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Compare Provigil vs. Desoxyn

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

Key takeaways

Modafinil (Provigil) and methamphetamine (Desoxyn) are both prescription medications, but they serve different purposes and belong to different drug classes. Modafinil is a wakefulness-promoting agent used to treat excessive sleepiness due to narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, or shift work disorder. Methamphetamine, on the other hand, is a stimulant primarily used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in people aged 6 years and older. Modafinil is taken once daily, while methamphetamine might need to be taken once or twice a day. Modafinil is a Schedule IV controlled substance, indicating a lower potential for misuse compared to methamphetamine, which is a Schedule II controlled substance with a higher risk of addiction and dependence. Common side effects of modafinil include headache and nausea, whereas methamphetamine can cause high blood pressure, fast heartbeat, and low appetite. Additionally, methamphetamine is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to potential harm to the baby, while modafinil's safety in these conditions is also uncertain.

  • Modafinil (Provigil)
    Methamphetamine (Desoxyn)
  • Modafinil (Provigil)
    Methamphetamine (Desoxyn)

  • Summary of Provigil vs. Desoxyn

    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

    Methamphetamine (Desoxyn) is a stimulant medication. It's FDA-approved to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but it's not commonly prescribed because other options are preferred. Some side effects of methamphetamine (Desoxyn) include restlessness, high blood pressure, and low appetite. Methamphetamine (Desoxyn) is a controlled substance with a risk of addiction and dependence.

  • Indications of Provigil vs. Desoxyn

    Indications for
    •Excessive sleepiness due to narcolepsy, shift work disorder, or obstructive sleep apnea
    Indications for
    •Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in people ages 6 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Provigil vs. Desoxyn

    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
    •Possible option for ADHD when other medications haven't worked
    •Taken by mouth
    •Available as a generic medication
    Cons
    •Only available as a tablet
    •Might need to take twice daily
    •Not safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding

  • Common Side Effects of Provigil vs. Desoxyn

    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
    •High blood pressure
    •Fast heartbeat
    •Tremors
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Dizziness
    •Diarrhea or constipation
    •Low appetite
    •Dry mouth
    •Weight loss

  • Warnings of Provigil vs. Desoxyn

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Serious skin reactions
    •Driving impairment
    •Heart problems
    •Mental health disorder symptoms
    Common Side Effects for
    •Addiction, misuse, and dependence
    •Serious heart problems
    •Changes in behavior or thoughts
    •Seizures
    •Blood circulation problem (Raynaud's phenomenon)
    •Slowed growth in children
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Worsening of motor and verbal tics

  • Prices with our coupons for Provigil vs. Desoxyn

    Learn more about Modafinil
    Learn more about Methamphetamine

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