If you’re wondering how to take Modafinil effectively, then you’re in the perfect place.Inside this in-depth guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about properly using the world’s most popular nootropic. From what time to take Modafinil to how to avoid minor Modafinil side effects, the info you need to succeed can be found here.The good news?It’s pretty easy to make the most out of Modafinil by following the tips and tricks found below. If you follow the guidelines set forth below, you’ll find impressive cognitive benefits from the nootropic, including:
- 12+ hours of enhanced cognition
- Intense focus
- Improved memory retention
- Increased productivity
- Great attention span
And that’s just the tip of the Modafinil iceberg! Here’s exactly what you’ll find in this detailed guide:
P.S: This is not medical advice. Nor is this article legal advice. I am not a doctor, medical professional, or lawyer. This article is strictly for entertainment purposes. Always consult a doctor before taking any prescription drugs or nootropics – like Modafinil.
What is Modafinil?
For individuals curious how to take Modafinil effectively, I’d surmise you already have an idea of what Modafinil is and why people take the nootropic.Still, let’s cover the basics before digging deeper.Modafinil can be considered a pharmaceutical drug and a smart drug. Originally developed as a wakefulness agent or eureroic, the pharmaceutical drug is used to treat common ailments like :
- Narcolepsy
- Shift sleep disorder
- Sleep apnea
- ADD/ADHD
Medical professionals prescribe Provigil, the brand name of Modafinil, to patients who struggle staying awake due to crippling fatigue. This is due to the half-life of Modafinil. Most individuals find it impossible to fall asleep for 12+ hours when taking Modafinil.As such, someone suffering with narcolepsy can take Provigil or generic Modafinil and be able to stay awake for the whole day.However, that may or may not be why you’re reading this Modafinil effectiveness guide. There’s a good chance you’re interested in taking Modafinil as a nootropic and/or smart drug.For individuals who don’t suffer from chronic fatigue symptoms or narcolepsy, Modafinil offers other benefits. Mainly, the nootropic allows individuals to focus and concentrate at “superhuman” levels for up to 12+ hours.As mentioned above, many Modafinil users find impressive nootropic benefits, including :
- Heightened focus
- Increased memory retention
- Better attention spans
- More productivity than ever before
- 12+ hours cognitive enhancement
- Easily pulling all-nighters
These benefits and more are why Modafinil has become the world’s most popular smart drug. People from Australia to Mexico to the UK are all using Modafinil to get more stuff done, get better grades, and/or make more money.
Modafinil just WORKS.
Modafinil Side Effects and Safety
Modafinil side effects are generally minor and mild. However, there are a couple side effects to pay attention to when taking the smart drug.
A few of the most common Modafinil side effects include:
- Sleeplessness
- Dehydration
- Nausea
While the above side effects are nuisances, they can be dealt with fairly easily for most nootropic users. Below you’ll find detailed information to combat these side effects of Modafinil.
Other Modafinil side effects and safety are rare, but can include :
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
- Fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat
- Fever
- Nervousness
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Dry mouth
These side effects tend to be minor, but if you develop a fever or severe chest pains, it’s very important to seek medical care. These are not normal side effects of Modafinil and/or Armodafinil.
When talking safety concerns of Modafinil, it must be noted that the smart drug is non-addictive. Furthermore, Modafinil is safe all prescribed dosages — from 100-400mg daily.
This isn’t just from my point of view, many researchers and first-hand accounts echo similar thoughts :
Modafinil does not lead to addiction or withdrawal symptoms for many, so few people develop a dependence on the drug or a tolerance to it. However, taking large doses, especially if the dose is more than the prescribed amount, has led to some instances of tolerance to the drug.
While this article is not written by a doctor, we’ve uncovered the latest research and studies regarding Modafinil and safety. Overall, Modafinil can be considered a safe pharmaceutical drug and/or nootropic.
It should be noted that many users report Choline reduces or eliminates most minor Modafinil side effects.
How to Take Modafinil Effectively | 17 Quick Tips and Tricks
Curious how to take Modafinil effectively?That’s easy.Just follow these 17 quick tips found below and you’ll be sure to get the most out of the smart drug…all while minimizing side effects:
– The Perfect Dose
The key to getting the most out of your Modafinil days is finding the perfect dose. Certain people prefer 100mg, while others need 200-300mg to feel anything.
Doctors prescribe between 100-400mg Modafinil. Many users take between 50-400mg Modafinil per day. It all depends.
Personally, I take 200mg any day I consumer Modafinil. I’ve tried taking 300mg, but I didn’t notice any improvement in focus and productivity over a 200mg dose of the smart drug.
If you’re new to taking Modafinil, start with 100mg. If you feel comfortable with Modafinil’s effects at 100mg, move to 200mg the next time you take it.
Overall, most users find 200mg offers the most benefits when using Modafinil during a work day. However, other users prefer microdosing Modafinil.
Ultimately, you’ll want to test a few different dosing protocol to determine what works best for you.
– Split Dosing is Useful
One of the best ways to take Modafinil is by split dosing throughout the day. Essentially, you’ll split a 200mg pill into halves or fourths.
You’ll take 50-100mg in the morning right after breakfast. Then you’ll work for 4-6+ hours. You’ll eat lunch, then take another 50-100mg Modafinil. This allows you to work another 4-6+ hours without a drop in focus.
By split dosing Modafinil, many users find the half-life and strength of Modafinil more stable and long-lasting.
It’s usually cheaper to buy Modafinil online in 200mg pills, and then cut them into 100mg doses – if that’s how you prefer to take the smart drug.
I use this pill cutter to split Modafinil and it works well.
– Time it Right
You’d be a fool to take Modafinil in the afternoon and think you’re getting the full benefits of the smart drug…unless you want to pull an all-nighter.
If you’re going to use Modafinil, make sure to wake up early and consume the nootropic as early as possible. Due to Modafinil’s half-life, the effects of the nootropic can last up to 15+ hours. If you wake up at 7am and pop a Modafinil, the effects will kick in around 8-9am.
In theory, the half-life will allow you to work until 11pm that evening. That’s a whole lot of productive time.
Oh, and one of my most important Modafinil tips is this…
Always take this smart drug in the morning.
– Forget About Sleep
Sleeping and Modafinil don’t exactly get along well. Think about it…Modafinil was created as a wakefulness agent designed to keep people with sleep disorders awake all day long.
If you’re planning to take Modafinil, understand that sleep schedules can get messed up. It’s rare to fall asleep before midnight, even when taking Modafinil early int the morning.
Of course, it all depends on your Modafinil tolerance, the dosage, and how you normally sleep. Some users have no issues falling asleep at 10pm after taking Modafinil in the morning, while others can’t get to sleep until 2-3am that morning.
This is why new users should always start off with 100mg Modafinil and take the smart drug in the morning.
– Remember to Eat
It may be tough, but make sure to remember to eat after using Modafinil. The smart drug can act as an appetite suppressant. As such, it’s unlikely you’ll feel any hunger pangs when using the nootropic.
You’ll have to remember to eat when using the smart drug. This means sticking to your typical meal schedule — even if you don’t feel hungry.
Eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the same time you normally do. Try to eat a similar amount as you normally do. This will help to minimize any side effects of Modafinil.
Many users only have stomach issues and nausea when taking Modafinil due to one reason…not eating food when taking the smart drug!
– Drink Plenty of Water
Just like food, you may forget to drink enough water while using Modafinil. There’s a good chance you’ll be engulfed in your work and forget about the need to quench your thirst.
This is commonplace for many Modafinil users. They’re so focused on their work, that they forget to drink enough water during the day. Their mouth becomes bone dry and then they realize how dehydrated they are.
Keep a gallon of water by your desk when taking Modafinil. Try to down a glass every hour or so.
If taking Modafinil, try to drink some Pedialyte with your final meal of the day. This will greatly help with hydration.
By staying hydrated when using Modafinil, one can ward off many of the most common side effects of Modafinil. Highly recommended keeping the fluids flowing when using smart drugs.
– Pay Attention to Tolerance
Some people like to take Modafinil every single day. While this certainly has cognitive benefits, this is not recommended.
Modafinil is still a strong prescription drug. As such, it’s important to pay attention to Modafinil tolerance. This is especially true when taking Modafinil as a smart drug.
Overall, most nootropics users find Modafinil is best taken 1-3 days per week.
This dosing schedule allows users insane cognitive benefits, while ensuring one never builds up any type of Modafinil tolerance or dependence.
Personally, I’ve used the smart drug daily for weeks on end before, but found the intense cognitive benefits of Modafinil begin to wean after the first couple weeks of daily use.
There’s no exact manual on how to take Modafinil effectively. However, taking Modafinil 1-3 times a week seems to be ideal when using the product as a nootropic.
– Don’t Hit the Gym
Some people rave about Modafinil’s effects on their workouts. They find the smart drug increases focus, endurance, and mind-body connection while in the gym.
For the most part, these people are correct. Studies have shown that Modafinil reduces the sensation of fatigue in the muscle, among other things.
However, it is not recommended to take Modafinil before going to the gym. Here’s why…
Decreasing the sensation of fatigue in the muscle can lead to negative consequences, like over doing it and injuries. Personally, I find joint pain increases significantly when going to the gym after taking smart drugs. I believe this is due to one’s inability to feel the fatigue while lifting.
Yet, this isn’t why I frown upon using Modafinil in the gym…
Quite frankly, if you’re in the gym after taking Modafinil, you’re not using the benefits of the nootropic wisely. There are much better uses of Modafinil time than pumping iron.
When taking Modafinil, the best use of the smart drug’s cognitive benefits are from academic or work-related tasks. Tasks related to increasing productivity.
– No Boozing
Modafinil may be ideal for dealing with a hangover and staying productive, but mixing the smart drug with booze is a no-go. Prescription drugs rarely mix well with booze, and Modafinil is certainly no different.
The main reason?
Both Modafinil and alcohol place extra strain on the liver. The liver metabolizes and breaks down both these substances after ingesting. When using both Modafinil and alcohol at the same time, the liver is put under undo stress.
While I’m not going to dive too much more into the science behind Modafinil and alcohol here, I’d strongly advise against combining the two.
Not only are there health risks, but this is another form of not using the effects of the smart drug wisely. Use Modafinil for focus, drink when you want to be social. Don’t combine the two.
– Get Started Before the Kick
I’ve fallen into the trap before, too. I’ll take Modafinil and then wait around for the effects to kick in. I want to feel the smart drug coursing through my veins and brains.
Avoid this trap. You’ll end up wasting 1-3+ hours mindlessly surfing the web instead of getting productive and getting stuff done.
Modafinil takes an hour or so to kick in. However, if you’re browsing the web or researching something interesting, you’ll quickly find moving to productive tasks becomes a chore once the drug kicks.
The Modafinil effects will start working and you’ll soon be fascinated by Airbnb rentals in Goa, India. Soon, you’ll have 11 tabs open browsing cost of living in the city and why India is an amazing place to travel through.
Just. Don’t. Do. It.
– Block Time Wasters
Furthermore, one way to ensure you utilize the smart drug’s effects is by blocking time wasters.
Hide your phone when taking Modafinil. It’s too easy to turn a 5-minute phone check break into a few hours when using smart drugs. Instead, hide it or turn it off. You can check your messages/emails when eating your meals.
Also, block addicting websites online. Any website that you find yourself visiting instead of working should be blocked when taking Modafinil.
Use Stay Focused Chrome Extension to block sites like:
- News Sites
- Airbnb
Whatever sites you waste time on, block them on days you take Modafinil. By blocking these time-wasting sites, you’ll find productivity skyrockets.
Why? Because a quick Twitter break after taking Modafinil can quickly turn into an hour-long ordeal.
– Have a Plan
Going hand-in-hand with getting started right away, make sure to plan out your day when taking Modafinil. How to take Modafinil effectively? This may be the most important tip…
Write out what you want to accomplish the night before. Put together a full-day plan that’ll take 8-12+ hours to complete.
Keep your plan in plain view when working that day. Then when you accomplish each task — cross it off the list.
On Modafinil days, you’ll find yourself cruising through your list by following this plan. Planning is key to a productive day on Modafinil.
– Combine With Coffee
The combo of Modafinil and coffee is god’s gift to productivity.
Caffeine pairs exceptionally well with smart drugs. In fact, many consider caffeine to be a nootropic by itself.
Coffee is a performance enhancer by itself. Hell, Caffeine is even banned by the NCAA as a performance-enhancing drug at high levels of consumption [8].
It’s recommended to drink at least 1-4 cups of coffee on days when taking Modafinil. One could easily drink 1-2 cups of coffee after each meal to enhance the effects of Modafinil and increase cognitive enhancement.
Mushroom coffee pairs exceptionally well with nootropics.
– Don’t Mix Smart Drugs
While mixing coffee with nootropics is ideal, it is NOT recommended to combine other nootropics with Modafinil.
On days you’re taking Modafinil, you don’t need any other nootropics that day. Take the smart drug and drink a little coffee. That’s really all smart drugs users need to succeed.
Just don’t mix any other drugs with Modafinil — prescription or over-the-counter. Mixing smart drugs is not only unhealthy but honestly…it’s simply unneeded.
The effects of 200-300mg of Modafinil and a couple cups of coffee is more than enough to ensure you’re crazy productive and focused for 12+ hours.
– Plan to Sleep In
Modafinil is going to mess up your sleep schedule. That’s just how a pharmaceutical drug created for shift sleep disorder and sleep apnea works.
Luckily, one can minimize the negative sleep side effects of Modafinil with a few tips and tricks.
Just plan to sleep in the day after you take Modafinil. Don’t set an alarm. Don’t stress yourself out about getting to bed at a certain time.
Let the smart drug run it’s course through your body and plan to sleep in. I typically fall asleep around 2:30am after I use the nootropics that day. Then I wake up naturally, without an alarm around 10-11am the following morning.
If you’re struggling to sleep after using Modafinil, a supplement stack designed to help you fall asleep can be beneficial. I occasionally combine these three supplements to ensure I get a good nights’ sleep:
- CBD Oil
- Cherry Juice
- Ashwagandha
– Creativity Crushed
Modafinil doesn’t increase creativity. In fact, the smart drug hinders the creative process a bit. While you’ll be able to crush work and stay focused for hours on end when using the smart drug, you won’t feel much creative inspiration.
Use Modafinil when you need to produce…
Avoid the smart drug when you need to be creative.
– Buy Modafinil Online
It’s possible to get a Modafinil prescription from the doctor, but it’s honestly a pain to do so. It’s also quite difficult unless you have narcolepsy.
Instead…
You’re much better off buying Modafinil on the internet.
Wondering where to get Modafinil? There are many reputable vendors these days and most will have your shipment arriving within the week.
I generally get my Modafinil shipments within 5-12+ days from ordering in the USA. Which is pretty quick if you ask me.
I only buy from vendors that offer guaranteed delivery, as it means I have little risk on my end. The vast majority of digital nomads I’m friends with also get their Modafinil online.
Overall, it’s just a lot easier there days.
Plus, the high quality generic Modafinil sold online won’t be any different than what you get from a pharmacy in your country.
If you’re looking to order Modafinil online,this is the best pharmacy I’ve found.
Taking Modafinil Properly | The Verdict?
Using smart drugs doesn’t need to be complicated or unhealthy.
Follow the quick tips above when taking Modafinil and you shouldn’t have any issues. The nootropic is extremely safe — as long as you take it properly.
Which is exactly what I’m recommending with all the tips and tricks above.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns – please feel free to leave a comment below. I’ll do my best to get back to you and provide any answers about taking Modafinil properly and maximizing effectiveness.
References
- Modafinil Oral : Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-16962/modafinil-oral/details
- Gerrard, P., & Malcolm, R. (2007, June). Mechanisms of modafinil: A review of current research. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2654794/
- Side Effects of Provigil (Modafinil), Warnings, Uses. (2018, May 8). Retrieved from https://www.rxlist.com/provigil-side-effects-drug-center.htm
- Modafinil Tolerance: How to Help Yourself. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.oxfordtreatment.com/addiction-treatment/detox/modafinil/tolerance/
- Jacobs, I., & Bell, D. G. (2004, June). Effects of acute modafinil ingestion on exercise time to exhaustion. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15179180
- Robertson, P., DeCory, H. H., Madan, A., & Parkinson, A. (2000, June). In vitro inhibition and induction of human hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes by modafinil. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10820139
- Cowpland, C., Su, G. M., Murray, M., Puddey, I. B., & Croft, K. D. (2006, March). Effect of alcohol on cytochrome p450 arachidonic acid metabolism and blood pressure in rats and its modulation by red wine polyphenolics. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16487260
- 2019-20 NCAA Banned Substances. Retrieved from http://www.ncaa.org/sport-science-institute/topics/2019-20-ncaa-banned-substances