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Compare Armodafinil vs. Adderall

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

Key takeaways

Armodafinil (Nuvigil) and Adderall (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts) are both medications used to treat narcolepsy, a condition that causes excessive daytime sleepiness. However, they belong to different medication classes and have distinct uses and effects. Armodafinil is a wakefulness-promoting agent, while Adderall is a stimulant. Armodafinil is also used for shift work disorder and obstructive sleep apnea, whereas Adderall is primarily used for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Armodafinil is taken once daily, while Adderall may need to be taken multiple times a day due to its shorter duration of action. Both medications are available in generic forms, which can be more affordable. Common side effects of armodafinil include headache, nausea, and dizziness, while Adderall can cause trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, and nervousness. Armodafinil has a lower risk of abuse compared to Adderall, which is a Schedule II controlled substance with a higher potential for misuse and dependency. Additionally, armodafinil can interact with hormonal birth control, while Adderall can interact with medications affecting serotonin levels.

  • Armodafinil (Nuvigil)
    Adderall
  • Armodafinil (Nuvigil)
    Adderall

  • Summary of Armodafinil vs. Adderall

    Summary for Wakefulness-promoting agent
    Prescription only

    Armodafinil (Nuvigil) is used to improve wakefulness in adults who have extreme sleepiness due to narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), or shift work disorder. It belongs to a drug class called wakefulness-promoting agents. Armodafinil (Nuvigil) is taken by mouth once a day. The exact dosage depends on the condition you have. Some side effects include headache, nausea, and dizziness. This medication is a controlled substance because it has a risk of misuse and dependence. Armodafinil (Nuvigil) is available in brand-name and generic versions.

    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
    •Improve wakefulness in adults with excessive sleepiness due to:
    •Narcolepsy
    •Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
    •Shift work disorder
    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 within a few hours
    •Taken once a day
    Cons
    •Can interact with many medications, including omeprazole (Prilosec) and hormonal birth control
    •Not proven to be safe or effective for children
    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
    •Still feeling sleepy and risk of unsafe driving
    •Unusual changes in mood and behavior
    •Caution use in people with heart problems
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Armodafinil vs. Adderall

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    Learn more about Adderall

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