Modafinil Facts
Stimulant;
Description
Modafinil (2-benzhydrylsulfinylacetamide) is a synthetic eugeroic of the benzhydryl sulfinyl class. It blocks dopamine reuptake in wake-promoting brain regions, sharpening alertness without a stimulant rush.[1]
Subjective effects include wakefulness promotion, sharpened focus, increased motivation, appetite suppression, and mild mental clarity. The experience is defined by subtraction — sedation recedes and the cognitive foreground sharpens, without a rush, mood lift, or somatic buzz.
Physical dependence is very low, and no lethal dose has been established in humans.[2] The primary serious risk is a rare but potentially fatal blistering skin reaction that can appear within the first weeks of use, cannot be predicted, and prompted the FDA to block pediatric approval.[3]
Dose and durationby route · individual sensitivity varies
Starts in 20 – 60 minLasts 5 – 10 hoursAfter-effects 6 – 16 hours
Body and dependence
- Acute toxicity
- Low
- Chronic toxicity
- Low
- Physical dependence
- None
- Psychological dependence
- Low
- Withdrawal
- None recorded
- Compulsive redosing
- Negligible
Tolerance
- Builds
- Slow
- Fully resets after
- Not recorded
- Carries over to
- armodafinil;
adrafinil
Effectslikely at a common dose
- Perception
- none likely · 2 possible
- Body
- Stimulation;
Wakefulness; +6 possible, including Insomnia, Dehydration sensation, Headache - Thinking
- none likely · 7 possible
- Feeling
- none likely · 1 possible, including Anxiety
- Awareness
- Sustained attention (vicara);
+1 possible
Who shouldn't take it
Combinations62 recorded
Seek help immediately if
No emergency profile is recorded for this substance. Not recorded never means no risk.
988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineFireside Project: 62-FIRESIDE
References
- [1]^Volkow ND, Fowler JS, Logan J, et al. (2009) Effects of modafinil on dopamine and dopamine transporters in the male human brain: clinical implications. — JAMA doi:10.1001/jama.2009.351
- [2]
- [3]