Why you should switch from Adderall to Modafinil

 

May 13, 2016

Adderall and Modafinil serve similar functions, but are chemically very different. In this article, we aim to explore the differences in both drugs, and tell you why you should make the switch.

AddictionOne of the first things to note is that Adderall is a Schedule II controlled drug, while Modafinil is Schedule IV. This means that Adderall has a much higher potential for abuse, according to classifications by the US. DOJ. It is not without good reason. With the bulk of the active ingredient being an Amphetamine Salt, which is a potent Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulant. It is well established that Amphetamines are habit-forming, and has a tendency to lead to abuse or addiction. Adderall quickly develops a dependence in your body, bringing about nasty withdrawal symptoms. This is well documented by Johns Hopkins School, any many other established medical research institutions. Users of Adderall are more likely to become physically or psychologically dependent on the drug as compared to Modafinil. This is partly due to the fact that Adderall greatly raises dopamine levels, which is responsible for the ‘rewards centre’ in our brains, while this effect is only slightly pronounced in Modafinil. This dopamine rush is more likely to build a habit, with some users even resorting to snorting the drug to increase the dopamine high.

Modafinil on the other hand, by virtue of its classification as a Schedule IV, has a low potential for abuse. This is because it only brings about minimal dopaminergic effects. This means that while users of modafinil continue to receive the mental alertness, they do not experience as much psychological euphoria. The lack of a dopamine rush also means that the drug is a weak reinforcer when used for abuse, as opposed to Adderall.

Side EffectsPerhaps one of the best reasons to make the switch is that Modafinil tends to have lesser side effects. Adderall use often brings about adverse cardiac effects, which is especially apparent in users with heart problems, heart defects, hypertension or simply users with a family history of related conditions. Adderall raises the heart rate, which exerts pressure on your heart to work harder, and in some cases, leading to cardiotoxicity. Prolonged use of Adderall has also been linked to vascular disease.

That is not to say Modafinil does not have unpleasant side effects. However, if you examine the table at the bottom of this article, all the side effects linked to usage of modafinil are also present with Adderall use. In fact, the side effects for Adderall are stronger, and greater in number.

ThoughtsNot everyone has the same objectives or considerations when deciding on a cognitive enhancer for use. If you prefer to have some dopamine high when using your enhancers, but do not mind some compromise to your health, Adderall would be the choice. However, if your criteria of picking a cognitive enhancer is that it needs to be suited for long-term use with minimal health effects and drug dependence, modafinil is the way to go.

If you’re thinking about where to buy Modafinil, we sell the Modalert brand, made by Sun Pharmaceuticals, the 5th largest generics manufacturer based in India.

	Modafinil	Adderall
Drug type	Eugeroic	Psychostimulant
Ingredients	Modafinil	Mixed Amphetamine Salts (75% Dextroamphetamine / 25% Levoamphetamine)
Legal Status	Schedule IV (US)	Schedule II (US)
Mechanism of action	Inhibits reuptake of dopamine and elevates histamine levels in the hypothalamus. Increases levels of other monoamines such as norepinephrine / serotonin / and activation of orexin peptides. Stimulation of orexin receptors (OX1 and OX2) to promote wakefulness. Glutamatergic circuits / inhibit GABA neurotransmission / and enhance electronic coupling. Weakly inhibits the dopamine transporter (DAT), norepinephrine transporter (NET), enhances histamine and orexin release, increases the glutamate/GABA ratio in hypothalamic regions and other brain regions.	Inhibits reuptake of stimulatory neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Functions as a TAAR1 agonist and VMAT2 inhibitor. Catecholamine releasing agent, weak reuptake inhibitor of dopamine (Ki = 100nM), norepinephrine (Ki = 40-50 nM), and to a lesser extent serotonin (Ki = 1.4-3.8 uM), vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor, weak Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) inhibitor
Half life	12 hours	11 to 13 hours
Common side effects	Dizziness. Headache. Insomnia. Nausea. Nervousness.	Abdominal pain. Appetite loss. Diarrhea. Dizziness. Dry mouth. Fever. Headache. Insomnia. Irritability. Nausea. Nervousness. Vomiting. Weight loss.