1. Can you take Ritalin and modafinil together?
Ritalin (or methylphenidate) is used to treat narcolepsy and mainly ADHD. The drug helps the patient to stay focused on an activity. They are sometimes used together to promote cognitive performance. Research shows that adverse interaction between Ritalin and modafinil is unlikely.
To ensure that you are safely consuming both medications in the optimal doses, fix an appointment with us.
2. Who can prescribe modafinil?
General practitioners, neurologists, psychiatrists, and sleep specialists can prescribe modafinil. In some cases, a pulmonologist who believes that your respiratory troubles are disturbing your sleep patterns may also prescribe the medication. In any case, always inform your physician about any prior allergies to the drug or severe pre-existing conditions, like heart problems.
3. Does modafinil cause depression?
Some people who used Modafinil have reported mental health issues like depression that manifests in fatigue and loss of energy. Such side effects very rarely turn severe. In most cases, mental health issues are more due to related underlying conditions than the drug itself.
Modafinil's mechanism is also unique. Thus, certain studies have also proved that modafinil can be coupled with other antidepressants for better efficiency.
4. Does modafinil make you feel high?
Modafinil does offer cognitive benefits like high memory retention, higher productivity, increased energy levels, and an elevated mood. However, it does not give you a sense of euphoria.
Some individual cases that have reported feeling ‘high’ while using modafinil had exceeded the recommended daily dosage by a minimum of five times.
5. How long does modafinil last?
Generally, Modafinil can stay in your system for about 10 to 12 hours. After multiple doses, the patient can feel the impact of the drug for about 15 hours. Their diet, weight, and overall health may impact the time taken for the drug's effect to leave the system. However, how the body absorbs and processes modafinil is independent of time.
6. How to use modafinil effectively?
You should take modafinil as directed by the physician. You can take it with or without food. Generally, the doctor recommends taking the medication in the morning hours during the treatment of narcolepsy. If you are working during the night, you should be taking it during the night hours. Take the drug at the same time every day.
7. How often can you take modafinil?
The recommended modafinil dosage will differ from one patient to another. A daily dose of 200mg is the most widely accepted one. However, as mentioned earlier, follow your doctor's prescription for the amount and frequency of dosage.
Do not stop the medication without letting your doctor know. Get a medical opinion to learn more about the dosage best for you.
8. Is modafinil legal?
Modafinil is a legal, recognized drug prescribed by doctors across the country. However, it is not legal to sell the drug without a prescription. A survey conducted a few years ago by a popular news agency revealed that a few chemists are already offering the drug as an OTC medicine.
9. Who should not take modafinil?
- If you take modafinil, you may want to check for the following conditions as they are believed to be contraindicated with the drug:
- High blood pressure
- Heart issues such as angina, ventricular hypertrophy, mitral valve prolapse syndrome, etc.
- Renal impairment
- Liver problems
Pregnant women, as well as women planning to become pregnant, should not opt for modafinil.
10. Has anyone died from modafinil?
There are no recorded deaths to date caused by modafinil. However, some reported cases indicating adverse effects of overdose are present. Those with prevalent heart conditions should not opt for modafinil as it can prove to be fatal in these cases. However, these cases are very rare. In general, modafinil is considered a well-tolerated and safe drug.
Modafinil has been around for many years and has shown significant results in its intended area of use. Like any other drug, it has alternative side effects too. To know more about the drug and its uses and benefits, talk to our expert team at Yashoda Hospitals.
