Modafinil is a stimulant that has no longer been subject to narcotics law since 2008 and has also been available as a generic since 2012. The molecular structure differs significantly from amphetamines.
Trade names: Provigil (USA), Generic
The regular use is narcolepsy. It is used off-label for ADHD. In ADHD with comorbid narcolepsy, it is likely to be the drug of first choice.
Even as a generic, modafinil is still disproportionately expensive. Off-label use outside the approved indication narcolepsy is therefore unlikely to be covered by health insurers.
1. Modafinil for ADHD (off label)¶
Because modafinil has been associated with the occurrence of Stevens-Johnsons syndrome, modafinil is not approved for the treatment of ADHD and therefore can only be used off-label.
There are quite a few reports from ADHD sufferers in forums about a very positive effect of Modafinil, as well as reports from non-responders. Modafinil has a very consistent effect throughout the day with a half-life of 12 to 15 hours and in this respect is superior to most MPH products or amphetamine salts.
Several larger double-blind placebo-controlled studies confirm modafinil has good efficacy in ADHD.
A study in adults came to the divergent conclusion of good tolerability, but found no significant improvements in ADHD symptoms over placebo.
Modafinil has an effect size of 0.65 in ADHD for both ADHD-I and ADHD-C. This corresponds to the value of atomoxetine (Strattera).
⇒ Efficacy of different forms of treatment for ADHD
2. Modafinil pathways of action¶
The mode of action of modafinil is not yet fully understood. There seems to be a strong dopaminergic component.
Modafinil apparently increases orexin levels. This could be one of the pathways of action of modafinil in the treatment of narcolepsy.
In ADHD-I, orexin levels appear to be decreased. See more at ⇒ Orexin/hypocretin In this regard, modafinil might find a specific application in ADHD-I.
3. Modafinil side effects¶
One of the side effects of modafinil is that modafinil increases histamine, as do the well-known ADHD medications:
- Amphetamine drugs
- Methylphenidate
- Atomoxetine
- Nicotine
- Caffeine
Therefore, people with histamine intolerance often have problems by taking ADHD medications.
One ADHD sufferer with histamine intolerance reported that she could not tolerate AMP and sustained-release MPH at all, but could tolerate sustained-release MPH in small doses.
