Attention-deficit hyperactivity syndrome (ADHD) is one of the oldest and common neurological disorders known to humans. There has been a significant growth in treatments for patients suffering from this syndrome. There is a wide range of medicines available for the patients, but the key lies in the fact that they have to choose one based on their condition. Adderall is one such type of drug that is commonly recommended by doctors. Modafinil is mostly used in cases of patients suffering from sleep issues, but is also prescribed these days for the treatment. In this article, we will discuss in detail the comparison of Modafinil vs Adderall for ADHD and narcolepsy, Modafinil vs Adderall dosage, and side effects of both drugs.
What are Modafinil and Adderall?
Modafinil is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant used primarily for the treatment of narcolepsy. It was first approved in 1998 under the brand name Provigil. Modafinil acts as a wakefulness-promoting agent (WPA), reducing sleeplessness and enhancing alertness. It is available in the form of oral tablets and is sometimes prescribed as an off-label medication for the treatment of ADHD.
Adderall is a combination of two salts, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, which help the brain control impulses and hyperactivity. Adderall is available in the form of an extended-release capsule (Adderall XR) and an immediate-release capsule (adderall IR). It was approved for the treatment of ADHD in children and adults because it improves focus and attention by reducing hyperactive behaviour.
What’s The Difference Between Modafinil and Adderall?
Modafinil vs Adderall comparison, as discussed, are used for the treatment of ADHD, but certain points make them apart from each other, like the dosage prescribed to the patient, the type of disease they treat, their side effects, and which is stronger and highly recommended between these two.
Modafinil vs Adderall Doses
Modafinil dosage is available in 100-mg and 200-mg tablets and can be taken with or without food and water. The dosage of Modafinil depends on the condition and type of disease of the patients.
- The recommended dose for narcolepsy is 200 mg daily in the morning.
- For OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea), it is recommended to take 200 mg daily.
- 200 mg of Modafilin one hour before the start of work is recommended for the treatment of Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD).
Adderall IR needs to be taken several times a day, and the doses vary by condition and age.
- Narcolepsy in case of adults and children 6 years and above requires an Adderall dose of 5 mg to 60 mg per day.
- For ADHD in children of 3 to 5 years old, 2.5 mg to 40 mg per day.
- ADHD in case of adults and children from 6 and above requires 5 mg to 40 mg per day.
Adderall XR is taken once in the morning with or without food and water. For children of 6 to 12 years, 10 mg once in the morning, and for 13 to 17 years, 10 to 20 mg once daily of the dose is recommended. Recommended dose for adults is 20 mg once daily in the morning.
Modafinil And Adderall Interactions With Other Drugs
Various drugs can cause harm if taken together with Modafinil and Adderall. So, it is important to know about all of them and inform the healthcare provider if you are already taking the drugs and they are prescribing you Modafinil or Adderall. The list provided below for both Modafinil and Adderall does not include all the drugs, so make sure to discuss every underlying health condition and any drugs you are already administered to with your healthcare providers to avoid any mishappenings.
Drug that interacts with Modafinil are:
- Cobimetinib
- Isocarboxazid
- Linezolid
- Ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir
- Phenelzine
- Selegiline transdermal
- Tranylcypromine
Drug that interacts with Adderall are:
- Marijuana
- Caffeine
- Ethanol
- Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
- Lithium
- Antacids
- Bupropion
We know Modafinil and Adderall interact with other drugs; if you are taking Modafinil and Adderall together, it might be dangerous and cause overdose or drug intercation. Thus, Modafinil and Adderall combination is dangerous and impacts your quality of life. In certain cases, doctors can prescribe one or more drugs together for an individual condition. But before mixing Modafinil and Adderall, discuss with your doctors.
Side Effects of Modafinil Versus Adderall
The side effects of Modafinil are mild and not long-term. You should consult a doctor if the symptoms do not go away.
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Back pain
- Confusion
- Nosebleed
These symptoms are usually mild and do not cause any harm. But if you experience symptoms like chest pain, irregular heartbeat, swelling of the face and hands, and hallucinations, then consult the doctor immediately.
Adderall is often misused because it increases alertness and decreases tiredness. An overdose of this drug can increase dependence over time, increasing the risk of long-term and short-term side effects. Short-term side effects of Adderall this drug include:
- Increased heart rate
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Digestive issues
While these symptoms are usually mild with no severe effects, certain long-term effects like psychosis, insomnia, increased cardiovascular issues, and addiction are more life-threatening.
Which Is More Effective Between Adderall and Modafinil?
It is completely dependent upon the patient’s condition, according to which the drugs are prescribed. If the patient has severe ADHD symptoms, then Adderall is best for them, since it helps to improve their condition and lessen their symptoms. Modafinil, on the other hand, can improve the sleeping condition of the ADHD patient, along with easing their symptoms. This helps the brain relax more and stop being hyperactive. So, to treat only ADHD, Adderall can do wonders, but if the patient is unable to sleep properly due to increased symptoms, then Modafinil is best recommended for them.
Can You Use Modafinil and Adderall Together?
Doctors may recommend using both these drugs together sometimes, based on the situation, but it is not usually recommended. Among many side effects of Adderall and Modafinil, one of the common ones is an increase in heartbeat. If the patient has a cardiovascular issue and chooses to take both of them together, it will just make their condition worse. Both of these drugs possess a potential risk of addiction, and mixing both of them will only worsen the condition. The common misconception that mixing Modafinil and Adderall boosts productivity is not true because it will cause more harm than good.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Modafinil stronger than adderall?
Modafinil is considered to be a milder stimulant than Adderall because it’s normally used to make people feel relaxed and boost sleepiness.
Can Modafinil and Adderall be used during pregnancy?
Neither of the drugs is advised to be consumed during pregnancy to avoid risking the fetus and to prevent miscarriage.
Conclusion
At the end, we can conclude that both Modafinil and Adderall are efficient in their own way. Both of them can be used for the treatment of ADHD, but Adderall is mostly preferred option. The patient should not choose according to their own will and must stick to the doctor’s prescription. Both Adderall and Modafinil have a high risk of addiction, so misusing them should be strictly avoided.