Some people living in America are experiencing from the problem of excessive sleeping during daytime. This will become a regular habit, which in turn suffer from another problem of not paying attention.
So, to avoid these health complications of sleeping disorder and inattention, they should use Modafinil and Adderall drugs as prescribed by a healthcare provider. These medications can effectively treat the problem of both Narcolepsy (excessive uncontrollable daytime sleepiness) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD).
Although, these drugs help many individuals belonging to the USA at some extent but not completely. Apart from Modafinil and Adderall drugs, therapies and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines also plays a crucial role to treat different conditions. We will discuss Modafinil vs Adderall on some factors. So, let’s start the blog.
Key Differences Modafinil vs Adderall Drugs:
Here, we will come to know the main differences between Modafinil vs Adderall drugs and differentiated on a few factors like their meaning, use, dosages, effectiveness and side effects.
Definition
Modafinil
Moadfinil is the generic name, which is approved by US Food and Drug Administration(FDA) and to be sold under its brand name,Provigil. Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulants is one of the most effective drug class and marketed online as a ‘smart drug’.
This branded prescription is a non-amphetamine drug, which aid against the wakefulness (consciousness state or being alert when sleeping) condition. The CNS stimulant stimulates the brain activity that help in treating patients experiencing conditions like Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD or circadian rhythm sleep disorder ), Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Narcolepsy ( sleep disorder in which people feel drowsy in daytime).
Adderall
Mydayis, Adderall and Adderall XR (Extended Release) are the three brand names that are approved by the FDA and sold in the US market.
The Adderall, generic drug contains a mixture of four amphetamine salts, which are used in making a combination drug known as mixed amphetamine salts.
Adderall is usually presribed by both doctors and healthcare professionals, which belongs to a family of these drugs known as CNS stimulants.
Two CNS stimulants drugs namely, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine are effectively used so that the brain and nerves chemicals are affected in a person’s body.
Use
Modafinil
To effectively and efficiently treat the problem of Narcolepsy in patients, the Modafinil drug is commonly prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Some people may take excess sleep during daytime, which can be caused due to certain sleeping illness such as shift work sleep disorder, sleep apnea and narcolepsy.
Narcolepsy patients can take this generic drug, when experiencing excessive sleepiness throughout the day and not able to wake up.
Adderall
It is more effective and beneficial medicine. The medicine helps to focus and be attentive through reducing the effects of chemicals which are responsible for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy in individuals.
This medicine helps to lessen the symptoms of ADHD. Individuals can take this prescribed medicine after getting prescription from a healthcare provider.
Dose and Dosage Strengths
Modafinil
Modafinil is the generic common name and is available in US market with oblong shape in form of oral tablets and capsules.
The three dosage strengths of Modafinil(Provigil) drug to be prescribed by a doctor for treating Narcolepsy in patients.
100 mg
200 mg
400 mg
Doctors may prescribe the dose of 200 milligrams once in a day in morning for adults and teenagers, who are above 17 years for treating both obstructive sleep apnea condition and narcolepsy patients.
Adderall
This prescription drug is available in US market in white color with oval and round shape. The two dosage forms of Adderall drug, which includes:
Oral Tablets
Oral Capsules
Immediate release (IR) tablets and extended release (ER) capsules are other two dosages forms that should be prescribed by a clinical expert.
Adderall (IR) immediate release tablets have the following dosage strengths that should be prescribed by a doctor.
2.5 mg
5 mg
7.5 mg
10 mg
12.5 mg
15 mg
20 mg
30 mg
In addition, the Adderall XR(extended-release (ER)*) capsules also have following dosage strengths that should be prescribed by a healthcare provider.
5 mg
10 mg
15 mg
20 mg
25 mg
30 mg
The starting dose of Adderall drug starts from 2.5 mg and to be prescribed by a doctor for children, who are 5 years. Also, a narloepsy patient can take the dose of 7.5 mg under the supervision of a medical doctor.
A patient can take the dose of 40 mg to show positive results of ADHD symptoms. To stay awake during the day, a patient can take the additional dose but after consulting with a doctor and to be taken within 6 hours.
Effectiveness
Modafinil
According to several studies, the efficacy of Modafinil drug is uncertain as it depends on Nootropic (cognitive enhancers) drugs. Some studies have shown that there is a sudden increase in the general cognitive ability, while others have shown that there is mild to to non existent cognitive improvements. Also, there are additional cases which are related to impairments in specific cognitive activities.
This generic drug enhances wakefulness condition in patient without experiencing the condition of either intense auditory stimulation or euphoria that are related with amphetamines.
Thus, Modafinil drug is likely to have a more tenuous and sustainable effect on wakefulness.
Adderall
For reducing the ADHD symptoms, the efficacy of adderall drug may proved to be the first-choice treatment option. In a study, both Adderall and Adderall XR drug classes has shown improvements in focus and attention and also reduces impulsivity.
Another study has found that approximately 80% of children with ADHD condition has shown improvements in the symptoms by the use of CNS stimulant commonly the Adderall drug.
The Adderall drug offers a more strong stimulant effect by including high state of alertness, energy, and euphoria as compared to modafinil drug.
Side Effects
Modafinil
This branded prescription drug may cause unwanted side effects in a patient’s body, if he or she is not attentive towards medical care or misusing the drug.
Common and Serious Side Effects
- Nausea
- Chest pain
- Anxiety
- Back pain
- Nervousness
- Constipation
- Confusion
- Diarrhea
- Rhinorrhea (runny nose)
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Insomnia(trouble sleeping)
- Depression
- Chills
- Xerostomia (dry mouth)
- Mouth Uclers
- Heartburn (burning pain)
- Poor Appetite
- Somnolence(excess sleepiness)
- Indigestion(sour stomach)
- Rapid Mood Swings
- Tremor
- Skin rash
- Dyspnea(shortness of breath)
- Allergic Reaction
- Hypertension
Adderall
Like Modafinil, Adderall may cause common and serious side effects in individuals, if a patient abuse or being addictive while taking the overdose.
Common and Serious Side Effects
- Nausea
- Weight loss
- Anxiety
- Hallucination
- Irregular heartbeat
- Loss of appetite
- High blood pressure
- Dry mouth
- Allergic reactions
- Insomnia
- Paranoia
- Changes in libido
- Mood swings
- Stomach pain
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Pain in the chest
- Seizures
Precautions
The Following are some precautions for Modafinil vs Adderall drug:
- People should not take more than the recommended dose of Modafinil and Adderall drug, unless prescribed by a physician.
- Individuals should not keep the drugs in an open environment to avoid serious health complications.
- Patients should not drink alcohol throughout medication period.
- Patient should not drive heavy vehicle and avoid performing the task, which require attentiveness and physical strength.
- Patient should not become addictive to these medications as it can cause high risk of dependency and tolerancy.
Conclusion
Modafinil vs Adderall, both is the safest and prescription drugs according to their use and dosage strengths. However, they vary as based on their chemical formation, mechanism, side effects, abuse potential, and duration of action.
So, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider and a doctor to choose the best treatment option based on a patient requirement and medical history.