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Armodafinil is a supplement that is used to enhance mental performance, based on its ability to increase wakefulness and alertness. It is currently on the market, sold as a prescription drug under the names Nuvigil and Waklert. It has been FDA-approved since 2007 for use within the United States.
This supplement, which is said to have sold to an estimated 1.6 million users in the past three years, is a derivative to Modafinil. The effects are fairly similar, however, Armodafinil is more potent. The supplement you choose to use out of these two options really depends on personal preference.
With that being said, most users prefer Armodafinil due to its greater stimulant effects and longevity in terms of its benefits. Within medicine, Armodafinil has multiple uses but is typically used for off-label purposes. A prime example of this is, of course, the nootropic community, using Armodafinil to enhance cognition.
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Using Armodafinil as a Wakefulness Enhancer
When originally developed, this supplement was intended to treat individuals who suffer from overwhelming daytime fatigue. As a wakefulness enhancer, individuals can treat instances of narcolepsy, sleep apnea, insomnia, and the effects experienced during shift work.
Although clinical trials have come back inconclusive, it’s believed that Armodafinil may help treat instances of ADD, ADHD, schizophrenia, and depression. The United States has approved this drug from clinical use, however, it’s not FDA-approved for jet lag at this time, regardless of its effectiveness in this area.
One of the key reasons that Armodafinil has become so popular is its ability to boost energy levels without creating the negative side effects that often go along with other energy-enhancing drugs. The experience itself is unlike any other traditional stimulant, such as caffeine.
Users experience a more natural sense of wakefulness which lasts longer. They also say they can focus and stay more alert, helping them be more productive overall, without feeling jittery or restless. It’s also unlikely that you will experience changes in blood pressure or increased levels of anxiety when taking this drug.
Researchers believe that Armodafinil also helps to alter the way in which the brain perceives fatigue within the body. This is very exciting within the medical and scientific community because this means you could essentially train your brain to use natural mechanisms to stay more alert and awake, rather than artificially altering sleep hormones.
When taking Armodafinil, it doesn’t interfere with normal circadian rhythms which are useful for people who suffer from a number of sleeping disorders. Meaning, although it helps increase alertness, it will not affect normal sleeping times. You will be able to fall asleep and wake up normally. This is the main difference between Armodafinil and Modafinil, as Modafinil can cause symptoms of insomnia when taken too late in the day.
Taking Armodafinil as a Cognitive Enhancer
Although many people taking Armodafinil have a medical condition that it helps treat, it is also often used within non-clinical settings as a cognitive enhancer. If you’re someone who is experiencing constant fatigue or high levels of brain fog, Armodafinil could help due to its effects on cognition.
When taking Armodafinil, users greatly improve focus and concentration. Reasoning also improves and the ability to make mental connections quickly. Some users say that they take this supplement, allowing them to conquer just about anything they set their minds to, describing the effects as a ‘flow-like state.’ Additionally, you may also experience improved mood, as well as increased levels of confidence and motivation.
Other Beneficial Effects of Taking Armodafinil
When taking Armodafinil, users are often able to suppress their appetite. When combined with increased energy effects, Armodafinil can be taken a diet pill, helping users lose weight. For bodybuilders and athletes training, Armodafinil allows them to push through, experiencing more intense workouts. For children who suffer from ADHD, this may be an effective solution, especially once individuals have built a resistance and tolerance to other related medications on the market.
What are the Side Effects?
When taking Armodafinil, the main side effects are those related to other nootropics supplements, such as Modafinil. These side effects are generally mild, ranging from nausea and stomach issues to headaches, dizziness, and nervousness.
In even more rare cases, allergic reactions have been reported. If you notice that you’re breaking out in hives or experience swelling around your face and mouth, discontinue use and seek medical advice. This one happens in a small portion of Armodafinil users but is still a possibility. Typically, as long as you’re following the recommendations of your doctor, Armodafinil is highly safe.
Recommended Dosage
In comparison to Modafinil, Armodafinil is purer and more refined, meaning users require less of it in order for it to be effective. It’s important to note that purer, doesn’t necessarily mean stronger. It just means that you need less, in order to achieve the effects you’re after.
As mentioned, Armodafinil is also sold under the name Nuvigil and is available in 50, 150, and 250 mg tablets. In comparison, Modafinil is only available in 100 or 200 mg tablets. Depending on what you’re taking this supplement for, your dosing may differ.
The standard recommendations for treating various medical conditions is a good indication of a beneficial dose. For those who suffer from narcolepsy and sleep apnea, generally 150 to 250 mg is taken daily. Shift-workers are typically prescribed 150 mg to be taken one hour before their shift. With that being said, many have reported that 50 to 100 mg is enough to keep them awake and alert.
For those that are elderly or suffer from liver complications, this dosage should be lowered. There is little risk associated with an overdose, however, you should not take more than 250 mg within a 24-hour period. This will simply help you reduce your risk of any side effects.
For nootropic purposes, users often report that in excess of 150 mg is too potent. This will require you to experiment based on your needs and individual brain chemistry. Start with only 50 mg to see how you react. Only increase your dosage to 100 mg if you do not experience any effects within an hour.
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