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Compound

Modafinil (Rx note)

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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 note). Wakefulness-promoting Rx — listed for reference; not a supplement.

How it works. Weakly inhibits DAT; activates orexin and histamine.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Reduces excessive sleepiness (strong).

How much to take. Typical dose: Rx 100–200 mg morning.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. Serious: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (rare).

Stacking. Pairs well with Omega-3 (EPA/DHA), Alpha-GPC or CDP-choline. Avoid combining with Self-medication.

Common forms. Available as Rx tablet.

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

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

Modafinil (Rx note). Wakefulness-promoting Rx — listed for reference; not a supplement.

Molecular structureC15H15NO2S · 273.4 g/mol

What it is

Wakefulness-promoting Rx — listed for reference; not a supplement.

Food sources

Prescription only

Goals

Brain & CognitiveEnergy Production

How it works

Weakly inhibits DAT; activates orexin and histamine.

Pathways

  • DAT inhibition
  • Orexin

Effects

  • ↑Wakefulness increases

What the research supports

Reduces excessive sleepinessstrong

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
Rx 100–200 mg morning
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodWith a meal containing fat for fat-soluble compounds; otherwise either.
Best formMost evidence is based on the rx tablet form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Headache
  • Nausea

Serious

  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome (rare)

Medication interactions

Hormonal contraceptivessevere

CYP3A4 induction reduces efficacy.

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

Combines with

Pairs well

  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)Membrane fluidity and neuronal signaling support.
  • Alpha-GPC or CDP-cholineProvides choline substrate for acetylcholine synthesis.

Avoid combining

  • Self-medicationPrescription-only — consult physician.

Common forms

  • Rx tablet

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Modafinil (Rx note) — Reduces excessive sleepiness ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

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

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

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

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

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

Discussion

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