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Compare Modafinil vs. Adderall

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

Key takeaways

Modafinil (Provigil) 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. Modafinil is a wakefulness-promoting agent, while Adderall is a stimulant. Modafinil is also used for shift work disorder and obstructive sleep apnea. Adderall is primarily used for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Modafinil is typically taken once daily, while Adderall may need to be taken multiple times a day due to its shorter duration of action. Adderall is also available in extended release forms like Adderall XR that may only need to be taken once daily. Both modafinil and Adderall are available as generics. They have different side effects and interactions; modafinil can cause headaches and nausea, and it may interact with hormonal birth control and other medications. Adderall can lead to trouble sleeping and loss of appetite. It can also interact with medications that affect serotonin levels, increasing the risk of serotonin syndrome. Both medications have a risk of misuse and dependence because they are controlled substances.

  • Modafinil (Provigil)
    Adderall
  • Modafinil (Provigil)
    Adderall

  • Summary of Modafinil vs. Adderall

    Summary for Wakefulness-promoting agent
    Prescription only

    Modafinil (Provigil) helps improve wakefulness in adults with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, or shift work disorder. This wake-promoting medication comes as a tablet that’s taken by mouth. For adults with narcolepsy or sleep apnea, you take a dosage once daily in the morning. And for those with shift work disorder, you take your dosage 1 hour before the start of your work shift. Common side effects include headache and nausea. Modafinil (Provigil) is a controlled substance because of its potential for misuse.

    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 Modafinil vs. Adderall

    Indications for
    •Improve wakefulness in adults with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, or shift work disorder
    Indications for
    •Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
    •Narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness)

  • Pros and Cons of Modafinil vs. Adderall

    Pros and Const for Wakefulness-promoting agent
    Pros
    •Taken once a day
    •Can start to work after about 1 hour of taking
    •Might be less likely to feel anxious or jittery than with common stimulants for these sleep issues
    Cons
    •A controlled substance, so there are specific rules for getting it filled at the pharmacy
    •Interacts with many medications, like omeprazole (Prilosec), warfarin (Coumadin), and hormonal birth control
    •Not approved 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 Modafinil vs. Adderall

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (34%)
    •Nausea (11%)
    •Feeling nervous (7%)
    •Runny nose (7%)
    •Back pain (6%)
    •Diarrhea (6%)
    •Anxiety (5%)
    •Dizziness (5%)
    •Indigestion (5%)
    •Trouble sleeping (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Upset stomach
    •Lower appetite
    •Weight loss
    •Nervousness
    •Changes in mood
    •Trouble sleeping

  • Warnings of Modafinil vs. Adderall

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Serious rash and skin reactions
    •Sleepiness and trouble focusing, thinking, and reacting
    •Unusual changes in mood and behavior
    •Heart problems
    •Changes in blood pressure and heart rate
    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 Modafinil vs. Adderall

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