Why am I sleeping and not getting enough sleep?
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Modafinil is a substance that is both a eugeroic and a nootropic. For those who are not familiar with medical terminology, these definitions mean absolutely nothing, so we will analyze them below.
Silicon Valley CEOs have been using nootropic drugs like Modafinil since the early 2000s. Until now, this has been the most intimate secret in the field of high technology.
Today, Modafinil can be easily bought on the Internet, which gives everyone the opportunity to appreciate this incredible nootropic.
Eugerics are drugs that eliminate drowsiness and, conversely, make a person more cheerful. This group includes many substances, and one of the most famous is caffeine. Modafinil is also a powerful eugeroic. By acting on brain cells, it activates neurotransmitters (biologically active chemicals) such as dopamine, histamine and norepinephrine. It is these substances that are responsible for the feeling of cheerfulness. As a result, within a few hours after taking Modafinil, a person becomes more active, he notices an increase in concentration and is able to perform complex tasks more productively.
Nootropics are substances that activate the cognitive functions of the brain. Among the most famous nootropics are L-Theanine, Piracetam and Alpha GPC. Modafinil also belongs to this group, which, like other nootropics, is able to improve memory and enhance concentration. That is why people taking Modafinil show higher cognitive abilities.
By and large, Modafinil owes its effectiveness to the neurotransmitter dopamine. This compound, contained in the brain, regulates various processes, including it is responsible for learning and memory. By the way, it is known that in the brain cells of people suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, the concentration of dopamine is significantly lower than in healthy people. Therefore, they are not able to focus on specific tasks and control their attention.
Despite the fact that there are many different substances with the properties of eugerics and nootropics, none of them has managed to become as popular as Modafinil. And there are very good reasons for this.
The idea of enhancing cognitive functions of the brain is not new. There are thousands of substances that activate the brain, and their effectiveness is scientifically proven. However, few of them can be compared with Modafinil in strength of action. The latter wins both in the speed of action (the effect is noticeable after 45-60 minutes) and in the duration of the effect (approximately 6-12 hours) [1]. While other drugs begin to improve cognitive functions of the brain only after several days of regular use. In addition, their result is not as pronounced as that of Modafinil.
That is why, if you need to quickly increase activity, ability to work, productivity and improve memory, there is nothing better than Modafinil.
The only drugs that can match the strength of action with Modafinil are amphetamines, such as Adderall, phenylethylamine, methylphenidate. They also cause an increase in the concentration of dopamine in the brain. However, their principle of action differs from Modafinil.
For example, Adderall and methylphenidate have a wide range of effects on the brain, including causing some negative side effects. They can cause insomnia, fever, hair loss, vision impairment, irritability, dizziness, dry mouth. And they also lead to a change in human behavior in society. And even this is not all the side effects of amphetamines.
The effect of Modafinil is more narrowly focused, and this, in turn, reduces the risk of dangerous adverse reactions. This drug, in addition to causing an increase in dopamine concentration, affects the orexinergic system of the brain, which is the most important regulatory mechanism and controls the sleep and wake cycle. Therefore, among the potential side effects of Modafinil are insomnia and headaches. But you can find out how to avoid the common side effects of Modafinil in this article.
Actually, due to the lack of a large number of side effects in many countries, doctors prescribe Modafinil to patients with narcolepsy and ADHD, and not other drugs with a stimulating effect.
One of the main disadvantages of amphetamines and other substances with nootropic properties is withdrawal syndrome. This term is commonly used to refer to a complex of symptoms that occur after the duration of the drug ends.
So, in the case of amphetamines, withdrawal syndrome can manifest itself as a depressive state and anxiety. As a result, a person, in order to avoid such a condition, continues to take the drug, which is why dependence develops over time.
Modafinil does not cause such effects, so most people can stop taking the drug without much difficulty. Moreover, the cancellation of the medication does not cause a deterioration in activity, compared to what it was before taking the medication.
Modafinil is a psychostimulant developed in the seventies of the twentieth century. The authorship of this tool belongs to the French-American manufacturer-Cephalon Corporation, which was looking for an effective tool to combat narcolepsy.
Despite the fact that according to statistics, such a disease is quite rare (diagnosed in about 0.025% of the US population), a person suffering from it can fall asleep unnoticed while driving a vehicle or in another situation that requires high concentration of attention. Therefore, the problem is much more serious than it may seem at first glance, and requires competent treatment.
The US Central Administration for the Quality Control of Medicines and Food Products (FDA) considers Modafinil a relatively safe pharmaceutical product, which is an excellent alternative to caffeine, amphetamine and other popular stimulants of synthetic origin. In the composition of the drug, in addition to the main active substance (Modafinil), there are a number of auxiliary components.
To date, little is known about the exact mechanism of the effect of Modafinil on the human body. As a result of large-scale clinical studies, scientists have found that the drug increases the level of serotonin in the anterior cortex and amygdala and stimulates an increased release of dopamine, norepinephrine and other monoamines from the synoptic slits.
Under the influence of medication, the hypothalamus intensively produces histamine, which entails the activation of alpha-1 receptors.
Modafinil affects different parts of the brain. One of the most important and pronounced effects is considered to be an increase in alertness, concentration, the ability to remember, comprehend and assimilate new information. With the help of medicine, a person is able to control his voluntary attention, as well as improve the perception of the surrounding reality.
Although Modafinil is not an antidepressant and does not cause euphoria like some other banned stimulants, it may well restore a good mood and reduce anxiety.
As mentioned above, Modafinil was originally developed as an effective treatment for narcolepsy and obstructive apnea. It was also supposed to be used in order to get rid of the chronic lack of sleep and drowsiness that arise as a result of the transition to summer/winter time and the resulting shifts in the work schedule.
Unlike amphetamine, which causes euphoria, as well as side effects in the form of "hangover" and addiction, Modafinil is able to significantly increase concentration, alertness and performance without "side effects".
For experimental purposes, the drug was used and continues to be used to this day for military and space tasks. Scientists from Canada have published a detailed report that the nootropic was able to demonstrate very positive results during the long stay of a group of astronauts on the ISS.
In the US army, the use of Modafinil by fighter pilots and military helicopters is permissible, which allows them to maintain a high degree of concentration for up to a day and a half after a single high dose (600 mg or more).
Some scientists have suggested that the drug could be used to treat addiction to cocaine and some other addictive stimulants. A double study, which involved patients suffering from a similar problem, showed that the drug is able to relieve cocaine withdrawal, but a positive result is not guaranteed and depends on a number of psychoemotional and other concomitant factors.
According to the results of numerous clinical trials, it was found that the drug reduces appetite and promotes intensive weight loss. Amphetamine, taken for similar purposes, significantly increases the pulse rate, can cause tachycardia and a number of other undesirable effects.
Modafinil also demonstrates outstanding results in the treatment of cognitive disorders, is used to improve memory and eliminates excessive daytime fatigue and drowsiness, which are caused by primary biliary cirrhosis of the liver.
Since 2004, tablets with a higher dose of the main active ingredient have been used to treat adolescents and children suffering from hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder.
Modafinil and its analogues are currently used to relieve the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, such as neurological fatigue and depressive states.
After conducting clinical trials of the R-isomer of Modafinil, it has proven very positively as an effective treatment for bipolar affective disorder.
Alertec | Canada, Ecuador. |
BravaMax | Egypt, Morocco. |
Carim | Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Colombia, Ecuador, Uruguay. |
Provake | India (also Modalert, Modapro, Modafil, Modvigil, Modatec). |
Modasomil | Austria, Switzerland. |
Modavigil | Australia, New Zealand. |
Modiodal | Mexico, Philippines, Spain, France, Denmark, Iceland, Greece, Cyprus, Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, Norway, Turkey, Japan. |
Modiwake | Turkey. |
Provigil | United States, Belgium, Ireland, Italy, South Korea, United Kingdom, South Africa, Israel, Finland. |
Resotyl | Chile (also Mentix, Alertex, Zalux). |
Stavigile | Brazil. |
Vigia | Colombia. |
Vigicer | Argentina. |
Vigil | Germany. |
V-ZAC | Pakistan. |
The use of the medicine is prohibited in the following cases:
The use of Modafinil is contraindicated during pregnancy and during lactation. The drug is not combined with alcoholic beverages and can significantly reduce the effectiveness of contraceptives. With cirrhosis and serious liver damage, it is strictly forbidden to use the drug.
For the treatment of drowsiness and narcolepsy, the drug is used once a day in the morning in an amount of 200-300 mg.
A dosage of 400 mg can lead to difficulty falling asleep at night. In studies involving pilots of airplanes and helicopters, a dosage of 600 mg, divided into several doses, allowed to maintain high accuracy, good reaction and concentration for a day and a half.
In the case of patients suffering from multiple sclerosis, an increase in the dose from 200 to 400 mg did not show a noticeable difference in the results.
The most common side effects that occur with an overdose of the drug are headache and nausea.
Today, Modafinil is considered a safer stimulant than amphetamine and even caffeine. However, according to a large-scale study by the Canadian Ministry of Health, it was possible to establish such information regarding side effects and possible complications:
In rare cases, an overdose can lead to anaphylactic shock, dyseptic disorders, nasal congestion, lower back pain, and Quincke's edema.
Modafinil should not be used by children despite the fact that the results of studies have demonstrated the relative safety of the drug for adolescents and children aged 9 to 17 years.
Modafinil has a minimal number of side effects with a tangible effect, which is expressed in increased performance, improved concentration and no need for sleep.
That is why today, in many military departments of different countries, the question is raised about the complete replacement of traditional Amphetamine, which is present in the first-aid kit of soldiers of special units, with Modafinil. Due to its outstanding qualities, the drug is actively used among astronauts, pilots and even law enforcement officers.
For example, in some American states, police officers receive 200 mg of Modalert daily to increase productivity and improve the response required when catching criminals.
On the other hand, in cases of abuse or excess of the dosage, dehydration, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and a number of other unpleasant symptoms can be observed.
Since this pharmaceutical product increases the level of histamine, people who are prone to allergic reactions should refrain from using it. Buyers from some countries also attribute the high cost of the drug and a certain complexity associated with its purchase to the disadvantages.
This drug has certain indications, and its use for other purposes or exceeding the recommended dosages is an unjustified risk to your own health.
Despite the fact that Modafinil was synthesized relatively long ago, and more than two dozen large-scale clinical studies have already been implemented, it is definitely impossible to declare the complete safety of this drug.
Any stimulant depletes the nervous system, so I would recommend using the drug in one-time cases when it is really necessary. It is best to find a "legal" energy and tonic that does not deplete the reserves of serotonin and dopamine, such as sports, creativity or sex.
Modafinil and its analogues are currently actively used in bodybuilding. Among fans of weightlifting, there is an opinion that the drug not only increases IQ, but also miraculously increases the efficiency of training in the gym.
In fact, it allows you to provide the maximum level of concentration, allowing you to focus as much as possible on the training process.
The active component of the drug is part of various pre-training complexes designed to improve performance and "pumping".
Modalert and Modafinil are also often used by American and European students, since they can be used to prepare for the delivery of the session in a few days, and the assimilation of information is much more effective.
No-sleepiness.com provides the most complete information about drugs containing Modafinil as an active ingredient, which is based only on factual data confirmed by clinical studies.
We will talk about what Modafinil is and what it is used for, how to take it correctly and safely, compare its various analogues, including brands and generics. We will also tell you which of the generic brands of Modafinil is better.
The main function of Modafinil is to help people with sleep disorders stay active and awake during the day. First of all, we are talking about people with narcolepsy and suffering from excessive daytime sleepiness due to obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. It is prescribed to patients with multiple sclerosis, clinical depression, Parkinson's disease, mental disorders, as well as cognitive impairment.
By acting on brain cells, this drug helps to improve cognitive functions. In particular, Modafinil causes an increase in efficiency, activity, alertness, concentration and concentration. Therefore, many perceive it as a kind of doping for the brain.
The psychostimulant Modafinil is also known as Modafinil. It belongs to a group of nootropics that treat narcolepsy, agitation or sleep apnea, and other sleep disorders. The drug is used for violations of concentration, memory and perception disorders. It is part of a group of dietary supplements, is banned in a number of countries, and is considered sports doping.
The drug is available only in tablet format, there are no other types of medication. The full composition depends on the type of tablets, because they are available under different names. It is known that the concentration of the active substance of the same name in tablets is equal to 100 or 200 mg per piece. Packages include blisters of 10 pieces, several blisters in a pack.
The exact mechanism of interaction of Modafinil with brain transmitter neurons is not yet clear. Presumably, the active substance increases the release of monoamines, catecholamines, dopamine and norepinephrine from the synaptic cleft. At the same time, the component increases the level of hypothalamus histamine, acting by analogy with amphetamine stimulants. The drug is not addictive, reduces the potential for abuse compared to traditional stimulants, while maintaining the effect of the drug against drowsiness.
Once in the body, Modafinil increases the level of dopamine in the striatum and nucleus accumbens, norepinephrine in the hypothalamus, serotonin in the amygdala of the brain. Under the action of the inhibitor component, the glutamatergic chain is activated, and the transmission of the nerve signal under the influence of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is suppressed. It involves the neuropeptides orexin hypocretins, which are responsible for regulating wakefulness.
Activation of these neurons leads to an increase in the level of histamine in the areas, reduces the craving for drowsiness. Presumably, the component enhances electrotonic coupling by increasing the efficiency of direct slot contacts between neurons. This allows the receptors to form a direct diffusion through the bound cells and increase resistance to the induction of the action potential. Due to this, the gamma range of rhythms is expanded and the nootropic effect of the neurotransmitter is manifested.
Pharmacokinetic data of Modafinil: binds to plasma proteins by 60%, has 80% bioavailability, is an inducer of cytochrome enzymes. The component reaches the maximum concentration in 2.5 hours after ingestion, it is affected by food intake. The half-life is 11 hours, depending on the function of the liver and kidneys, the genotype of the enzymes. Withdrawal occurs in the urine. The main metabolite of the substance – modafinilic acid-was detected in plasma, serum, and urine. The presence of the component can be confirmed by a doping test. It's unlikely that an amphetamine test will detect it.
Start taking any medicine or dietary supplements (dietary supplements) should be with a minimum dosage, gradually increasing it. This method allows you to check how the body reacts to the components of the drug, whether there is an allergy to them, and also determine how quickly the metabolism and excretion of the active substance occurs.
Almost all medicines, getting into the human body, are metabolized in the liver. To do this, the liver uses a set of specific enzymes that break down chemicals. Each of them is programmed by specific genes called CYP450 isoenzymes.
Since all CYP450 genes are unique, therefore some people have a greater ability to break down some chemicals, but at the same time they break down others worse. Actually, this phenomenon explains why some people should constantly drink coffee during the day to maintain their energy, while others remain active only after one cup of drink. The fact is that the organisms of the latter cannot break down caffeine as effectively as the former. And the reason for this is the polymorphism of CYP450.
The same thing happens with modafinil. Therefore, before using the maximum doses at once, it is necessary to check the rate of cleavage of the substance. People whose bodies have difficulty breaking down modafinil will feel its effect for quite a long time, even if a small dose was taken.
In addition, if you take the medicine daily, its concentration in the blood increases over time. And this also requires a dose reduction.
As a complex therapy, the drug is used as an adjunct to antidepressants. Indications for use are:
Experimentally, Modafinil can be used to treat cocaine addiction, because their mechanisms of action on the brain are opposite. A double-blind study of the effectiveness of the two components showed that addicts increased the number of consecutive days of non-use of cocaine, but there was no effect on the rate of change of the days of non-use. The patent was not obtained.
People even with a healthy weight can use the tool to reduce appetite and lose weight. According to monthly studies, users of the drug Modafinil lose body weight, reduce their calorie intake by 18% when taking 200 mg and by 38% at 400 mg / day compared to placebo. Scientists associate the effect of reducing appetite with an amphetamine-like effect, but the drug in question does not increase the pulse rate. On the other hand, one of the companies registered a drug under a patent for weight gain.
Chronic liver diseases, for example, cirrhosis leads to the appearance of excessive fatigue in patients, daytime drowsiness. Modafinil will help to cope with them. According to laboratory studies, two months of use of the drug helps to significantly reduce the symptoms of fatigue. The Epworth sleepiness scale was used to evaluate the tests.
Not for its intended purpose, the drug can be used to treat mental disorders. It restores cognitive abilities in people who have undergone chemotherapy, mitigates memory disorders, relieves depression in bipolar affective disorder (but sometimes provokes a manic phase), reduces the symptoms of neurological fatigue in multiple sclerosis. In pediatrics, the drug is used to treat attention deficit disorder in children and adolescents aged 6-17 years (in some countries it is prohibited due to dermatological toxicity, a patent has not been obtained).
The standard dosage of tablets is 4 mg/kg of human weight. This is approximately Modafinil 100-200 mg/day. This dose helps with purposeful sleep suppression or to give vigor in the morning or at night. For the treatment of narcolepsy or sleep apnea, take 200-400 mg/day once or in the morning and at noon. To increase physical performance, 100-400 mg per day is indicated. For the treatment of hypersomnia, take 200 mg a day once, in the morning. Therapy of drowsiness associated with shift shifts involves the use of tablets at a dose of 200 mg an hour before the start of the shift.
Athletes take tablets of 50-100 mg per dose, gradually increasing the dose. The drug is used 2-3 hours before sports competitions. It is indicated for aerobic exercise, exercise with increased endurance, shot put, pole vault or long jump. For bodybuilders, the use of the drug is not justified, because it does not affect muscle gain or fat loss.
Taking the drug in the afternoon is not recommended due to prolonged withdrawal from the body. Athletes should carefully use the drug Modafinil, because it is capable of giving a positive result of a doping test. The drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding (lactation), due to possible harm to the fetus.
Before starting therapy, the patient should notify the doctor about the medications they are taking, because the combination of Modafinil with other drugs can give an unpredictable effect. It reduces the effectiveness of birth control pills, which leads to the development of unwanted pregnancies, so it is better to use barrier methods of contraception during therapy. The drug in combination with yohimbine (included in the means to improve potency) increases the heart rate and increases blood pressure to a dangerous level. The combination with alcohol is prohibited.
According to the instructions attached to each drug based on Modafinil, there are a number of prohibitions on use. These include:
Modafinil therapy is not without side effects. The most famous of them are:
According to clinical trials, taking 1200 mg of the drug per day for 7-21 days or a single dose of 4500 mg did not cause symptoms of overdose and death. Possible symptoms of intoxication when trying to commit suicide with large doses of medication are excitement, anxiety, insomnia, irritability, disorientation, tremor, vomiting, diarrhea. A person may experience anxiety, aggressiveness, nervousness. 5000 mg of the drug causes mild tachycardia and motor disorders.
All of the above information is a means of familiarization (All information is based on the results of research conducted by the method of expert evaluation). The articles on the site No-sleepiness.com have general information intended for a general understanding of the features of the drug Modafinil. Carefully read the instructions for use. We do not encourage you to self-medicate. This information should not be used to make a decision about taking this or any other drug. Only the attending physician has the necessary knowledge and experience to make decisions about which drugs are suitable for a particular patient. This information is not a guarantee that the drug is safe, effective or approved for the treatment of any diseases or specific patients. Here are only brief general information about this drug. It DOES NOT provide all available information about the possible use of the drug with instructions for use, warnings, precautions, information about interactions, undesirable effects and risks that may be associated with this drug. This information should not be considered as a treatment guide and does not replace the information provided to you by your attending physician. For full information about the possible risks and benefits of taking this drug, contact your doctor. Be careful and consult with your doctor!
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