Taking modafinil can have a variety of different effects. It can improve your cognition and alertness but also have adverse side effects. The good thing about modafinil is that you won’t feel any of these side effects as long as you take it in moderation.
Adverse side effects
Taking modafinil is safe, but there are some adverse side effects that you should know about. These effects can occur even if you take a low dose. You may also experience problems with the medication if you have a history of connotation abuse or have a rare hereditary condition.
Modafinil is used as an alertness-enhancing drug. It can increase your ability to wake up and perform at work and improve your memory. It also helps fight fatigue caused by extended work hours. However, it should not take during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It can also make hormonal contraceptives less effective.
One of the most manageable side effects of modafinil is a headache. It usually exists for a few days and is mild. If you experience a headache, you must contact your doctor or emergency medical assistance.
Another common modafinil side effect is a dry mouth. It is usually associated with a larger dose of modafinil.
Enhanced alertness
Taking modafinil can help you stay awake during the day so order modafinil. It treats sleepiness caused by depression, attention-deficit disorder, or narcolepsy. It may also reduce fatigue caused by extended work hours.
It is known as a wake-promoting agent, which improves wakefulness by activating the alpha 1-adrenergic receptor. Compared to other stimulants, modafinil has fewer side effects. It may also improve memory and cognitive performance.
Taking modafinil may also reduce fatigue caused by a condition such as chronic fatigue syndrome. It is also consumed to treat jet lag. It has improved psychomotor activity, executive function, and memory. Taking modafinil may also be used to treat dementia.
Some studies suggest modafinil may prevent the hypocretin and peripheral autonomic nervous systems. It may also climb the stages of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.
In one study, modafinil gave to 72 patients with multiple sclerosis. The study was single-blind, and the results showed significant improvement in fatigue. Whether the improvement was due to the precognitive effects of the drug, or improved alertness, is unknown.
Improved cognition
Several studies have shown that modafinil has cognitive effects in healthy adults and children. However, these effects are inconclusive. Moreover, some studies suggest modafinil may affect learning, attention, and other cognitive processes. Its effects are likely related to monoamine activity changes, which sustained dosing regimens may enhance.
Several studies have shown that modafinil improves cognitive function in psychiatric patients. Studies have also investigated the effects of modafinil on healthy individuals and those with sleep deprivation. These studies indicate that modafinil affects the cognitive processes of a subset of tasks, which may be beneficial for individuals with sleep deprivation. In addition, modafinil is safe for children with ADHD.
Long-term effects
Despite its proven benefits, the long-term use of modafinil is not without its side effects. Often, these side effects can be mild. Other times, they can be severe.
Modafinil acts as a dopamine reuptake inhibitor. It may have effects on your immune system as well. Some studies have shown that people who use modafinil for extended periods may have less effective immune responses than those who do not take it.
Modafinil is also known to cause insomnia and nervousness. Users may not sleep at a predictable time and cannot perform in social situations. After taking modafinil for an extended period, users may experience a loss of cognitive function. In addition, modafinil may cause some users to become dependent on the drug.
Conclusion
Modafinil can cause headaches. It may be due to increases in blood pressure or vasoconstriction. Aside from that, headaches can be transient. Other users report that they have headaches that never go away.
Researchers have shown that modafinil significantly enhances performance on visual pattern recognition memory, spatial planning, and decision-making tasks. The effects of modafinil may be related to specific actions of the frontal cortex. In addition, modafinil may improve the processing of contextual cues.
Author: Dr. Ladonna Ford, graduated from the University of Arkansas For Medical Sciences College of Medicine in 1984. She works in Monroe, LA and 1 other location and specializes in Internal Medicine. Dr. Ford is affiliated with University Health Conway.