Everyone has had to fight off sleep at some point in their life whether it was driving throughout the night, writing a big paper or studying for an important test, or working a long night shift. Some people use coffee to stay away and fight fatigue. Other people may turn to prescription medication. One of the most popular prescription medications sold in the United States is Modafinil, also known as Provigil. While Modafinil might seem like a wonder drug to some people and is an effective medication, it is still a powerful drug and has a high chance of misuse and abuse.
What is Modafinil?
Modafinil is a central nervous system stimulant that is most commonly used prescribed to treat narcolepsy, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and shift work sleep disorders. This drug stimulates the production of a class of neurotransmitters called monoamines. This includes dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline. While this medication is a very effective drug when used as it is prescribed, it also has the same effects on the brain as drugs like cocaine, amphetamines, and methamphetamines when it is taken improperly. Because of its ability to stimulate the brain and cause other euphoric effects, it has a high likelihood to be abused.
Modafinil Can Be Abused
Although Modafinil is not as strong as other prescription stimulants like Adderall or Ritalin, it still has the potential to cause dependence and addiction. If you are worried someone may be abusing or is addicted to Modafinil, there are signs and symptoms of drug abuse you can look out for including:
- Frequently trying to get a new prescription
- Lying about taking it or how much they are taking
- Panicking or worrying about how getting their next dose of Modafinil
- Developing a tolerance
- Going through withdrawal symptoms
- Continuing use despite any negative and harmful physical, emotional, or social consequences.
- Weight loss and loss of appetite
- Difficulty sleeping or irregular sleep schedule
Modafinil can be a very appealing drug because of its stimulant effects, but it does not have the same stigma attached to it that other stimulants, both prescription and illegal, have to them. Because of this many people don’t realize it can be just as dangerous. If any drug, including Modafinil, entices you to keep taking it, including beyond its intended purpose, then it is likely that you have an addiction.
What Happens After Getting Addicted to Modafinil
Once physical and psychological dependence or addiction to Modafinil has set in, withdrawal from Modafinil will occur when the drug is no longer taken or when a lower dose is taken. Due to how Modafinil interacts with the brain when you stop taking it, your body and brain do not know how to function without it after it has gotten used to it. Withdrawal symptoms can include depression, anxiety, lack of any motivation or energy, fatigue, and breathing problems. The length of time in which withdrawal will happen can vary depending on how much of the drug was abused, how long it was abused, and personal health problems.
What to Do if You’re Addicted to Modafinil
With severe addiction and withdrawal, a person may have a hard time functioning in your daily life. A medically assisted detox may be necessary in this case for personal safety, to manage the withdrawal and detox symptoms, and help avoid relapse. Detox is the process in which you rid your body of toxins and drugs with the help and supervision of medical professionals who will closely monitor your health, administer any medications when necessary, and keep you in a supportive and healthy environment. Once detox has been completed, it is recommended that you partake in more in-depth treatment to get to the root of your addiction. If you or someone you love is addicted to Modafinil, there is a way out of addiction. Contact Evoke Wellness at Cohasset, so our specialist can help find the best treatment option.
