How Modafinil Influences Sexual Desire and Performance

Modafinil is a wakefulness-promoting drug primarily prescribed for narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, and excessive daytime sleepiness. However, recent research suggests that it may also affect sexual desire and performance, with some users reporting increased libido, changes in arousal, and improvements in sexual control.

Modafinil and Sexual Desire

The Role of Dopamine in Sexual Arousal

Modafinil primarily works by inhibiting the dopamine transporter, leading to increased dopamine levels in the brain. Since dopamine plays a key role in sexual motivation and arousal, this could explain why some individuals experience a boost in libido (FDA, 2007).

However, responses to Modafinil vary. While some experience heightened sexual desire, others report no change or even a decrease in libido.

Evidence from Case Studies: Increased Libido and Hypersexuality

Multiple case reports have documented Modafinil-induced hypersexuality, particularly at higher doses:

• A 24-year-old male diagnosed with major depressive disorder developed hypersexuality after increasing his Modafinil dose from 200 mg to 400 mg/day. He reported frequent sexual urges and excessive masturbation, up to six times per day. These symptoms disappeared once he discontinued Modafinil (Sancaktar, Demir, & Altındag, 2023).
• A 35-year-old bipolar patient escalated his Modafinil dose to 1,000 mg/day, leading to compulsive sexual urges, spontaneous erections, and an increased need for sexual activity. His symptoms subsided after reducing the dosage (Swapnajeet, Subodh, & Gupta, 2016).

These cases suggest that Modafinil’s effects on dopamine levels may contribute to increased sexual desire, particularly at higher doses.

Modafinil and Sexual Performance

Modafinil’s Effects on Ejaculation Control

Emerging research suggests that Modafinil may improve sexual performance, especially in men with premature ejaculation.

• A randomized, double-blind clinical trial conducted by Haghighi et al. (2022) found that men who took Modafinil (100 mg) experienced a significant delay in ejaculation. Their intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) increased from 24.8 seconds to 49.8 seconds, nearly doubling their control over ejaculation.
• A separate study by Tuken, Kiremit, and Serefoglu (2016) reported that on-demand Modafinil before intercourse led to greater ejaculation control, improved sexual satisfaction, and reduced distress related to premature ejaculation.

These findings indicate that Modafinil may be beneficial for men seeking improved control over sexual function.

Modafinil and Sexual Dysfunction: Can It Help?

While some individuals experience enhanced sexual function, others struggle with sexual dysfunction, either as a result of Modafinil use or due to other medications.

Modafinil as a Treatment for Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunction

• A case study involving two female patients suffering from antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction found that Modafinil improved libido, increased arousal, and made orgasms easier to achieve. One patient saw significant improvement when her dose was increased from 100 mg to 200 mg per day (Yılbaş, 2022).

This suggests that Modafinil may counteract sexual dysfunction caused by antidepressants, offering an alternative for individuals struggling with medication-induced sexual side effects.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

While Modafinil may enhance sexual function for some, it is not without risks. Reported side effects include:

• Increased libido leading to hypersexuality (Sancaktar, Demir, & Altındag, 2023).
• Erectile dysfunction in some cases (Swapnajeet, Subodh, & Gupta, 2016).
• Psychological dependence and compulsive behavior at high doses (Tuken, Kiremit, & Serefoglu, 2016).

Individuals considering Modafinil for sexual enhancement should consult a healthcare provider to weigh the potential benefits and risks.

Conclusion

Scientific evidence suggests that Modafinil may influence sexual desire and performance in various ways:

• It can enhance libido in some users, particularly at higher doses (Sancaktar, Demir, & Altındag, 2023).
• It may help improve ejaculation control in men with premature ejaculation (Haghighi et al., 2022).
• It could counteract antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction (Yılbaş, 2022).

However, potential side effects—including hypersexuality, erectile dysfunction, and psychological dependence—should be carefully considered before use. As with any medication affecting dopamine and sexual function, individual responses vary, and further research is needed to fully understand Modafinil’s role in sexual health.

References

• Haghighi, M., Jahangard, L., Meybodi, A. M., Shayganfard, M., Ahmadpanah, M., Faryadres, M., Dürsteler, K. M., Brühl, A. B., Sadeghi-Bahmani, D., & Brand, S. (2022). Influence of modafinil on early ejaculation – Results from a double-blind randomized clinical trial. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 146, 264-271. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.11.015

• Swapnajeet, S., Subodh, B. N., & Gourav, G. (2016). Modafinil dependence and hypersexuality: A case report and review of the evidence. Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience, 14(4), 402-404. https://doi.org/10.9758/cpn.2016.14.4.402

• Tuken, M., Kiremit, M. C., & Serefoglu, E. C. (2016). On-demand modafinil improves ejaculation time and patient-reported outcomes in men with lifelong premature ejaculation. Urology, 94, 139-142. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urology.2016.04.036

• Yılbaş, B. (2022). Could modafinil be an option in the treatment of sexual dysfunctions due to antidepressant use in women? Two case reports. Turkish Journal of Psychiatry, 33(3), 206-210. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36148571/

• Sancaktar, M., Demir, B., & Altındag, A. (2023). Hypersexuality associated with modafinil use. Psychiatria Danubina, 35(2), 272-273. https://doi.org/10.24869/psyd.2023.272

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2007). PROVIGIL® (modafinil) tablets [prescribing information]. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/020717s020s013s018lbl.pdf