Does Modafinil Show Up On Drug Test?

 

Are you wondering about Modafinil and drug tests? Think no more. We have all the information that you should know before taking the Nootropic. 

The significant rise in the Modafinil drug test is due to the increased off-label uses of Nootropic. Modafinil drug test is done in several different scenarios. It is predominantly done in the corporate world, in athletes, truckers, universities, and people suspected of overdosing or abuse. 

In this blog, we will explore the relationship between Modafinil and drug screening tests, exploring whether it shows up in these tests and how it is detected. Understanding these aspects is crucial for effective and safe Modafinil use.

 

Modafinil and Drug Test- An Introduction

Modafinil is a prescription Nootropic known for promoting wakefulness and alertness. It is used to treat daytime sleepiness associated with conditions such as narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder. Modafinil alters the brain chemicals that assist in regulating sleep and wakefulness.

Modafinil Drug Test

Drug screening tests play a crucial role in various facilities. Whether in the workplace, sports, or healthcare facilities, they help detect the presence of substances in the body, including medications like Modafinil. These tests ensure safety, fairness, and compliance with medication use policies.

There are several drug screening tests, each with varying methodologies and detection capabilities. Standard methods for detecting Modafinil in the system include-

• Urine

• Blood

• Hair Follicle

• Saliva 

Each sample offers different insights into the presence of substances in the body. 

 

How Long Does Modafinil Stay In Your System?

Modafinil stays in the system for approximately 4 to 7 days. 

Modafinil’s duration in the system is mainly determined by its half-life, which is 15 hours. Half-life refers to the time it takes for the drug in the body to reduce by half.

It is excreted by the kidney primarily through the urine. 

Theoretical Evaluation

The standard dose of Modafinil is 200mg, and let us consider the administration time as hour “zero.” 

With 15 hours of half-life and 65% of Modafinil remaining as an active molecule (130mg), the elimination process will look like [3]-

15th hour- 65mg 

30th hour- 32.5mg

45th hour- 16.25mg

60th hour- 8.125 mg

75th hour- 4.06mg

90th hour- 2.03 mg

105th hour- 1.01 mg 

The above data indicates that Modafinil stays in the system for much longer, even after its cognitive effect declines. It takes approximately 105 hours or 4 to 7 days to eliminate Modafinil completely.

 

How Long Does Modafinil Show Up On A Drug Test?

• Modafinil urine test can be detected for 48 and 72 hours.

• Blood test for Modafinil’s presence can show up to 10 and 12 hours.

• It can be detected in saliva for 6–9 hours.

• Modafinil hair drug tests can show up to 90 days.

 

User Experiences For Modafinil Drug Test 

Now that we know if Modafinil will be detected in a drug test, let us look at users' experiences with Modafinil drug tests [19]. 

 

 

Factors Affecting Modafinil Elimination

It is crucial to note that Modafinil's duration may vary depending on numerous factors. Some of the notable factors include-

• Dosage: Higher doses of Modafinil may take longer to eliminate from the body than lower doses. Also, users taking the Nootropic every day will take longer to eliminate the compound and its metabolite from the body. 

• Liver and kidney Function: Modafinil is metabolized in the liver and eliminated through the kidney.  Any impairment in liver and kidney functions can affect the rate at which Modafinil is eliminated.

• Enzyme Activity: Enzymes such as Cytochrome P450 (CYP) in the liver are crucial in metabolizing Modafinil. Variations in enzyme activity can influence the duration of elimination.

• Genetics: Genetic variations influence enzyme activity and metabolism, affecting the duration of Modafinil elimination.

• Interaction with other medications: Co-administration of other drugs can impact Modafinil elimination. It can either accelerate or slow down the process.

• Age: Older people have a slower metabolism rate, taking longer to eliminate Modafinil than younger people.

• Bodyweight: Obesity influences the drug clearance rate. Over bodyweight, individuals thus have a longer elimination duration of Modafinil.

 

Can Modafinil Cause False Positive Drug Tests?

There are not many reports of Modafinil testing false-positive in drug screenings. Modafinil has a unique chemical structure, thus making it very unlikely to generate a false-positive. 

According to Dr. Muneeb Ali, “Modafinil does not cause a false positive for any drug on the drug test [12]”.  

 

Circumstances For Modafinil Drug Test

 

 

Modafinil drug test is more prevalent among drug abusers and the four broad categories of organizations listed below. 

Modafinil Military Drug Test-

Modafinil's cognition-enhancing ability benefits the military. In the United States, Modafinil 200 mg is approved for use on certain Air Force missions. As of 2012, Modafinil is the only stimulant approved for fatigue management. The Special Operation Forces (SOF) also uses Modafinil during combat battles. 

Corporate World-

Government and private organizations do not commonly test for Modafinil unless there is a specific reason to do so.

Employers test for Modafinil in the following circumstances. 

• If the drug is lowering your productivity.

• If they have a drug abuse policy and your administration of Modafinil is violating it. 

It is often very rare for employers to call for a Modafinil drug test for all new employees. Also, Modafinil is unlikely to reduce your productivity, thus making it less of a concern for the organization. 

Athletics- 

Many international sports organizations consider Modafinil a performance-enhancing drug. Therefore, its usage is banned, and a Modafinil drug test is done before an event. Some sporting organizations that have banned the use of Modafinil are-

• The Olympics [12].

• National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) [13].

• World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) governed sporting body.

• Electronic Sports League (ESL) [15].

• United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).

An athlete testing positive for Modafinil can be suspended for the long term or be disqualified from the event. They should discontinue its use a week before the drug test is scheduled. 

Truckers -

Truck drivers in the USA must undergo a 5-panel drug test before obtaining their commercial license. These 5-panel drug tests are not structured to detect the presence of Modafinil in the system. However, it is best to refrain from taking Modafinil dosage before your scheduled drug test. 

The driving advisory by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) on driving after administering Modafinil includes [17, 18]-

• The driver is aware of the effects of Modafinil in their system.

• All drivers taking Modafinil should be closely monitored for six months before qualifying. 

• Submit a doctor's note to the medical examiner confirming the treatment's effectiveness and stating it won't affect your ability to drive a commercial vehicle.