Contents
- 1 Modafinil vs. Adderall
- 1.0.1 An in-depth comparison between the two drugs
- 1.0.2 Modafinil vs. Adderall – An overview
- 1.0.3 Modafinil vs. Adderall – A basic comparison
- 1.0.4 Modafinil vs. Adderall – Difference in the components
- 1.0.5 Modafinil vs. Adderall – How are the mechanism of action different?
- 1.0.6 Modafinil vs. Adderall – Which is better?
- 1.0.7 Well, the Winner is Modafinil.
- 1.0.8 The final thoughts
- 1.0.9 Reference
Modafinil vs. Adderall
An in-depth comparison between the two drugs
This article will be a read for you if you’re confused about making an informed choice between Modafinil and Adderall.
Here, we’ll be looking at a detailed comparison between the two “smart drugs,” Modafinil vs. Adderall.
We’re not promoting the two drugs; we’re just helping you choose the best one basis your requirement.
Read on to know more about the Modafinil vs. Adderall comparison.
Modafinil vs. Adderall – An overview
Modafinil and Adderall are stimulants prescribed for sleep disorders, insomnia, fatigue, and ADHD.
Nowadays, they are also being used to improve athletic performance as well as cognitive performance.
In the upcoming sections, we’ll discuss both the drugs in detail and draw a fair comparison between them to help you make an informed decision.
Modafinil vs. Adderall – A basic comparison
As already mentioned above, Modafinil and Adderall are stimulants.
Since they follow different chemical mechanisms and have different chemical structure, their possible side effects and clinical forms are different.
While Adderall is mainly prescribed for narcolepsy and ADHD, Modafinil is recommended for;
- Obstructive sleep
- Breathing cessation,
- Excessive sleep during the daytime because of narcolepsy,
- And sleep disorders related to shift-based jobs.
In some cases, Modafinil is also prescribed to relieve the fatigue and exhaustion caused by cancer and depression.
Modafinil is classified as a Schedule IV drug due to its lower possibility for abuse.
On the other hand, Adderall is classified as a Schedule II drug due to its increased potential for drug abuse and psychological and physical addiction.
Modafinil vs. Adderall – Difference in the components
Let’s look at the components of Modafinil and Adderall.
Adderall
The following amphetamine salts come together to form Adderall:
- D-amphetamine sulfate,
- L-amphetamine aspartate,
- D-amphetamine (d-amphetamine) saccharate,
- L – amphetamine (l-amphetamine) sulfate.
Modafinil
Modafinil is an amalgamation of the two structural modifications of 2- [(diphenyl methyl)sulfinyl]acetamide.
The two variants of the molecule are mirror images and have varying properties.
Modafinil vs. Adderall – How are the mechanism of action different?
Adderall
Adderall functions by stimulating the release of neurotransmitters such as adrenaline, dopamine, and norepinephrine.
Moreover, Adderall also protects neurotransmitters against being stored in the nerve cell, broken down, or utilized.
To make this possible, Adderall blocks the proteins that pull the neurotransmitters inside the cells.
Another important action point of Adderall is the protection of dopamine.
Adderall stops dopamine from getting deposited inside the cell compartments so that enough dopamine is available in the brain to enhance the perceived intelligence.
Lastly, Adderall triggers the alpha- and beta-adrenaline receptor areas.
On stimulation, the beta-adrenaline receptor stimulates the brain by improving the heart rate, enhancing blood circulation to the muscles, and blood flow from the heart.
Modafinil
Modafinil plays a critical role in blocking dopamine transport. This leads to more availability of dopamine in the brain.
Modafinil is also responsible for spiking the dopamine levels in the brain.
Increase dopamine levels are responsible for keeping you awake, helping you think creatively, boosting your confidence, and keeping you active throughout the day.
Modafinil vs. Adderall – Which is better?
Based on all the comparison points mentioned above, we have a clear winner. Any guesses?
Well, the Winner is Modafinil.
Here are two reasons why:
Modafinil is equally effective as Adderall.
Based on a study where army personnel was made to stay awake for almost 64 hours for completing their tasks and tested on mood and cognition.
It was found that the effect of Adderall and Modafinil was similar in retaining the reasoning abilities and temperament.
Modafinil is a safer alternative to Adderall. As you’ve already seen in the article, Adderall is more addictive in nature than Modafinil and is classified as a schedule II drug.
So, Modafinil is safer and does not lead to any drug abuse or addiction.
Since Modafinil is safe to consume, non-addictive, and the effects are similar to Adderall, it’s clearly a better choice.
The final thoughts
Now that you have gone through the in-depth Modafinil vs. Adderall comparison, you’ve understood that both the drugs are brain stimulants which almost the same action mechanisms.
Adderall is considered to be unsafe due to its addiction potential and therefore not recommended for medical use.
So, if you want to choose between the two drugs, we recommend you go for Modafinil.
However, you must ensure that you’re consuming the drug in the prescribed quantity, as an overdose of the drug can be life-threatening.
