Modafinil is often called a smart drug because it helps people stay awake and focused. Students, professionals, and shift workers use it to improve concentration during long hours. But an important question comes up before trying it: Is Modafinil addictive? In this blog we will explain what Modafinil is and its addiction potential.

What is Modafinil?

Modafinil is a prescription medication that help individual to stay awake, enhance concentration, and combat fatigue. It is commonly used to treat sleep disorders like narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea and shift work sleep disorder but doctors may also prescribe it off-label for many reasons.

Modafinil is sold under the brand names such as Modvigil, Modalert and Provigil. Modafinil works by changing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly norepinephrine and dopamine [1].

Is Modafinil Addictive?

While the possibility of Modafinil addiction is low, it is possible, so it should be considered.

Abuse of prescription medications such as Modafinil  is characterized by taking:

• More frequent doses than prescribed.
• Larger doses than prescribed.
• Someone else’s prescription
• In a different way than prescribed
• Non-label Modafinil.

A study published in 2008 showed that one-third of people taking medications like Modafinil and Ritalin were buying counterfeit drugs online. This study shows that Modafinil abuse is high. However, unlike more potent medications, there is not as great a concern that this will lead to addiction and dependence.

A few case studies have shown the development of dependence, tolerance and addiction to Modafinil. Tolerance is where you need more quantities of a drug to get the same effect. If you are taking Modafinil to avoid feelings of lethargy, you may increase your amount as your symptoms of lethargy return [2].

Physical or psychological dependence develops over time and is more likely the more you use a medication. The development of tolerance to a drug increases the possibility that you will develop dependence as you are taking higher doses. Dependence occurs when your body and brain get used to the drug you are taking and feel like they cannot function normally without it. When you stop taking it, you experience withdrawal symptoms, which can be unpleasant. This makes it difficult to quit.

Addiction is close behind dependence. It is characterized as a brain disease that leads you to compulsively seek out and take the substance to which you are addicted. You can also develop a habit-based addiction where you compulsively carry out certain actions that give you a rush. Such as shopping or gambling. While Modafinil is not considered an addictive drug, some people will be prone to developing an addiction to it [3].

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Modafinil Abuse?

Modafinil addiction is rare, but if someone is taking it without consulting a doctor and using it as a cognitive enhancer, he or she may also show some of the other signs of drug abuse, such as [4]:

Behavioral Signs of Modafinil abuse and addiction:

• Lying about taking the medicine.
• Frequently trying to get a prescription for Modafinil
• Worrying about getting the next dose of the medication.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
• Developing a tolerance.
• Continuing to abuse modafinil despite the harmful physical, social and emotional impact.

Physical signs of Modafinil abuse and addiction:

• Insomnia.
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Nosebleeds
• Loss of appetite/weight loss
• Mouth sores
• Skin picking
• Changes in mood, appearance and hygiene
• Burning, tingling, or numb sensations in the skin
• Digestive issues
• Excessive thirst and dehydration
• Diarrhoea

What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms of Modafinil?

Modafinil is not known to cause severe withdrawal symptoms like some addictive drugs but discontinuing it after regular or long-term use can still lead to temporary discomfort. Most withdrawal symptoms happen because the body and brain are adjusting to functioning without the drug.

People who stop taking Modafinil can expect to experience the following symptoms [5]:

Low energy levels: Modafinil generally boosts energy; discontinuing the drug can result in low energy levels for the first few weeks.

Depression: Although not common, some individuals feel an antidepressant effect while taking this wakefulness-promoting agent, so stopping this medication can bring on depressive symptoms.

Issues with concentration: People report having poor focus once they stop taking Modafinil. In the majority of cases, these focus issues are just a result of having experienced improved cognition for a long time and not remembering what normal functioning feels like. However, this cognitive slowing is usually temporary.

Shortness of breath: Some individuals who discontinue Modafinil use report shortness of breath as a symptom.

There are various factors that can influence the duration and intensity of withdrawal from Modafinil, including:

Dosage: Modafinil reportedly does not have additional benefits beyond an amount of 200 mg per day, although some individuals take up to 400 mg each day. The higher the amount, the more likely you are to experience withdrawal effects.

Method of discontinuation: Suddenly discontinuing a medication produces different effects than tapering. If the medication has served as a wakefulness-promoting agent for a prolonged period, you have definitely become depentant to the drug. If you have been taking this medication for several years, you will likely experience withdrawal symptoms if you abruptly stop taking it.

Time span: Withdrawing from Modafinil will largely depend on how long the individual has been taking the medication. Withdrawal symptoms will be stronger for users who have been taking or abusing the medicine for years, versus people who have only been abusing the medicine for a few months.

How Can I Get Off Modafinil?

If you are dependent on Modafinil, it may be difficult to discontinue using it. In these cases, you may need professional help to get off the medication. A medical detox program can help you get rid of your prescription stimulant abuse and prepare for ongoing treatment in rehab.

During rehab, clinical counselors and addiction treatment specialists will help you make behavioral changes by using evidence-based addiction treatment approaches such as:

• Group therapy
• 12-Step facilitation therapy
• Family behavior therapy
• Rational emotive behavioral therapy
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Specialized therapies like art therapy, music therapy, or pet therapy.

A drug rehab program may not be necessary for someone suffering from someone struggling with Modafinil abuse, but depending on the severity of your addiction, it could be helpful.

Conclusion

Modafinil is generally considered safe when used as prescribed, but it can be abused or misused. Addiction to Modafinil is rare, however, dependence and tolerance can develop with long-term or excessive use.  If you or someone you know is struggling with Modafinil misuse, professional help and a structured treatment program can make discontinuing this medication safer and more effective. Always use Modafinil under medical supervision to reduce the risk of dependence.

Medical Disclaimer

All information provided is for informational purposes only. This is not a substitute for professional medical advice.