This is an unofficial archive of PsychonautWiki as of 2025-08-11T15:14:44Z. Content on this page may be outdated, incomplete, or inaccurate. Please refer to the original page for the most up-to-date information.
Modafinil: Difference between revisions
>Unity Placed SummarySheet above SubstanceBox. |
>Unity Flexgrid. "Legal issues" -> "Legality". |
||
| Line 9: | Line 9: | ||
==Chemistry== | ==Chemistry== | ||
Modafinil is a synthetic molecule of the [[chemical class::benzhydryl]] class. Benzhydryl compounds are comprised of two benzene rings attached to a single carbon molecule. Modafinil is classified as a sulphinyl benzhydryl molecule, as it also contains a sulphinyl group, a sulphur molecule double-bonded to an oxygen molecule, attached to the carbon of the benzhydryl group. From this sulphur group at R<sub>2</sub>, an acetamide group is bound at its free carbon through a carbonyl group to a terminal amine group. Modafinil is structurally analogous to fluorafinil, another benzhydryl stimulant. While modafinil is a racemic mixture, a similar medication, [[armodafinil]], consists of only the (−)-(R)-enantiomer of modafinil. | Modafinil is a synthetic molecule of the [[chemical class::benzhydryl]] class. Benzhydryl compounds are comprised of two benzene rings attached to a single carbon molecule. Modafinil is classified as a sulphinyl benzhydryl molecule, as it also contains a sulphinyl group, a sulphur molecule double-bonded to an oxygen molecule, attached to the carbon of the benzhydryl group. From this sulphur group at R<sub>2</sub>, an acetamide group is bound at its free carbon through a carbonyl group to a terminal amine group. Modafinil is structurally analogous to fluorafinil, another benzhydryl stimulant. | ||
While modafinil is a racemic mixture, a similar medication, [[armodafinil]], consists of only the (−)-(R)-enantiomer of modafinil. | |||
{{Modafinil/Pharmacology}} | {{Modafinil/Pharmacology}} | ||
==Subjective effects== | ==Subjective effects== | ||
In comparison to traditional stimulants such as [[amphetamine]], [[methylphenidate]] or [[cocaine]], this compound induces an experience which is far less forceful, recreational and euphoric. It instead focuses on general [[wakefulness]] and [[motivation enhancement]]. | |||
{{Preamble/SubjectiveEffects}} | {{Preamble/SubjectiveEffects}} | ||
{{effects/base | |||
|{{effects/physical| | |||
*'''[[Effect::Stimulation]]''' - In terms of its effects on the user's physical energy levels, modafinil is commonly considered to be stimulating and energetic, but can be considered as much less stimulating when compared to [[amphetamine]]. This stimulation encourages physical movement and activities such as running, playing sports, socializing, and/or exercising. The particular style of stimulation which modafinil presents can result in jaw clenching, teeth grinding, or other involuntary movements comparable to that of traditional stimulants at high doses, but are manifested much less consistently and intensely when compared to [[amphetamine]] or [[cocaine]]. | *'''[[Effect::Stimulation]]''' - In terms of its effects on the user's physical energy levels, modafinil is commonly considered to be stimulating and energetic, but can be considered as much less stimulating when compared to [[amphetamine]]. This stimulation encourages physical movement and activities such as running, playing sports, socializing, and/or exercising. The particular style of stimulation which modafinil presents can result in jaw clenching, teeth grinding, or other involuntary movements comparable to that of traditional stimulants at high doses, but are manifested much less consistently and intensely when compared to [[amphetamine]] or [[cocaine]]. | ||
*'''[[Effect::Increased heart rate]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Increased heart rate]]''' | ||
| Line 29: | Line 31: | ||
*'''[[Effect::Nausea]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Nausea]]''' | ||
}} | |||
|{{effects/cognitive| | |||
*'''[[Effect::Wakefulness]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Wakefulness]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Focus enhancement]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Focus enhancement]]''' | ||
| Line 40: | Line 43: | ||
*'''[[Effect::Increased music appreciation]]''' - While modafinil is capable of producing this effect, it does not do so as reliably as it does with traditional [[stimulants]] or [[entactogens]]. | *'''[[Effect::Increased music appreciation]]''' - While modafinil is capable of producing this effect, it does not do so as reliably as it does with traditional [[stimulants]] or [[entactogens]]. | ||
}} | |||
}} | |||
==Toxicity and harm potential== | ==Toxicity and harm potential== | ||
The long-term safety and effectiveness of modafinil as a drug of regular usage have not been determined.<ref>Pharmacotherapy for excessive daytime sleepiness | http://www.smrv-journal.com/article/S1087-0792(04)00024-3/abstract</ref> Anecdotal reports from people who have tried modafinil within the community suggest that there do not seem to be any negative health effects attributed to simply trying this substance at low to moderate doses by itself and using it sparingly (but nothing can be completely guaranteed). | The long-term safety and effectiveness of modafinil as a drug of regular usage have not been determined.<ref>Pharmacotherapy for excessive daytime sleepiness | http://www.smrv-journal.com/article/S1087-0792(04)00024-3/abstract</ref> Anecdotal reports from people who have tried modafinil within the community suggest that there do not seem to be any negative health effects attributed to simply trying this substance at low to moderate doses by itself and using it sparingly (but nothing can be completely guaranteed). | ||
| Line 59: | Line 64: | ||
{{DangerousInteractions/MAOI|nt=dopamine}} | {{DangerousInteractions/MAOI|nt=dopamine}} | ||
== | ==Legality== | ||
{{legalStub}} | {{legalStub}} | ||
Modafinil is legally approved for medical purposes worldwide. However, it is illegal to sell and possess in most countries without a prescription. | Modafinil is legally approved for medical purposes worldwide. However, it is illegal to sell and possess in most countries without a prescription. | ||