Modafinil is a stimulant that has not been subject to narcotics legislation 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 indication 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 area of application of narcolepsy will therefore hardly be covered by health insurance companies.
1. Modafinil for ADHD (off label)¶
As modafinil has been associated with the occurrence of Stevens-Johnsons syndrome, modafinil is not approved for the treatment of ADHD and can therefore only be used off-label.
There are several 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 that modafinil is effective for ADHD.
A study on adults came to the different conclusion of good tolerability, but found no significant improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to 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).
⇒ Effectiveness of different forms of treatment for ADHD
2. Modafinil pathways of action¶
The mode of action of modafinil is not yet fully understood. There appears to be a strong dopaminergic component.
Modafinil is an atypical stimulant and also acts on GABA, glutamates, serotonin and noradrenaline.
Modafinil apparently increases orexin levels. This could be one of the pathways of action of modafinil in the treatment of narcolepsy.
Orexin levels appear to be reduced in ADHD-I. More on this at ⇒ Orexin / hypocretin In this regard, modafinil could find a specific area of application in ADHD-I.
3. Side effects of modafinil¶
One of the side effects of modafinil is that modafinil increases histamine, just like the well-known ADHD medications:
- Amphetamine drugs
- Methylphenidate
- Atomoxetine
- Nicotine
- Caffeine
This is why people with histamine intolerance often have problems when taking ADHD medication.
An ADHD sufferer with histamine intolerance reported that she could not tolerate AMP and sustained-release MPH at all, but was able to tolerate low doses of sustained-release MPH.
