Safe Provigil (Modafinil) Dosages
There might be many different ways to consume medicine, but not all the ways are recommended. Sometimes taking Provigil along with specific foods or other medications can either speed up the reaction or cause dangerous results. Hence, knowing the safe Provigil (modafinil) dosage and contraindications of the drug are necessary to be able to continue to use it safely. Here are all the details you need to know about modafinil dosages and safe consumption. However, we will highly recommend you consult your doctor to know the right dosage for your needs.
What Is a Regular Dosage of Provigil?
Provigil pills are usually available in two dose strengths: 100 mg and maximum dosage of 200mg [1]:
- 100 mg – capsule-shaped white tablets engraved with “Provigil” on one side and “100MG” on the other. This is the lowest dosage of this med;
- 200 mg – looks similar to the 100 mg tablet with an additional score to help divide it in case you want to consume just half the dosage.
Each pill contains the active ingredient called modafinil, or 2-[(Diphenylmethyl)sulfinyl]acetamide [2]. It is a racemic compound that promotes wakefulness by reacting with the neurotransmitters in the brain. The pills also contain binding agents and inactive ingredients like microcrystalline cellulose, starch, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, and croscarmellose sodium.
Modafinil is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of excessive sleepiness due to narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder [3]. Also, as off-label use, Provigil is prescribed for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The Provigil dosage prescribed for treating such disorders may vary depending on the patient’s condition. This is why a qualified physician’s opinion is necessary to have instructions on the regular dosage.
Recommended Provigil (Modafinil) Dosage For…
The usual dosage levels prescribed for different needs are explained below.
Narcolepsy
The widely recommended dosage of modafinil for narcolepsy and obstructive sleep apnea is 200 mg daily. The pill should be consumed orally once a day in the morning [4].
While it has been observed that the maximum dosage up to 400 mg per day is well-tolerated and can be taken daily to stay awake, there is no conclusive proof that the highest dose is better than the lower one.
Studying
For healthy users looking to improve abilities or for fatigue, the normal dosage is 200 mg. But for starters and those with high sensitivity to medications, a 100 mg tablet would usually suffice. You can first take one tablet, and based on the effects you experience; you can increase the dose next time [4].
When you keep using modafinil for studying for the long term, you may develop some tolerance to its effects and may either have to up the dosage or discontinue its usage temporarily.
Depression
The dosage levels for depression treatment are similar to what you can take for studying purposes. In general, 200 mg per day is considered the most common dose. When you start using this medicine for the first time, you can choose to go with 100 mg and then increase the dosage based on the effects you experience [4].
Safe Taking of Provigil (Modafinil) Drugs
Provigil is generally considered a safe drug for consumption. But do keep an eye out for possible side effects and avoid use if you experience severe allergic reactions or complications like rashes, fever, and hallucinations.
Here are some things you need to consider to ensure the safe consumption of modafinil.
Check for Allergic Reactions
It’s advisable to start with a 50 mg or 100 mg dose to check your sensitivity to the drug. Build up your dosage when you feel comfortable with the med and have not shown any allergic reaction.
Stay Hydrated
When under modafinil, your body is dehydrated faster, and you may not feel the drive to drink more water due to its effects. So, make sure always to carry a bottle of water and stay hydrated while taking modafinil.
Do Not Mix with Alcohol
Alcohol and modafinil have opposing reactions with brain chemistry, and mixing them can cause unpredictable results like severe blackouts, hangovers, and more. It can also cause further dehydration and can be very damaging to your liver [5].
Avoid Using Other Stimulants with Modafinil
When you mix modafinil with other stimulants like caffeine or Adderall, the effects may escalate and cause overstimulation leading to brain fog, nervousness, anxiety, and heart palpitations, which kind of defeats the purpose of taking modafinil in the first place.
For Faster Absorption Take on an Empty Stomach
While modafinil’s impact remains unaffected with or without food, the time it takes to kick in the effects may be reduced if you take it on an empty stomach. This is because of the added time needed for your liver to break down both food and modafinil together, thus slowing the absorption rate of the drug. You can choose the most suitable way depending on your experience, as some people find it better to have a slow process.
Take Care of Your Sleep Schedule
Misusing modafinil can cause you to lose sleep time, and you may end up developing insomnia in the worst case. Try to consume this med in the morning or plan the usage that would best suit your sleep schedule. The half-life of modafinil is around 15 hours. So, taking it in the morning is usually considered the best time to have a good night’s sleep. As for shift work sleep disorder, you can take it just an hour before your work shift begins. Do not overdose on modafinil if you miss a tablet. Just take the usual dosage next time.
References:
- Provigil. Drugs.com.
- Modafinil Tablet. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov.
- Approved and Investigational Uses of Modafinil: An Evidence-Based Review. Pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
- Modafinil Dosage. Drugs.com.
- Beginners Guide to Mixing Modafinil and Alcohol. Modafinil.org.