Modapro is an Indian variation of the best-selling drug Modafinil manufactured by a company called Cipla. Some think that it is a generic formulation of Modafinil, but this is not exactly true.
It is more of an unpatented knock-off version sold by off-shore pharmacies that typically do not ask for a pharmacy. Modapro’s effects are essentially the same as those of Modafinil, although some users who have sampled different brands of the drug say there are some slight, but detectable differences.
Modafinil was developed by a pharmaceutical company in France, and has been used to provide a viable treatment option for people who have been diagnosed with narcolepsy, the chronic brain disorder involving sleep. Patients with narcolepsy are prone to sudden irresistible bouts of sleep that can strike at any time during their waking hours.
Modafinil works on the brain’s internal sleep response system to create a state of wakefulness in the user and thereby prevents or limits the episodes of unplanned sleep a narcoleptic may experience.



- Stimulates wakefulness in the brain
- Promotes mental acuity & processing
- Enhances focus, motivation & energy
Modapro Background
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
For smart drug users, Modapro is used to enhance productivity, wakefulness and to increase focus. Some take it to extend the number of hours they can work during the day without feeling tired or losing focus.
Though it isn’t technically a nootropic drug, it has become widely known as a lifestyle drug for entrepreneurs, executives and students who need help with maintaining an alert mind through long hours of studying, working or cramming.
Modapro is produced in India because India has certain exceptions to patent laws allowing them to produce medications under patent elsewhere.
It is therefore a legal generic version even though it has not been authorized or licensed by the original inventor.
Patents prevent pharmaceutical companies, other than the patent holder, from manufacturing them, giving the patent holder a period of time in which they can profit from the drug, exclusively. Modafinil, the prescription drug on which Modapro is based, was under patent by the French pharmaceutical company Cephalon through the year 2007.
Although other generic forms of Modafinil should have become available throughout the world at that time, Cephalon successfully litigated for an additional four years to prohibit generic forms of their (now) non-exclusive drug from being manufactured.
They eventually lost their battle in 2012. But, during the litigation period, pharmaceutical companies in countries with strict patent laws remained unable to produce the drug. Modapro, though, remained outside this legal loop and continued to be made and sold.
History of Modafinil
Modafinil was first developed by the French pharmaceutical company Lafon Laboratories in 1976. Lafon was bought by Cephalon in 2001, and they continue to be the makers of the most common brand name version of Modafinil, Provigil. As previously mentioned, other generic version of Modafinil are now available on the market as well.
Modafinil was discovered because of research that was done on a closely related compound known as Adrafinil. Adrafinil is one of a group of benzhydryl sulfinyl compounds that were first developed in 1974. Adrafinil and Modafinil are very similar at a molecular level, with the only difference being that Adrafinil has a hydroxyl group on its terminal amide that Modafinil lacks.
The reason for this high degree of similarity is that Adrafinil is in fact the prodrug of Modafinil. In the body Adrafinil is metabolized in the liver into its component parts, modafinilic acid and Modafinil. During testing to determine Adrafinil’s mechanism of action, it was found that Modafinil is the primary active compound in Adrafinil that causes its effects in the body.
Adrafinil and Modafinil are both classified as eugeroics. They are wakefulness promoting drugs that also have stimulant-like effects, but are not related to traditional amphetamine based stimulants. In research studies, Modafinil has been noted to have an effect on many different neurotransmitters, their neurons, and their transporters.
It is currently thought that Modafinil’s effects on Orexin and Histamine may cause most of its effects. Orexin is a neuropeptide that helps regulate sleep and wake states in the body, as well as appetite, and arousal.
Modafinil has been seen to strongly activate Orexin neurons in the hypothalmus and induce the secretion of Orexin in the perifornical area. The Orexin in turn stimulates the release of Histamine, a neurotransmitter that is also involved in regulating wakefulness, appetite, and arousal.
Modapro vs Modafinil
As mentioned previously, Modafinil affects Orexin and Histamine in the brain and central nervous system. It has also been seen to have an effect on Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, Dopamine, and Serotonin.
Modapro and Modafinil work by creating a natural sense of being alert and awake. Its pharmacological profile is notably different from other well-known stimulants such as amphetamines, methylphenidate (also known as Ritalin), or cocaine.
Because of this, Modafinil is less likely to cause jitteriness and agitation than traditional stimulants. Most users report it feels smoother and cleaner than other psychostimulants.
Modapro is reported to generate the same beneficial effects in the user as Modafinil – namely an increased ability to focus, improved motivation, and the will to get things done.
Modapro also produces the same distinctive asparagus-like smell in the urine as Modafinil. Many users say that to them this is indicative that the same ingredient(s) is being excreted through the urine with both drugs. In general, both good effects and common side effects seem to echo those of Modafinil.
Modapro, like Modafinil, seems to be somewhat dependent on the user’s brain chemistry with regards to the effects. A few users share that they experience more of a dirty stimulant-type effect with Modapro, but others share that they experience a smoother effect with Modapro, when comparing it to name brands of Modafinil.

- Increases energy, wakefulness and motivation
- Boosts mental performance and focus
- Supports memory and cognition
Modafinil for Sleep Disorders
As described earlier, Modafinil has wakefulness promoting effects. In animal studies it was seen to cause increased locomotion and alertness, with hyperactivity seen at higher dosages.
Adrafinil was first tested for use in humans for the sleep disorder narcolepsy, and was approved for use for this condition in France in 1986. It follows then that the first human trials for Modafinil were also for use as a treatment for narcolepsy.
Narcolepsy is a neurological sleep disorder that causes people to not be able to maintain wakefulness. Narcoleptics often fall asleep randomly multiple times per day and experience excessive daytime sleepiness regardless of the quality and quantity of sleep they have at night.
Modafinil has been proven in many different double-blind placebo-controlled research trials to increase wakefulness and decrease excessive sleepiness better than a placebo. Modafinil has been approved as a prescription drug treatment for narcolepsy by the FDA in the United States since 1998.
Modafinil has also been approved as a treatment for shift-work sleep disorder and as an adjunct treatment for obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome. While the cause is different in each condition, excessive sleepiness is a side effect experienced with both disorders.
Modafinil has been seen to significantly reduce excessive sleepiness in studies on both shift work sleep disorder and obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome.
In a study on people with shift-work sleep disorder, a dose of Modafinil an hour before they began a work shift significantly decreased the frequency and duration of attention lapses compared to placebo, as measured by the Psychomotor Vigilance test. Another similar study saw improved scores on the Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire and the Short Form Health Survey in the patients given Modafinil compared to placebo patients.
In studies done on people with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome who were receiving treatment for their condition but still experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness, Modafinil was seen to reduce sleepiness and improve wakefulness. Improved scores were seen from baseline and compared to placebo on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the Multiple Sleep Latency test.
Modafinil for ADHD
While only officially approved for the serious sleep disorders discussed above, Modafinil is widely used off-label. Any use that is not an official approved use is considered off-label.
There are some off-label uses that doctors will actually consider writing patients a prescription for Modafinil for though. One of the top off-label uses of Modafinil is as an alternative to traditional stimulants used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
In multiple studies, Modafinil has been seen to improve scores on tests of ADHD symptoms significantly more than placebo. One study even tested Modafinil against a conventional ADHD medication (dextroamphetamine), and it was found that Modafinil performed similarly to the drug in improving scores on the DSM IV ADHD Behavior Checklist for Adults.
Off-label prescriptions are entirely legal for doctors to write. There are some doctors who will write prescriptions for Modafinil for ADHD, however it is entirely up to each doctor’s discretion. Some doctors will not write prescriptions off-label for Modafinil for fear of increased scrutiny from medical boards.
But there are some doctors who will write these prescriptions, most typically in cases where amphetamine or methylphenidate based stimulant treatments – such as Adderall and Ritalin – have caused severe side effects, or have not worked as completely as wanted to improve ADHD symptoms.
Popular Off-Label Uses of Modapro
One very popular off-label use of Modafinil that is unlikely to ever have prescriptions written for it is using the drug as a cognitive enhancer. A large variety of people, from college students to computer programmers, from small business owners to high powered executives have reported using Modafinil as a nootropic drug.
People report that Modafinil helps improve their concentration and focus, much the same way it works for people with ADHD. It also has been reported to help improve learning ability as well as memory formation, retention, and recall, which appeals to students. Motivation and productivity is also said to be greatly enhanced, making it ideal for people wanting to get more done at their jobs.
In a literature review of existing scientific research, it was seen that a trend that emerged from the studies was that Modafinil improved memory, especially episodic (dealing with specific events) and working (short-term memory used for decision making and guiding behavior) memory.
Another literature review found that Modafinil improved executive functioning (higher level mental skills that help time management, attention, planning, organization and critical thinking) especially when planning and completing difficult or complex tests and tasks.
Some studies have seen that compared to a placebo, Modafinil significantly reduces fatigue levels, increases motivation, improves reaction time, enhances vigilance, and improves performace on a variety of neuropsychological tests of attention and memory. It also has been seen to reduce prepotent responses – responses that are habitual or the first impulsive response that may be counterproductive to the task at hand – which further shows its benefit for people with ADHD.
Is It Legal To Buy Modapro?
Modafinil is categorized as a Schedule IV prescription drug by the FDA in the United States. It is only legal to buy, own, and use Modafinil if you have a valid doctor’s prescription. Modafinil is also classified as a prescription-only medication in countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Sweden, and Finland.
As Modapro’s active ingredient is Modafinil, it is also considered a prescription-only drug in most countries throughout the world. While you may be able to purchase Modapro from online pharmacies based in countries such as India and Mexico where Modafinil is considered an over-the-counter medication, you may have issues when it enters your country. Buying or importing Modapro without a prescription is prohibited in countries where a prescription is required for Modafinil.
There are some reports of users importing Modapro without a prescription, but, because of the obvious pitfalls, it is not recommended. The first concern with buying from unregistered online pharmacies overseas is safety. Because many of these vendors do not provide Certificates of Analysis of their products or buy products from GMP certified manufacturers, it is not possible to guarantee the concentration, quality, and purity of your product.
Even if you research a vendor and believe their products are legitimate, and then order Modapro from an online vendor that does not ask for a prescription, there is no guarantee that it will be allowed to pass through border security and enter into your country of residence. When your package is checked by customs, it is possible that you may need to provide proof of a doctor’s prescription for the Modapro to be released to you.
If you do not have a prescription, then your package will be seized and you may be placed on a DEA watchlist for trying to purchase and import prescription drugs without a valid prescription. While rare, this is a possibility to be considered.
For many people, the risks associate with buying from an international online pharmacy are too great. Instead, these people will turn to legal Modafinil alternatives such as Adrafinil or one of the Racetams.
Are There Alternatives?
There is a non-prescription drug called Adrafinil which is available online from most reputable nootropic stores. It can be purchased in capsules or in bulk powder form.
As discussed previously, Adrafinil is the precursor to Modafinil (Modapro). When a user ingests Adrafinil, it is transported to the liver where it is metabolized into Modafinil.
The metabolization process takes about an hour, after which the effects are experienced. A higher dosage of Adrafinil must be taken to get the equivalent effects of a smaller Modafinil dosage, as Adrafinil is not as potent, and the conversion to Modafinil is not a perfect 1:1 process.
However, even considering that fact that a higher dosage must be taken, Adrafinil is often more cost-effective per dose than Modapro.
Because Adrafinil depends on the liver for conversion, continuous use can cause a buildup of toxic liver enzymes, which can damage the liver. Due to this fact, it is best to take Adrafinil as an occasional addition to your stack for those special times when you know extra focus and wakefulness are going to be needed.
Another legal non-prescription Modafinil alternative is one of the Racetam class of nootropics. These compounds are classified as unscheduled and unregulated in the United States. They are legal to buy and own in the US, but regulations around selling these types of unregulated compounds can make buying them within the US difficult. They are available from most specialized online nootropic stores though.
This family of compounds all originate with the original nootropic compound Piracetam. Piracetam was originally developed in the 1960s. This new compound’s effects caused its creator to coin the term nootropic, from the Greek, meaning “to bend the mind.”
Piracetam has been seen to have effects on Acetylcholine in the brain, leading to greater memory formation and retention, increased mental fluidity, and short term boosts in brain power.
Since the development of Piracetam there have been derivatives developed that are considered more powerful and potent than their predecessor. Some of these include Aniracetam, Oxiracetam, Pramiracetam, and Phenylpiracetam.
In addition to the effects on Aceylcholine seen with Piracetam, some of these derivatives have specialized effects. For example, Aniractam has been seen to act as an AMPA receptor agonist, adding to the concentration and focus effects seen with Piracetam. Aniracetam has also been seen to have some anti-anxiety effects that are not attributed to Piracetam.
Because of the different effects that have been seen with each of the Racetams, it is possible to personalize your nootropic stack to your exact specifications and needs.
Modapro Review
Modapro is a version of Modafinil produced by the Cipla company in India. It is reported to have the same beneficial effects as Modafinil, though some users notice subtle differences between the two. Modapro is considered a prescription-only drug in countries where Modafinil is a prescription-only drug.
A non-prescription alternative is Adrafinil which is available without a prescription and, if purchased in bulk powder form, is extremely cost-effective. Adrafinil provides the same beneficial results as Modapro and can be purchased easily from reputable online smart drug stores.
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Article last updated on: April 11th, 2018 by Nootriment