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Compare Modafinil vs. Adderall

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

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

  • Summary of Modafinil vs. Adderall

    Summary for Wakefulness-promoting agent
    Prescription only

    Modafinil (Provigil) is a prescription medication used to improve wakefulness in people who have extreme sleepiness due to narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, or shift work disorder. It's considered a controlled substance since this medication has a potential to cause misuse. You should avoid alcohol while taking modafinil (Provigil), as well as certain other medications to avoid any serious interactions and side effects. Common side effects of modafinil (Provigil), however, include headache and nausea.

    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
    •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 Modafinil vs. Adderall

    Pros and Const for Wakefulness-promoting agent
    Pros
    •Convenient once-daily dosing
    •Can help you feel awake without feeling overstimulated
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Doesn't usually interfere with falling asleep when taken as recommended
    •Can help with attention as well as fatigue
    Cons
    •Interacts with many medications, including hormonal birth controls, warfarin (Coumadin), and omeprazole (Prilosec)
    •Older adults and people with severe liver problems might need a lower dose
    •Not known whether it's safe or works well for children
    •Generally not recommended if you're pregnant or breastfeeding
    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%)
    •Upset stomach and 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 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

  • Prices with our coupons for Modafinil vs. Adderall

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