Armodafinil and Modafinil have become household names because of their effectiveness in the management of excessive daytime sleepiness. These two medicines achieved a concrete place in every user’s heart with their ability to offer unmatched alertness and wakefulness along with cognitive benefits. Being called as central nervous system stimulants, these drugs forced the brain to remain in the aroused state for longer. This is the reason why people take central nervous system stimulants so that they can be productive and at their best throughout the day despite what they are going through – physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Who need central nervous system stimulants?
A lot of people from work fields which demand for undivided attention and the best performance under tremendous pressure often go for central nervous system stimulants.
CEOs, business tycoons, professionals, people from creative fields, students use stimulants. Apart from these people, there are other groups of people who are quite dependant on those stimulants. Drivers especially truck drivers are heavily relied on stimulant medications such as Modafinil and Armodafinil. Even the Special Forces units of military have been allowed to have stimulants due to the kind of work they are involved with.
Anybody who belongs to the work fields mentioned above or who wishes to get the work done seamlessly can go for stimulants. However, it is important to decide on which one to choose especially when the market is flooded with stimulants.
Modafinil or Armodafinil – Which one to go for?
As mentioned above, the decision to choose from various stimulant medicines is important one. Modafinil has been one of the most adored medications for the elimination of excessive daytime sleepiness. And so is Armodafinil. Though these two drugs have been used for the same purpose, they are quite different from each other. Armodafinil has started gathering quite a fame lately. If we look at the number of people choosing Armodafinil, we can easily say that Armodafinil might surpass Modafinil in the next few years. Or can we say it has already?
This and many more questions will be answered through this article. This piece of write up is not just a comparison guide between Modafinil and Armodafinil. It will help you understand about these two medicines in better ways. Also, you will be able to take decision with more clarity when it comes to choose between these two medicines.
What is Modafinil?
Modafinil is a central nervous system stimulant useful in treating daytime sleepiness caused by narcolepsy and obstructive sleep apnea. The medication forces neurotransmitters especially dopamine to stay in the brain region for longer period of time. This neurotransmitter helps people to stay alert and focused for longer time span. Also, it is useful in delaying fatigue. This ultimately leads to improved productivity.
The best thing about Modafinil is that it offers a few mild side effects which can be dealt with easily. Also, you can get the medicine without prescription when bought online.
How does Modafinil work?
The mechanism of action of Modafinil can be summoned up in three steps:
- Improving dopamine concentration in the brain by prohibiting its re-uptake process.
- Enhancing norepinephrine levels by the similar process.
- Triggers the production and release of neuropeptide orexin which is responsible for the arousal state of the mind
The combined effect of these three processes is heightened alertness and wakefulness.
How to take Modafinil?
It is important to discuss about the dosing pattern with your doctor before you start taking Modafinil 200mg pills. It is the starting dosage strength. In a few rare cases, your doctor might ask you to increase the dosage. However, it rarely happens. Do not break or crush the pill. Swallow as it is with water. Please note that you are not supposed to have the medicine later in a day unless you are taking it for shift working.
What is Armodafinil?
Armodafinil is the R-enantiomer of Modafinil. It means Armodafinil molecule is a mirror image of the Modafinil molecule. Due to this, both the medicines have a slight difference in their structure. The medicine is quite helpful in keeping daytime sleep pangs at bay. Also, due to its long lasting wakefulness effect, it is also used by people who work in night or rotational shifts.
How does Armodafinil work?
The exact work mode of the drug is not known yet. Armodafinil belongs to the eugeroics class of drugs which are also known as central nervous system stimulants. Pharmacologically, the drug does not get attached to or prohibit any receptors or enzymes which have active role in managing the sleep-wake cycle. Several studies have concluded that Armodafinil might prevent re-uptake of neurotransmitters which further leads to lingering wakefulness.
How to take Armodafinil?
Armodafinil is available in the dosage strength of 150mg. One needs to consume one tablet early in the morning with o without breakfast. Remember, the medicine lasts longer in your system and hence one should take the drug early in the morning to prevent disturbed sleep at night. Also, take the medicine with water and not with alcohol to avoid harsh side effects. For shift work culture people, one pill need to be taken almost an hour before the shift starts.
Which is more effective? Armodafinil or Modafinil?
Both the medicines are quite similar to each other except for their chemical structure. Modafinil and Armodafinil both are useful in eliminating excessive daytime sleepiness caused by sleep issues. However, as mentioned earlier, Armodafinil has long-lasting effects than Modafinil.
One study was carried out for a period of 12 weeks. Subjects involved in the studies were working in night shifts. They were given Modafinil and Armodafinil. Conclusions revealed that both the medicines showed similar effects in the subjects.
Armodafinil showed higher plasma concentration in the blood which explains why it keeps the user alert and awake for longer. While either drug can give you the desired effect, it is vital to take your doctor’s advice into consideration before deciding on the medicines.
Final thoughts
As said earlier, both the medicines have potential to treat daytime sleepiness. However, given the lasting nature of Armodafinil, it is safe to say that the drug might surpass Modafinil in coming few years.