving nighttime sleep quality and lessening daytime sleepiness by affecting certain brain chemicals. Indeed, CNS depressants slow down brain activity, which makes them beneficial for treating sleep disorders. Cataplexy is a hasty loss of muscle tone, often initiated by strong emotions.
Made by Jazz Pharmaceuticals & previously known as JZP-258, Xywav was authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July 2020 under the brand name Xywav. The approval was based on clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy in treating narcolepsy symptoms [5].
The med is also used to treat conditions such as idiopathic hypersomnia, a disorder characterized by immoderate daytime drowsiness without narcolepsy symptoms.
Compare Xywav and Modafinil
Xywav and modafinil are both meds used in the management of sleep disorders, albeit with different mechanisms of action and primary indications. Here’s an expanded comparison table for Xywav and modafinil:
| Drug | Xywav | modafinil |
| Mechanism of action | CNS depressant, improves sleep quality | wakefulness-promoting agent, augments cognition |
| Primary indication |
|
|
| Dosage form and strength | oral solution: 0.5 g/mL total salts (equivalent to 0.413 g/mL of oxybate) | oral tablets (100 and 200 mg) |
| Dosage frequency | bedtime and during the night | 200 to 600 mg/day, given as a single dose in the morning, or as two divided doses, in the morning and at noon |
| Manufacturer | Jazz Pharmaceuticals | |
| FDA approval | July 2020 | December 24, 1998 |
| Is this a controlled substance? | yes | yes |
| Control Schedule | Schedule III | Schedule IV |
| Warnings |
|
|
| Disease Interactions |
|
|
| What it stacks well with | not applicable | often used alone or with other therapies, including:
|
| What is it good for? | managing narcolepsy symptoms |
|
| Also known as | JZP-258 | modafinil (Provigil®), armodafinil (Nuvigil®) and generics |
| How to take it | take at bedtime and upon waking during the night |
|
| Is it effective? | excellent | good |
| Is there a risk of withdrawal from this drug? | no | no |
| Half-life | approx. 0.5 to 1 hour | approx. 12 – 15 hours |
| Is there potential for misuse | yes, due to sedative effects | yes, prohibited by the WADA |
| Typical length of treatment | long-term treatment | long-term treatment |
Further, Xywav functions as a CNS depressant primarily by enhancing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission in the brain. This mechanism improves sleep quality and mitigates symptoms such as immoderate daytime drowsiness & cataplexy in individuals with narcolepsy. It stabilizes sleep patterns without disrupting sleep architecture.
Modafinil, in contrast, operates as a wakefulness-promoting agent by increasing the release of monoamine neurotransmitters (dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin) while also modulating histamine and orexin levels in the brain. This dual action fosters wakefulness and alertness, making it effective in managing conditions like obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, as well as shift work sleep disorder while augmenting brainpower.
Xywav vs. Modafinil: Difference Between…
With all the information covered in the table above, there are also essential details you should acquaint yourself with before considering the use of either Xywav or modafinil. The following section provides a comprehensive exploration of the difference between dosing regimens, warnings, and side effects, as well as potential interactions with food, alcohol, and other meds.
Dosage of Drugs
Xywav and modafinil differ significantly in their dosing regimens. Xywav, containing oxybate salts, is typically administered in two doses per night, spaced 2.5 to 4 hours apart. The exact dosage varies based on the patient’s weight and individual response to treatment. Administer Xywav after a minimum of 2 hours since eating. Prepare all doses of Xywav before bedtime. Each dose is mixed with approx. ¼ cup (about 60 ml) of water in the pharmacy-furnished containers before ingestion. Solutions made in this manner are administered within 24 hours.
Take each dose of Xywav while in bed, immediately lying down after ingestion and staying in bed thereafter. The med may induce sudden sleep onset without prior drowsiness. The typical initial dose of Xywav for adults starts at 4.5 grams (g) per night, dispensed in two divided doses: 2.25 g at bedtime and another 2.25 g taken 2.5 to 4 hours later. This dosage can be increased weekly by up to 1.5 grams per night (divided as 0.75 g followed by 0.75 grams 2.5 to 4 hours later) until reaching a maintenance dose, typically between 6 grams to 9 grams per night.
Patients usually fall asleep within 5 to 15 minutes of administering Xywav, though individual response times may vary nightly. For twice-nightly dosing, set an alarm for the second dose. However, if the second dose is missed, skip it until the following night. Dosages for children are adjusted based on their weight. Some individuals may find greater benefit from uneven doses at bedtime and later in the night [6].
Under no circumstances should two Xywav doses be taken simultaneously. Taking Xywav at night enhances the quality and quantity of deep sleep, which lessens the number of sleeping times during the day. This enhances the manifestation of narcolepsy.
In contrast, modafinil is usually taken once daily in the morning. The dosage ranges from 100 mg to 200 mg, depending on the condition being treated and the patient’s reaction. Doses of up to 400 mg per day, administered as a single dose, have generally been well tolerated. However, there is no consistent evidence indicating that this higher dose provides additional benefits compared to the standard 200 mg per day dose [7].
For treating sleep disorder conditions, modafinil is typically taken once daily within 24 hours. This regular dosing schedule helps maintain wakefulness throughout the day and manage symptoms associated with conditions like narcolepsy and obstructive sleep apnea. Additionally, modafinil can be used on an as-needed basis to enhance productivity and cognitive function. When used for cognitive enhancement, it’s recommended to take modafinil approximately 45 minutes to an hour before engaging in planned tasks requiring heightened mental focus and cognitive performance.
As with any med, it’s noteworthy to observe dosage instructions provided by healthcare professionals to ensure safe and effective use.
Warnings and Side Effects
Both meds come with their own set of warnings and conceivable side effects. Common negative effects of Xywav include decreased appetite, hyperhidrosis, nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, parasomnia, headache, anxiety, & vomiting. Patients must follow dosage instructions carefully to minimize the risk of side effects, which can sometimes be serious, such as CNS depression and the possibility of misuse. Tell your physician right away if you have any serious negative effects, including mental/mood changes (such as agitation, hallucinations, thoughts of suicide, depression, confusion), shaking (tremors), numb/tingling skin, and sleepwalking [8].
Modafinil also has common negative effects such as headache, difficulty sleeping, nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, and dizziness. On enormously infrequent occurrences, some modafinil users may experience severe adverse reactions such as fast heartbeat, suicidal thoughts, depression, hyperactivity, hallucinations, tremors, etc. This isn’t a thorough list [9]. If such signs, including allergic reactions like severe rashes & blisters, are experienced, immediately seek medical attention.
Possible Interaction with Food, Alcohol, and Other Meds
The interactions of Xywav and modafinil with food, alcohol, and other meds are critical considerations. Xywav can interact with alcohol and other CNS depressants, potentially leading to severe negative effects such as respiratory depression or coma. Avoid alcohol and discuss the use of other meds with your physician to prevent harmful interactions. Taking this med with other CNS depressants, such as meds used to make you or your child fall asleep, including antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, sedating antidepressants, opioid analgesics, sedating anti-epileptic meds, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, or street drugs, may indeed induce serious medical problems, including changes in alertness, hypotension, syncope, respiratory depression, or even death [8].
Modafinil may interact with several meds. Before taking any modafinil-based med, inform your physician about any antifungals, drugs metabolized by CYP2C19 & CYP3A4/5 enzymes, blood thinners, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, certain antibiotics, or birth control meds you are currently using. Additionally, modafinil can interact adversely with alcohol, increasing risks. While it generally doesn’t interact with most foods, taking it around fatty meals can delay its effects. Pregnant women and individuals with a history of heart conditions, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, kidney or liver disease, chest pain, or mental illness should avoid using modafinil due to potential health risks and drug interactions. Inform your physician about all meds they are taking to avoid potentially harmful interactions.
Where to Buy These Pills Online?
Shopping for modafinil online can be daunting for first-time shoppers, but with our urged vendors, buying the “smart drug” is stress-free. Most e-drugstores offer four versions of modafinil (top-quality Modavinil & Modalert brands, ModaXL, and low-cost Modvigil) and four versions of armodafinil (highest-quality Armodavinil & Waklert, ArmodaXL, and budget Artvigil). They also sell the “smart drug” at a fraction of the cost of brand-name versions and don’t mandate a prescription to purchase, although many countries require obtaining modafinil legally with a doctor’s prescription due to concerns about potential misuse and dependency. Nonetheless, medical oversight is crucial to ensure safe and effective use, and caution is paramount to avoid counterfeit or harmful medications.
For trustworthy modafinil vendors, BuyModafinilOnline.com, ModafinilXL.com, and ModafinilUSA.com are highly esteemed within the nootropic community for their trustworthy service and premium generic products. They source generic modafinil from reputable pharmaceutical companies, guaranteeing authenticity. These platforms accept various payment methods, including major credit cards, PayPal, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, which offer a significant discount of 20-23% on total transactions.
Each vendor offers multiple shipping options, such as Express Mail Service (EMS) and Registered Airmail. EMS typically ensures delivery within 7 to 12 business days to the USA, Australia, UK, and New Zealand, whereas Registered Airmail might take 10 to 18 working days. For shoppers in the US, USPS Priority Mail provides expedited delivery, usually within 3 to 4 business days or overnight, contingent on location. These vendors also offer UK domestic Royal Mail, which takes 3 to 7 working days.
Renowned for their exceptional customer service, these vendors provide complimentary samples of popular nootropics, enabling new users to assess efficacy before making a full purchase. They also maintain robust refund and reshipment policies to ensure customer satisfaction in cases of delayed or lost orders. Regular promotional offers, discounts, and bundled packages further enhance the value proposition for shoppers.
Further, HighStreetPharma (HSP) represents another reputable option for purchasing generic modafinil online, offering an extensive range of high-quality meds sourced from reputable manufacturers. HSP ships from India or Singapore, utilizing services like Post/Swiss Post/DHL for Express shipping and Airmail for Standard shipping. Deliveries to the UK, Australia, USA, and Europe typically take 7 to 12 working days, with longer timelines for other countries it ships to. The vendor also provides free Express shipping worldwide for its nootropic products. Besides, it provides a 100% money-back guarantee for missing or damaged parcels, excluding specific countries listed on its website due to stricter customs regulations.
Accepted payment methods at HSP include eCheck, Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, cryptocurrency, and Amazon/Walmart gift cards. Using cryptocurrency offers anonymity and additional benefits such as a 10% discount, free shipping, and 30% extra modafinil tablets. There is also a 10% discount for returning customers.
For those looking to purchase Xywav online, Amazon serves as a prominent platform where various sellers may offer the medication. However, verify the credibility of sellers by checking reviews and ratings to ensure the authenticity and quality of the product. Before making any purchase, it’s crucial to research each pharmacy’s reputation, shipping policies, and customer feedback to make an informed decision.
Always consult with a physician to confirm the suitability and safety of these meds for your health needs.
The Verdict: Xywav vs. Modafinil
In conclusion, when considering between Xywav and modafinil, it’s necessary to recognize their unique mechanisms and intended uses. Taking Xywav at night is required because it is a sedative med. By administering it before bedtime, its sedative effects can aid induce and maintain sleep while also addressing symptoms of narcolepsy, such as cataplexy, and improving daytime wakefulness upon awakening. This timing optimizes its therapeutic effects and minimizes probable daytime drowsiness or impairment. On the other hand, modafinil works differently from Xywav by ameliorating wakefulness and alertness via its effects on certain neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine and norepinephrine. Unlike Xywav, modafinil is taken in the morning to upgrade wakefulness throughout the day. This timing aligns with its mechanism of action, supporting daytime function without causing sedation or impairing nighttime sleep. Its longer half-life of up to 15 hours provides sustained wakefulness compared to Xywav.
However, regardless of cost or availability, the decision to use either med should always involve consultation with a physician to ensure safety and appropriateness for your health needs.
References
- Modafinil. Retrieved: July 8, 2024. Wikipedia.org.
- Narcolepsy medication modafinil is world’s first safe ‘smart drug’. By Helen Thomson. Published August 20, 2015. Theguardian.com.
- Practical Use and Risk of Modafinil, a Novel Waking Drug. By Dongsoo Kim. Published: February 22, 2012. Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
- The off-prescription use of modafinil: An online survey of perceived risks and benefits. By Rachel D. Teodorini, Nicola Rycroft, and James H. Smith-Spark. Published: February 5, 2020. Journals.plos.org.
- Jazz Pharmaceuticals Announces U.S. FDA Approval of Xywav™ (calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium oxybates) Oral Solution for Cataplexy or Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Associated with Narcolepsy. Published: July 22, 2020. Investor.jazzpharma.com.
- Xywav: 7 things you should know. Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope. Retrieved: July 8, 2024. Drugs.com.
- Modafinil (Rx). Retrieved: July 8, 2024. Reference.medscape.com.
- Highlights Of Prescribing Information (pdf). Retrieved: July 8, 2024. Pp.jazzpharma.com.
- Modafinil – Uses, Side Effects, and More. Retrieved: July 8, 2024. Webmd.com.
Author Details
MBBS, MD - Psychiatry, Consultant Psychiatrist
MBBS, Doctor Of Medicine MD
Head Modafinil Researcher
