Modiodal is one of the international brand name for a substance known as Modafinil, a derivative drug of Adrafinil. Modiodal is a generic version of Modafinil that is sold in Mexico.
Modafinil is a eugoric, which is a class of drugs that promote a feeling of alertness and wakefulness. It is used medically to treat conditions that result in excessive sleepiness as well as for individuals with irregular sleep habits.
This drug is also taken off-label by individuals because it promotes increased mental vigilance, energy, and mood lifting. It is used by people with ADHD, as well as people who are looking for cognitive enhancement effects.
Modiodal is considered a eugoric as opposed to a conventional stimulating agent because it raises hypothalamic histamine levels. As such, it does not have the same risk of certain side effects compared to other psychoactive stimulant wakefulness promoters.



- Stimulates wakefulness in the brain
- Promotes mental acuity & processing
- Enhances focus, motivation & energy
What does Modiodal do?
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
As stated above, Modiodal is a eugoric or analeptic drug, meaning it is a wakefulness promoting compound that promotes alertness and feelings of mental clarity.
While the exact mechanism of action for Modiodal is unknown, there have been multiple mechanisms proposed for how it works.
Modafinil has been observed in scientific studies to affect many different neurotransmitters in the brain and central nervous system, including Serotonin, Dopamine, Epinephrine (Adrenaline), Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline), Orexin (Hypocretin), and Histamine.
Modafinil has the potential to inhibit Dopamine transporters, a process which in turn can increase the amount of Dopamine present outside of cells. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter central to our feelings of pleasure, reward and motivation.
Orexin is a neuropeptide that regulates various processes in the body, including wakefulness, appetite, and arousal. Modafinil strongly activates Orexin neurons and Orexin-secreting neurons in the hypothalamus. This is the part of the brain that naturally controls changes between sleep and wakefulness.
The Orexin in turn stimulates the release of Histamine and increases levels in the hypothalmus. Histamine is a neurotransmitter that like Orexin is involved with the maintenance of wakefulness, appetite regulation, and arousal.
Modafinil and Adrafinil
Modafinil was first developed by a scientist working for the French pharmaceutical company Lafon Laboratories in 1976. The discovery of this eugeroic compound actually came about because of testing done on a related compound, Adrafinil.
The two compounds are incredibly similar, with the only molecular difference being the Adrafinil has a hydroxyl group that Modafinil lacks.
Adrafinil is one of a series of benzhydryl sulfinyl compounds that were discovered by neurophysiologist and sleep researcher Michel Jouvet for Lafon in 1974. Testing on Adrafinil to determine how it works in the body led to the discovery of Modafinil.
After ingestion, Adrafinil is transported to the liver, where it is broken down into its component parts, the inactive modafinilic acid, and the active compound Modafinil. Modafinil was determined to be the primary active compound in Adrafinil that causes its effects in the body.
Production of Adrafinil continued while Modafinil was still being researched first in animals and then in initial human trials, and while scientists learned how to produce Modafinil on its own. After a number of years, the use of Modafinil eclipsed that of Adrafinil, and production of this drug slowed and ceased.
The most popular brand name version of Modafinil, known as Provigil in most countries, is still made by Cephalon Inc, the company that bought Lafon Laboratories.
Modiodal Use for Sleep Disorders
Modiodal has a variety of therapeutic uses. In the United States, Modiodal is approved for use for a number of serious sleep related disorders. These conditions can result in excessive fatigue during the day, making it difficult to function properly at work or in your normal daily routine.
Disorders that are treated with Modiodal include narcolepsy, shift-work sleep disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome.
Narcolepsy sleep disorder is a potentially serious neurological disorder that can cause people to experience excessive daytime sleepiness, and to even fall asleep randomly multiple times per day. This can become a danger to these people and others if they are driving or performing dangerous tasks when they fall asleep.
Modafinil has been thoroughly researched as a treatment for narcolepsy. In many different double-blind placebo-controlled studies done over the years it has been seen to successfully increase wakefulness and reduce excessive sleepiness in narcoleptics as measured by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, the Multiple Sleep Latency test, and the Maintenance of Wakefulness test.
Modiodal is an approved treatment for narcolepsy, and has been in the Unites States since 1998. It has also been approved to treat shift work sleep disorder (SWSD). This circadian rhythm disorder can occur in people who routinely or occasionally work late or overnight shifts for their jobs.
Because these people are awake and working during the night, and trying to sleep during the day, they often experience excessive sleepiness while awake, and sometimes insomnia when trying to fall asleep.
In one study, compared to placebo, Modafinil was seen to significantly improve work performance and reduce attention lapses, as measured by the Psychomotor Vigilance test. Another similar study found that Modafinil patients had significantly improved scores from baseline on the Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire and the Short Form Health Survey compared to placebo patients.
Another condition that Modiodal is sometimes used as an adjunct treatment for is obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). In people with this medical condition, the upper airway becomes either partially or totally obstructed when the muscles supporting the tongue, soft palate, and uvula involuntarily relax.
Sleep hypopnea is characterized by extremely shallow breathing while asleep, whereas apnea refers to the temporary cessation of breathing while sleeping. These breathing episodes can occur many times per night – up to multiple times per hour – which can lead to poor quantity and quality of sleep, and subsequent excessive daytime sleepiness.
Wearing a continuous positive airway pressure machine (CPAP) during sleep is the most common treatment for OSAHS. Some people still report having residual sleepiness during the day even with treatment, and Modafinil has been used successfully in these people to increase wakefulness and reduce their sleepiness.

- Increases energy, wakefulness and motivation
- Boosts mental performance and focus
- Supports memory and cognition
Modiodal for ADHD
Modiodal is also considered helpful in certain disorders that may affect a person’s vigilance, level of alertness or concentration, as well as mood. It has been found to be useful in aiding people suffering from ADD/ADHD (Attention-Deficit Disorder/ Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).
This is due to the feelings of alertness it promotes, as people with ADHD suffer from poor attention spans, distractions, and forgetfulness. Modiodal is observed to increase focus and has also shown positive effects on mental performance in tests of memory, accuracy, and reaction time.
In many different double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trials, Modafinil has been observed to significantly improve scores on a variety of tests of ADHD symptoms, including the Teacher and Parent ADHD Rating Scale-IV, Conners Rating Scales, and the Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement scale.
Modafinil has also been tested against some conventional ADHD stimulant medications, such as dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). In a study, both active medications significantly improved scores on the DSM-IV ADHD Behavior Checklist for Adults compared to to scores on placebo.
Modafinil was seen to perform similarly to dextroamphetamine in terms of improvement, and the researchers suggested it should be considered as an alternative ADHD treatment.
The FDA deemed Modafinil unsuitable for consumption by children with ADHD – a decision which has been lamented by many since this drug has far fewer side effects than other “smart drugs” like Adderall or Ritalin.
These amphetamine and methylphenidate based stimulants carry a much more significant risk of cardiovascular issues than Modafinil does, as it acts in a different way to cause its stimulating effects.
This determination was based on a case report from one research trial in which Modiodal was said to provoke an extreme dermatological reaction that is similar to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or Erythema Multiforme in one patient.
Controversy surrounds this ruling as the doctor who made this diagnosis in one of his patients later recalled the diagnosis. However, Modiodal still carries a warning on its packaging that Stevens-Jonson Syndrome is a very serious and potentially lethal skin condition.
While there is a risk of this condition developing, it is considered very rare, and many people say they should be allowed to make the decision of using Modafinil on their own.
Modiodal as a Nootropic
Modafinil’s largest off-label use is as a nootropic smart drug. Many different people from college students to high-powered executives have reported taking Modafinil for its cognitive enhancing effects.
First off, due to its wakefulness promoting and stimulating effects, Modafinil is said to help you stay awake and focused for long periods of time. Concentration and the motivation to keep working or studying is said to increase significantly. Many students report that their memory formation, retention, and recall is enhanced if they use Modafinil while studying and then later taking a test.
There has not been as much research done using Modafinil as a cognitive enhancer in neurotypical people than as a treatment for a condition such as narcolepsy or even ADHD, but there is a small body of work available that backs up some of the claims made in user reviews.
One literature review from 2007 of the available studies at the time found that there was a trend across the research that indicated that Modafinil may increase episodic and working memory. Another review suggested that Modafinil may help improve cognitive function by enhancing executive function when completing complex tasks. Executive function refers to higher-level mental skills involving planning, decision making, problem solving, time management, organization, and flexible thinking.
Modafinil Side Effects
While Modiodal does not have as many associated risks as traditional stimulants like amphetamines, there are some mild negative reactions that can occur. Common side effects that are associated with Modiodal include headaches, anxiety, nervousness, nausea, heartburn, indigestion, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, back pain, dizziness, dry mouth, dry skin, and insomnia.
Some mild side effects are simply caused by the body adjusting to Modafinil. After a few weeks it is common for these side effects to diminish or cease.
Other times, side effects are caused by taking too high a dose for your personal physiology. Everyone’s body is different and what may be a standard dose for one person could be too high for you. Try taking a lower dosage for a while and then slowing increasing the dose again if the desired benefits are not felt at the lower dosage.
Insomnia is a common side effect that typically occurs due to timing of dosage. The half-life of Modafinil is quite long (between 12-15 hours), and the stimulating effects of the drug can still be felt late into the evening and night if it is taken too late in the day. It is commonly recommended to take Modafinil in the morning, before noon to avoid sleep disturbances.
Rarer, but more severe side effects of the drug can include fever, swelling, hives, mouth sores, blistering, or other skin reaction such as rashes or allergic reactions. There is strong evidence suggesting that some people are genetically predisposed to having a higher risk of developing serious skin and mucous membrane reactions when they take certain medications, including Modiodal.
These include Stevens-Johnson syndrome that was mentioned earlier, as well as toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical help immediately and stop taking Modiodal.
Modiodal can also have negative interactions with some pre-existing conditions or other substances such as alcohol or tobacco.
For this reason, Cephalon, the biopharmaceutical company that manufactures the drug, advises that it is important to consult a physician before taking the drug to ensure that it is safe and that the patient is aware of its interactions with other substances.
Anyone considering taking Modiodal should be doing so under the supervision of a doctor who knows their medical history. Only a qualified health professional will be able to determine whether or not the drug is appropriate for them, their age, their health etc. and also that they will be receiving the correct dosage.
Modiodal Legal Information
Modiodal is sold as an over-the-counter medication in Mexico. It is possible to buy and use Modiodal and other Modafinil products there without a doctor’s prescription.
However, in the United States, the FDA has classified Modafinil as a regulated Schedule IV prescription only medication. It cannot be imported into the country except by a DEA (Drug Enforcement Authority) registered importer that is in possession of a prescription.
Modafinil is classified as a prescription medication in many other countries around the world, including Finland, Sweden, Germany, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Because it requires a prescription to legally buy Modafinil in many countries, and prescriptions can be hard to get for non-approved off-label uses, some people will try and buy it from overseas online pharmacies. Some pharmacies based on countries where Modafinil is not a prescription medication (for example Mexico and India) do not require a prescription to buy Modafinil products.
However, there are a number of problems with buying from these sorts of pharmacies. The first issue is one of product quality.
Because of the high demand for Modafinil, there are many unscrupulous vendors online who will sell a product labeled as Modafinil that either has been cut with many fillers, or will sell mislabeled products that are not Modafinil at all. Additionally, quality assurance practices may be lacking at some manufacturing facilities, and the product could contain contaminants.
Another issue comes up when trying to import these products. While it is legal for vendors in countries that do not require a prescription to sell Modafinil, it is not legal for you to buy and import this compound without a prescription if your country considers it a prescription only drug. Your product could be examined by customs officers, and if you cannot produce a prescription, then it will be seized and you may be placed on a DEA watchlist.
Modiodal Alternatives
Getting a prescription for Modafinil for something other than a sleep disorder can prove quite difficult. As well, due to the issues and risks associated with trying to buy Modiodal from overseas online pharmacies, many people will instead turn to legal non-prescription alternatives to experience something similar to the effects of Modafinil.
Two of the most common Modafinil alternatives are Adrafinil and one of the Racetam class of nootropics.
As discussed previously, Adrafinil is the prodrug of Modafinil. While it takes a while longer to take effect because it needs to be metabolized in the liver, the eventual effects of Adrafinil as considered the same as Modafinil. Because the conversion to Modafinil is a not a perfect 1:1 process, dosages of Adrafinil need to be higher to achieve the same effects as a smaller dosage of Modafinil.
Adrafinil is an unregulated, unscheduled compound that is not controlled in the USA and does not require a prescription to be purchased for personal use. It is available from many online nootropic stores in pill or bulk powder formats.
One thing to be aware of is that because of the conversion process that occurs in the liver, it is believed that there is a chance of an accumulation of toxic liver enzymes if Adrafinil is used regularly. Therefore, it is often recommended to only use Adrafinil on an occasional basis, when needed for an extra cognitive boost of mental energy.
The Racetams are a family of compounds that are all based off of the original nootropic, Piracetam. Piracetam was developed in the 1960s by Romanian chemist Corneliu Giurgea for Belgian pharmaceutical company UCB.
Piracetam has been seen in research studies to positively effect the Acetylcholine neurotransmitter in the brain and central nervous system. Increased Acetylcholine has been linked to enhanced neuroplasticity which is related to increased memory formation and recall, as well as learning ability. Piracetam also increases glucose and oxygen transport in the brain, leading to greater mental fluidity and alertness.
The other Racetams – Aniracetam, Oxiracetam, Phenylpiracetam, Pramiracetam, and more – are all derivatives of Piracetam. These derivatives are more potent compounds, often with stronger and more varied cognitive effects. For example, Aniracetam and Oxiracetam are said to be between 3-6 times more potent than Piracetam, while Pramiracetam is referenced as being 30 times as strong as Piracetam.
Like Adrafinil, the Racetams are unscheduled, unregulated compounds in the United States. It is legal to buy, own, and use them, however due to FDA regulations surrounding the sale of compounds like these, it can be hard to find them in the USA for sale. There are specialized online nootropic stores that typically stock a variety of Raceams that you can try to determine the best fit for your personalized needs.
If you are interested in experiencing the cognitive nootropic effects of Modiodal, but cannot get a prescription and do not want to risk buying from an overseas vendor, than consider Adrafinil or one of the Racetams as a potential legal alternative.
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Article last updated on: April 11th, 2018 by Nootriment
5 Comments
does modoidal have the identical ingredients as name brand modafinil?
I wonder the same! :0 It’s said that different brands do manufacture it different, but from what I’ve read the manufacturing process difference will only affect the chance of failed/bad batches, where it either simply does not work or has a lower amount of active ingredient.
So, I can’t really answer, and thus need this answered myself.
Modiodal cambió mi vida y perspectivas de trabajo.
Me quita la depresión crónica,me ánimo hacer mis actividades labores en el hogar, yo soy intolente a los antidepresivos, por esa razón tomo el modiodal
me es necesario todos estos tipos de mantenimiento de la memoria y que el cerebro trabaje a el mil por ciento,. es necesario recordarlo todo desde que uno nacio y tiene uso de la memoria y se forma la personalidad hasta el momento actual,. la gnosis completa de la vida ,. digo yo .