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.
