Modus 100mg (Modafinil)

What is Modus 100mg (Modafinil)?

In the chemical world, Modafinil is known as Diphenylmethyl-sulfinylacetamide. It is a eugeroic medication approved by the FDA. The medication is used for the treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness. This condition is associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), narcolepsy (a sudden attack of excessive daytime sleepiness), and shift work sleep disorder (SWSD). Although the chemical industry has other medications for this condition, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, Modafinil is preferable by physicians since it does not cause dependency. If compared to traditional stimulants, Modafinil does not cause euphoric effects, which contributes to its lower potential for abuse and dependency.

The generic drug was developed by French neuroscientists Michel Jouvet and Lafon Laboratories in the late 1970s. However, it was released as a treatment for narcolepsy in France in the 1980s. At that time, it was named Modiodal. 

Once the drug penetrates the body, it is rapidly absorbed. The maximum concentration in plasma is achieved within 2–4 hours after oral administration. Its half-life ranges between 10–12 hours, which is why it’s enough to take the drug once per day. The medication is metabolized by the liver and excreted via the kidneys. The drug contains metabolites such as Modafinil acid and Modafinil sulfone, which are pharmacologically inactive. These features make the medication suitable for people who need to stay awake sustainably and enjoy a cognitive function without the pronounced risk of dependence observed in other stimulants.

Primary Effects and Benefits

The main benefits of Modafinil include its properties that promote wakefulness and enhance cognitive abilities. The drug is effective in both clinical and non-clinical settings. It’s applicable to patients who suffer from sleep disorders or seek cognitive enhancement.

1. Enhanced wakefulness. It’s the primary indication of the drug. Numerous clinical studies approved the efficacy of Modafinil in treating excessive daytime sleepiness. The medication is effective for people who have problems with sleep due to shift work or suffer from OSA or narcolepsy. According to the Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT), the generic drug improves mean sleep latency, as well as reduces the frequency and severity of sleep attacks.
2. Cognitive enhancement. The pharmaceutical product shows high efficacy in enhancing various aspects of cognitive function. In particular, it improves memory, attention, and executive functioning. In 2003, Turner et al. conducted a study, during which significant improvement of performance was observed. Patients carried out tasks that required working memory, sustained attention, and spatial planning. However, note that healthy individuals can also take the medication to improve their performance and cognitive capabilities. Thus, students and professionals also widely use the drug.
3. Mood stabilization. Some studies found that the medication can cause mood-stabilizing effects in individuals who suffer from depression. In 2007, Fava et al. conducted research, during which the drug demonstrated significant improvements in depressive symptoms in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). The component turned out to be effective while other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) didn’t work. However, the medication is used as an adjunctive treatment and is added to an overall therapy.
4. Physical performance. According to the latest results, the drug can improve physical performance and endurance. This effect makes Modafinil suitable for bodybuilders and athletes. Jacobs et al. investigated its effects on physical performance after sleep. He found reduced perceived exertion during exercises, which allowed him to conclude that the drug contributes to energy release.

Mechanism of Action

The medication causes a versatile action, affecting diverse neural pathways and neurotransmitter systems. To understand its mechanisms of action, we should delve into its effect on various brain regions and explore neurotransmitter dynamics.

1. Dopaminergic pathways. Modafinil affects the dopaminergic system significantly. The drug impedes the dopamine transporter (DAT), which allows for preventing the reuptake of dopamine into presynaptic neurons. This action results in an increase of an extracellular level of dopamine in brain areas responsible for cognition, attention, and motivation. Volkow studied the effect of Modafinil on the brain using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. He found that Modafinil does not cause any euphoric effects like other traditional stimulants (like amphetamines or cocaine) do. This peculiarity of the drug contributes to its wide use for promoting wakefulness and enhancing cognitive properties.

   

2. Histaminergic system. Modafinil affects the central histaminergic system activating its mechanisms. The system