Modafinil - is it so effective and is it possible to buy a “smart” nootropic in Russia?

Under the mysterious name “Smart drugs” hide neurometabolic stimulants, also known as nootropics.

It is believed that such pharmaceutical drugs can significantly improve memory functions, concentration, and also have a stimulating effect on the nervous system, allowing you to increase performance and temporarily get rid of the need for sleep.

Among a very large group of nootropics, Modafinil (aka Alertek, Provigil and Modalert), which is banned in Russia, but is widely used abroad, is of particular interest.

Primary characteristics of a psychostimulant

Modafinil is a psychostimulant developed in the seventies of the twentieth century.
The authorship of this product belongs to the French-American manufacturer - Cephalon Corporation, which was looking for an effective remedy to combat narcolepsy. Despite the fact that, according to statistics, such an ailment is quite rare (diagnosed in about 0.025% of the US population), a person suffering from it may fall asleep unnoticed while driving or in other situations requiring high concentration. Therefore, the problem is much more serious than it might seem at first glance, and requires competent treatment.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers Modafinil a relatively safe pharmaceutical that is an excellent alternative to caffeine, amphetamine and other popular synthetic stimulants. The medicine contains, in addition to the main active ingredient (modafinil), a number of auxiliary components.

Where can I buy

In many countries, including Canada, the US, the UK and Australia, modafinil is only available by prescription.

Some people prefer to order modafinil from international pharmacies where the drugs are sold without a prescription. However, this may not be legal in your country and there may be additional risks. This includes taking medications that contain the wrong active ingredient, too much or too little of the active ingredient, or contain dangerous ingredients.

However, adrafinil, which is a precursor to modafinil, is a legal alternative that has very similar effects. Like modafinil, adrafinil increases wakefulness and reduces fatigue, providing significant cognitive benefits. At the same time, it improves mood, memory and motivation.

Adrafinil can be purchased online from specialist suppliers.

Pharmacological profile

Little is known today about the exact mechanism of action of Modafinil on the human body. As a result of large-scale clinical studies, scientists have found that the drug increases the level of serotonin in the anterior cortex and amygdala and stimulates increased release of dopamine, norepinephrine and other monoamines from synoptic clefts.

Under the influence of the drug, the hypothalamus intensively produces histamine, which entails the activation of alpha-1 receptors.

Modafinil affects different parts of the brain. One of the most important and pronounced effects is considered to be an increase in vigor, concentration, ability to remember, comprehend and assimilate new information. With the help of medicine, a person is able to control his voluntary attention, as well as improve his perception of the surrounding reality.

Although Modafinil is not an antidepressant and does not cause euphoria like some other illicit stimulants, it may well restore a good mood and reduce anxiety.

Experts in foreign languages ​​will be interested in:

Literature:

1. Choline and monoaminergic transmitter systems in health and pathology: [monograph] / V. I. Tsirkin, A. N. Trukhin, S. I. Trukhina; Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education "Vyatka State University". — Kirov: Vyatka State University, 2021. — 295 p.
2. Pharmacotherapy in neurology and psychiatry / ed. S. D. Enn and J. T. Coyle; lane from English edited by O. S. Levina; trans.: O. S. Andreev, K. M. Petrov, T. V. Naimushina. — Moscow: Med. information agency, 2006. - 799 p.
3. Rules for trade in medicines [Text]. — 2nd ed. - Moscow: Prospekt, 2015. - 129 p.;
4. Effects of modafinil on dopamine and dopamine transporters in the human male brain: clinical implications. 2009 / Nora D. Volkow, MD, Joanna S. Fowler / JAMA. 2009 Mar 18; 301(11): 1148–1154.

Scope of application

As mentioned above, Modafinil was originally developed as an effective treatment for narcolepsy and obstructive sleep apnea. It was also supposed to be used to get rid of chronic lack of sleep and drowsiness resulting from the transition to summer/winter time and the subsequent shifts in the work schedule.

Unlike amphetamine, which causes euphoria, as well as side effects such as a hangover and addiction, Modafinil can significantly increase concentration, vigor and performance without side effects.

For experimental purposes, the drug was used and continues to be used to this day for military and space applications. Scientists from Canada have published a detailed report that the nootropic was able to demonstrate very positive results during the long stay of a group of astronauts on the ISS.

In the American army, the use of Provigil by pilots of fighter planes and military helicopters is acceptable, which allows them to maintain a high degree of concentration for up to a day and a half after a single dose of a high dose (600 mg or more).

Some scientists have suggested that the drug could be used to treat addiction to cocaine and some other addictive stimulants. A double study involving patients suffering from a similar problem showed that the drug can alleviate cocaine withdrawal, but a positive result is not guaranteed and depends on a number of psycho-emotional and other related factors.

Based on the results of numerous clinical trials, it was established that the medication reduces appetite and promotes intensive weight loss. Amphetamine, taken for similar purposes, significantly increases the heart rate and can cause tachycardia and a number of other undesirable effects.

Modafinil also shows outstanding results in the treatment of cognitive impairment, is used to improve memory and eliminate excessive daytime fatigue and sleepiness that are caused by primary biliary cirrhosis.

Tablets with a higher dose of the main active ingredient have been used since 2004 to treat adolescents and children suffering from hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder.

Provigil and its analogues are currently used to relieve symptoms of multiple sclerosis, such as neurological fatigue and depression.

After clinical trials of the R-isomer of Modafinil, it has proven itself very positively as an effective treatment for bipolar affective disorder.

What is modafinil

Modafinil is a powerful stimulant. It is a wakefulness-promoting medication designed to treat narcolepsy and other daytime sleep disorders. But its ability to prevent drowsiness and fatigue is only part of the picture. Extensive testing has shown that modafinil offers an impressive list of cognitive benefits. Ranging from improved mood and mental alertness to increased motivation, improved reaction time, and improved memory.

Modafinil is a fast-acting, highly bioavailable derivative of the pioneering non-amphetamine stimulant adrafinil. It was developed in the 1970s and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use as a treatment for narcolepsy in the late 1990s.

Modafinil is listed as a controlled substance in the US. It is sold as a prescription drug in the US and Canada. It is commonly prescribed under the names Provigil and Alertec. However, its proven cognitive benefits also make it a powerful and increasingly popular nootropic or “smart drug.” It is used for off-label purposes by students, business people, shift workers and others. Since they are interested in increasing wakefulness and improving mental performance.

In Russia, Modafinil is included in the list of narcotic and psychotropic substances. In all other CIS countries it is permitted and used as a recreational drug.

Although modafinil works similarly to amphetamines such as Adderall, it is a very different substance. Modafinil is an eugerodic drug that, in particular, improves alertness. While Adderall and other amphetamines are psychostimulants that cause a temporary increase in overall psychomotor activity. Because modafinil's actions are more targeted and selective, it is thought to provide less "nervous" energy. The result is fewer side effects and is better tolerated with less risk of addiction than amphetamines.

Contraindications for use

The use of the medicine is prohibited in the following cases:

• individual intolerance or hypersensitivity to the components included in the composition;
• previous vascular or heart diseases;
• the presence of phobias, nervous disorders and obsessive depression.

The use of Provigil is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The medication cannot be combined with alcoholic beverages and can significantly reduce the effectiveness of contraceptives. In case of cirrhosis and serious liver damage, using the drug is strictly prohibited.

You also need to know that Alertek gives a positive result if you undergo a doping test before a sports competition.

Drug interactions

Before starting therapy, the patient should notify the doctor about the medications he is taking, because the combination of Modafinil with other drugs may have unpredictable effects. It reduces the effectiveness of birth control pills, which leads to the development of unwanted pregnancy, so during therapy it is better to use barrier methods of contraception. The drug, in combination with yohimbine (included in potency enhancing drugs), increases the heart rate and increases blood pressure to dangerous levels. Combination with alcohol is prohibited.

Features of use - recommended dosages

To treat drowsiness and narcolepsy, the medicine is taken once a day in the morning in an amount of 200-300 mg.

A dosage of 400 mg may lead to difficulty falling asleep at night. In studies involving airplane and helicopter pilots, a dosage of 600 mg, divided into several doses, allowed maintaining high accuracy, good reaction and concentration for one and a half days.

In the case of patients suffering from multiple sclerosis, increasing the dose from 200 to 400 mg did not show a noticeable difference in results.

How to use?

The drug "Modafinil", instructions for which must be attached, should only be prescribed by a doctor. The required dose for a particular patient is also determined by the doctor. Usually a specialist prescribes 2-4 tablets per day. The drug must be taken in the morning and at lunch.

If the patient has arterial hypertension, then during treatment with the drug "Modafinil", the price of which will be indicated below, he needs to control his blood pressure. If the patient has impaired liver function, then the dose of the medicine is reduced to 0.1-0.2 g per day.

Overdose and side effects

The most common side effects that occur with an overdose of the drug are headache and nausea.

Today, Provigil is considered a safer stimulant than amphetamine and even caffeine. However, according to a large-scale study by the Canadian Department of Health, it was possible to establish the following information regarding side effects and possible complications:

• the use of the drug is contraindicated in persons suffering from clinically significant mitral valve prolapse that has developed due to the use of stimulants;
• The use of a nootropic is prohibited in the presence of various mental disorders and abnormalities;
• hypersensitivity to the components of the drug can cause rash, dermatitis, toxic necrolysis and a number of life-threatening skin reactions;
• The medication can cause shortness of breath, a feeling of heat, mouth ulcers and hives.

In rare cases, an overdose can lead to anaphylactic shock, dyseptic disorders, nasal congestion, lumbar pain and Quincke's edema.

Provigil should not be used by children despite the fact that studies have shown the drug to be relatively safe for adolescents and children aged 9 to 17 years.

Reception

• History of creation
• Status in the Russian Federation
• Where can I buy
• About the advantages and disadvantages
• Since you can’t buy it, it means you need to replace it with something.
• Features of use and recommended dosages
• Modafinil: instructions for use
• Overdose and side effects
• Overdose and side effects
• Scope of application
• People's opinions about a drug banned in Russia
• Modafinil Dosage
• Determination in biological fluids
• Side effects code
• Notes code

To maintain “combat readiness” for the whole day - 100 mg in the morning and 100 mg at lunchtime. If you want to stay alert throughout the night, then add another 100 mg dose in the evening (in other words, 100 mg every 8 hours). Taking an increased dose (200 mg) is not dangerous.

Drug or not?

Despite the fact that the World Anti-Doping Agency has classified Alertek and its analogues as prohibited stimulants, the drug does not cause dependence or severe withdrawal symptoms.

Therefore, it cannot be called a drug in the classical sense of the term.

In France and England, debates continued for a long period of time about whether to withdraw the drug from free sale, since many cases of inappropriate use were recorded among young people actively visiting nightclubs and entertainment venues.

In the spring of 2012, Modafinil and its derivatives were included in the list of psychotropic and narcotic drugs of the Russian Federation with limited circulation; accordingly, it cannot be purchased in pharmacies. The official status of the legality of this drug in Russia is such that any citizen of the country who has at least one tablet falls under Article 228 of the Criminal Code, which implies liability in the form of serving a sentence of at least 3 years.

Modafinil price

In Russia, you can only buy the product through online stores, but this is illegal. The drug is not officially registered in our country and cannot be used for treatment. By purchasing a product, the patient takes responsibility for the treatment. Approximate prices will be:

About the advantages and disadvantages

Modafinil has a minimal number of side effects with a noticeable effect, which is expressed in increased performance, improved concentration and lack of need for sleep.

That is why today many military departments in different countries are raising the question of completely replacing the traditional Amphetamine, present in the first aid kit of special forces soldiers, with Modafinil. Due to its outstanding qualities, the drug is actively used among astronauts, pilots and even law enforcement officers.

For example, in some American states, police officers receive 200 mg of Modalert daily to increase productivity and improve the reaction required when catching criminals.

On the other hand, in cases of abuse or excess dosage, the following may be observed: dehydration, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and a number of other unpleasant symptoms.

Since this pharmaceutical drug increases histamine levels, people prone to allergic reactions should avoid using it. Buyers from some countries also consider the high cost of the drug and a certain complexity associated with its acquisition as disadvantages.

Analogues of Modafinil

Other drugs with the same composition and therapeutic effect can replace a nootropic drug. These include:

• Modalert – stimulant of concentration;
• Modiodal - the drug is produced in a number of European countries and South American countries, serves as a nootropic;
• Modafil is an Australian medicine;
• Vigia is a nootropic originally from Colombia;
• Karim - produced in South American countries, for the treatment of narcolepsy;
• Alertek - Canadian and Ecuadorian tablets to improve memory quality.

Real stories of real people

Stories - reviews of people who have used or are using Modafinil with varying degrees of success.

The first time I came across Modalert was when one of my good friends very persistently began to recommend it to me. She took the drug in a single dosage of 200 mg on days of increased responsibility and stress at work.

After consulting with my doctor, I decided to order one package for myself. Half an hour after taking a dosage of 0.2 g, drowsiness disappeared, while there was no rapid pulsation, euphoria and other qualities inherent in amphetamine-type substances.

Increasing the dosage to 0.5 g increased my performance so much that the night passed without sleep productively editing videos (my main occupation).

It is worth noting the complete lack of appetite and desire to sleep. Perception became clearer, and concentration also increased. Absent-mindedness has decreased, and productivity can be judged by the project completed by morning, which I planned to complete no earlier than in a few days. The effect of the drug on physical strength, endurance and coordination can only be assessed indirectly.

Eugene

I had the opportunity to become acquainted with Modafinil while on vacation in the Indian state of Goa. There it can be purchased at virtually any pharmacy where it is sold without a prescription.

The reason for taking it was severe fatigue resulting from a long flight and acclimatization. About 30 minutes after taking 300 mg of the drug, I felt a surge of energy, and this was clearly not a placebo effect.

The drowsiness immediately disappeared, and no tachycardia or dizziness was observed. The effect from a single dose lasted for about eight hours. The only mistake was drinking the Red Bull energy drink, which resulted in a slight headache and nausea.

Andrey, Moscow

Withdrawal syndrome

Withdrawal of the drug causes multiple unpleasant reactions:

• from the gastrointestinal tract - indigestion, nausea;
• liver failure;
• from the central nervous system - anxiety, depression, increased nervousness;
• cognitive decline and frequent headaches;
• severe fatigue, shortness of breath;
• attacks of hypertension.

Modafinil enhances performance, stress resistance and brain activity, helping to stay alert for several days with little or no sleep. The drug changes the psycho-emotional background for the better; due to its stimulating characteristics, it has gained popularity and illegal use among people experiencing psychophysical overload. But the negative effects of using the drug modafinil outweigh its positive effects.

Doctor Review

This drug has certain indications, and its use for other purposes or exceeding recommended dosages is an unjustified risk to one’s own health.

Despite the fact that Modafinil was synthesized relatively long ago, and more than two dozen large-scale clinical studies have already been carried out, it is impossible to declare the complete safety of this medication.

Any stimulant depletes the nervous system, so I would recommend using the medicine in one-time cases when it is really necessary. It is best to find a “legal” energy drink and tonic for yourself that does not deplete serotonin and dopamine reserves, such as sports, creativity or sex.

Likhachev Pavel, specialist in neurosurgery

Denial of responsibility

This description of the drug Modvigil 200 should not be taken as instructions for use, much less as a guide to action. The description may contain inaccuracies and may contain false or outdated information. Taking the drug is indicated exclusively for medical reasons and strictly according to the prescription. Before purchasing Modvigil 200, be sure to visit your doctor for advice and a prescription. The administration is not responsible for risks and damage to health as a result of self-medication and uncontrolled use.

Interesting Facts

Modafinil and its analogues are currently actively used in bodybuilding. Among fans of weightlifting, there is an opinion that the drug not only increases IQ, but also miraculously increases the efficiency of training in the gym.

In fact, it allows you to provide the utmost level of concentration, allowing you to focus as much as possible on the training process.

The active component of the drug is part of various pre-workout complexes designed to improve performance and “pumping”.

Modalert and Provegil are also often used by American and European students, since with their help you can prepare for a test in a matter of days, and assimilate information much more effectively.

Determination in biological fluids

Modafinil and its major metabolite modafinilic acid may be detected in plasma, serum or urine to monitor dosage in patients receiving the drug or to confirm the diagnosis of poisoning in hospitalized patients. Instrumental techniques used for these purposes include gas or liquid chromatography. As of 2011, the presence of modafinil is not specifically diagnosed by routine drug tests (with the exception of anti-doping tests) and is unlikely to cause false positives when detecting other chemically unrelated drugs such as amphetamines.