Wakefulness is a sleep disorder where an individual is in a state of consciousness and not able to fall asleep. More than 50 million people living in the USA are suffering from sleep disturbance. This sleep disorder also causes cognitive impairment of the brain and disrupts the sleep-wake cycle (Circadian Rhythm).
For instance, reduction in alertness, memory, and attention when performing daily tasks, and anxiety, depression, irritability, etc. Furthermore, it also gives rise to health conditions like diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases.
To improve your sleep disorder doctor may prescribe medications like Modafinil and Adderall. In today’s blog, we will discuss their differences, functions, uses in treatment, dosages, side effects, and precautions.
Comparison Between Modafinil and Adderall
Modafinil
Modafinil is used to treat a condition that causes daytime sleepiness in people due to obstructive sleep apnea, shift work disorder, and narcolepsy. It is in a class of drugs known as wakefulness-promoting agents. It is a prescription medicine that is available in generic as well as brand drugs.
Modafinil is an essential ingredient in many brand medicines like Provigil, Alertec, Modavigill, and others. It was approved by the Food Drug and Administration (FDA) in 1998 and is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance as it has a low potential for abuse and addiction. Cephalon is a pharmaceutical company that manufactures Provigil in the USA.
Adderall
Adderall is also another medicine that is prescribed by the doctor for the treatment of the symptoms of narcolepsy or sleep disorder. More commonly, This medicine is also used for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It is also a prescription medicine sold in both brand name and a generic variant.
Adderall is also an active ingredient in a variety of brand drugs such as Adderall, Adderall XR, Mydayis, and many others. This drug is also approved by the FDA. It is a Schedule II drug means it can cause physical and psychological dependence and also has a high potential for abuse. The manufacturing company of Adderall in the USA is Teva Pharmaceuticals.
Working
Modafinil
Modafinil increases the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin that play a crucial role in regulating sleeping disorders and offers calmness and relaxation to your body. In addition, It boosts histamine, a neurotransmitter that regulates sleep. Histamine promotes wakefulness and improves the circadian rhythms in the body.
It also increases the activity of several brain regions like the hypothalamus which regulates the body temperature, and cerebral cortex which enhances perception and focus, and the basal forebrain.
Adderall
Adderall works in treating ADHD. It increases the dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain and helps to stay focused and concentrate on daily tasks. It also helps in decreasing fidgeting and restlessness.
Furthermore, it also works in treating chronic sleep disorders. Adderall has both sedating and stimulating effects. It promotes wakefulness by increasing the level of norepinephrine.
Uses
Modafinil
Modafinil is used to manage the symptoms of certain sleep disorders. For instance, excessive sleepiness caused by narcolepsy, a condition of sudden sleep attacks and daytime sleepiness and shift work disorder, means feeling sleepy in waking hours or facing difficulty in sleeping hours, and obstructive sleep apnea.
In addition, it is also used off-label for various purposes including chronic fatigue syndrome, ADHD, depression, etc.
Adderall
Adderall is a commonly used medicine that is used to treat ADHD in children of the age of 6 years and older and adults. It improves attention, focus, and impulsive control in patients. It is also used in treating sleeping disorders like narcolepsy by increasing wakefulness and alertness in individuals suffering from this condition.
Furthermore, it may be used to treat other problems like obesity, depression, and anxiety.
Doses and Dosages
Modafinil
Doses
- Provigil : 100 mg and 200 mg
- Alertec: 200 mg and 400 mg
- Modavigill: 100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg and 400 mg
Dosages
The doctor may prescribe you 200 mg of Modafinil drug once a day in the morning by monitoring your health condition.
Adderall
Doses
Adderall comes in the form of oral tablets and capsules. Your healthcare advisor may prescribe you either immediate-release tablets or extended-release capsules.
- Adderall IR (immediate-release) tablets: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg and 30 mg.
- Adderall ER (extended-release) capsules: 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg and 30 mg.
Dosages
The standard dosage of Adderall that a doctor may prescribe for children of 3-5 years is 2.5 mg daily and for children above 6 years, it is 5 mg once or twice daily. The starting dose of this drug is 5-40 mg per day for adults or as instructed by the physician.
Adderall IR starts working within 15-30 minutes after consuming it and lasts up to 4-6 hours a day and Adderall ER works within 30-60 minutes and lasts up to 10-12 hours.
Side Effects
Modafinil
There are some common side effects you may experience while consuming Modafinil. They are as follows:
- Nervousness
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Anxiety
- Muscle pain
- Irritation
- Dizziness
- Depression
Other severe health complications you may experience are:
- Suicidal thoughts
- Allergic reactions (swelling of face, itching, skin rash)
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Hallucinations
- Aggression
Adderall
Common side effects of Adderall include:
- Weight loss
- Dizziness
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea and nausea
- Weakness
- Nervousness
- Headaches
- Lack of appetite
- Rapid heart rate
- Abdominal pain
Serious symptoms you may experience. These are:
- Seizures
- Trouble in speaking
- Blurred vision
- Hallucinations
- Severe allergic reactions
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)
- Heart attack
- Skin disorders
Precautions
While taking these medicines you have to consider some of the precautions to avoid any other adverse effects. They are mentioned below:
- Tell your healthcare advisor about your medical history if you ever experienced heart problems.
- Do not drink alcohol while consuming these drugs as it may lead to an increased risk of chronic symptoms.
- Avoid works that need attention and alertness like driving.
- Pregnant women should not consume these medicines, as they may harm the unborn baby.
- Swallow these medicines with a glass of water and do not break or chew these drugs.
- Talk to your doctor immediately if you overdose on any of the drugs.
- Avoid drinking grapefruit juice or any other food that is prohibited in these medications.
- Consult your doctor if the medications are not working properly.
- Follow the advice of healthcare experts while taking dosages and do not suddenly stop these medicines as they may cause withdrawal symptoms.
