Modafinil Discovery and History

Since Modafinil discovery, it has an amazing purpose when it first hit the shelves, to the point where it is still around and being used in the 21st century. This French drug has proven the test of time. That is definite sustainability. Originally founded to help narcoleptic and sleep apnea patients; Modafinil has found itself in the center of controversy at times due to some people abusing the drug just to stay awake.

Are any interesting facts about Modafinil discovery and history? Let’s get all the details!

Modafinil was discovered in France by neurophysiology medicine professor Michel Jouvet and Lofan Laboratories. Most commonly known as Modafinil, this medication has been given many different names across the world such as Provigil, Modalert, or Modavigil. This medication was made to improve many different aspects of how the memory performs. Modafinil improves how the memory performs, intellectual keenness and even restores brain cognitive functions during times when the patient may be extremely exhausted. This happens when the drug makes the patient’s body increase the amount of monoamines that are produced. Monoamines are types of neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters control the hypothalamus, which is in charge of the hormones that control sleep. This medication was originally made to treat patients with narcolepsy to help fight tiredness and fatigue. In 1993 the FDA approved this drug as a solution for narcolepsy and sleep apnea. It was also seen that this pill could temporarily help healthy patients not need any sleep. This soon led to the pill to be used for other issues that some people experienced. This psycho stimulant drug has proven to change people’s lives and given hope to people affected by any sleep disorder.

Modafinil Sales and Marketing

It did not take long from Modafinil discovery for prescriptions to start flying in after people with sleep disorders found out about what it could do. The medication also had a use for the people that worked shift work, or someone who just needed to stay awake for a period of time. Being around since the early seventies helped establish Modafinil as a reliable medication. Standing the test through time Modafinil has moved from the 20th century into the 21st century. This drug markets itself and has helped millions upon millions of people since the early 70s.

Modafinil Side Effects and Other Uses

Besides being a solution for narcolepsy and sleep apnea, Modafinil was also used for patients that suffered from attention deficit disorder, depression, and multiple sclerosis. Just like any medication there are side effects to Modafinil. The interesting thing about Modafinil is that there are a shockingly low amount of side effects while taking this medication. The most common ones reported are anxiety, dizziness, headaches, nausea and disturbance in your sleep. Some rare but more serious side effects are changes in mental state such as your mood, agitation, confusion, depression, or hallucinations. Sometimes in more rare cases there may be uneven heartbeat, chest pain, or a sign of infection such as fever. These cases are very rare. Even some allergic reactions may occur. It is important that you report all conditions to your physician before you are prescribed any new medication so that you can be sure that you are not in any risk of any of the rare side effects. Always be honest about any other drugs that you may be taking along with the Modafinil as a drug reaction could potentially occur which can cause more harm than good. This should be common practice with any medication.

Modafinil Discovery and Competition

A stronger version of Modafinil hit the streets called Armodafinil. This drug gave its users a sharper buzz rather than the soft feeling that Modafinil had. Even though a stronger version of the drug came out, Modafinil still stayed on top due to not everyone liking the way Armodafinil made them feel with the drug being stronger. Different generic versions of Modafinil are on the market but they all have the same foundation. There are only a few psycho stimulants on the market and most are very similar. Modafinil has been around much longer and is one of the more recognizable brands. Modafinil had a nine-year head start on Armodafinil. Even users of Armodafinil combine the two medications to help keep their tolerance down. Does this mean that maybe Modafinil does not really have any true competitors if the only one seems to be a supped of version of itself, but that same user that may want the supped up version also may have to rely on the “softer” side? I believe so. Armodafinil may be more targeted, but Modafinil is the original medication that will always be near anyone using a psycho stimulant.

Modafinil History – Conclusion

Since Modafinil discovery, it has an amazing purpose when it first hit the shelves, to the point where it is still around and being used in the 21st century. This French drug has proven the test of time. That is definite sustainability. Originally founded to help narcoleptic and sleep apnea patients; Modafinil has found itself in the center of controversy at times due to some people abusing the drug just to stay awake. There is even evidence of the drug being used by alcoholics and drug addicts to help them get through the recovery process and not lose sleep or be in a unhealthy mental state. With few true competitors or serious side effects it is no wonder that so many people trust the pill to support them even though the true issues that the pill helps are not present in that person. Always remember to consult a physician before taking any new medication as rare side effects may arise if you are not careful. A majority of this drugs users are not affected by the common side effects of this drug. Most people who have tried Adderall, and other drugs like Adderall have switched to Modafinil because of the more natural feel they have instead of a twitchy affect. Modafinil and Armodafinil will be the psychostimulant of choice for many people to come whether it be for attention deficit disorder, shift work disorder, depression, addiction or just plan alertness when there is a lack of sleep.