Supplement Scholar
Compound

Modafinil (Rx, reference)

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Prescription drug or research compound. Use only under the care of a licensed prescriber. Information here is educational and not a recommendation to obtain or use it.

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

How it works. DAT inhibitor; raises hypothalamic histamine and orexin.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Improves wakefulness and executive function (strong).

How much to take. Typical dose: 100–200 mg AM (Rx).

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. Serious: SJS (rare).

Stacking. Pairs well with A high-quality multivitamin, Omega-3 (EPA/DHA).

Common forms. Available as Capsule or softgel, Powder, Sublingual or buccal, Liposomal liquid.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Modafinil (Rx, reference). Anecdotes are not medical advice.

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

Molecular structureC15H15NO2S · 273.4 g/mol

What it is

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

Food sources

Endogenously produced or biosynthesized moleculeStandardized pharmaceutical- or food-grade supplementCombined with cofactors that improve absorption or activity

Goals

FocusADHD SupportCognitive Performance

How it works

DAT inhibitor; raises hypothalamic histamine and orexin.

Pathways

  • DAT inhibitor
  • raises hypothalamic histamine

Effects

  • +wakefulness and executive function supports

What the research supports

Improves wakefulness and executive functionstrong

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
100–200 mg AM (Rx)
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodOptional
Best formMost evidence is based on the capsule or softgel form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Insomnia
  • Headache

Serious

  • SJS (rare)

Medication interactions

Hormonal contraceptivessevere

Reduced contraceptive efficacy.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • A high-quality multivitaminCovers micronutrient cofactors that support most supplement pathways.
  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)Foundational anti-inflammatory support that complements most regimens.

Common forms

  • Capsule or softgel
  • Powder
  • Sublingual or buccal
  • Liposomal liquid

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Modafinil (Rx, reference) — Improves wakefulness and executive function ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

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.

PubMed: Modafinil (Rx, reference) — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

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.

PubMed: Modafinil (Rx, reference) — meta-analysis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

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

Discussion

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