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Provigil (Modafinil) vs. Adderall: Comparison

Provigil (modafinil) is a drug that was approved in 1998 for the treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy.  It has since been granted FDA approval for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea as well as shift work sleep disorder.  Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) is a psychostimulant drug that was initially approved in 1996 for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

These two drugs have a lot in common in that they were both approved in the late 1990s, and are considered medically effective for the treatment of narcolepsy.  That said, Provigil seems to be superior in regards to promoting vigilance (hence the name “pro” + “vigil”) and Adderall is regarded as the superior option for treating ADHD.  Both drugs are commonly used off-label for cognitive enhancement among college students and business executives.

Provigil has an indecipherable mechanism of action, but is believed to alter dopamine, histamine, other monoamines, and stimulate orexin receptors.  Adderall is known to primarily increase dopamine and norepinephrine by inhibiting their reuptake.  Most would argue that Provigil is likely a safer long-term treatment option compared to Adderall due to the fact that abuse, tolerance, and dependence aren’t as common.

Provigil vs. Adderall: Comparison Chart

Below is a chart comparing the eugeroic drug Provigil with the psychostimulant Adderall.  As you can see, there are many general differences between the two drugs such as: drug type, ingredients, and dosing options.

ProvigilAdderall
Drug typeEugeroicPsychostimulant
Approved usesNarcolepsy. Obstructive sleep apnea. Shift work sleep disorder.ADHD. Narcolepsy.
IngredientsModafinilMixed Amphetamine Salts (~75% Dextroamphetamine & ~25% Levoamphetamine)
FormatsTabletIR (Immediate release) or XR (Extended release)
Dosages100 mg/200 mgIR: 5 mg/7.5 mg/10 mg/12.5 mg/15 mg/20 mg/30 mg

XR: 5 mg/10 mg/15 mg/20 mg/25 mg/30 mg
ManufacturerCephalon Inc.Shire Pharmaceuticals
Legal statusSchedule IV (US)Schedule II (US)
Mechanism of actionFunctions by inhibiting reuptake of dopamine and elevating histamine levels in the hypothalamus.

Increases levels of other monoamines such as norepinephrine, serotonin, and activates orexin peptides.

May stimulate orexin receptors (OX1 and OX2) to promote wakefulness. 

Also activates glutamatergic circuits, inhibits GABA neurotransmission, and enhances electronic coupling.
Functions by increasing levels and inhibiting reuptake of stimulatory neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine.

Acts as a TAAR1 agonist and VMAT2 inhibitor.
Generic version (?)Yes.Yes.
Half-Life12 hours11 to 13 hours
Common side effectsDizziness. Headache. Insomnia. Nausea. Nervousness.Abdominal pain. Appetite loss. Diarrhea. Dizziness. Dry Mouth. Fever. Headache. Insomnia. Irritability. Nausea. Nervousness. Vomiting. Weight loss.
Duration of effect6 to 8 hoursIR: 4 to 6 hours

XR: ~12 hours
Investigational usesADHD. Cognitive enhancement. Chronic fatigue syndrome. Delayed sleep phase syndrome. Depersonalization. Depression. Drug addiction. Fibromyalgia. Jet lag. Multiple sclerosis. Parkinson's disease. Weight loss.Stroke rehabilitation. Treatment-resistant depression (Read:Adderall for depression).
Date approved1998IR: 1996 (February)

XR: 2001

Provigil vs. Adderall: What’s the difference?

As you can determine from the chart above, there are many obvious differences between Provigil and Adderall.  Adderall is classified as a “Schedule II” controlled-substance, whereas Provigil is considered a “Schedule IV” substance.  Both drugs are effective options for treating excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy.

Adderall may produce a more potent improvement in cognition as a result of its significant effect on dopamine reuptake inhibition.  While Provigil also inhibits reuptake of dopamine reuptake, its effect on dopamine is considered weak.  Adderall was manufactured 2 years earlier than Provigil, has more dosing options, and is universally regarded as the more popular drug.

Abuse Potential

Provigil is classified as a “Schedule IV” substance in the United States, meaning it is regarded as having a low potential for abuse when compared to other “Schedule III” substances.  The fact that it has several medically accepted uses, and isn’t commonly abused means that prescriptions for Provigil can be refilled up to 5 times within 6 months.  Prescriptions for Schedule IV drugs like Provigil can be done without a physically printed signature from a doctor.

Prescriptions for Adderall are strictly regulated due to the fact that it has a high potential for abuse.  Those using Adderall often build rapid tolerance to the drug’s effect, requiring significantly higher doses to attain the same effect that they attained when starting.  Adderall is classified as a “Schedule II” controlled-substance due to the fact that it is commonly abused and is habit-forming.

Users of Adderall are much more likely to become psychologically or physically dependent upon the drug for functioning than they are Provigil. This is in part due to the fact that Adderall significantly increases dopamine concentrations, whereas Provigil elicits minor dopaminergic effects by comparison.  This means that Provigil users aren’t likely to experience psychological euphoria, whereas Adderall users may become addicted to the dopaminergic rush that the drug provides.

Drug addicts are more likely to prefer Adderall for the dopamine rush that it provides.  Some people even resort to snorting Adderall and end up experiencing stimulant psychosis as a result.  While it is possible to abuse Provigil, it isn’t as common due to the fact that it doesn’t seem to induce significant pleasure.  Ironically, Provigil is sometimes used as an off-label replacement therapy for those addicted to cocaine and/or amphetamines.

Cost: Which is more expensive?

Those comparing Provigil to Adderall for the treatment of narcolepsy probably want to know whether one is cheaper than the other.  Regardless of whether we’re talking about the “brand name” or “generic” version of each drug, Adderall is the cheaper option.  For a 30 day supply of brand name Adderall IR (immediate-release), you’ll end up paying approximately $300.

A 30 day supply of Adderall XR (extended-release) will cost you about $220, which is a little bit more reasonably-priced than the immediate-release option.  For a 30 day supply of 100 mg “brand name” Provigil, you’ll end up paying between $790 and $805, yet for the 200 mg pills, the cost will likely exceed $1000.  Generic Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) should cost approximately $50 (immediate-release) and $75 (extended-release) for a 30 day supply.

Generic Provigil (modafinil) can be attained within the price range of $150 to $305 for a 30 day supply.  If you don’t have insurance to pick up the tab for name-brand Provigil, you’d save yourself a lot of money by going with the generic.  Based on cost comparison, both name-brand Adderall and generic (mixed amphetamine salts) are cheaper than name-brand Provigil and generic (modafinil).

Dosage & Formats

Provigil is manufactured in tablet form with just 2 dosing options of 100 mg and 200 mg.  Both doses are estimated to promote wakefulness for 6 to 8 hours.  This wakefulness-promoting effect allows those with narcolepsy to stay alert and remain productive throughout the day.

Adderall is manufactured in the format of immediate-release tablets and extended-release capsules.  The tablets offer a 4 to 6 hour duration of effect, while the extended-release tablets provide stimulation for up to 12 hours.  By comparison, Adderall has a greater number of available formats, and its “XR” (extended-release) version provides a longer effect than Provigil.

There are also a greater number of dosing options for Adderall users.  The “IR” (immediate-release) format is manufactured in 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg.  The “XR” (extended-release) format is manufactured in doses of 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, 30 mg.  This means there are double the Adderall formats compared to Provigil and triple the dosing options for each format.

Efficacy: Which drug is more effective?

It is difficult to determine whether Provigil is more effective than Adderall for the treatment of narcolepsy due to the fact that head-to-head comparison studies haven’t been conducted.  Since each drug was found to be superior to a placebo in double-blind, randomized trials, it should be thought that they are both highly effective treatments.  It would be logical to conclude that differences in perceived efficacy may be a result of individual variation.

Some people may find that Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) alleviates their sleepiness better than Provigil (modafinil) and vice-versa.  Adderall XR may be a better option for those in need of longer-lasting wakefulness due to the fact that it remains effective for up to 12 hours.  Provigil tends to function well for 6 to 8 hours.

For other uses such as in the treatment of ADHD, it is important to highlight the fact that Adderall is an approved treatment, whereas Provigil is not.  That said, there is evidence to support the idea that using Provigil for ADHD is an effective option.  Many psychiatrists find that Provigil often helps those with ADHD that don’t respond well to first-line options like Adderall.

In regards to cognitive enhancement (i.e. nootropic) and studying, Adderall may pack a more potent punch due to the fact that it stimulates a greater release of dopamine.  For some individuals, dramatic increases in dopamine result in better performance, whereas for others, this effect can actually impede performance.  Neither drug should be regarded as a “more effective” option than the other.

Mechanisms of action

Provigil’s mechanism of action remains undeciphered, but certain aspects have been discovered.  It is known that Provigil inhibits reuptake of dopamine to a minor extent by binding to the dopamine transporter, and elevates histamine levels in the hypothalamus.  It also has some effect on other neurotransmitters including norepinephrine in the hypothalamus and ventrolateral preoptic nucleus, and serotonin in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex.

Various studies suggest that Provigil stimulates orexin receptors (OX1 and OX2).  Orexins are peptides in the brain that regulate wakefulness.  Deficient orexin levels can result in excessive daytime sleepiness.  By stimulating the receptors, Provigil increases orexins and users feel highly-awake and alert, rather than sleepy.

There is evidence indicating that Provigil likely increases activity in glutamatergic circuits, and reduces GABAergic activity.  Finally, Provigil is thought to enhance a process called “electronic coupling” which increases the efficiency of neural communication and may simultaneously increase gamma brain waves.  Adderall differs from Provigil in that its mechanism of action is well-understood.

Adderall is a more potent inhibitor of dopamine and norepinephrine than Provigil, and also stimulates the presynaptic release of dopamine and norepinephrine from presynaptic neurons.  The speculative mechanisms behind Provigil’s effect are considered much less concentrated than those behind Adderall, which primarily affect levels of dopamine and norepinephrine.

Medical Uses

Both Provigil and Adderall have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of narcolepsy.  Adderall is also approved for the treatment of ADHD, whereas Provigil is not.  Provigil is approved for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and shift work sleep disorder (SWSD), whereas Adderall is not.  From an off-label perspective, both drugs have been investigated as antidepressant augmentation strategies and are still prescribed for this purpose.

Provigil is considered a popular off-label treatment for ADHD and many studies highlight its efficacy.  It may also be prescribed for chronic fatigue syndrome, delayed sleep phase syndrome, depersonalization disorder, fibromyalgia, jet lag, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease.  It has been investigated in cases of drug addiction and to help people lose weight. (Read: Provigil and weight loss).

Adderall has been investigated for cognitive rehabilitation among stroke patients and refractory depression.  In rare cases, some psychiatrists may prescribe Adderall for anxiety disorders if they suspect a dopaminergic link.  Although using Adderall for weight loss can be effective, doctors will not prescribe it for this purpose due to its abuse potential and rebound effect upon withdrawal.

By comparison, Provigil has three approved medical uses whereas Adderall only has two.  Provigil is also considered a safer, more effective off-label treatment over Adderall for many conditions due to its low potential for abuse.  Provigil should be regarded as a more versatile medication by comparison.

Popularity

Comparing the popularity of Provigil with that of Adderall is difficult due to the fact that they are in different classes.  As of 2012, Adderall was ranked as the 70th most prescribed drug of the year, whereas Provigil was the 137th most prescribed drug.  In 2013, it was estimated that Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) held down approximately 38% of the ADHD medication market-share.

Provigil is thought to be the forefront option for treating narcolepsy.  In terms of global “brand name” recognition, Adderall is universally considered more popular.  More people know of Adderall and have used it than Provigil.  Although Provigil is popular among those being treated for narcolepsy, Adderall XR’s popularity may be catching up.

Adderall is a cheaper option than Provigil and the extended-release (XR) provides a longer-lasting effect when compared to Provigil.  Furthermore, there are an array of dosing options and multiple formats for Adderall, whereas Provigil is only manufactured in 2 doses.  Most would agree that Adderall is significantly more popular than Provigil.

Side Effects

Adderall may carry significantly more side effects than Provigil.  Common side effects associated with Adderall include: abdominal pain, appetite reduction, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, fever, headache, insomnia, irritability, nervousness, vomiting, and weight loss.  Common side effects associated with Provigil include: dizziness, headaches, insomnia, nausea, and nervousness.

The ability of Adderall to substantially increase dopamine may be related to the greater number of side effects.  Provigil isn’t considered quite as potent as Adderall and most users don’t experience unwanted side effects.  There is an array of side effects associated with Adderall, but very few side effects associated with Provigil.

Usage of Adderall is well-known to stunt growth of youth over a short-term and simultaneously reduce their weight.  Provigil is not known to reduce height or significantly reduce weight among users.  In part, this may be due to the fact that it doesn’t pack as much of a dopaminergic, stimulatory punch as Adderall.  By comparison, Provigil would seem to have a favorable side effect profile.

Withdrawal

It is well known that discontinuation from Adderall, especially those that used it over a long-term or at high doses, is extremely difficult.  In fact, Adderall withdrawal symptoms may be protracted in that they persist for months long after the drug has been cleared from the body.  Common symptoms experienced upon discontinuation of Adderall include: psychomotor slowing, cognitive impairment, exacerbation of ADHD symptoms, sleepiness, and excess fatigue.

Upon discontinuation of Adderall, many people experience worse attentional deficits than prior to using the drug.  This is due to the fact that over time, the drug uses up dopamine stores, downregulates dopamine receptors, and the brain becomes dependent upon it to perform cognitively demanding tasks.  When the supply is cut or reduced, the brain is left with less receptors and low dopamine until it finds a way to restore homeostatic functioning.

This restoration process can take much longer than most sources suggest.  Due to the fact that Provigil doesn’t have as significant of an impact on dopamine, you won’t be left with nearly as severe of a depletion or receptor downregulation upon discontinuation.  This means that most people find Provigil withdrawal to be mild by comparison.  In fact, many medical professionals suggest that there is “no withdrawal” associated with Provigil.

Similarities (Recap): Provigil vs. Adderall

Below is a synopsis of the similarities shared by Provigil and Adderall.

  • ADHD: Adderall is considered a clinically effective treatment for ADHD and is frequently prescribed. Although Provigil isn’t approved to treat ADHD, it is commonly prescribed for this condition and evidence suggests that it’s an effective option.
  • Depression adjunct: Among individuals with refractory depression, both Provigil and Adderall are considered effective adjuncts when used in combination with an antidepressant.
  • Efficacy: There’s no evidence to suggest that either drug is more effective over the other in regards to treating narcolepsy.
  • Generic availability: Both substances are manufactured in generic formats. Provigil is sold under the generic “modafinil” and Adderall is sold as “mixed amphetamine salts.”
  • Half-life: The estimated elimination half-life of Provigil is 12 hours and that of Adderall is thought to be between 11 and 13 hours; making the drugs very similar.
  • Narcolepsy: Each drug has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of narcolepsy, specifically helping reduce daytime sleepiness.

Differences (Recap): Provigil vs. Adderall

Listed below is a synopsis of differences between Provigil and Adderall.

  • Abuse potential: Adderall is regarded as having a high potential for abuse and dependence, thus it is more strictly regulated. Provigil is regarded as having a relatively low potential for abuse and isn’t considered to be habit-forming.
  • Cost: The cost of Adderall is significantly cheaper than that of Provigil, especially when “brand name” versions of each drug are compared. Generic Adderall is also cheaper than generic Provigil.
  • Duration of effect: Adderall IR has a duration of effect spanning between 4 to 6 hours, and Adderall XR has a duration of effect spanning up to 12 hours. Provigil has a duration of effect somewhere between that of both Adderall formats, ranging between 6 to 8 hours.
  • Formats: Provigil is only manufactured in tablet format, whereas Adderall is manufactured in immediate-release (IR) tablets and extended-release (XR) capsules.
  • Ingredients: Provigil is comprised of “modafinil,” which is different from the mixed amphetamine salts (75% dextroamphetamine / 25% levoamphetamine) within Adderall.
  • Investigational uses: Provigil has been investigated for the treatment of mood disorders, depersonalization, jet lag, and various sleep-related conditions. Adderall has been investigated mostly for refractory depression and cognitive rehabilitation.
  • Legal classification: In the United States, Provigil is classified as a “Schedule IV” substance and Adderall is considered a “Schedule II” controlled-substance.
  • Manufacturer: Provigil is manufactured by Cephalon Inc. and Adderall is manufactured by Shire Pharmaceuticals.
  • Mechanisms of action: The drugs have similar aspects to their mechanisms of action, but differ in a number of ways. Adderall is primarily regarded as a reuptake inhibitor of dopamine and norepinephrine, whereas Provigil is thought to elicit effects on dopamine, norepinephrine, glutamate, GABA, orexin peptides, and electronic signaling.
  • Medical uses: Provigil and Adderall are approved to treat narcolepsy, but differ in other approved uses. Provigil can be prescribed for obstructive sleep apnea and shift work sleep disorder – Adderall cannot.  Adderall can be prescribed for ADHD – Provigil cannot.
  • Popularity: Despite the fact that both drugs are relatively popular, Adderall receives more universal recognition than Provigil.
  • Side effects: Provigil is believed to carry significantly fewer side effects compared to Adderall.
  • Withdrawal: There is no literature suggesting significant discontinuation symptoms associated with Provigil withdrawal. However, there is significant documentation highlighting the tribulations associated with Adderall discontinuation.

Which drug is better? Provigil vs. Adderall.

From the perspective of treating narcolepsy, neither Provigil nor Adderall should be considered superior to the other.  They are both clinically effective substances and have proven themselves as effective treatments.  Some would argue that Provigil is better due to the fact that it tends to have less side effects, has less potential for abuse and dependence, and minimal discontinuation symptoms.

Some users may argue that Adderall is better due to the fact that it stimulates greater increases in dopamine, allowing for increased alertness and cognitive function.  Adderall also is manufactured in more formats and comes with more dosing options than Provigil, making it more appealing to some.  Generally, determining whether one drug is better than the other is largely a matter of individual experimentation.

You will need to work with your doctor or psychiatrist to determine whether you seem to get better results with one substance over the other.  Certain people may enjoy the reduced dopaminergic effect associated with Provigil and find that using Adderall makes them too jittery.  Similarly, others may find that Provigil isn’t potent enough and that Adderall does a better job at improving cognitive function.

Which drug do you prefer: Provigil or Adderall?

If you’ve had the experience of using both Provigil and Adderall, feel free to share a comment below comparing them.  Mention whether you found one to be better than the other for treating a certain condition (e.g. narcolepsy), side effects experienced, and discontinuation difficulties.  Discuss any specific reasons that you may have preferred one drug over the other.

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15 thoughts on “Provigil (Modafinil) vs. Adderall: Comparison”

  1. Love this stuff. It keeps me alert and awake when I take it and has one major benefit. I always suffer from heart palpitations constantly all day long. My cardiologist ran every test he could and said my heart is perfectly healthy and that my palpitations are probably genetic since my father has them as well.

    When I take Modafinil my palpitations come to a stop. I will get about 6 hours palpitation free then they slowly come back as the meds wear off. I haven’t checked with the cardiologist to see if he knows why this happens, but it sure is nice to not feel my heart jumping every few minutes.

    Reply
  2. I was diagnosed with narcolepsy in 2015, but in 2017 was told that they thought it may actually be delayed sleep phase syndrome. I was prescribed Modafinil and it worked pretty well, until eventually I started building up more of a tolerance for it and would constantly feel like I was going to fall asleep on my morning commute to work.

    Just last month, I had a sleep study done again to figure out what was going on with me. This time, they found it to be excessive daytime sleepiness. My sleep doctor said that she would prescribe me with Modafinil again since it worked pretty well for me before, however since I am also on birth control, she told me that Modafinil would basically negate any kind of hormonal birth control and make the birth control pretty ineffective.

    So, she wrote me a prescription for Adderall XR. I am really scared to get it filled. My fiancee had a really horrible experience with Ritalin which I know is similar in some ways to Adderall, and I am also afraid of developing a dependency on Adderall.

    On the other hand, I am so sick of feeling SO tired all the time, no matter how much sleep I get. Please, if you have any comments or thoughts I would love to hear them, because I don’t know what to do!

    Reply
  3. I was diagnosed with narcolepsy officially in 1986, although I had a general practitioner diagnosis it earlier. I am lucky because I have only suffered very few episodes of cataplexy…I had taken ritalin for many years which worked great until the mfg. evidently messed with the formula…never had any withdrawal effects from it..I have taken adderall with good outcomes, I prefer the extended release due to the longer periods of wakefulness.

    I had to stop taking this med. due to loss of ins… My husband passed away 2 months ago which seemed to trigger my narcoleptic symptoms again. When I went to my current doctor I felt like they thought I was a drug addict or something but she did prescribe modafinil, which took several weeks to get approved and the copay costs is more than adderall without ins? I have only been on it for a couple of weeks but am suffering headaches and experiencing nightmares…

    The doctor who diagnosed the narcolepsy explained that they did not know why, but the only withdrawal from drugs such as Ritalin and Adderall in persons with narcolepsy is only the return of sleepiness. If this modafinil doesn’t get better I am going to try to return to adderall XR, hopefully. I currently am 65 years old and actually not afraid of getting addicted, especially since it wasn’t a problem in the past…

    Reply
  4. I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder 3 & 1/2 years ago, and have tried so many different SSRIs the list makes my head spin. Finally, my psychiatrist suggested genetic testing, and we found that all of the SSRIs were ineffective for me, plus others. I’ve been on Wellbutrin in various doses and that helps. I’m now on Pristiq but after having lost times due to near-fugue states, we had to reduce my dosage.

    The Pristiq/Wellbutrin combination alleviates the worst of my depressive symptoms, but does little to alleviate the loss of memory, constant exhaustion, difficulty in concentrating and basic cognitive functions, and complete loss of motivation and executive skills. Before my depression I was a very high functioning woman in an intellectually stimulating job.

    We’ve since added Vyvanse 30mg, and had to add a second dose as it wears off in 4-5 hours. I’m seriously thinking about asking my doc to replace it with Adderall XR because the drop off between doses is hard, and the loss of my brain after the 9 hours is horrible. I have a brief period during the day when I can feel my mind starting to work, but it is so short and not nearly what I had.

    We need to do more research on depression adjuncts for treatment-resistant MDD. I’m hopeful that the Adderall works, but will keep in mind Provigil as well. I really wish my Pristiq helped with the cognitive and memory impairment like some of the previous antidepressants did briefly. I’ve tried caffeine, nicotine, ephedrine, and even medical marijuana on my own but to no avail.

    Reply
  5. Adderall works well for ADHD, but its downsides are very bad, withdrawal symptoms are bad, can lead to psychotic behavior and other issues. Also hard to get an RX. Provigil works well for cognitive enhancement, now it’s available as a generic, more doctors are willing to give you a prescription, it’s side effects are not as nasty.

    Reply
  6. I have narcolepsy and have tried every wakefulness drug out there – Provigil, Ritalin, Vyvanse…okay everything but Xyrem. My sleep doc has told me up front I will most likely be on Adderall XR forever since it, and Dexedrine, are the only things that work for me (Adderall works better though). Here’s the thing about Provigil & narcolepsy – it is believed by some researchers (The Stanford Center for Narcolepsy for example) that narcolepsy is autoimmune, which means the body is killing off orexin or disabling the receptors.

    So if a person with narcolepsy has orexin receptors which work okay to begin with, but not at full capacity, Provigil should be fine. But for those with little to no orexin or orexin that is being destroyed by the body, Provigil isn’t going to help much. I’ve talked to other narcoleptics who describe taking a Provigil like drinking a cup of coffee, and I have to agree it was that way for me also. There isn’t a way to take the chemical orexin itself with current science, as it will not pass the blood-brain barrier.

    Just thought I’d mention that Adderall is the only drug that enables me to live my day to day life as an awake, out of bed person. I wish the DEA would focus on prosecuting criminals instead of placing mountains of restrictions on those of us who need it to function, when we have so many physical limitations already.

    Reply
    • Thank you, Curi. Your comment is very well said, and I, for one, greatly appreciate your knowledge and apparent research. So many people that get a diagnosis (of any kind, really) do not take responsibility for educating themselves about their medical condition. Instead, they often take the word of the first doctor they see, many never meet with a specialist, and rather than finding current information from legitimate sources, rely on magazine articles, forums, and message boards.

      While reading this article, I kept thinking and saying to my husband, exactly what you wrote in your comment: If orexin (aka hypocretin) levels are low or nonexistent due to antibodies that target the production site, the neuropeptide itself, or the receptors, it will not have the desired effect.

      I am a 35 year-old pre-med student. I was diagnosed about 3 years ago, after many, many years of seeking answers. I have tried concerta, vyvanse, nuvigil (but not provigil), adderall XR and IR, etc, and I have done extensive research on the subject. Adderall IR has been the most effective treatment that I have found. As I mentioned above, I tried nuvigil, not provigil, but it had absolutely no effect on my symptoms. It did, however, induce debilitating headaches, on top of not being able to stay awake for more than 2 or 3 hours at a time.

      Before diagnosis and treatment, I could have never imagined attending college full-time, much less aspiring to be a doctor. I couldn’t even drive to the grocery store, or be left alone with my own children for more than a few hours for fear that I would fall asleep, compromising their safety. Now, I find myself being judged for my condition and treatment, as though narcolepsy isn’t real and I’m an amphetamine addict!

      The reality of narcolepsy is, there is great variation in severity, triggers, and manifestation, and simply not enough research, education, or support.

      Reply
      • I really appreciate your comment too! I hope that things get easier for those who have this issue. I’m in the same boat. It’s really frustrating when you need medication to function and your treated like a criminal or an addict. Have either of you experienced chest pain with adderall?

        Adderall IR is the only thing I’ve found that keeps me awake and functioning. But the XR gave me dull chest pain. And even though I went back to IR immediately, the pain seems to come back every now and then. Provigal did nothing to help my excessive sleepiness.

        Reply
        • Please take the chest pain seriously as possible indication of coronary artery disease. A good inexpensive test called a coronary calcium score, a CT scan that is predictive for future heart attack is helpful. And you can also get a 7 day event monitor where you press the button when you feel the symptoms to record your heart EKG for any fibrillation.

          Reply
      • Hi Natasha. I’ve only ever tried generic Modafinil (Provigil), and Armodfinil (Nuvigil) and experienced the same headache problem you have reported. Then I found a YouTube video where some Indian guy suggested drinking LOTS of water with the drug (like 1 to 2 gallons per 200 mg), and that truly made the headaches disappear! Needless to say you’ll be making frequent trips to the bathroom. Also, Modafinil only keeps me awake… I haven’t noticed any increase in attention span, etc… so I’m hoping to try Adderall soon. Hopefully my doctor will write me a few sample pills.

        Reply
    • Curi – I agree with everything you said 100%. I’ve tried a few Dr’s and told them about my insane and excessive day time fatigue that makes it hard to get out of bed and do anything at all. It’s debilitating. I wander if I should go to a sleep Dr like you though? What kind of sleep Dr do you go to? What was the process like?

      Reply
  7. Modafinil is available for about 90 cents per 200 mg pill from modup(dot)net and they will ship it straight to your house. If you pay in bitcoins you can get it for like 60 cents per pill.

    Reply
  8. I prefer Modafinil. I take it only during phases where my symptoms (daytime sleepiness, ADHD) are worsening. There is no habit building and so long it is taken in low doses (not more than 100mg) there are no significant withdrawal symptoms. I can’t see a significant tolerance building effect either. For me it seems to have even a depot effect which lasts between weeks and months where I am coming along quite well without it.

    My dreams are changing with Modafinil. With Adderall I don’t dream at all (means memorizing anything from my dream phases). Amphetamines have a habit and tolerance building effect on me because they are “kicking in” great and I tend to get used to that what makes me to increase the dosage over time. I also start to grind teeth at night and I am changing emotionally (with a tendency to aggression) what I dislike.

    That doesn’t happen with Modafinil what feels more “natural”. The withdrawal symptoms of Amphetamines are terrible – it took me years to return to the level I had before. I consider the widespread use of Adderall etc. as an addiction problem. That children get treated with such powerful stuff is a risk for their health and happiness in life.

    Long story short: Modafinil is really a great support in my life (taking it approx 3 month in a year) where Amphetamines are no long-term solution and frying my brain beyond what I consider as being responsible with my health.

    Reply
    • First, if your ADHD is variable, I would have to wonder if you have it. Though there are some days we function better than others, on or off medication, of the hundreds of people I’ve met with ADHD, all face a daily impact from ADHD. I take medication every day I want to perform effectively and avoid driving those around me nuts.

      Secondly, I have taken Adderall and never experienced addiction, so has my son and daughter. None of those I’ve known reported addiction problems with ADHD medications. ADHD is a serious condition with life limiting affects.

      I do not share your concern for children on medication. Medication can make the difference between being a functioning member of society, or being on the outside looking in. This is as true for children as it is true for adults. The greatest challenge is finding competent treatment. Medication is never enough, but few families have the means to afford effective treatment – if such treatment were to be found.

      The issue for children and their parents is denial. Who wants to believe they have a condition? Prejudice against ADHD is significant and ubiquitous – anyone who can function happily without ADHD diagnosis and treatment should do so.

      Reply

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