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Modafinil for Fatigue User Reviews

Brand names: Provigil

Modafinil has an average rating of 7.0 out of 10 from a total of 67 reviews for the off-label treatment of Fatigue. 60% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 21% reported a negative experience.

Modafinil rating summary

7.0/10 average rating

67 ratings from 70 user reviews.

Compare all 5 medications used in the treatment of Fatigue.

10
34%
9
15%
8
10%
7
4%
6
4%
5
6%
4
4%
3
3%
2
1%
1
16%

Reviews for Modafinil

  • funse...
  • September 29, 2020

"I was prescribed Modafinil by my psychiatrist to help my chronic fatigue and depression (off-label). I am an addict in recovery (going on 9 months sober) and although this is not officially a stimulant, it toes the line *just enough* that it almost spun me into relapse. There's plenty of testimonials testifying how amazing this drug is and that it isn't addictive. I was more wakeful but the anxiety it gave me was not worth it the boost, plus I fantasized about upping my dose immediately. I ended up giving my medication to my boyfriend to throw away and having to tell my sobriety sponsor about it. I was on 100 mg, prescribed to take it every morning. I was on Modafinil for 2 months and quit cold turkey, and couldn't stay awake more than a couple hours for several days. I felt the need to post a review to warn anyone thinking their sobriety will stay in tact with this drug, because it almost threw me completely off the wagon."

1 / 10
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117 Report
  • Willtry
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • July 22, 2019

"Doctor denied my request for prescription. He would not prescribe it for “off label” use. I’m Blessed that another doctor suggested and gave me a sample. I have taken this for 10 years and can’t function without it. Yes, I started out with 1/2 tablet. Increased dose just to get the same effect. (For me, just making it through the day!). No super powers for me but I can’t function without it. I can recall the events of the days when the doctor increased my dose. Even by 1/2 tablet. It’s a miracle for me."

10 / 10
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128 Report
  • ASA
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 3, 2020

"Reading reviews, I really expected more from this drug. I built up a tolerance to Adderall due to long work hours. I’ve been taking 50-70mg of Vyvanse, but still completely out of gas in the afternoons. Asked my doctor for Modafinil at highest starting dose, so he gave me 200mg. This dosage did nothing for me. Overall, for me, there is a boost of energy/motivation about 2 hours after taking it (which doesn’t last long), then EXTREME fatigue in the afternoon/evening. Leaves me feeling worse and overall just kind of “off.” I’m really bummed"

4 / 10
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73 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • docto...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 22, 2019

"Modafinal actually WORKED! I was a privatized combat medic/ER doctor and an adrenaline junkie. I have broken so many bones that it looks like it was hit by a train. During my last injury in the Middle East, I found out that I had severe SA and RA. Now I understand why I would become so fatigued when the natural adrenaline was not pumping through me. I do not take Modafinil every day so I do not get used to it, and as a doctor, I can make adjustments myself. It has made a big difference. If the dosage is not working for you, PLEASE inform your doctor and they can help with adjusting the right amount."

10 / 10
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83 Report
  • ImahS...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • December 17, 2014

Provigil (modafinil) "Provigil (Modafinil) was an absolute miracle for me to help me control my Multiple Sclerosis related fatigue. I have taken it for nearly 14 years with no side effects whatsoever (200mg two times a day). I liked that it never made me feel edgy, jumpy or nervous and I especially liked that I could still sleep with a 200mg dose on board as well so it didn't absolutely control my sleep patterns. Helpful. Effective. Cost prohibitive if unable to get insurance coverage for it. I have only recently stopped taking Modafinil due to my insurance (which I have the same company for the last 10 years) company not covering Modafinil for off-label uses (crazily, MS Fatigue being one of them?). So far, I am not at ALL impressed by any of the "substitutes"."

10 / 10
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138 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • Danigee
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 6, 2018

"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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70 Report
  • Fox
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 25, 2019

"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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56 Report
  • Emano
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 3, 2020

"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
  • USAMaid
  • October 30, 2019

"Since my hospitalization with lung nodules in 2016, I have been totally devoid of energy. Recently, it has gotten worse. I spend most of the day in my recliner. My PCP prescribed modafinil and I took my first tablet this morning. The walk I took this evening approached power walking! It is now 10 PM and I am sitting here feeling as alert as I did when I first woke up this morning. In my particular case it has been nothing short of amazing. “Viagra for the brain” is how one article I read referred to modafinil. It has energized both brain and body. I couldn’t be happier! It’s a very expensive drug, so remember to use vouchers etc and shop around I cannot recommend it highly enough!"

10 / 10
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48 Report
  • Jon
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • April 28, 2020

"Modafinil worked great for me, at first, to be alert and increase productivity, until I was out of medication and my fatigue hit me like a freight train stopping all productivity. The headaches were avoided when I stayed hydrated and only took in the first half of the day. It controlled my appetite and even help with weight loss and management. It sounds pretty good at first but after a few months I realized I was creating a bigger problem than I had before. Please do yourself a favor and only take if and as prescribed by your doctor and well monitored. There are a lot of miracle drugs and nootropics available out there if you search hard enough. This is not all that hard to come by and can have more risk and long term negative effects than benefits, if not taken properly. Please be careful and don’t make problems worse for yourself or others."

4 / 10
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42 Report
  • Serap...
  • July 26, 2017

"I have severe fatigue and I tried this after using adderall for many years and it doesn't work. I was expecting a huge improvement from the reviews but I was beyond disappointed. I think the people that only benefit from this drug are the types who fall for the placebo effect. It actually makes me more tired when I take it and I have no improvement with cognitive function whatsoever. Don't waste your money or your time on this drug."

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55 Report
  • Patty
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • May 21, 2019

"This modafinil medicine worked great for fatigue, however after the first year I began to loose some teeth. My neurologist would always ask to see my mouth as soon as I started taking. Couldn’t figure out why until I began to loose teeth."

5 / 10
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41 Report
  • Mano
  • September 26, 2019

" The first time I took modafinil was amazing. I’m having a hard time so using it for productivity at the desk, however it lifts my mood right away and it also makes me enjoy stuff more and be more social. I have insomnia so either way I have to take sleep pills this makes my sleep aid need stronger so undecided. I think the trick for office work is to only take once you took the first step in the project at hand otherwise it will help procrastinate because it gives energy for other things and makes u stay focus in that thing till u finish. I have hope for this medication but I have to figure out my dosage , frequency etc For the headaches just drink plenty of water before you get the headache and you won’t. Good luck ! I don’t have narcolepsy but rather insomnia"

7 / 10
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38 Report
  • lhmaz...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • December 5, 2013

"I was diagnosed 7 years ago with Multiple Sclerosis. I have been very tired and kind of aggravated all the time because of it. My Doctor prescribed Provigil (Modafinil) For me last year. ITS A MIRACLE for me. REALLY! It used to take all of my energy just to get up to walk to the sink for a drink, Now I power through a day of work alert and ready for more work. I'm a cleaner, so I need energy. The surprise was with this medicine not only helped me to be more alert, awake and focused but I've also been in a really great mood as well. HUGE PLUS. Because I always felt angry and cranky. I was given 200 MG, however, I find that its a bit too much and makes my heart race so I break it in half and its perfect. "

10 / 10
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69 Report
  • Provo...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 9, 2012

"Absolutely changed my life. Started in early August. I can't describe it, there is no euphoria, no speed. I wake up take it and just attack the day in a steady calculated way. I used to drink a pot of coffee a day. I haven't had a cup of coffee since I started Provigil. I had all types of medicines for my anxiety and depression, ironically this is what works. Weird, but the by-product of being so productive each day and the feeling I set and achieve obtainable goals eliminated my anxiety and depression overnight. The first day I took it, 30 minutes after it kicked in, it was like something finally just clicked. This medicine has changed my life. I had 12 types of medicines, I tossed them all, now just Provigil and one for high blood pressure."

10 / 10
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74 Report
  • Frust...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 10, 2020

"I had been taking Provigil for about 5 yrs., then the insurance co. would not pay for it any longer as it is very expensive. So, I started to take it in generic form, which is Modafinal. It did not work as well, but it was better than nothing. I continued to take the Modafinil for a couple of years and then my pharmacy switched mfgs. to Aurobindo. There was a definite difference in side effects with this company's product. It did not work, but seemed to have an opposite effect. Also, it made me feel fuzzy headed, flu like symptoms, headache, dizzy, all kinds of bad. I called my insurance co. and after speaking to 3 people I had Provigil approved. I am now free of all the bad side effects of Aurobindo Modafinil. My advice, get Provigil and don't take no for an answer."

1 / 10
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34 Report
  • Srory...
  • January 9, 2016

"I have used Provigil - modifinal for more than 15 years for MS fatigue. It allows me to lead a normal life. Before I started using it I said I would be happy to just sleep for the rest of my life. My insurance paid for it at first, but then stopped. I purchase it by prescription through inernet. "

10 / 10
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53 Report
  • butte...
  • July 17, 2016

"I've been taking this medicine for over a year and so far its given me some energy I still have to drink it with coffee to get the full effects from the drug. I had ms since I was 18 and am now 34 the only thing I have so far is extreme tiredness so modafinil helps with that. id say its a pretty good medicine for tiredness and when you cant stay awake. it helps me get stuff done"

8 / 10
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50 Report
  • TheJa...
  • June 4, 2017

"Was prescribed Provigil in 2005 for MS fatigue, and Fibromyalgia fatigue and brain fog. Have always used the brand name. I take 200mg two times a day. This gives me 8 good hours of function. Recently switched to Generic. Cannot even compare to the brand name. Too bad the price is out of this world for such a wonder drug. It truly is a blessing! But who on earth can afford it!??"

10 / 10
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45 Report
  • Kay
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 30, 2021

"I've been taking Modafinil 100mg daily for about 2 months now and it really helps me not feel tired during the day. I'm able to do more and feel the need to take naps and sleep 16 hours less. Before I take Modafinil in the morning, I feel quite tired and like I wanna go back to sleep for a long time, but once I take it, I'm better able to stay awake and more alert for longer periods of time. It usually wears off before I go to sleep too which is great and then I'm tired enough that I just fall right asleep at the end of the day"

9 / 10
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24 Report
  • BimBam
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • June 28, 2020

"I was prescribed Modafinil for daytime sleepiness. I don't take it regularly though as I think it would be too easy to lose track of your own natural body signals and then burn out. For me 100mg is fine when I need to concentrate on something boring on that day and am really sleepy, whether it is cleaning or reports for work. Sometimes I speak too much within the first few hours so it's better to limit social interactions until later in the day! The next day I feel clearer but won't have another one for at least a week. If I do then I have noticed it starts to feel quite horrible and doesn't have the same effect. Despite all of this once my Provigil runs out I won't get any more as I want to find a natural way to maintain energy if I can! I have been prescribed both a generic and the Provigil. For me the generic was better - I think it's just personal."

6 / 10
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28 Report
  • PaulUK
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 19, 2016

"I have had fatigue and brain fog for years now, so I decided to try modafinil. I took 100mg on my first day at 7:00am, by 8:00 I could feel my tiredness diminishing and went to work. It certainly gave me more motivation and focus but at the same time you feel slightly weird. You certainly know you have taken a drug and for me the slightly wired feeling is a little off putting. People leave comments claiming it's amazing etc but I feel people taking modafinil for the first time should take caution. On 100mg It was incredibly hard to sleep, my mind started cobbling together thought after thought of random things, anything but shutting down to sleep. I would recommended starting on 50mg, for me 100mg is too strong."

7 / 10
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48 Report
  • Dot
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • April 1, 2021

"It really helps my exhaustion caused from MS. You have to find the right dosage that works for you; I discovered 50mg of Modafinal keeps me moving and accomplishing tasks all day—very productive. But, more than 100mg makes me too jittery. Also, I have to watch or even eliminate my caffeine intake when taking 50mg."

9 / 10
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21 Report
  • Harley...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 22, 2020

"I was prescribed 100mg for Bipolar fatigue. I was hopeful after seeing all the reviews and some comparing it to the "limitless" drug (not that I believed that) but I was let down. I took it the first day with no food..about an hour laterI felt jittery, just uncomfortable and later in the day that anxious feeling in my chest for a little while. Felt just as tired as usual. Waited a couple days and tried half a pill and felt nothing. So the next day tried a whole one again with food and hated the feeling again. Jittery, uncomfortable I just wanted it to get out of my system."

3 / 10
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26 Report
  • no one
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • June 26, 2023

"I've been taking this med for over 15 years. I think it was prescribed for excessive daytime sleepiness, but I was never given a diagnosis. It never worked. Family insists that it makes me feel great. It doesn't. I could take it (200 mg) and go back to sleep. Not taking it only feels slightly worse."

1 / 10
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7 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.

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