ApprovedFDA approved

Armodafinil

R-enantiomer of Modafinil, longer half-life, smoother focus.

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WHAT IS ARMODAFINIL?

Detailed overview

Armodafinil is the purified R-(−)-enantiomer of Modafinil (PMID 18076219), developed by Cephalon (now Teva) and FDA-approved for narcolepsy, OSA and shift-work sleep disorder (SWSD) under the brand name Nuvigil. Its half-life is ~12-15 h (PMID 19663523) with a flatter plasma curve, a single dose typically gives 12-14 h of eugeroic action. Clinical trials also show efficacy for ADHD-like symptoms. Safe and effective for narcolepsy (PMID 16684437). Mechanism: DAT inhibition + indirect orexin/histamine pathway activation, glutamate-tone elevation, GABA-activity modulation. The "crash" sensation is milder than Modafinil`s, focus is more linear and sustained.

Mechanism

DAT inhibition + orexin/histamine

Half-life

~15 h

Legal status

FDA Schedule IV (Nuvigil)

Safety

Side effects, stop signs, contraindications

Side effects · 7

  • Headache (the most common side effect, dose-dependent)
  • Insomnia, sleep disturbance with poorly timed dosing (due to ~15h half-life)
  • Anxiety, nervousness, irritability
  • Appetite loss, dry mouth, nausea
  • Palpitations, mild blood pressure increase
  • Dizziness, emotional blunting
  • Rare but serious skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, DRESS): stop immediately at any rash

Contraindications · 6

  • Reduces effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives (CYP3A4 induction): use additional contraception during and for 1 month after
  • Not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding (signs of intrauterine growth restriction)
  • Caution with cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension, prior myocardial infarction
  • Avoid with anxiety disorder, psychosis or prior psychiatric history (mania, psychosis rarely triggered)
  • Dose reduction required in severe hepatic or renal impairment
  • Abuse and dependence potential (Schedule IV); avoid combining with alcohol and other stimulants

Related Nootropics

Same therapeutic category

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MolekulaX Editorial Team·Source-verified · PubMed · FDA · EMA
Updated: June 19, 2026

The information here is strictly for educational and scientific purposes. It does not replace medical advice or clinical consultation, and it does not encourage illegal substance or pharmaceutical use. Data is sourced. When in doubt, consult your doctor.