Modafinil is a stimulant medication that affects the central nervous system and is generally used to treat sleep work disorder and narcolepsy. Modafinil works by stimulating the production of monoamines, including serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline. While this drug is very effective when used properly for its intended prescribed purpose, it also creates similar effects on the brain that other drugs like cocaine or amphetamines do when it is abused.
How Does Modafinil Abuse Look Like?
Abuse of any drug means that it is taken at too large doses at once or at too often. This means any drug, even every day ibuprofen, can be abused. Modafinil abuse can happen. Unfortunately, a growing number of people are misusing and abusing this mediation with other motives. To put it simply, taking large doses of Modafinil is abuse, leading to addiction. The larger the dose of Modafinil you are taking at once, the riskier it becomes.
More About Modafinil Misuse
Despite its old reputation of being a safe stimulant drug, there haven’t been any long-term studies actually to prove that this is the case. Modafinil, especially when taken in high doses, can be as addictive as cocaine because it forces your brain to trigger dopamine release responsible for feelings of pleasure and euphoria. Typically, the brain is designed to reabsorb dopamine after a certain amount of time. Still, powerful medications like Modafinil will force the brain to constantly pump out dopamine, causing several serious side effects on both the body and the mind. When you are taking large doses of Modafinil, this will only make it that much worse.
Side Effects of Modafinil After Large Dose Are Taken
Since Modafinil causes an increase in dopamine like amphetamines or cocaine, modafinil causes similar side effects. The strength of Modafinil is not nearly as much when taken in low doses, but it can be pretty close when large doses are taken. Some of the possible side effects associated with Modafinil abuse include headaches, anxiety, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, and back pain.
Modafinil Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal is something that occurs when abuse has turned into a physical dependence or an addiction. When you take large doses for a long period, your mind and body will get used to having the Modafinil in its system. This means your body has figured out how to function while it is present. When you take the Modafinil away, your body no longer knows how to properly function, causing all kinds of symptoms. The most common symptoms of Modafinil withdrawal will be feelings of depression, low energy levels, issues with concentration, sleepiness and fatigue, and even shortness of breath. The length of time that withdrawal will happen depends mostly on how large the doses you were taking and how long. The best way to go through the withdrawal period is with a medically assisted detox. When in a facility with doctors, medical professionals, and addiction specialists, you can be monitored and given medication to lessen your symptoms and make you more comfortable. It also lessens the chances of relapse during this time.
Overcome Modafinil Abuse at Evoke Wellness at Cohasset
After detox is when the real work begins; with a combination of group therapy, one on one therapy, and education, you will be able to understand why the Modafinil abuse started in the first place and learn how to combat it in the future. It is always recommended that you partake in more in-depth treatment to get to the root of your abuse and addiction. If you or someone you love is addicted to Modafinil, there is a way out of addiction.
