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There is a lot of contradictory information out there about the legal status of the so-called real life ‘Limitless’ drug Modafinil. Is Modafinil legal and what are the restrictions on buying and using it where you live?
Modafinil is a wakefulness promoting agent belonging to a class of drugs known as eugeroics. Eugeroics are used by prescription to treat sleep disorders, narcolepsy and excessive daytime sleepiness.
Because of its capacity to offer increased productivity and improved motivation, in addition to a natural feeling of wakefulness, Modafinil is popular for off-label uses, as well. Students, executives, athletes and Silicon Valley entrepreneurs are among those who have openly discussed utilizing this drug on occasion.
Alertness
Mental Acuity
Focus- Stimulates wakefulness in the brain
- Promotes mental acuity & processing
- Enhances focus, motivation & energy
The Development of Modafinil
Related Topics
- What is Modafinil? (Provigil)
- How Does Provigil Work?
- Effects and Benefits
- User Reviews
- Typical Experiences
- Recommended Dosages
- How to Take
- Provigil Uses
- Use for ADHD
- Effects on Weight Loss
- Negative Side Effects
- Abuse Warnings & Dangers
- Comparison to Adrafinil
- Comparison to Armodafinil
- Comparison to Adderall
- Where to Buy
- Generic Modafinil Brands
- Is Modafinil Legal?
- How to Get Modafinil
- Review of Online Sources
Modafinil was first developed in France in 1976 by a neurophysiologist working for Lafon Laboratories. The discovery of Modafinil actually came about because of the previous development of a series of benzhydryl sulfinyl compounds, including Adrafinil, in 1974.
Adrafinil was found to be a wakefulness promoting agent. It was first tested for human use for the sleep disorder narcolepsy, and approved as a prescription medication in France for this purpose in 1986.
During testing on Adrafinil to determine its mechanism of action, it was found that in the body Adrafinil breaks down in to the active compound Modafinil, and the inactive modafinilic acid. It was determined that Modafinil is the primary active component of Adrafinil. Further research and development was conducted to allow for the direct synthesis of Modafinil without Adrafinil.
As its predecessor before it, Modafinil was seen to be a wakefulness promoting agent. Animal tests showed that it caused hyperactivity and vigilance in animal models. As with Adrafinil. the first human trials using Modafinil were on people with narcolepsy.
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that affects patients ability to maintain wakefulness. People with narcolepsy often fall asleep randomly throughout the day, and experience excessive daytime sleepiness. Double-blind placebo-controlled research studies have definitively shown that Modafinil reduces excessive sleepiness in people with narcolepsy. Modafinil has been used as a prescription drug for narcolepsy in France since 1994, and in the US since 1998.
Since its initial successful trials and approval for use for narcolepsy, Modafinil has been extensively tested for improving symptoms of two other sleep disorders: shift-work sleep disorder and obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). While the source is different in both conditions, excessive sleepiness is a shared symptom between the two conditions.
Some people when they work late night or overnight shifts can develop the circadian rhythm disorder known as shift-work sleep disorder. Because they are awake during typical sleep times (nighttime), and trying to sleep during normal awake hours (daytime), some people experience excessive sleepiness when awake, and sometimes insomnia when trying to sleep.
Modafinil has been tested in many studies as a way to improve the sleepiness experienced by people with shift-work sleep disorder. One Cambridge study showed Modafinil decreased incidences of bad decision making following sleep deprivation due to shift work. This may be due to the heightened sense of alertness which offers one a clear mind from which to assimilate and weigh information quickly, before making a choice.
Obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome is a medical condition where breathing is interrupted/labored (hypopnea), or stops completely (apnea) while sleeping. This condition occurs because the tongue or soft palate of the mouth either partially or completely obstruct the airway. Sleep quality in individuals with this condition is often poor, due to waking multiple times a night after a breathing incident. Consequently they often experience excessive daytime sleepiness.
Many double-blind placebo-controlled trials have shown that Modafinil significantly improves excessive sleepiness compared to placebo in people with OSAHS. Scores on the self-administered Epworth Sleepiness Scale are seen to significantly improve when patients are given Modafinil.
Off-Label Modafinil Uses
When prescribed for one of the previously mentioned sleep disorders, Modafinil is considered to be used “on-label,” meaning it was prescribed for one of its originally approved uses. There are also “off-label” uses, when Modafinil is prescribed for purposes outside of its approved uses. It is estimated at as much as 90% of Modafinil prescriptions are for off-label purposes.
One of the most common off-label reasons that Modafinil is prescribed is for a use that relates directly to its originally intended purpose: relieving fatigue. Many diseases and conditions have fatigue as a common symptom or side effect, including multiple sclerosis, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, and Parkinson disease.
One of the most common reasons that Modafinil is prescribed off-label for is attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). There have been many studies done that show that Modafinil significantly improves scores on a variety of ADHD tests compared to a placebo.
One study compared Modafinil to a placebo, but also to the conventional ADHD medication dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). It was seen that both active medications improved scores on the DSM-IV ADHD Checklist significantly over the placebo. The researchers came to the conclusion that Modafinil works well enough compared to this conventional medication that it should be considered as a viable alternative to traditional amphetamine treatments.
Some doctors who are up to date on research on alternatives to conventional amphetamine stimulant ADHD drugs will consider prescribing Modafinil to their patients. This seems to especially be the case when traditional medications have not been as successful as wanted, or if severe negative side effects were seen with traditional treatments.
- Increases energy, wakefulness and motivation
- Boosts mental performance and focus
- Supports memory and cognition
Modafinil Effects and Nootropic Use
Modafinil works in the brain primarily by increasing adrenergic, dopaminergic and histaminergic activity. Eugeroics differ from many other stimulants in that they are considered relatively non-addictive and do not produce the typical side effects experienced with most stimulants, such as increased nervousness or agitation.
These drugs are frequently called smart drugs or cognitive enhancers and they are closely related to a class of compounds known as nootropic drugs.
Some nootropic users take Modafinil specifically when they need to be alert and awake for an extended period of time without experiencing mental fatigue. All-night work or study sessions which happen infrequently can be more productive when you aren’t fighting fatigue and tiredness.
In normal healthy adults, Modafinil works to improve fatigue levels, motivation, reaction time and vigilance. It may also improve reasoning skills. More recently, reviews and anecdotal experience reports have compared Modafinil to NZT-48 as portrayed in the movie “Limitless”.
While not as extensive as research on using Modafinil for sleep disorders or ADHD, there has been some research done on using this drug for cognitive enhancement purposes. Two reviews that were done on a large body of research on the topic found a few common trends among the results – Modafinil was seen to improve working and episodic memory, as well as improving executive function, especially when solving complex problems, or under stressful conditions.
Modafinil Legal Status Around the World
In most countries around the world, Modafinil is classified as a prescription-only drug, however there are select countries where it is sold as an over-the-counter drug. It is important to know the legal status of Modafinil in your country, as well as any restrictions on imports from other countries.
United States
In the United States, Modafinil is sold under the brand name Provigil and is considered a scheduled drug, meaning you need a doctor prescription in order to obtain it legally.
Schedule IV drugs require a DEA license in order to import them from abroad but you are allowed to bring up to 50 pills into the country with you, provided you have a prescription for them.
United Kingdom
Modafinil is considered a prescription-only drug in the United Kingdom, meaning you need to get a prescription from your doctor before being able to access the drug through your local pharmacy or online provider.
There are some online pharmacies that will provide an online prescription if you qualify after you submit your medical history and pass a consultation. This service is available to UK residents only through specific General Pharmaceutical Council registered online pharmacies.
Canada
Modafinil is listed on the Prescription Drug List as a Schedule I prescription-only drug (which replaced Schedule F of the Food and Drug Regulations). Therefore in Canada Modafinil can only be dispensed once you have a prescription from your medical provider. In Canada, Modafinil is sold under the brand name Alertec.
Australia
Modafinil is sold under the brand name Modavigil and is a Schedule 4 prescription drug in Australia. It is only available by prescription from a licensed medical doctor.
Germany
Modafinil is available in Germany by prescription only.
Mexico
In Mexico, Modafinil is sold under the brand name Modiodal and is not a controlled substance, meaning it can be dispensed without a prescription. Modafinil is legal to possess and use in Mexico, but if you plan to bring it across the border into another country you will be subject to local laws.
Russia
Russia considers Modafinil a Schedule II drug, which means it is banned for personal possession and for most medical uses. Modafinil is not legal to buy or import into Russia, even if you have a prescription.
Finland
Modafinil is considered a prescription drug in Finland, though it is reported that pharmacies in Finland do not carry Modafinil. Several users who have ordered Modafinil online from online pharmacies have reported that Finnish border officials seize the packages and do not allow the substance into the country.
Sweden
Modafinil is only available by prescription in Sweden and is sold under the brand name Modiodal.
Importing Modafinil
Is Modafinil legal to order from an online pharmacy and have it shipped to your country? Many people report they successfully import Modafinil for their own personal use through online pharmacies and stores, with or without a prescription. We do not recommend this practice.
Consequences could range from a simple loss of your order to possible prosecution. In the USA, even with a prescription, importation is not allowed unless you have authorization from the DEA.
In the UK, Australia and Canada, it is possible to import small personal-use quantities (less than 3 months supply) if you have a prescription for it. Even if Modafinil is legal to import under local laws, these laws are subject to change and inconsistent administration.
Your package may be delayed at the border or refused entry and sent back to the point of origin. If you do buy Modafinil online, make sure the company you order it from guarantees delivery and will provide a refund if your package is returned.
Modafinil Side Effects
While it doesn’t have some of the side effects associated with amphetamine-type stimulants, Modafinil does have some associated side effects to be aware of. The most commonly reported side effects include headaches, nausea, anxiousness, nervousness, dizziness, heartburn, indigestion, vomiting, diarrhea, decrease in appetite, and back pain.
Some of these side effects are common as your body adjusts to the drug and will cease on their own. Sometimes the adverse reactions are dose related and a lower dosage may help relieve some effects. Speak with your doctor to determine how best to deal with these mild side effects.
Some serious, but very rare, skin reactions have occurred in people who have taken Modafinil (although if Modafinil was in fact the cause has not been definitively proven). These skin and mucous membrane reactions include Stevens-Johnson syndrome, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and toxic epidermal necolysis (TEN).
If you have a fever, flu-like symptoms, and a rash that spreads and may blister, than stop taking Modafinil and see your doctor immediately.
Adrafinil Review
The manufacturer of Modafinil originally developed a drug called Adrafinil which has similar effects in terms of increasing energy levels and mental performance.
The reason for this is that Adrafinil is converted within the body into Modafinil. Once they were able to synthesize Modafinil directly, they ceased production of Adrafinil.
Those who want the benefits of Modafinil but are unable to obtain a prescription for it, and who do not want to risk loss of their order or possible problems with the legal aspects of it, often turn to Adrafinil.
Adrafinil is legal to use, buy, and possess without a prescription. The dosage required is more than that of Modafinil, but the cost is considerably less. Adrafinil and Modafinil both have known side effects which range from mild to serious.
The primary one for which most users monitor closely, if taking Adrafinil, is that of elevated liver enzymes. If using Adrafinil for any period of time, it is wise to work with your doctor to monitor your liver enzymes every 30-90 days.
If you see an elevation in your enzymes, stop taking Adrafinil immediately and work with your doctor to try to bring them back into balance.
Because of this potential side effect, we recommend reserving Adrafinil for special occasions when you really need to be alert and awake in a productive and motivated state and your normal stack will not do. Do not take large doses of Adrafinil for long periods of time as this could increase your risk of side effects.
Conclusion: Is Modafinil Legal
Modafinil is available in most countries by prescription only. While some countries may not consider Modafinil to be a controlled substance and therefore allow possession without a prescription, the USA is not one of these countries.
In countries like Mexico and India, Modafinil is legal to buy without a prescription, but that does not mean that you are free to import unlimited amounts of this drug to your place of residence.
You should consult local authorities for an in-depth picture of the restrictions and requirements for importing Modafinil from an offshore pharmacy. Some countries do allow the legal import of Modafinil provided you have a valid prescription, while others do not allow import even with a prescription.
Because of these legal limitations, many people prefer to order Adrafinil. Due to the potential for side effects, we recommend reserving both of these mind and mood enhancers for occasional use only.
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- Andrade C, Kisely S, Monteiro I, Rao S. Antipsychotic augmentation with modafinil or armodafinil for negative symptoms of schizophrenia: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Psychiatr Res. 2015
- Krishnan R, Chary KV. A rare case modafinil dependence. J Pharmacol Pharmacother. 2015
- Yaman M, Karakaya F, Aydin T, Mayda H, Güzel Hİ, Kayaalp D. Evaluation of the Effect of Modafinil on Cognitive Functions in Patients with Idiopathic Hypersomnia with P300. Med Sci Monit. 2015
- Beck J, Hemmeter U, Brand S, Muheim F, Hatzinger M, Holsboer-Trachsler E. Modafinil reduces microsleep during partial sleep deprivation in depressed patients. J Psychiatr Res. 2010
- Poot-Ake A, Mijangos-Moreno S, Manjarrez-Martin D, Jimenez-Moreno R, Aquino-Hernandez PR, Pacheco-Pantoja E, Arias-Carrion O, Sarro-Ramirez A, Arankowsky-Sandoval G, Murillo-Rodriguez E. Intrahypothalamic Administration of Modafinil Increases Expression of MAP-Kinase in Hypothalamus and Pons in Rats. CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets. 2015
Article last updated on: April 11th, 2018 by Nootriment
4 Comments
is it legal in the philippines?
Hi,
You might want to change the Australian description as it is legal to import a 90 day supply of Modafinil without prescription to Australia. Only above 90 day supply orders do you need a doctor’s prescription.
Source: https://www.tga.gov.au/personal-importation-scheme
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if the goods are medicines in Schedule 4 or 8 of the Poisons Standard a prescription from an Australian-registered medical practitioner is held for the medicines.
This was very help full thank you!