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Unlike the strictly controlled pharmaceutical industry in the U.S., Modafinil sources in India are not subject to stringent quality control. Additionally, these retailers do not require prescriptions for the sale of cognitive enhancing drugs like Modafinil.
As a result, many people who want to try smart drugs turn to the internet gray market. Even at the risk of buying adulterated pills, monetary loss, and breaking U.S. law, these sites are still attractive options for many.
These risks are not to be taken lightly – not only could individuals lose money by buying from international sites, they could also suffer serious health consequences if the medication consumed is fraudulent.
The good news is, individuals can protect themselves. This article will discuss the history and uses of Modafinil, as well as a buyer’s guide for the laws, prescription info, and benefits of buying Modafinil from India vs. other sources.
Alertness
Mental Acuity
Focus- Stimulates wakefulness in the brain
- Promotes mental acuity & processing
- Enhances focus, motivation & energy
Modafinil History
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
The discovery of Modafinil occurred because of testing on another related compound, Adfrafinil. Adrafinil is one of a series of benzhydryl sulfinyl compounds that was first developed in 1974 by the French pharmaceutical company Lafon Laboratories.
Adrafinil and Modafinil are very similar at the molecular structural level, with the only difference being that Modafinil lacks a hydroxyl group that Adrafinil has on its terminal amide. The reason for this high degree of similarity is because Adrafinil is in fact the prodrug of Modafinil.
When Adrafinil is ingested, it is transported to the liver, where it is metabolized into its component parts. The Adrafinil is broken down into modafinilic acid and Modafinil. Testing to find Adrafinil’s mechanism of action found that Modafinil is the primary active compound in Adrafinil that causes its effects.
Modafinil was first discovered in 1976 by the French scientists Michel Jouvet at Lafon Laboratories. Lafon was later bought by the company Cephalon, and to this day Cephalon makes the most common brand name form of Modafinil, known as Provigil, Alertec, or Modavigil around the world. Generic Modafinil is sold just under the name Modafinil, as well as by other trade names.
After Modafinil was able to be synthesized on its own without conversion of Adrafinil, production of Adrafinil slowed. Adrafinil is less potent than Modafinil, and consequently more research and development went into its more potent successor. Cephalon does not make this compound anymore, but it is still available from other companies.
How Modafinil Works
Modafinil is classified as an analeptic, which means it is a stimulant of the central nervous system. It is also classified as an eugeroic, or wakefulness promoting compound.
Modafinil has been seen in various research studies to have an effect on many different neurotransmitters and their neurons and transporters in the central nervous system and brain, such as Epinephrine (Adrenaline), Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline), Dopamine, Histamine, and Orexin (Hypocretin).
Though its exact mechanisms are still unclear, it is believed that Modafinil primarily achieves its effects by boosting levels of CNS Orexin and Histamine in the brain. Modafinil has been seen to strongly active Orexin neurons in the hypothalamus. Release of this neuropeptide stimulates release of the neurotransmitter Histamine.
Histamine is a compound that the body usually uses to provoke an immune response through inflammation. Most people are familiar with Histamine through the role it plays in causing symptoms of the common cold or seasonal allergies such as a stuffy nose.
However the role of Histamine in the body is much more complex than that. Both Orexin and Histamine are responsible for regulating sleep and wake states in the body, as well as arousal, and appetite.
Modafinil utilizes these natural chemicals to stimulate a reaction that also involves other important neurotransmitters in the brain. The effect is intense wakefulness and alertness, and in fact this was the first prescribed use for the drug.
Modafinil for Sleep Disorders
Adrafinil was first tested and approved for human use as a treatment for narcolepsy in 1986 in France. Because it is the active compound in Adrafinil, it was expected that Modafinil would act similarly. Modafinil was seen to cause increased activity and alertness in animal trials, and the first human tests were as well using Modafinil to treat narcolepsy.
Narcolepsy is a serious sleep disorder that affects the ability to maintain wakefulness. Narcoleptics typically experience excessive daytime sleepiness and can fall asleep randomly multiple times per day, regardless of the quality and duration of nighttime sleep the night prior.
Many different double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trials were conducted, and it was seen conclusively that compared to a placebo, Modafinil significantly improved wakefulness and decreased excessive sleepiness in people with narcolepsy. Modafinil was approved for use as a drug to treat narcolepsy in the U.S. in 1998.
Shortly thereafter, Modafinil was approved in 2003 to treat two other sleep disorders: shift-work sleep disorder and obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome.
Shift-work sleep disorder (SWSD) can affect people who work late night or overnight work shifts. They experience excessive sleepiness while they are awake at night, and can experience insomnia when trying to sleep during the day.
Obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is a medical condition that causes labored breathing or the cessation of breathing temporarily while sleeping. These breathing episodes can occur multiple times per hour, leading to poor quality sleep and subsequent excessive daytime sleepiness. Even with treatment for the condition, some people still experience excessive sleepiness during the day.
In multiple trials, Modafinil has been seen to reduce excessive sleepiness and improve wakefulness in people with these two different sleep disorders.
One trial gave people with SWSD a dosage of a placebo or Modafinil 30-60 minutes before they began a work shift at night. Their performance at work was tested using the Psychomotor Vigilance Test, and it was seen that the Modafinil patients had fewer and shorter lapses in attention than placebo patients.
Multiple studies of people who use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine as their primary treatment for OSAHS have found that Modafinil significantly improves scores on various sleep tests including the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the Multiple Sleep Latency test.
- Increases energy, wakefulness and motivation
- Boosts mental performance and focus
- Supports memory and cognition
Off-Label Uses of Modafinil
While Modafinil is only technically approved for the above sleep disorders, it is estimated that as many as 90% of all prescriptions are used for off-label purposes. Any purpose that is not one of the FDA approved (or other countries’ regulatory body approved) uses is considered an off-label use.
Some off-label uses relate directly back to Modafinil’s use for sleep disorders. Modafinil has been used to relieve fatigue associated with any different diseases, including depression, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, and Parkinson’s disease.
One popular off-label use of Modafinil involves the stimulating effects it has on improving concentration and memory in people with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Modafinil has been shown in many different placebo-controlled trials to improve scores on a variety of tests including the DSM IV ADHD Behavior Checklist, the Teacher and Parent ADHD Rating Scale-IV, and the Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement scale.
One trial compared Modafinil to a traditional ADHD medication, dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), and found that it had similar efficacy in improving scores on the DSM IV ADHD Behavior Checklist for Adults.
The most popular off-label use of Modafinil is as a cognitive enhancing smart drug. Users report that they have experienced improvement to cognition, including very sharp thoughts, the ability to concentrate upon tasks like never before, and the mental energy and stamina required to complete complicated tasks without distraction.
Some research has been done using Modafinil to enhance cognition. Two literature reviews of research studies found there were trends across the research showing that Modafinil may improve memory as well as executive function.
One study had patients take either a placebo or Modafinil and tested their performance on a variety of cognitive tests at 90 and 180 minutes after ingestion (tests were also taken at baseline before ingestion). It was seen that compared to the placebo group, patients in the Modafinil group had lower fatigue levels, higher motivation levels, enhanced reaction time, and improved vigilance.
Modafinil Legality In The U.S.
Modanifil is legal and regulated for safety in the U.S. It has been categorized as a Schedule IV controlled substance by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means individuals cannot buy it over the counter in the U.S. It is required to have a doctor’s prescription to buy and use Modafinil, and it is illegal to possess it otherwise.
Modanifil and its brand name version, Provigil, are intended to be prescribed for people suffering from severe sleep disorders involving excessive sleepiness. If you have been diagnosed with narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, or obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome, then you very likely may be given a prescription for Modanifil.
As previously mentioned, sometimes Modafinil is prescribed for off-label uses. However this typically is still done when trying to treat a condition, such as chronic fatigue or disease-related fatigue, or for ADHD.
Most people who want to try Modanifil for its cognitive benefits have no such diagnosis, and must convince a doctor to prescribe the pills for off-label use, or else buy them illegally online. When Modanifil websites in India are used for such purchases, individuals are never prompted to provide any prescription information.
The drug is not regulated in India, or a few other countries which sell the drug internationally such as Mexico. However, when the drug lands on U.S. soil, they fall back under the jurisdiction of U.S. law, and may be confiscated upon discovery.
For this reason, overseas pharmacies are generally not the easy way around U.S drug laws they might seem at first. It is often a lot easier to find other beneficial nootropics which are legal in the U.S. and deliver similar benefits.
Reviews of Modafinil Online Stores in India
Prices for Provigil and Modafinil at legitimate U.S. pharmacies can be extremely high. A 30-day supply of Provigil 200 mg pills can cost as much as $1500.
In addition to the requirement for a prescription, high cost is another factor that incentivizes individuals towards online grey markets.
As many as half of all packages of scheduled controlled substances shipped from these pharmacies are confiscated at U.S. Customs. With no refunds or recourse, you could easily be out hundreds of dollars or more, with your private info placed on a DEA watch list.
The other issue plaguing these online retailer is quality. Barring unfeasible lab tests, there is no way of knowing if the medication is authentic or pure. Consuming these medications can often lead to individuals feeling none of the benefits derived from Modafinil and even experiencing toxic reactions.
Some websites and online Nootropics communities do maintain lists of verified and trustworthy Modafinil vendors; some of these vendors are regarded as reliable by users, but they are few and far between.
More often than not, these vendors do not generally stay on these lists for long. In many cases, a trusted supplier can end up sending out a fake or ineffective batch of pills even after an individual has developed a long-standing relationship with them. It is almost impossible to protect against this risk.
The only reasonable option, if a prescription is not possible, is to consider alternative legal nootropics supplements such as Adrafinil, or one of the Racetams.
Modafinil Side Effects
If you buy Modafinil online from an overseas pharmacy based in India and do receive your order, you then may face some unfortunate side effects if the product is contaminated or possibly not even Modafinil. If the product you receive is in fact pure Modafinil, there are still some side effects to be aware of.
While Modafinil is generally well tolerated, there are some commonly reported mild side effects. The most common side effect reported in research studies and user reviews is headaches. It is estimated that as many as half of all people who use Modafinil experience headaches.
Some other commonly reported side effects include:
- nausea
- anxiety
- nervousness
- indigestion
- heartburn
- stomach upset
- back pain
- dry mouth
- dry skin
- insomnia
At times side effects are related to dosage. For some people, what may be a standard recommended dosage can be too much and cause unwanted effects. Using a lower dosage for a while may help reduce side effects. Many people are able to slowly increase their dosage back up as their body adjusts over time.
One commonly reported side effect, insomnia, is typically due to taking a dosage too late in the day. Modafinil has a long half-life, and can be active in the body for 12-15 hours. It is recommended to take dosages in the morning to avoid sleep disturbances when trying to sleep at night. If a dosage is taken after noon, than be aware that you may still feel energized late into the evening/night.
There are some rare, but serious side effects to be aware of when considering Modafinil. There is some strong evidence showing a genetic predisposition in certain people to developing skin conditions when they take certain medications, including Modafinil. These skin conditions include Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS).
These conditions can be life-threatening. It is important if you develop symptoms (fever, flu-like symptoms, red/purple blistering rash) that you stop taking Modafinil and immediately seek medical attention.
Legal Modafinil Alternatives
Given the inherent risks you face if you purchase Modafinil from unregulated overseas vendors, many people who want to try Modafinil will take a legal Modafinil alternative instead, such as Adrafinil or a Racetam.
Adrafinil is the chemical pre-cursor to Modafinil which is converted in the liver to derive the desired product. Metabolism in the liver takes about an hour, but once the conversion is complete, users experience the exact same effects as with prescription Modafinil.
The difference is Adrafinil is legal and requires no prescription. The extra processing required by the liver can strain your system, so it is recommended to only take Adrafinil occasionally.
Consumers can buy Adrafinil safely from reliable nootropic websites. Unlike Mexican, Chinese, or Indian Modafinil sellers, reliable nootropic vendors provide all of the business protections and safety guarantees inherent in shopping for non-prescription products.
Taking Modafinil in the form of its chemical pre-cursor Adrafinil will provide you with all of the same cognitive effects.
Another non-prescription Modafinil nootropic alternative that some people like to take is one of the compounds from the class known as the Racetams. This class of compounds all are based on the original nootropic, Piracetam.
Piracetam was originally developed in the 1960s for the Belgian pharmaceutical company UCB. This compound is known to act on the cholinergic system in the brain and central nervous system, by stimulating Acetylcholine receptors. It also has some effect on increasing glucose and oxygen transport in the brain, leading to increase mental fluidity and alertness.
Since the development of Piracetam, more powerful derivatives have been developed, including Aniracetam, Oxiracetam, Phenylpiracetam, and Pramiracetam. Any of these Racetams or Adrafinil can be used as legal non-prescription alternatives to buying Modafinil online from online pharmacies in India.
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- Kpaeyeh J Jr, Mar PL, Raj V, Black BK, Arnold AC, Biaggioni I, Shibao CA, Paranjape SY, Dupont WD, Robertson D, Raj SR. Hemodynamic profiles and tolerability of modafinil in the treatment of postural tachycardia syndrome: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2014
- Frakey LL, Salloway S, Buelow M, Malloy P. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of modafinil for the treatment of apathy in individuals with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease. J Clin Psychiatry. 2012
- Videbech P. [Modafinil in the treatment of depression]. Ugeskr Laeger. 2012
- Davies M, Wilton L, Shakir S. Safety profile of modafinil across a range of prescribing indications, including off-label use, in a primary care setting in England: results of a modified prescription-event monitoring study. Drug Saf. 2013
Article last updated on: April 10th, 2018 by Nootriment
2 Comments
The price of over the counter modafinil in India is about $2.50 FOR 10 TABLETS.
You should query any price more than 5 times that.
Yeah, these blogs need some addresssing. You can get #90 Armodafinil 250mg for ~$295 using a GoodRX coupon. I’m sure cash prices are significantly cheaper.