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Supplements/Compound

Modafinil (Rx, reference)

Wakefulness-promoting agent — listed for reference only (prescription drug).

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Overview

Wakefulness-promoting agent — listed for reference only (prescription drug).

Natural sources
  • Endogenously produced or biosynthesized molecule
  • Standardized pharmaceutical- or food-grade supplement
  • Combined with cofactors that improve absorption or activity
Common forms
  • Capsule or softgel
  • Powder
  • Sublingual or buccal
  • Liposomal liquid

Mechanism of action

DAT inhibitor; raises hypothalamic histamine and orexin.

Pathways
  • · DAT inhibitor
  • · raises hypothalamic histamine

Effects on the body

Supports
wakefulness and executive function

Organ system effects

Evidence-based benefits

Improves wakefulness and executive function

Strong evidence

Potential side effects

Common
  • · Insomnia
  • · Headache
Rare
    Serious
    • · SJS (rare)

    Drug interactions

    Hormonal contraceptives
    Reduced contraceptive efficacy.
    severe

    Supplement interactions

    Pairs well with
    • A high-quality multivitamin
      Covers micronutrient cofactors that support most supplement pathways.
    • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)
      Foundational anti-inflammatory support that complements most regimens.
    Avoid combining with

    No specific avoidances listed.

    Dosing & bioavailability

    Typical dose
    100–200 mg AM (Rx)
    Best form
    Most evidence is based on the capsule or softgel form.
    Timing
    Consistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
    With food?
    Optional

    Where to buy

    Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Amazon code supplementsch-20 is auto-applied at checkout. We don't endorse specific brands; verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

    Scientific evidence8Show studies
    Systematic reviewEur Neuropsychopharmacol · 2015

    Adrafinil/modafinil for fatigue and cognition

    Battleday RM, Brem AK

    Review of modafinil-class cognitive effects.

    Key findings

    Consistent enhancement of attention and executive function.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Modafinil (Rx, reference) — Improves wakefulness and executive function

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Modafinil (Rx, reference) Improves wakefulness and executive function" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Modafinil (Rx, reference) and "Improves wakefulness and executive function". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Modafinil (Rx, reference) — randomized controlled trial

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Modafinil (Rx, reference) randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Modafinil (Rx, reference) and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Modafinil (Rx, reference) — meta-analysis

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Modafinil (Rx, reference) meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Modafinil (Rx, reference) and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Modafinil (Rx, reference) — pharmacokinetics

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Modafinil (Rx, reference) pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Modafinil (Rx, reference) and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Modafinil (Rx, reference) — safety adverse events

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Modafinil (Rx, reference) safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Modafinil (Rx, reference) and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Modafinil (Rx, reference) — dose response

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Modafinil (Rx, reference) dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Modafinil (Rx, reference) and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

    Google Scholar: Modafinil (Rx, reference) — clinical evidence

    Live Scholar search

    Cross-database citation index for Modafinil (Rx, reference) as it relates to "clinical evidence".

    Key findings

    Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

    Open study
    Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.

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