Looking to up your ability to focus and ultimately increase productivity at work or school? There are numerous nootropic options available on the market, but of course, not all of them are effective or even safe.
Modafinil and armodafinil are well-known products that are highly likely to help you achieve unparalleled focus. They have a high success rate, low potential for addiction, and pose an incredibly low risk of side effects. But before you dip your hands into your pocket, there are certain things you need to know. You’ll find out in a minute.
Nootropics or “smart drugs” are substances that provide cognitive-enhancing benefits. They are believed to increase alertness, boost focus, improve memory, and ultimately help the user increase productivity [1].
These substances are divided into two broad categories: prescription and nonprescription nootropics. The prescription types are drugs such as modafinil, armodafinil, and Adderall, among others, that produce stimulant effects. They not only provide cognitive benefits but treat the symptoms of sleep disorders and other medical conditions.
On the other hand, nonprescription nootropics are substances such as creatine and caffeine that enhance cognitive function as their primary function. They do not treat diseases. Now that you know nootropics are divided into two categories, the next question is, which one should you take. This has been answered in the following section.
Read on.
The major difference between these types of “smart drugs” is that prescription nootropics are well-tested and found to be effective and safe when used under a doctor’s supervision. They tend to produce a stronger effect and can only be obtained with a valid prescription from a doctor [2][3].
But which one should you use? Well, it all depends. Although many people use nonprescription substances such as ginkgo biloba, omega-3 fatty acids, etc., to just avoid taking an actual drug, many “smart drug” enthusiasts seem to prefer modafinil and armodafinil. This is because of their relatively stronger effects and longer duration of action.
While the effects of nonprescription nootropics typically last for 3-4 hours, the prescription types provide 10+ hours of cognitive benefits. You can base your criteria for selection on this.
Modafinil belongs to a class of drugs called wakefulness-promoting medications. Its primary use is to treat patients suffering from excessive daytime sleepiness caused by narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and shift work sleep disorder (SWSD). However, it is most popularly used off-label for its cognitive enhancing benefits [4].
It is available in generic form and comes in strengths of 100 mg and 200 mg. It is highly effective and safe if used correctly. It is not to be used by individuals who are below the age of 17.
Armodafinil is also a wakefulness-promoting medication. It is similar in chemical structure, safety and function to modafinil; however, it produces a slightly stronger effect. Most people start out with modafinil and then give armodafinil a shot if it doesn’t produce the intended results. This “smart drug” is available in generic forms, and the strengths available include 50 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, and 250 mg [5].
Both drugs have similar chemical structures and work in the same way. Compared to many other “smart drugs” out there, they are widely studied and found to pose an incredibly low risk of addiction. In fact, researchers at Harvard and Oxford University consider modafinil to be “the world’s first same ‘smart drug’ [6].”
At this point, if you’re wondering if drugs like modafinil and armodafinil can really help you focus, the short and long answer is that they can — if taken correctly. Many healthy users have reported getting good results from them, and there’s a high chance that you would too. However, you must take into account the fact that the effects of drugs can vary from individual to individual [7]. Do well to consult a doctor or healthcare professional before starting treatment with any drug.