Formula: C15H15NO2S
ATC code: N06BA13 (WHO)
Dependence liability: Low
Trade name: Nuvigil, others
Metabolism: Liver, including CYP3A4
Many of the benefits of armodafinil are directly from the textbook on modafinil. Yet, there are studies of their own, which focus specifically on the R-modafinil compound. In 2011, a Military Medicine journal article looked at 48 Navy air traffic controllers and found that those taking armodafinil had far fewer lapses of attention compared to the control (people who didn’t take it)
This function is similar to that of modafinil. Many of the armodafinil benefits are similar because of the structural similarity of these drugs. For example, studies suggest that usage of modafinil could help improve working memory and cognitive abilities in those suffering from methamphetamine withdrawals . It also showed equitable potency with amphetamines for military personnel working multiple night shifts .
These anti-fatigue agents are primarily studied through modafinil, but have overlap with armodafinil as well. The benefits of armodafinil are slightly different, but anecdotal confirmation suggests many of these focus and anti-fatigue benefits are the same.
Beyond that, armodafinil has unique research that other drugs in the family do not. One study showed that patients using armodafinil showed less negative symptoms of schizophrenia . The study was done in the Journal of Clinical Psychology in 2010 and found statistically significant improvement in symptoms even though cognitive markers were unchanged.
Finally, one major benefit of armodafinil is that you require far less of the drug to make cognitive changes. The drug only requires around 150 – 200 mg because the R-modafinil active ingredient is so much more potent than modafinil in some ways. It also reaches peak blood concentration later on than modafinil, which means it can last longer.
Side Effects of Armodafinil
That may all sound great for improving the amount of work you can get done, but what about the side effects? Armodafinil side effects can be more pronounced than other nootropic drugs because it is a potent, synthetic option.
As with modafinil, people using armodafinil sometimes find they are less able to go to sleep when taking it too late in the day. In fact, compared to modafinil, it can keep one awake (creating insomnia) for longer. Other side effects observed in some studies suggest headaches, dry mouth, and nausea.
The side effects of restlessness, anxiety, and irritability are also possible, though rare. Armodafinil can have a tendency to dehydrate users, which are the causes for headaches, dry mouth, and some of the other side effects.