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What are the effects and side effects of taking Modalert capsules for energy and mental enhancement? Modalert is a widely used wakefulness drug and a generic version of Modafinil or Provigil.
The drug was developed during the 1980’s and is currently approved by the US FDA for specific treatments including conditions like narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, and excessive daytime sleepiness caused by obstructive sleep apnea.
Modalert effects are recognized as helping individuals with sleep deprivation issues to function normally during the day. Beyond this, the drug is now used as a “Smart Drug” or cognitive enhancer due to reports that it improves focus, promotes better mental acuity and increases motivation.
Sun Pharma Modalert pills can be purchased through online pharmacies by individuals who do not want to pay the high cost for non-generic Provigil tablets.
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
Modafinil was first developed in France in 1976 by the neurophysiologist Michel Jouvet for Lafon Laboratories. Lafon Laboratories was later bought out by Cephalon, who to this day make one of the most popular brand names of Modafinil, Provigil.
The discovery of Modafinil actually occurred because of the previous development of the related benzhydryl sulfinyl compound, Adrafinil. Adrafinil and a series of other compounds was first discovered in 1974. Adrafinil was tested and approved for use for the sleep disorder narcolepsy in France in 1986.
The molecular structure of Modafinil is very similar to Adrafinil, with the former only lacking a terminal end hydorxyl group that the latter contains. In tests to determine how Adrafinil worked in body, it was determined that it is metabolized into the inactive modafinilic acid, and the active compound Modafinil.
Further research allowed for the direct synthesis of Modafinil. Because it is more potent than Adrafinil (not all of the Adrafinil consumed is converted into this active compound) and does not require metabolization in the liver the same way Adrafinil does, Modafinil is more commonly used today than its pro-drug predecessor.
Modafinil and Adrafinil are classified as eugeroic drugs, meaning they are wakefulness-promoting compounds. Therefore, like Adrafinil before it, Modafinil was first tested in human trials for narcolepsy. This sleep disorder affects the maintenance of wakefulness. People with this neurological condition often fall asleep randomly throughout the day and experience excessive daytime sleepiness.
Many trials have been done using Modafinil for narcolepsy since the 1980s. It has been found that Modafinil is significantly better at improving wakefulness and reducing excessive sleepiness in people with narcolepsy than a placebo. Measures on multiple tests including the Maintenance of Wakefulness test and the patient administered Epworth Sleepiness test have shown improvements when using Modafinil instead of placebo.
Since initial testing and approval for use for narcolepsy, Modafinil has been extensively tested for improving wakefulness in other sleep disorders, specifically shift-work sleep disorder and as an adjunct treatment for obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). These disorders are very different from each other, however, both of these disorders cause excessive sleepiness in sufferers.
In multiple double-blind placebo-controlled research studies it has been seen that compared to placebo, Modafinil significantly improves wakefulness and reduces excessive sleepiness in patients with these sleep disorders.
In patients with shift-work sleep disorder who use Modafinil before a work shift, attention lapses were shorter and fewer than patients who took a placebo. Likewise, excessive daytime sleepiness seen in obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea patients is improved using Modafinil compared to a placebo.
Modalert Effects
The effects of Modalert involve stimulation of the central nervous system without the side effects typically associated with drugs that share this mechanism of action.
It seems that Modalert achieve’s its stimulating benefits by increasing hypothalamic histamine levels rather than targeting norepinephrine or epinephrine which is the mechanism of action for amphetamine-based stimulants.
In other words, this drug promotes wakefulness and alertness without causing an increase in heart rate or blood pressure.
Additional effects of Modafinil involve the neurotransmitter dopamine which influences how we feel and levels of motivation or drive. This substance inhibits the actions of the Dopamine transport system which leads to an increase in the concentrations of pleasure-boosting Dopamine within the brain.
For this reason, Modalert and Provigil have been examined as potential treatments for depression – especially in elderly patients.
Evidence suggests that Modalert may further activate Glutamate receptors in the brain while also inhibiting GABA neurotransmission. Glutamate is a key excitatory neurotransmitter in the formation and storage of memories.
Stimulating these receptors may explain why patients given Modalert or other generic forms of Modafinil tend to perform better on memory and learning tasks. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, responsible for preventing anxiety and over-excitement of your neurons.
By inhibiting this brain chemical, Modalert may prevent feelings of lethargy or fatigue, though the drug is not typically associated with an increase in anxiety.
- Increases energy, wakefulness and motivation
- Boosts mental performance and focus
- Supports memory and cognition
Clinical and Recreational Uses of Modalert
There are both clinical and recreational benefits for taking Modafinil. The majority of clinical uses have to do with the treatment of sleep disorders such as narcolepsy in which a patient may fall asleep at any time in the day with little warming.
Modalert is also given to individuals who work night shifts an frequently are subject to sleep deprivation.
This drug is especially found to improve mental performance and cognitive processing in shift workers such as nurses or doctors who may work twenty-four hour shifts or swap between working days and nights for short periods of time. In these cases, using Modalert 200 mg has been found to reduce errors in recall and judgment.
While those with legitimate sleep disorders may make up a large contingent of Modafinil and Provigil users, a growing number of people are taking this drug for ‘off-label’ purposes.
Some of this use may be under the direction of a doctor or psychiatrists – such as with the off-label prescriptions for Modafinil in adults with ADD or ADHD.
However, much of this comes from users who may not have a prescription for the drug and instead buy Modalert online from offshore pharmacies where a prescription is not necessary.
Users who take Modalert for recreational effects that this drug reduces your need for sleep, sometimes by as much as two-thirds. Users note being able to go without sleep for a day, with little to no negative effects the next day. Taking Modalert also increases overall alertness and energy levels as well as goal-oriented behavior.
Modalert effects also lead to improved cognitive function. Working and episodic memories are enhanced as well as increases in motivation, reaction time, and vigilance. Brain function has been shown to be improved in sleep deprived people as well.
Several studies have demonstrated this pharmaceutical can reduce impulsiveness and hyperactivity – two major problems with individuals diagnosed with ADHD.
How to Take Modalert
The recommended dosage of Modalert for best effects is one 200 mg tablet, usually taking in the morning. Doses of up to 400 mg per day have been well-tolerated, especially when given in a single dose. However, there is no consistent evidence that any further benefits are conferred beyond the normal 200 mg dose.
Those who are using Modalert to help with their shift work disorder should take their full dose about one hour before starting work. Those who are looking for help in studying and improving cognitive performance should also take a single dose about 30-60 minutes before they think it will needed.
The half-life of Modafinil is between 12-14 hours and you may find it difficult to fall asleep within this period after taking a Modalert pill.
Modalert Side Effects and Interactions
Modalert has a relatively small list of side effects when compared to other stimulant drugs and supplements. It is generally safe and well-tolerated by 95% of users.
However, the most commonly reported Modafinil side effects are:
- headaches
- upper respiratory tract infection
- nausea
- diarrhea
- backache
- nervousness
- anxiety
- insomnia
- indigestion
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
These side effects are usually mild and temporary, especially when using proper dosages. More negative effects are typically seen when the dosage is too high. Reducing the dosage often can reduce side effects as well.
Some more serious but quite rare side effects have been attributed to Modafinil use. These are primarily allergic reactions and skin/mucous membrane reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Toxic Epidermal Necolysis (TEN), and Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS).
In Stevens-Johnson syndrome, typically fever and flu-like symptoms occur first, followed by a spreading, blistering rash that typically occurs near the mouth and other mucous membrane. If you experience any of these symptoms it is recommended that you stop taking Modalert and immediately contact your doctor.
Elevated blood pressure has been reported in about 2% of cases. It you have a history of high blood pressure, then proceed carefully and have your pressure monitored while using Modalert. If you experience any chest pain that go to a hospital immediately.
Modalert is known to interact with a number of drugs, including but not limited to CYP3A4/5 substrates such as steroidal contraceptives, cyclosporine, midazolam, and triazolam; CYP2C19 substrates such as phenytoin, diazepam, propranolol, omeprazole, and clomipramine; Warfarin; and Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). There are many other interactions that exist, and it is important to speak with your doctor to determine if any medication or supplements you take may interact negatively with Modafinil.
On the whole, Modalert effects are largely positive with millions of users worldwide who swear by the benefits of this drug. While there are some side effects to be aware of, safe dosing can often avoid these for most people.
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Article last updated on: April 4th, 2018 by Nootriment