Skip to Content
Print Share

Comparing Caffeine vs Modafinil

Caffeine

Modafinil

Prescribed for Hypersomnia, Apnea of Prematurity. May also be prescribed off label for Asthma.

Prescribed for Narcolepsy, Shift Work Sleep Disorder, Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome. May also be prescribed off label for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, ADHD, Depression, Fatigue, Hypersomnia.

Prescription and OTC

Prescription only

Ratings & Reviews

Recent helpful reviews
7.7
19 Reviews

For Asthma This medicine works very well at reducing my asthma symptoms. However, it causes me to have tremors.

7
Anonymous
7.9
290 Reviews

For Depression I use several antidepressants, and I cannot function without them. Modafinil helped with my chronic fatigue, but it's not an antidepressant in my opinion. I can do a lot of things now. I'm so glad I heard about it. I take 200mg a day.

8
Anonymous

For Depression Highly rate this medicine. It's not an anti-depressant but with depression comes a lot of sleepiness which this is great for. Also the AD's often cause sleepiness. Modafinil does what it says it does. It keeps you awake/alert and combats AD induced fatigue/tiredness. I'd question if it makes you 'smarter'. For me (83kg, male, 27 YO) at 100mg it is a mild keep me awake. At 150 it's perfect. At 200mg it's stimulating, alerting and induces mild hypomania (Which is okay but I feel slightly too 'buzzed' at 200mg). No bothersome side effects experienced other than mild hypomania which is sometimes pleasant and not too alarming. NOTE - I am prone to anxiety but this did not increase anxiety levels for me. Do not take 8 hrs b4 planning on sleeping.

9
Ash10105

View all 19 reviews

View all 290 reviews

Drug Class

Side Effects

See the full caffeine side effects document.

Commonly reported side effects include: headache, and nausea.

See the full modafinil side effects document.

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance
Quantity 3 mL
Dosage citrate 20 mg/mL
Per Unit* $7.45 - $12.49
Cost* $22.34 - $37.46
View all caffeine prices
Quantity 20 each
Dosage 200 mg
Per Unit* $18.07
Cost* $361.43
View all modafinil prices

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Generic Availability

Yes (this medicine)

Yes (this medicine)

Dosage Form(s) Available
  • Intravenous solution
  • Oral liquid
  • Oral tablet

Brand Names
357 HR Magnum, Alert, Cafcit, Caffedrine, ConRx Alert, Diurex Maximum Relief Water Caps, Diurex... more Provigil

Half Life

The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

4 hours

15 hours

CSA Schedule**

View glossary of terms.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
4
Some potential for abuse

Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 3. It has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3.

Pregnancy Category
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

Caffeine Citrate Injection

N
Category N Not classified

Excluding Caffeine Citrate Injection

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

FDA Alerts

N/A

FDA Alerts (1)

Drug Interactions

A total of 91 drugs are known to interact with caffeine:

  • 11 major drug interactions (87 brand and generic names)
  • 33 moderate drug interactions (159 brand and generic names)
  • 47 minor drug interactions (207 brand and generic names)

A total of 554 drugs are known to interact with modafinil:

  • 75 major drug interactions (517 brand and generic names)
  • 243 moderate drug interactions (1105 brand and generic names)
  • 236 minor drug interactions (936 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions

No results found - however, this does not necessarily mean no warnings exist. Always consult with your doctor or pharmacist.

No results found - however, this does not necessarily mean no warnings exist. Always consult with your doctor or pharmacist.

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

September 21, 1999

December 24, 1998

WADA Class

View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

More Information

Consumer Resources

Professional Resources

Related Treatment Guide

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Disclaimer: This site is designed to offer information for general educational purposes only. The health information furnished on this site and the interactive responses are not intended to be professional advice and are not intended to replace personal consultation with a qualified physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. You must always seek the advice of a professional for questions related to a disease, disease symptoms, and appropriate therapeutic treatments.

Drugs.com Mobile Apps

The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Available for Android and iOS devices.

Explore Apps