Is Modafinil Helps for ADHD in Adults?

Modafinil is a wonderful prescription med used for treating various sleep disorders, but it has a comprehensive range of "off-label" uses. One of its uses is in treating ADHD. It's frequently desired over alternatives because it's remarkably less likely to result in tolerance & addiction. But what is ADHD? Is modafinil efficacious for treating this condition? Read this comprehensive guide to comprehend more facts about modafinil & how it works, its effectiveness in treating ADHD symptoms, the expected negative effects, and a verdict. Here are the pointers. 

What Is Modafinil?

Modafinil dubbed a "smart tab" is a prescription med used to remedy sleep-related health conditions due to excessive daytime sleepiness, idiopathic hypersomnia, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder (SWSD), & other conditions. Furthermore, it can be prescribed to individuals suffering from jet lag, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), myotonic dystrophy, Parkinson's & Alzheimer's disease symptoms, multiple sclerosis (the fatigue negative effects), fibromyalgia (fatigue symptoms), sleep induced by opioid meds, weight loss, cerebral palsy, & attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD), among others. Experts use it off-label to boost workflow & productivity. It is dubbed the world's first safe "smart drug" due to its ability to stimulate wakefulness in the brain, enhance motivation, focus, and energy, and promote mental acuity, memory, thinking & brain processing, among other related benefits. Modafinil tab facilitates reasoning & mental performance. Now you know. Let's take a look at the use of modafinil to treat ADHD.

What Are ADHD Symptoms?

ADHD is a regular neurodevelopmental disorder in preadolescence. It's usually first diagnosed in preadolescence & frequently lasts into adultness.  Children living with ADHD may have problems with paying attention, handling impulsive behaviors (acting without considering what the result will be), or being overly active. Some individuals with the ADHD condition can have fewer manifestations as they age, but some adults persist in having influential symptoms that hinder daily functioning. Symptoms can vary from benign to severe [1]. Certainly, many grown-ups with ADHD aren't conscious they have it — they solely comprehend that day-to-day tasks can be a challenge. In grown-ups, the main characteristics of ADHD may comprise difficulties in paying attention, impulsiveness, disorganization & prioritizing issues, multitasking problem, insufficient time management skills, frequent mood swings, troubles focusing on a task, disproportionate activity or restlessness, hot temper, fidgeting or constant moving, talking too much, wandering, low frustration tolerance, unsatisfactory planning, troubles following through & completing tasks, as well as crisis coping with stress, etc.  Certainly, adults with ADHD can lead to low-grade work or academy performance, hazardous relationships, low self-esteem, & several other problems.

How Does Modafinil Exactly Work?

Modafinil functions by augmenting a sequence of brain receptors involved with the process of wakefulness and also cognition. Such neurotransmitters include norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine, orexin, glutamate, histamine, adrenaline, acetylcholine, & gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Orexin regulates the waking portion of the sleep-wake cycle (boosts the feeling of wakefulness & can effectively slow the onset of sleep for several hours). Its half-life is 12-15 hours [2]. Take note that each neurotransmitter has its uses.  Because of its mode of action, the "smart tab" is similar in this regard to other stimulants like amphetamine (Adderall), caffeine, & methylphenidate (Ritalin), though with more infrequent negative effects.

Is Modafinil Good for ADHD in Adults?

Although the "smart tab" isn't certified by the FDA to treat ADHD, some research has demonstrated advancement in ADHD symptoms. According to the FDA, the "smart tab" is indeed a federally controlled substance (C-IV) due to its possibility of abuse or leading to dependence [3]. Using modafinil for ADHD is straightforward & is easily obtainable online. It's indeed good for ADHD in both children and adults. Dosage varies based on the individual body, the severity of symptoms, & response to medication. Doses of either 100 mg or 400 mg or so are taken by grown-ups to counteract the symptoms of ADHD & boost concentration. The dose of modafinil for ADHD in adults & children varies. According to a study, individuals who obtained modafinil 300 mg once daily demonstrated a remarkably greater improvement than those who obtained a placebo in symptoms of ADHD [4]. In children weighing > or = 30 kg, the "smart tab" 400 mg (200/200 mg) proves to be extremely superior to the placebo. All dosing regimens of the "smart tab" are indeed well-tolerated. The benefit of administering the "smart tab" periodically (1-4 times/week) is that it can enormously lessen the chances of developing tolerance to the med. Besides, it normally involves education, skills training, & psychological counseling. A mix of these is constantly the most efficacious therapy. These therapies can aid manage many manifestations of ADHD, but they don't cure it. If you intend on using the "smart tab" daily, it's suggested that you first consult your condition & the most suitable options available with your physician. After consulting with your physician, it's best to obtain the "smart tab" from your local pharmacy or online from a generic medication supplier. Generics are cheap & similar to the brand-name med.

What Are the Side Effects of Taking Modafinil for ADHD in Adults?

In some individuals, modafinil can induce negative effects. Some of the side effects can be avoided by taking the med correctly and adhering to the prescription. The most standard negative effects of the "smart tab" include headache, nausea, nervousness, dizziness, back pain, stuffy nose, feeling anxious, diarrhea, problem sleeping, & upset stomach. Other severe negative effects comprise allergic reaction or a serious rash, including prompt swelling beneath the skin, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, new mental health issues such as anxiety, hallucinations, aggression, depression, & thoughts of suicide. Besides, symptoms of heart concern, including abnormal heartbeat, chest pain, & trouble breathing, may occur [5]. In infrequent circumstances, the "smart tab" can create a multi-organ hypersensitivity response, which can be life-menacing.  Cease taking the "smart tab" & seek medical attention instantly if you undergo any of these serious negative effects. Also Read: Brain Training for Children With ADHD: A Guide to an Alternative to Medication.

Resume

We've covered more in-depth about ADHD and the most suitable treatment. Certainly, the experience of ADHD isn't thoroughly based on genetics. An individual's environment can certainly impact how much ADHD induces difficulties in their daily life. Using modafinil for ADHD in adults can be the ideal choice since it has been verified to be efficacious, safe, & well-tolerated, although it may not be the suitable choice for everyone. Some individuals have undesirable negative effects or find that the meds aren't efficacious. Adults with ADHD should work closely with a physician to try modafinil for ADHD therapy or different medication types & doses. The goal is to discover the one that furnishes the suitable balance of favorable effects with minimal negative effects.

References

1. Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Published: June 22, 2019. Mayoclinic.org.
2. Provigil® (modafinil) Tablets [C-IV] (pdf). Published: October 2010. Accessdata.fda.gov.
3. A review of the use of modafinil for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. By Danielle Turner. Published: April 2006. Pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
4. A comparison of once-daily and divided doses of modafinil in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study. By Joseph Biederman, James M Swanson, Sharon B Wigal, Samuel W Boellner, Craig Q Earl, Frank A Lopez, and Modafinil ADHD Study Group. Published: May 2006. Pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
5. MODAFINIL Side Effects by Likelihood and Severity. Retrieved: June 7, 2022. Webmd.com.