Most nootropic users are familiar with the many benefits of modafinil. But, there’s a newer eugeroic nootropic that is being used all over the world to improve cognitive performance: armodafinil. This potent nootropic has many of the same benefits as modafinil, but with a few key differences. We’ll get to those differences in a bit and go over the benefits, dosage, potential negative effects, and where to buy. But first, let’s look at what armodafinil is. Dive into the cognitive enhancement realm with Armodafinil, a potent ally known to sharpen focus, heighten alertness, and elevate cognitive performance.
What Is Armodafinil?
Armodafinil is a wakefulness-promoting agent (eugeroic) that is chemically very similar to modafinil. They share many of the same benefits and side effects. Though they are both used as prescription drugs in several countries, people all over the world are using them both for their nootropic properties.
Modafinil was first approved for use in the United States in 1998 to treat narcolepsy, then a few years later sleep apnea and shift work sleep disorder. Armodafinil was approved in 2007 by the Food and Drug Administration to treat excessive daytime sleepiness associated with obstructive sleep apnea, shift work disorder, and narcolepsy. It’s also used off-label to treat chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS, CFIDS), major depressive disorder (MDD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and several other conditions.
Armodafinil is effective at treating these disorders because it’s able to increase wakefulness, improve mood, boost motivation, increase focus, and boost other aspects of cognitive function. It’s for these reasons that armodafinil is becoming popular in the nootropics community.
Benefits Of Armodafinil
- Improved Cognitive Performance
- Improved Memory
- Improved Mood
- Reduced Reaction Time
- Reduced Fatigue
- Increased Vigilance
- Increased Motivation
You can see that the benefits of armodafinil are very similar to modafinil. Since it hasn’t been around nearly as long, armodafinil hasn’t been scientifically studied as much as modafinil. However, the research conducted demonstrates its effectiveness, safety, and, in certain aspects, superiority.
One study that was done on air traffic controllers showed that armodafinil significantly improved vigilance after a single dose. Researchers gave 48 participants either 150 mg of armodafinil or a placebo at the beginning of the work day and administered a vigilance test at the end of the day. The participants that received 150 mg of armodafinil in the morning scored significantly better than the placebo group.
Another study showed that armodafinil significantly increased alertness in healthy volunteers during a nighttime period of acute sleep loss. 107 healthy volunteers were given either a single 100, 150, 200, or 300 mg dose of armodafinil, a single 200 mg dose of modafinil, or a placebo. Participants that received armodafinil at any dose or 200 mg of modafinil tested significantly better on alertness and attention scales than the participants in the placebo group. The improvements in alertness and attention seen in the armodafinil group persisted longer than those in the modafinil group.
A 2008 study showed that armodafinil can improve memory, reduce fatigue, and increase alertness, attention, and wakefulness. Researchers gave 651 participants either 150 or 250 mg of armodafinil or a placebo once daily for 12 weeks. Participants in both armodafinil groups showed an improvement in long-term episodic memory, a reduction in fatigue, and an increase in attention, alertness, and wakefulness.
Differences Between Armodafinil and Modafinil
As you’ve seen, there are tons of similarities between these two potent nootropics. But they also have a few key differences. Let’s go over them now, briefly.
Duration
The effects of armodafinil last longer than modafinil. Both drugs have a similar half-life (the time it takes for half of it to be out of your system), but armodafinil takes longer to reach peak plasma concentrations and maintains it longer than modafinil.
What this means is that the effects of armodafinil peak later and last longer than modafinil. This is one of the reasons that some people prefer armodafinil: Its nootropic benefits persist longer.
Chemistry
Though both drugs are extremely similar, they’re not identical. Modafinil consists of two different enantiomers in equal parts: 50% r-modafinil and 50% s-modafinil. On the other hand, armodafinil comprises 100% r-modafinil. In fact, that’s where the name comes from.
Potency
The last important difference between these two powerful nootropics is their potency. Armodafinil is slightly stronger than modafinil. A 150 mg dose of armodafinil is considered to possess the same potency as a 200 mg dose of modafinil.
Armodafinil Side Effects
Similar to modafinil, most people generally tolerate armodafinil well. Most users find that the benefits outweigh any potential side effects. However, side effects can occur and may include headaches, insomnia, nausea, anxiety, dizziness, thirst, and upset stomach.
Also, it’s possible that armodafinil may interact with hormonal contraceptives. As with any drug, supplement, or dietary change, you should talk to your doctor before starting or stopping anything new. This is especially true if you’re taking prescription medications.
Armodafinil Dosage
A typical starting armodafinil dosage is 150 mg a day. Most users find this dosage to be effective to experience the benefits of armodafinil. If this dosage doesn’t yield a response, studies have shown up to 300 mg a day to be safe and effective.
You can take armodafinil with or without food. Taking it with food may reduce or eliminate the possibility of causing nausea, upset stomach, and other gastrointestinal issues. This does not significantly change its overall bioavailability. However, taking armodafinil with food can delay peak plasma concentrations by up to 4 hours.
When seeking its nootropic benefits, one should take armodafinil early in the day. Taking it later in the day can increase the chances of having trouble falling asleep. If you are taking it for other reasons, like staying up all night, this obviously won’t be a problem.
Conclusion
For years, many considered modafinil the best nootropic available. Now, many of those users have switched to using armodafinil because its effects last longer. There are still plenty of nootropic users that still prefer modafinil, though. The only way to know which one will work best for you is to try them both.
If you want to learn more about modafinil, check out this post: Modafinil – A Powerful and Popular Nootropic.
Also read our blog on Need Motivation? Give Thanks
