Armodafinil Vs Adderall

Armodafinil and Adderall are two of the most widely used stimulants in the world. Debates often arise concerning their effectiveness. Some people prefer Armodafinil, while some go for Adderall. This blog lays down all the differences between the nootropics and helps you to choose the better option for you.

What Is Armodafinil?

Armodafinil is a wakefulness-promoting agent available under various brand names, such as Waklert and Artvigil. It is produced by the pharmaceutical company Teva Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. [1].

How Does Armodafinil Work?

Armodafinil increases chemical neurotransmitters such as orexin, serotonin, glutamate, norepinephrine, histamine, and dopamine. It inhibits GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), resulting in the medication’s wakefulness and stimulating effects.

What Is Adderall?

Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant that contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It impacts the brain chemicals that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control [2]. 

Armodafinil Vs. Adderall – Comparison Based On Benefits 

Armodafinil Benefits  

Increased focus and attention–
Armodafinil increases focus and attention.
In a study by David F Dinges and others, it was found that Armodafinil 200 mg improved alertness and showed peak plasma concentrations for 6-14 hours.

Increase in memory power- 

Students often use Armodafinil for studying as it helps boost memory power and secure good grades in exams.
 

Faster Onset Of Action And Longer lasting effects- 

Armodafinil starts working within 30 minutes after administration, and its half-life is 15 hours, indicating longer-lasting effects.

Adderall Benefits 

Increased energy levels –

Adderall is an amphetamine stimulant that increases energy levels more than any other smart drug.

Make you feel high –

As already mentioned, Adderall contains amphetamines, and for this reason, it will make you feel high. You will get a strong sense of focus, productivity, and happiness. 

High Intensity –

Adderall is one of the most intense medicines available in the market, and it will be helpful to get all jobs done [3].

Similarities between Armodafinil And Adderall
 

Some of the main similarities between Armodafinil and Adderall are discussed below in the table – 

• Drug Class – Central Nervous System (CNS) Stimulant.
• Brand Status – Adderall and Armodafinil are available under various brand names.
• How long is the typical treatment? – Long-term or as directed by your healthcare provider.
• FDA approval – Yes, both Adderall and Armodafdinil are approved by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration. 

Differences between Armodafinil And Adderall

Some of the notable differences between Armodafinil and Adderall are as follows –  

Medical Conditions Treated By Armodafinil And Adderall

Prescription and off-label uses of Armodafinil and Adderall are mentioned below:

Armodafinil Vs. Adderall – Safety And Possible Side Effects 

The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) classifies Armodafinil as a Schedule IV controlled substance, with a low risk of dependence and abuse. Likewise, Adderall is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, with a higher risk of abuse and dependence.

Five common side effects of Armodafinil include –

• Headache.
• Stomach problems like indigestion, nausea, and diarrhea.
• Anxiety.
• Dizziness.
• Back Pain.

Six serious side effects of Armodafinil are as follows –

• Rash.
• Chest pain.
• Mouth sores.
• Hives.
• Depression.
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing [5].

Five common side effects of Adderall are –

• Headache.
• Dry mouth.
• Weight loss.
• Changes in sex drive.
• Sleepiness.

Six serious side effects of Adderall are –

• Psychosis.
• Heart attack.
• Stroke.
• Priapism.
• Abuse and dependency.
• Seizures [6]. 

This is not a complete list of all the possible side effects of Adderall and Armodafinil. If you experience any unusual side effects, talk to your doctor immediately.

Precautions While Taking Armodafinil And Adderall

• Do not take Armodafinil or Adderall if you’re allergic to their active ingredients.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should refrain from taking these central nervous system stimulants.
  
• Patients with liver, kidney, and heart disease should always consult their healthcare provider before taking Adderall and Armodafinil Do not exceed the prescribed dose.
• Take the medicine as directed by your doctor.
• Read all the instructions on the leaflet before consuming Armodafinil or Adderall.

Drug Interactions Of Adderall And Armodafinil

Examples of drug interaction with Adderall are –

• Phenobarbital.
• Prozac.
• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI).
• Medications used to treat hypertension.
• Tricyclic antidepressants [6]. 

Armodafinil can interact with the following medicines –

• Pemoline.
• Amphetamine or dextroamphetamine.
• Diazepam.
• Cyclosporine.
• Warfarin.
• MAOIs.
• Antifungal medicines [7].

Armodafinil Vs. Adderall – Our Final Thoughts 

After comparing Adderall and Armodafinil, we suggest Armodafinil for the following reasons:

• Armodafinil has a lower risk of abuse and dependence as compared to Adderall.
• The side effects of Armodafinil are generally milder than Adderall.
• Adderall costs much higher compared to Armodafinil.