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Modafinil Tolerance | 6 Clinically Proven Tips To Manage It

Modafinil Tolerance | 6 Clinically Proven Tips To Manage It

 

A Tolerance to modafinil can develop within a few weeks to a few months of continuous use. People with a history of addiction and those who administer high Modafinil doses are more likely to experience tolerance. However, clinical studies report Modafinil as a well-tolerated drug with no substantial evidence to establish a relationship between Modafinil and tolerance. 

 

 

Have you been using Modafinil for a long time? Or have you taken the Nootropic recently but failed to achieve the desired eugeroic and cognitive benefits? In either case, you may have developed Modafinil Tolerance. 
Modafinil is a novel wakefulness-promoting agent approved by the FDA for excessive daytime sleepiness. Beyond its prescription uses, it shows beneficial effects in improving the person's cognitive functioning. 

This comprehensive blog aims to help you provide a detailed overview of-

  • How to prevent Modafinil Tolerance
  • Scientifically proven steps to combat tolerance from frequent drug use. 

 

Tolerance Of Modafinil- An Overview

Drug Tolerance is defined as a condition when the body gets used to a medication, thus failing to produce a promising result [1]. 

So, Why and how is it detrimental? 

The medication must be taken in a higher dosage to achieve an effective result, which can cause a risk of overdosing with continuous use. The physiological consequences of overdosing on Modafinil include nausea, chest pain, vomiting, hypertension, and palpitation. At the same time, it can affect the central nervous system, causing agitation, restlessness, confusion, hallucination, anxiety, and disorientation. 

Tolerance can, however, be built for anything that is used repeatedly. You must have noticed that after drinking Coffee every day, you tend to feel a lesser effect from it. 
Tolerance to Modafinil is low, and it is considered safe for long-term administration. A clinical study published by  Fundamentals of Sleep Medicine states that-

 

“There is no evidence that Modafinil tolerance develops or that the drug impairs sleep quality in people if taken in the morning” [2].  

 

Scientific Studies On The Possibility Of Modafinil Tolerance

Scientific studies so far have not established a clear relationship between Modafinil and drug tolerance. For the longest time, researchers believed that Modafinil has a very low potential for abuse. Any studies published since then further confirm the absence of any substantial evidence regarding Modafinil tolerance. 

Most clinical findings indicate it to be a well-tolerated drug. A study was conducted on patients with depression. After receiving the Nootropic for two months, such individuals showed no mood disorder or sign of abuse, dependency, or tolerance. A similar study on pediatric patients showed no signs of Modafinil tolerance [3]. 

 

Can You Develop A Tolerance To Modafinil?

 

Can you develop a tolerance to Modafinil

 

Drug tolerance develops when your body adapts to the drug, irrespective of time. In generalized theory, it is more common to experience tolerance from long-term medication use. Still, it can also depend on the dose and how each individual reacts to the compound. 

A study describing the tolerance to alcohol states that the onset of tolerance may occur within minutes (i.e., acute tolerance) or over prolonged exposure (i.e., rapid or chronic tolerance). A scientific trial assessing the long-term safety and efficacy of Modafinil in patients with excessive daytime sleepiness proves it to be a well-tolerated drug with no sign of dependency or tolerance from 40 weeks of continuous treatment [4]. 

Conditions that put you at a higher risk of experiencing Modafinil tolerance are listed below. 

  • People with a history of addiction to substances and alcohol. 
  • Mixing Modafinil with other medication for a better or higher effect. 
  • Regular use of the Nootropic. 
  • Taking a higher dose of Modafinil. 

A few cases where tolerance to Modafinil was reported were in individuals with a history of addiction, taking about 1000 mg of Modafinil every day [3]. 

 

Types Of Tolerance

Modafinil tolerance, or tolerance in general, can be divided into three types [5]. 

  • Pharmacokinetic clearance: Drug tolerance can affect the amount of the drug or its active compound reaching the targeted site (often reduced), as most of the drug is metabolized and eliminated much faster. 

 

  • Behavioral tolerance: This is a kind of tolerance where you do not exhibit any behavioral characteristics from being high. Such users are able to appear sober irrespective of the amount of substance abuse. 

 

  • Pharmacodynamic tolerance: It is a form of tolerance where the brain undergoes chemical processes that reduce the effects of a substance. It is marked by a decrease in response after taking a single dose of the medication. 

 

During a Modafinil tolerance, all three of these mechanisms are simultaneously taking place, just one being more prevalent than the other depending on the individual. Such people experience all of the effects that Modafinil offers, but they exist to a much lesser degree. 

 

Modafinil Tolerance- Anecdotal User Review 

Several Modafinil users share their experiences, showcasing mixed reviews on developing Modafinil tolerance. 

Modafinil tolerance

Modafinil tolerance

Modafinil tolerance reddit review

Tolerance to Modafinil

So, even though Modafinil tolerance is not clinically proven to be a major characteristic drawback of the Nootropic, it is an issue in a few users. However, only some people talking the Nootropic are seen to develop tolerance. 

 

Modalert And Provigil Tolarence- An Evaluation Of Modafinil Brands 

Two of the most popular Modafinil brands, Provigil and Modalert, are often thought to develop tolerance. These Nootropics are formulated with Modafinil as the active compound and thus have similar functioning and benefits. 

The ability to develop tolerance by Provigil and Modalert is low, just like its generic version. People often prefer to buy Modalert 200mg tablets·as it is considered the most effective Modafinil brand. However, the chances of developing tolerance from this medication can be lowered by taking a dose prescribed by your physician. 

 

How To Control And Minimize Modafinil Tolerance | 6 Quick Tips

Developing tolerance in the medical industry is common, but it can be a matter of concern with prescription medications. However, drug tolerance development can be reversed and improved with a few simple tips outlined below. 

Use the best quality Drug-

While ordering Modalert or Modvigil online, it is important to get a high-quality drug from a legitimate vendor. Choosing leading pharmaceuticals such as Sun Pharma Modalert or HAB Pharmaceuticals is advised as they maintain a high standard of quality check during production. Taking low-quality medications is more likely to cause tolerance. 

 

Proper Usage-

As with any other Nootropic, the best way to take Modafinil without developing tolerance is to administer it in moderation. The continuous use of a high Modafinil dose or its brand drug for several days or weeks in a row is more likely to develop tolerance. The following administration guidelines will assist in lowering the possibility of developing tolerance. 

  • Avoid the intake of Modafinil (Modalert) dose more than 4 times a week. 
  • Taking 200mg of the Nootropics works best. So, refrain from taking a higher dose without consulting a doctor.

 

Avoid Back-to-Back Administration-

The intake of the medication on consecutive days must be avoided unless advised by your physician. It is best to space out your dose by skipping the medication for at least a day. For instance, if you take the Modafinil dose on Monday, it is best to take the next one on Wednesday.

 

Do not co-administer other Compounds-

One common cause for experiencing tolerance or side effects from Modafinil is drug interaction. It can be prevented by avoiding taking other Nootropics or drugs with Modafinil. However, taking Modafinil with coffee can enhance its euphoric characteristics, but it is a personal choice and is not advised by all. According to a study, “The intake of Modafinil with benzhydryl nootropics can result in cross-tolerance resulting in the reduced effect of their eugeroic effect.” [6]

 

Supplement with Magnesium-

A few research analysis suggests that using magnesium supplements can lower the possibility of developing tolerance. A report on the use of Magnesium in drug abuse and addiction by the National Center for Biotechnology Information suggests the following. 

 

“..Using Magnesium reduces the intensity of addiction... It decreases the auto-administration of addictive substances and relapse of addiction..” [7]

 

In case you have already developed a Modafinil tolerance, then taking Magnesium supplements and stopping the usage of the Nootropic can rest your condition. 

 

Be Mindful of the Enzymes affected by Modafinil-

Following administration, the metabolism of Modafinil takes place in the liver with the assistance of the CYP3A4 enzyme. However, it appears to affect numerous other enzymes during its metabolization process. 

 

“Modafinil can suppress the CYP2C9 enzyme, inhibit the CYP2C19 enzyme, and induce CYP3A4, CYP2B6, and CYP1A2 enzymes. Since these enzymes are responsible for the metabolism of phenytoin, diazepam, and propranolol, co-administering these drugs with Modafinil can significantly increase their breakdown or metabolism timing. This results in the accumulation of these drugs in the body.” 

 

The presence of such a high level of a drug in the system for a prolonged time can result in building tolerance. 

 

Modafinil Cycle- Can It Help Avoid Modafinil Tolerance? 

 

Cycling Modafinil

 

Modafinil cycling and dosing may be the most effective ways to avoid tolerance. Doing so will also prevent Modafinil's cognitive and wakefulness-promoting effect from wearing off. 
So, in this section, we will take you through Modafinil cycling and the ways to do it. 
The Modafinil cycle, also known as the Drug holiday, is the process of abstaining from taking the medication for a predetermined period. A Modafinil cycle intends to achieve the following benefits-

  • To reduce the severity and frequency of side effects.
  • Help the medication regain its original potency and effectiveness.
  • Lower drug tolerance. 

Thus, after continuous use of the Nootropic for a few straight months, it is advisable to take a break. Many reports indicate that after taking Nootropic for 2 months, people usually take a break for around 2 weeks. A study suggests that-

 

“In the absence of further drug consumption, it takes about 3 to 7 days for the tolerance to be reduced to half and about 1 to 2 weeks to be back at baseline.” [6]

 

In other words, the above study concludes that by avoiding the consumption of Nootropics for a few days, your body will automatically reset the tolerance level. This is why, after a break, people feel that a lower dose that wasn't showing effective results previously is working well. 

A few users prefer the "two weeks on and off" cycle, meaning that they will administer the Nootropic on the first two weeks of the month and take a break on the remaining two weeks.
Such practice maintains the efficacy of the Nootropic without the scope of developing tolerance. 

 

Modafinil Tolerance | The Verdict

The possibility of developing Modafinil tolerance is much lower than in most Nootropics. Most scientific literature reports Modafinil as a well-tolerated drug with a lower potential for abuse and dependency. 
Chances of developing tolerance are higher in users with a history of addiction or taking a very high dose of the Nootropic for a prolonged period. However, there are proven ways to reverse the condition. The tips discussed in this blog and practicing the Modafinil cycle will help you benefit from the Nootropic. Remember that Modafinil is a prescription drug, and it should be taken under the supervision of a physician. 


FAQ's

Yes, frequent use of the Nootropic or taking a higher dose of the medication can build Modafinil tolerance. Tolerance can develop within a few weeks or months, depending on the dose, frequency, and health conditions.

Yes, Modafinil is considered a safe medication for long-term use with no scientific evidence to cause dependency and tolerance. However, it depends on users; a few people may experience tolerance from long-term use of Nootropics.

Taking Modafinil daily for a prolonged period can increase the risk of side effects. It can develop nervousness, headache, diarrhea, nausea, insomnia, and anxiety.

Yes, taking the Modafinil dose for a few days and abstaining from its use for a few weeks can help avoid tolerance and maintain the drug's effectiveness.

Tolerance can build within a few weeks or a few months of use. Depending on their metabolic activity, dosage strength, and frequency, this time may differ in people.

It is best to avoid continuous use of the Nootropic over 2 to 3 weeks.


References-

1. Definition of drug tolerance, Cancer.gov. 

2. Chapter 24 - Hypersomnias of Central Origin, Richard B.Berry et al., Fundamentals of Sleep Medicine. 

3. A review on modafinil: the characteristics, function, and use in critical care, Seyed Mohammad Reza Hashemian et al., NCBI. 

4. Long-term efficacy and safety of modafinil (PROVIGIL((R))) for the treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy, MM Mitler et al, PubMed. 

5. Reverse Tolerance and Other Types of Tolerance, Recoveryintune. 

6. Modafinil, psychonautwiki.

7. Magnesium in drug abuse and addiction, Mihai Nechifor et al., NCBI.