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Modafinil User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

Brand names: Provigil

Modafinil has an average rating of 7.2 out of 10 from a total of 476 reviews on Drugs.com. 64% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 18% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Modafinil

  • sgc
  • March 9, 2012

For Depression "I read the experiences of people on Provigil before I tried it and as I was in the midst of a very deep depression and has tried so many other anti-depressants. I was suicidal and desperate for help. As most other people found, it is a miracle! I cannot believe that I feel this good. I am back to my old positive self. I am taking 200 mgm in the morning. The last medicine that worked was Adderall which worked initially but wore off after a year. I still had the rapid heart beat, but the depression continued. Thank you to everyone who posted their positive feedback as it gave me hope that the medicine might work. This is an off label use, but it sure works for me!"

10 / 10
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  • Sillyme
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 17, 2018

For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome "I'm a chronic procrastinator and I've had problems with sticking to my heavy workload as a self-employed person. I'd start but I wouldn't get much done. I also suffer from depression. Modafinil (Modalert) helps. I can now actually get work done, even 100 mg is enough, and I've also found my mood is much more stable during the day. A bad event won't get to me. There's no way to reduce the effect. Even if you take calming substances, such as marijuana, both will have effect at the same time and that's not a very good thing. To get the best effect out of modafinil, you need to be well rested, well fed, hydrated and generally healthy and positive. I tend to be a bit more precise in communication (and I perhaps annoyingly demand the same from others), but this is not a drug that improves cognitive abilities. It just makes me stick to what I wanted to do - which is a huge positive effect that can change one's life for the better. It's a drug against lazyness / procrastination."

8 / 10
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  • Kathy
  • September 23, 2013

Provigil (modafinil) for Narcolepsy "I am 2 months shy of having used Provigil for 10 years. I have no physical side effects from it, which is pretty good since I am in my late 60s. It was more effective at keeping me awake when I first started using it, but it also made me a little nervous. These days it is usually effective, but sometimes not, but the good news is that I am much calmer than I have been in years. If this medicine seems to lose it's effectiveness, don't give up. Stop taking it for a little while (a week or two) and it will work again just fine. All and all this medicine has given me back my life, except for driving me to the poor house."

10 / 10
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128 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • kat...
  • February 11, 2017

For ADHD "I started taking this for adhd when I realized that adderall wasn't cutting it anymore. Adderall works for about a year and then starts to become ineffective unless you keep upping your dose. After a year and a half I started searching for alternatives and came across this MIRACLE. It is not prescribed for adhd in the united states so insurance will not cover it for the most part. I have to order it overseas (it is technically illegal to do so in the US but customs only cares about abusive drugs). I really hope some researchers test armodafinil and modafinil for adhd and depression. It has done a lot for me. I highly recommend it."

10 / 10
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  • Modaf...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 10, 2016

For Depression "Took these for a few weeks leading up to an exam with no thought that they'd help with my depression. Having suffered from chronic depression since early adolescence which was not at all helped by the numerous anti-depressants I've tried over the years these pills were a blessing. It's the first time I'd felt like myself in years; I had energy, drive, my thinking became more positive and it was like this crushing weight was taken off from me and I could actually enjoy life again. Really hope this medication becomes licensed for use in treating depression in the UK, could potentially improve countless lives."

10 / 10
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Are you taking this medicine?

  • psw
  • March 5, 2010

Provigil (modafinil) for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome "Before taking Provigil I could barely get out of bed. I had no idea what was wrong with me. Finally a doctor did a blood test and said I had been exposed to mono which can cause chronic fatigue syndrome. Now that I am on the Provigil I have gone back to work, I clean my house again and I can actually play with my grandkids again. Since being on this medicine I have not experienced any side effects or they were so mild I didn't notice. Provigil has changed my existing into living again."

9 / 10
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  • Danigee
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 6, 2018

For Fatigue "I purchased a prescription for this drug online strictly as a substitute for adderall . I was taking Adderall to help with my excessive tiredness and wanted to try something safer and less addictive. I am pleasantly surprised with Modafinil. I can take one 200 mg pill in the morning before work, and I feel the effects long after I get home. I can feel it start working right away. I get a little head buzz, my eyes seem to open a little bit more, and I’m generally happier to be awake and starting the day. No crash or comedown. Sleep can be very tough If this drug is taken too late in the day. Also, I do get pretty bad dry mouth while taking Modafinil. Make sure you have water around 24/7. Overall, I am satisfied for what this drug does for me and would recommend to anyone looking for a drug to help them stay awake and alert all day, with way less side effects than Adderall and much less habit-forming."

8 / 10
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71 Report
  • Martin
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • May 14, 2020

For ADHD "For those whose insurance won’t cover Modafinil: Try its prodrug Adrafinil. It’s metabolized into Modafinil in the liver, way cheaper (like $30 a month), classified as a food supplement in the US and unregulated in most countries. I (m, 38) have used both, Modafinil and Adrafinil for my ADD non hyperactive with considerable success. They seem to be interchangeable, but given a choice, I would prefer Modafinil as for me it seems to act faster and puts less of a strain on the liver. I am able to function well on it and it helps me overcome my task initiation blocks. I can stick to a boring task and get it done. It also helps improve my mood. Correct dosage is really important and I did develop tolerance after prolonged use. Taking a break from it for a few days every now and then helped with that. What I don’t like is that it makes my urine smell weird."

9 / 10
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55 Report
  • TxMom
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • January 10, 2021

For Depression "I have taken antidepressants many years. They helped but it was always my lack of motivation that was a problem. My Dr added Modafinil. It works for me almost every day. It is not like taking a stimulant. It makes me feel like myself.!!"

10 / 10
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48 Report
  • Rosco...
  • May 1, 2019

For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome "Modofinil is an interesting drug. I have fibromyalgia and fatigue problems. Within the first 3-4 days of taking 100mg, I noticed a marginal difference. It was odd, like I had more physical energy and could pay attention without feeling buzzed. However, it did feel very artificial and sometimes like my brain was fighting it. After about a week of taking it, I noticed I was feeling very tired- almost like a train had hit me during the day. I first associated it with sleep issues or not recently taken my Testosterone (I take this to help with workouts and fight libido problems that comes with Fibro), but I eventually realized that the zombied out feeling was actually caused by the Modofinil. It made retaining information and memory recall more difficult. From what I've read this is called a case of the "stoopids" Its typically a pretty rare side effect and it seems to be pretty successful for many people, but the feeling was just way too uncomfortable for me."

4 / 10
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64 Report
  • Fox
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 25, 2019

For Fatigue "I've been using Modafinil for a while now, mostly in periods where I have a lot of work to do and can't afford enough sleep, having a young son additionally. I've experienced noticeable less fatigue and better concentration, but also somehow it seems to making social interactions less stressful (I must say I'm not having any kind of social anxiety, just being maybe a shy person). Absolutely no side effects noticed, it starts working after 2 to 3 hours and lasting for about 8 to 12 for 200mg dose."

10 / 10
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  • danco...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • June 18, 2016

Provigil (modafinil) for Narcolepsy "Provigil is different for everyone. Personally, I can begin to feel it working about 30 to 45 min. I take it as soon as I get out of bed so it's on an empty stomach. I eat after I get dressed so by the time I'm making breakfast I feel like I received a caffeine boost that will last about 8-10 hours. If I'm having a hard time waking up, I have been known to take the medication and take a 15 min nap. I set my alarm for 15-20 min. When I wake up again, my head is clear, I feel refreshed and ready to burst out of bed. "

9 / 10
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  • bette...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 25, 2019

For Depression "I have struggled with major depression since I was 13 (I'm 23 now). I have been put trough the ringer of all the traditional antidepressant classes. I've tried two SSRI's, three SNRI's, several different atypical antipsychotics, Remeron, Lamictal, and Wellbutrin XL. I'm a man and have had terrible sexual side effects with antidepressants. Recently I was diagnosed with treatment resistant depression, and I said I need something new. My psychiatrist suggested Provigil, since it is less likely than other stimulants to worsen high blood pressure. It has been a godsend for my depression. I have energy, intense focus and have been doing much better in my college courses. Long work shifts that used to drag on forever now seem to fly by. I am more patient and outgoing than I have ever been. Now I just take this and Wellbutrin XL. Definitely recommend. Should be used much more frequently for refractory depression. It's not covered on insurance but I can get it for like $40 per month."

9 / 10
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  • hello...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • December 14, 2012

For Depression "Provigil was added to my meds for depression. I love it! Modafinil has made more of a difference than anything I've ever been given. I can concentrate now and actually have more get up and go than I've had in years. I take 100 mg everyday. Tried 200 mg, but feel just fine with 100 mg."

10 / 10
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  • CKLC
  • June 14, 2019

For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome "My experience with Modafinil was tough. I have been struggling with daily fatigue for a while now and my psychiatrist prescribed me it to help me wake up. It has in fact helped me with that, and I feel like I can mostly go through each day without crashing or feeling like a dead fish. However, I have a severe anxiety disorder and my psychiatrist had been cautious of prescribing me a stimulant in case it increased said anxiety. Unfortunately, that’s what Modafinil did to me. It increased my heart rate and gave me overall physical anxiety, which seems impossible to get rid of once it attacks me. This in turn causes mental anxiety. The energy Modafinil gave me ultimately was not worth this anxious increase. Also, since the drug is a controlled substance I couldn’t get a refill anyway, and it just wasn’t worth it. I would say that each person is different and while anxiety is a common side effect it doesn’t have to be a sole feature. It did give me energy and that was a big plus."

6 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • October 21, 2012

For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome "I'm finishing the second year of my degree (in neuroscience, ironically), only possible because of this medication. I would recommend that anyone with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome try this medication (give it a few weeks). Two important things: 1) The medicine has an 'inverted U' efficacy. In other words, it doesn't do more the more you take, the strongest effect is in the middle. 'The middle' depends on your body weight, but it's usually about 200 mg. 2) DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL WHILE ON THIS MEDICATION. I get migraines the following day if I drink while taking modafinil. Last time I had three beers at a BBQ and had a migraine for three days following. It might only be me but don't risk it."

9 / 10
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110 Report
  • CJano
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 11, 2019

For ADHD "I took this drug for a month and then stopped because I fell into my seasonal depression and needed some time to relax. Before this drug I took Adderall 30mg a day and eventually it wore me down and I was unwilling to take more. Modafinil came with virtually no negative side effects compared to Adderall. It feels like you are just at ease with whatever it is you want to be doing instead of trying to do things and feeling like you need to find your bed, It feels like the ultimate coffee. I recommend this drug as an alternative to Adderall any day of the week to anyone. It is much less neuro-toxic and has no side effects but yet gives me the mental clarity, focus, and stay up that I need to do what I want. Also people are saying this drug is expensive,I can get coupons and buy it for $35 in generic form. My insurance does want me to pay a lot though,"

8 / 10
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58 Report
  • Sleepy...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • February 28, 2013

Provigil (modafinil) for Narcolepsy "For the past few years, my friends all made fun of me for how many naps I took. Eventually, I was not able to leave very far from my house lest I get a sleep attack and need to lay down immediately. I've slept everywhere - from the bathroom floor at my work (before I was fired for leaving early so many times to sleep) to friends cars during the middle of the day. After FINALLY getting a narcolepsy diagnosis (good luck getting insurance to pay without it - even the Patient Assist Program won't send you meds unless your diagnosis is documented) I am now experiencing how normal people must live. As long as I take the Provigil at the exact times I need to (100mg at 8am, noon, 4pm) I can work, making me feel like an asset to society again."

9 / 10
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  • Chris
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • July 7, 2019

For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome "I started using it about a year ago for excessive fatigue from multiple sclerosis or from the MS drug I'd changed to a year back. At first I started with 50 mg modafinil. At that time I had to go to a neurological appointment. I had multiple panic attacks while going to the appointment. I even took Xanax which didn't even help. It's like the modafinil over road the Xanax effects. Modafinil didn't wear off for hours. I'd already struggled with anxiety from neuro issues so this was so frustrating for me. Since then I'll take 25 mg occasionally. Make sure you start low and also take very early or you'll have insomnia. This drug has a very long half life. Wish it helped me more but the side effects for me aren't great."

6 / 10
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56 Report
  • cauley
  • April 30, 2009

Provigil (modafinil) for ADHD "I am 42 years old and have suffered panic disorder since I was 17 years old. Have racing thoughts, mind won't slow down enough to accomplish a task. Since taking Provigil I have moved forward and been able to complete and follow through on projects and not get frustrated and anxious. Have had no side effects, nor have I experienced a come off effect. I'm stable as she goes all day long. It has not effected my sleep either."

10 / 10
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131 Report
  • Minny...
  • December 3, 2015

For Depression "Taking care of 90 year old m in law has put my life in deep dark depression. I was not able to function, my thinking speech and soul were leaving me more each day. Changing her diapers,and watching her sit idle 12 hours a day was more than I could handle. This med has given me patience,focus & my smile back. I am able to take care of her with a better outlook, and take care of my kids & husband again. It's a blessing and it worked for me in 2 days. My fatigue is gone,my mood is brighter the gloom has gone away. I feel like I'm alive where as before I took it, I felt dead inside & had no hope just wanted to stay in bed. I am grateful to have a normal feeling,it's been a miracle for me.need to appeal ins co.as they don't want to pay."

10 / 10
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85 Report
  • Anonymous
  • July 18, 2012

Provigil (modafinil) for Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome "Originally prescribed Provigil for sleep apnea, or at least that is what my doctors said so that my insurance would pay for it, however my sleep study was done a long time ago when I weighed more and insurance has recently stopped paying. I actually take the medication due to 2 previous head injuries. I have been on the medication for about 4-5 years. During that time I have returned to work and school to pursue a nursing degree. Off of the Provigil I have to take a nap every day, begin to forget things, and fail my classes at school. I have had to make many lifestyle changes since my accidents and taking Provigil really helps me. I am a single mom of 2 teenagers and just want close to normal life as possible."

10 / 10
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107 Report
  • thank...
  • October 1, 2009

Provigil (modafinil) for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome "After months of absolutely debilitating fatigue and an awful quality of life, I finally found something that makes me feel like I am alive. I would experience such extreme tiredness during the day until it was affecting every aspect of my life. I work 8-5 Mon-Fri. and would go to sleep at night and still wake up feeling awful. I actually felt like I had been 10 rounds in a heavyweight fight every day! I would spend all day in an absolute fog and by the time I would make it in from work I would be yawning so much until tears would be pouring down my face. I was bone weary tired! I have the good fortune to have an excellent family doctor who helped me feel alive again. 100 mg a day. I have my life back!"

9 / 10
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  • Trade...
  • September 18, 2015

For Depression "I can't believe it. It is just like everybody says it is! I never respond to medications this well. After 2 days I feel like a different person. Everything is better! I don't care if this drug took 20 years off my life, it is worth it!"

10 / 10
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84 Report
  • Emano
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 3, 2020

For Fatigue "This medication modafinil was AWFUL. I was prescribed 100mg to take daily for chronic fatigue syndrome. Here's what happened: I felt like my brain completely shut off. ADD to the max... unable to focus, lingering headache turned full blown migraine, apathetic. If anything, I felt more exhausted, it messed with my vision and created so much pressure behind my eyes that I had a hard time focusing in on anything. It made my brain feel silent... all thoughts were muted, like I was only a hollow vessel. This is not me; my brain normally works a million miles per hour, I can multitask, I can focus... I'm just exhausted and that's why this was prescribed. I would not recommend this medication. I wish it would've helped."

1 / 10
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49 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.