Salient Features of Armodafinil

• Studies have suggested that armodafinil improves hypersomnia and wakefulness in patients with narcolepsy, OSA, and SWSD.
• The drug is safe, effective, and generally well tolerated. It is reasonably safe and well-tolerated by most patients with poor cognition and dementia (memory loss).
• Armodafinil may be beneficial for the treatment of substance use disorders in some patients.
• The neurobiological effects of armodafinil as a cognitive enhancer are well-documented.
• Armodafinil has also been found to improve intellectual performance by boosting certain neurotransmitters or brain chemicals, including dopamine and serotonin.

Armodafinil vs. Nuvigil

Armodafinil is actually known by its brand name Nuvigil. So, armodafinil is nothing but a generic of Nuvigil. Generic armodafinil is quite cheaper than Nuvigil. Both are safe and effective at treating excessive sleepiness and promoting wakefulness. However, generic armodafinil and Nuvigil may differ in terms of inactive ingredients and the pill’s shape, size, or color. Simply put, there is no difference between armodafinil and Nuvigil.

Working of Armodafinil

Armodafinil is a racemic mixture of modafinil that has an activity on the central nervous system (CNS), working as a stimulant and wakefulness-promoting drug. Although the precise mechanism of action of armodafinil has been poorly understood, it seems to inhibit the reuptake of certain brain chemicals, meaning it boosts certain neurotransmitters, such as orexin, dopamine, serotonin, GABA, and norepinephrine, among others. These neurotransmitters are associated with cognition and the sleep-wake cycle.

Proper Usage

• Armodafinil is available in a tablet form that is to be taken by mouth, usually once a day, or as advised by a doctor.
• If you are taking the drug for narcolepsy or OSA, you will have to take it in the morning. If you are taking it for SWSD, take it an hour before the start of your shift.
• Make sure you take armodafinil at the same time each day for the prescribed duration of time. Do not change the dose of your own volition.
• Do not overdose with armodafinil pills. Stay away from alcoholic beverages and other stimulants during the course of treatment.
• If you want to take armodafinil to boost your cognitive performance, check with your doctor first and inform about the medical conditions or drug allergies you have.
• More importantly, before starting the treatment, tell your doctor whether you are taking any other medications, including nootropics or smart drugs.

Possible Side Effects

• Heartburn
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Increased urination
• Difficulty falling asleep

Remember that armodafinil is prescribed because your doctor thinks the benefits of the drug are greater than the risk of adverse effects. Most people using this smart drug do not experience serious side effects. See your doctor right away if you have a fast or irregular heartbeat, mental or mood changes, chest pain, breathlessness, agitation, nervousness, severe sleeplessness, or any unwanted side effects.

Special Precautions and Warnings

• Sleep disorders like narcolepsy may reduce your ability to react or respond quickly. Armodafinil keeps you awake, but you still may not be able to do things that require quick reactions.
• This smart drug may also make you dizzy or drowsy so avoid driving operating machinery, alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), or anything that needs your alertness.
• Before undergoing any minor or major surgery, tell your doctor/dentist about the armodafinil use. You may have to temporarily stop using this nootropic before and after the surgery.
• You should not become pregnant while you are on armodafinil. The drug may harm the fetus or unborn baby.
• Check with your doctor and know about non-hormonal birth control while using armodafinil. If you become pregnant during treatment, talk to your doctor right away.
• It is unclear whether armodafinil passes into breast milk or harms the newborn. Check with your doctor about using the drug during breastfeeding.

Contraindications

People with the following medical conditions are contraindicated from using armodafinil:

• psychological disorders
• suicidal thoughts
• depression or anxiety
• high blood pressure
• heart disease
• severe liver disease

Check with your doctor to know whether you can use armodafinil if you are taking any other medications. Please note that this smart drug is not advised to people who have a history of armodafinil or modafinil allergy.

No, armodafinil belongs to a class of non-narcotic Schedule IV prescription drugs. Since the drug has a potential effect on the nervous system, it is advised to use under the supervision of an expert. Armodafinil abuse can be fatal. One should use this smart drug for a shorter duration.

The drug is a selective eugeroic, a type of stimulant that provides long-lasting mental excitement or arousal. So, yes, armodafinil does act as a stimulant, just like caffeine. However, it has no strong psychostimulant effects like Adderall or Ritalin. Hence, armodafinil is considered a safe stimulant, which can be used for a shorter duration.

Armodafinil and Adderall are two smart drugs that help treat narcolepsy. They do act like stimulants, but the action mechanism is different. They help promote wakefulness and alertness but work in different ways. Adderall is more of an ADHD drug, whereas armodafinil is a nootropic that promotes wakefulness.

Armodafinil is known to impair your reactions, so you have to be when you drive or do anything that requires your attention. Similarly, alcohol alters your senses. It is better to avoid drinking alcohol while you are on armodafinil therapy. People taking smart drugs with alcohol often experience side effects.

Coffee contains caffeine that acts as a stimulant, and so does armodafinil. Avoid drinking large amounts of coffee while you are taking this nootropic. A couple of cups of coffee can be taken with armodafinil. Studies have shown that mild caffeine is fine with this nootropic.

Armodafinil may work by increasing the secretion of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, orexin, GABA, norepinephrine, and others. By improving the secretion of these brain chemicals, the drug promotes wakefulness. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of armodafinil in June 2007, under the brand name Nuvigil.

Armodafinil has always been compared to modafinil – thanks to their same efficacy in promoting wakefulness. However, armodafinil has been found more potent than modafinil. It is unclear what it does to be more powerful than modafinil. However, both are safe and effective smart drugs.

Armodafinil may stay in your system for about 20 hours post-dosage. However, it depends on your body’s response to the drug and the assimilation of the drug. For more information on how long armodafinil promotes wakefulness, check with your doctor.