Fladrafinil and Modafinil are eugeroics, which are a category of psychoactive substances that are used to enhance wakefulness and alertness. Because of this, they can treat various sleep disorders, may help in cognitive enhancement, and improve mood and alertness.
These two drugs are distinct despite their same effects. Let’s explore their differences, benefits, and side effects.
Fladrafinil vs. Modafinil Difference
The main difference between the two is that Fladrafinil increases concentration, focus, and wakefulness. Fladrafinil is a derivative of adrafinil, which is thought to be three to four times more potent than adrafinil. The medication was discovered in the 1970s, and France was the first country to issue a patent on it.
Because of how well it works, it is utilized by students and many others to enhance cognitive abilities, including memory and concentration.
Modafinil also provides the same benefits, combating excessive sleepiness to treat symptoms of common sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, or shift work sleep disorder. [1, 2, 3] It does not treat certain sleep issues and may not eliminate sleepiness. Instead, its effects are only maintained once the medication is taken.
Fladrafinil vs. Modafinil: Benefits
1. Increase Wakefulness and Alertness
Fladrafinil is a wake-inducing drug used to treat people with sleep disorders who suffer from chronic exhaustion. Fladrafinil boosts dopamine levels by inhibiting the breakdown of the neurotransmitter. The neurotransmitter is one of the few neurotransmitters that increase alertness. It is also linked to cognitive and motor processes.
It accomplishes this by preventing the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for inducing sleep. The result is a surge of dopamine in the brain, which in turn gives the user a boost in vitality, cognition, alertness, and drive.
Modafinil, like coffee, increases alertness, and it is used to treat sleep disorders, including narcolepsy and sleep apnea. It accomplishes this by inhibiting dopamine transporters, dramatically increasing dopamine levels in the human brain. [4]
2. Improves Concentration and Focus
Fladrafinil can keep you focused and awake, which can help with studying and work. No formal investigations have confirmed this, however, it has been said that one can go without sleep for up to 14 hours.
Users of Fladrafinil often comment on their increased alertness, focus, and vitality. However, there is no risk of chemical dependency, and there is no indication that it causes overstimulation or anxiety like other stimulants.
Modafinil improves high-level thinking skills without major negative effects. Several studies have found it beneficial for the brain, but the findings have been mixed regarding other cognitive advantages. It may improve your brainpower, but studies have only shown it for a limited range of activities. [5]
3. Enhances Memory Formation, Cognition, and Recall
Some people feel that Fladrafinil can boost cognitive performance and confidence in the same ways as Modafinil can. This is supported by anecdotal research, which highlights gains in remembering and retaining information, which may reduce the rate of cognitive deterioration in the elderly. This seems reasonable, given the importance of dopamine in memory consolidation.
In addition, research indicated that taking 200 mg of Modafinil helped people with remitted depression perform better on memory and working memory tests, suggesting that this medicine may be useful for those with ongoing cognitive difficulties. [6]
4. Lower Aggression and Better Mood
Fladrafinil is more potent than similar nootropics and reduces aggressiveness while causing very few adverse effects when used properly. Despite widespread anecdotal reports of Fladrafinil’s ability to reduce aggression in both animals and people, no published research has established this.
Both Modafinil and Fladrafinil have been shown to have the potential to boost one’s mood in general, but they may also raise negative feelings such as anxiety. More research is required, though, to learn the full extent of its impact on mental health. [7]
Fladrafinil vs Modafinil: Which is Better?
Modafinil has numerous studies that support its benefits and use. It has also been prescribed by doctors to help treat sleeping disorders. On the other hand, some animal studies have demonstrated that Fladrafinil can decrease aggressive behavior while simultaneously boosting motivation, a feature absent in similar eugeroics. However, because Fladrafinil is a relatively new substance, there is a lack of study on this alternative.
Fladrafinil vs. Modafinil: Side Effects
Fladrafinil’s main benefit is associated with the drug’s few potential negative effects. Fladrafinil’s most common negative effects include a lack of sleep, dizziness, and headaches.
Modafinil shares similar side effects, including anxiety, headache, nausea, and nervousness. Other side effects may also happen in some. Most of these symptoms fade away after some time, but you should talk to your doctor if you experience any severe symptoms.
Fladrafinil vs. Modafinil Dosage
Fladrafinil comes in capsule and powdered form. It is most effective when taken first thing in the morning. Most people perform best with daily doses of 30–80 mg of Fladrafinil. If we’re using the medicine for the first time, we should probably begin with 30 milligrams. If no adverse reactions occur, you can raise your dose gradually. However, 200 milligrams per day is the maximum safe dosage.
For Mofadinil, individual patients require individualized dosages because of specific conditions. To get the greatest results, take the medication exactly as prescribed. Please note that only average doses of this medication are listed below.
| Patient | Dosage | Sleeping Disorder |
| Teenagers above 17 years old & adults | 200 mg once daily in the morning | Narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea/ hypopnea syndrome |
| Teenagers above 17 years old & adults | 200 mg one hour before working | Shift work sleep disorder |
You can take modafinil with or without meals.
Bottomline: Fladrafinil vs. Modafinil
Fladrafinil is a smart drug, but it does little more than that. Although it has been rumored to be more potent, there is not yet enough research to determine whether or not it is safe and effective for either short-term or long-term use. However, Modafinil is effective in treating sleep disturbances, and its safety has been reported by those who have taken it.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Bastuji H, Jouvet M. Successful treatment of idiopathic hypersomnia and narcolepsy with modafinil. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 1988;12(5):695-700. doi: 10.1016/0278-5846(88)90014-0. PMID: 2906157.
- Ballard, Robert D. “Management of patients with obstructive sleep apnea.” Journal of Family Practice, vol. 57, no. 8, Aug. 2008, pp. S24+. Gale Academic OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A183312031/AONE?u=anon~587c86f&sid=googleScholar&xid=e7f6ebf3. Accessed 30 Sept. 2022.
- Keating GM, Raffin MJ. Modafinil : a review of its use in excessive sleepiness associated with obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome and shift work sleep disorder. CNS Drugs. 2005;19(9):785-803. doi: 10.2165/00023210-200519090-00005. PMID: 16142993.
- Volkow ND, Fowler JS, Logan J, Alexoff D, Zhu W, Telang F, Wang GJ, Jayne M, Hooker JM, Wong C, Hubbard B, Carter P, Warner D, King P, Shea C, Xu Y, Muench L, Apelskog-Torres K. Effects of modafinil on dopamine and dopamine transporters in the male human brain: clinical implications. JAMA. 2009 Mar 18;301(11):1148-54. doi: 10.1001/jama.2009.351. PMID: 19293415; PMCID: PMC2696807.
- Cope ZA, Minassian A, Kreitner D, MacQueen DA, Milienne-Petiot M, Geyer MA, Perry W, Young JW. Modafinil improves attentional performance in healthy, non-sleep deprived humans at doses not inducing hyperarousal across species. Neuropharmacology. 2017 Oct;125:254-262. doi: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.07.031. Epub 2017 Aug 1. PMID: 28774856; PMCID: PMC6472902.
- Kaser M, Deakin JB, Michael A, Zapata C, Bansal R, Ryan D, Cormack F, Rowe JB, Sahakian BJ. Modafinil Improves Episodic Memory and Working Memory Cognition in Patients With Remitted Depression: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study. Biol Psychiatry Cogn Neurosci Neuroimaging. 2017 Mar;2(2):115-122. doi: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2016.11.009. PMID: 28299368; PMCID: PMC5339412.
- Taneja I, Haman K, Shelton RC, Robertson D. A randomized, double-blind, crossover trial of modafinil on mood. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2007 Feb;27(1):76-9. doi: 10.1097/jcp.0b013e31802eb7ea. PMID: 17224718.