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, Fatigue, Depression, Hypersomnia.

Prescription and OTC

Prescription only

Ratings & Reviews

Recent helpful reviews
7.7
20 Reviews

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

7
Anonymous
7.8
301 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 After suffering from severe depression and PTSD; and having been prescribed Luvox, Wellbutrin, Paxil, Zoloft, and combinations for over 20 years; I read about Modafinil being used off label. The only antidepressant that had helped previously was the Zoloft. After several years; it lost the effectiveness from when I first began taking it. In the meantime, I became permanently disabled due to MANY physical conditions along with my mental conditions. My doctor added Modafinil to my daily regiment of medications. I can think more clearly; and don't lose my train of thought, nor become distracted as often before taking Modafinil. It has been a blessing for me and I have not experienced any ill side effects.

9
Improved

View all 20 reviews

View all 301 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* $5.11 - $12.63
Cost* $15.34 - $37.90
View all caffeine prices
Quantity 20 each
Dosage 200 mg
Per Unit* $17.22
Cost* $344.47
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 95 drugs are known to interact with caffeine:

  • 13 major drug interactions (91 brand and generic names)
  • 35 moderate drug interactions (163 brand and generic names)
  • 47 minor drug interactions (208 brand and generic names)

A total of 570 drugs are known to interact with modafinil:

  • 80 major drug interactions (528 brand and generic names)
  • 253 moderate drug interactions (1134 brand and generic names)
  • 237 minor drug interactions (942 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.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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