Modafinil, originally developed to treat narcolepsy, has gained recognition as a cognitive enhancer and is often referred to as a “smart drug” or nootropic. Its ability to improve wakefulness, focus, and executive function has made it popular among students, professionals, and even military personnel. But what truly sets modafinil apart from traditional stimulants, and what…

Modafinil is a prescription medication originally developed to treat narcolepsy, but it has also been used by professionals, students, and the military for its wakefulness-promoting and cognitive-enhancing effects. While it is not a stimulant in the same class as amphetamines, users often describe increased focus, productivity, and alertness. At the same time, potential side effects…

Long COVID, formally referred to as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), continues to affect millions across the globe. Persistent fatigue, brain fog, and other neurocognitive issues can linger for months after recovery from the acute illness. With no established treatment, researchers are investigating whether medications like modafinil, which promotes wakefulness, could help ease these…

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) can leave individuals feeling persistently drowsy and struggling to stay alert, even after a full night’s rest. This condition can significantly impair daily functioning, productivity, and safety. Modafinil, a wakefulness-promoting agent, has become a widely used treatment for EDS associated with disorders such as narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and shift…

Modafinil and armodafinil are wakefulness-promoting medications used to treat narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea. They are often effective, but reports of serious side effects such as conjunctivitis and mouth ulcers underscore the dangers of using them without medical supervision. Key Takeaways What Is Modafinil? Modafinil is a non-amphetamine central nervous system…

Fatigue is one of the most common and disabling symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), affecting up to 78% of patients and often reducing quality of life and work capacity (Oliva Ramirez et al., 2021). Unlike ordinary tiredness, MS-related fatigue can appear suddenly, persist throughout the day, and is not always relieved by rest. Given the…

Post-stroke fatigue (PSF) is a persistent and debilitating condition that affects up to 70% of stroke survivors, often lasting months or even years (Bivard et al., 2017; Cross et al., 2020). Unlike normal tiredness, PSF significantly disrupts quality of life, limiting independence and slowing rehabilitation progress. Despite its prevalence, effective pharmacological treatments have been limited…

Sunosi (solriamfetol) and Modafinil are both FDA-approved medications used to treat excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) associated with narcolepsy and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Although they share the same goal of improving wakefulness, their mechanisms of action, clinical effectiveness, side effect profiles, and cost structures differ in ways that can influence treatment decisions. Key Takeaways What…