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Compare Armodafinil vs. Adderall

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Armodafinil (Nuvigil)
Adderall
Armodafinil (Nuvigil)
Adderall

Summary of Armodafinil vs. Adderall

Summary for Wakefulness-promoting agent
Prescription only

Armodafinil (Nuvigil) is a medication used to improve wakefulness in people who have extreme sleepiness due to narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, or shift work disorder. It's similar to the medication modafinil (Provigil).

Summary for Stimulant
Prescription only

Adderall is a stimulant medication that's used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy in adults and children. It contains the instant-release (IR) forms of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine salts. Adderall is available as a brand-name and lower-cost generic tablet that's taken by mouth. Your psychiatrist will adjust the dosage for you based on how well the medication works for you. Common side effects include trouble sleeping and loss of appetite.

Indications of Armodafinil vs. Adderall

Indications for
•Excessive sleepiness due to narcolepsy, shift work disorder, or obstructive sleep apnea
Indications for
•Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
•Narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness)

Pros and Cons of Armodafinil vs. Adderall

Pros and Const for Wakefulness-promoting agent
Pros
•Starts to work in about an hour
•Only needs to be taken once a day
•Less likely to be abused compared to amphetamine stimulants
•Your provider can prescribe refills, unlike other controlled stimulant medications
•Available as generic, which can be more affordable
Cons
•Can interact with other medications, including hormonal birth control
•Not proven to be safe or effective for children age 16 or younger
•Older adults and people with severe liver problems might need a lower dose
•Should be used with caution in people with a history of certain mental health conditions
•Generally not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
•May not be a good choice for some people with heart problems
Pros and Const for Stimulant
Pros
•First-choice option for ADHD in children and adults
•Starts working within an hour after taking
•Available as a lower-cost generic
•Can use together with behavioral counseling or other non-medication therapies to treat ADHD
Cons
•Has a risk of misuse and dependency
•A controlled medication, so there are special requirements for getting the prescription filled
•Dose needs to be raised and lowered slowly to avoid side effects and withdrawal symptoms
•Not available as a liquid or patch form (unlike methylphenidate (Ritalin))

Common Side Effects of Armodafinil vs. Adderall

Common Side Effects for
•Headache (17%)
•Nausea (7%)
•Dizziness (5%)
•Trouble sleeping (5%)
•Anxiety (4%)
•Diarrhea (4%)
•Dry mouth (4%)
Common Side Effects for
•Upset stomach
•Lower appetite
•Weight loss
•Nervousness
•Changes in mood
•Trouble sleeping

Warnings of Armodafinil vs. Adderall

Common Side Effects for
•Serious allergic reactions
•Serious skin reactions
•Driving impairment
•Heart problems
•Mental health disorder symptoms
Common Side Effects for
•Misuse and addiction
•Dependence and withdrawal
•Serious heart problems
•Aggressive behavior and psychosis
•Slowed growth in children
•Seizures
•Blood circulation problems (such as Raynaud's phenomenon)
•Serotonin syndrome
•Drug interactions

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