Dosage: 100-200mg
Preface: I am currently a first year female student. Last year, I was diagnosed with mild ADHD and given vyvanse. However, after using them for two days, I knew I did not enjoy the effects. Recently, I have realized that I may need extra help with the university workload. After using both Vyvanse and Adderall to study, I realized they were too strong for what I needed. I felt robotic, and the come downs were hectic. Recently, I was advised Modafinil from a friend in the community, and I am currently prescribed. This report is for anyone wondering about using modafinil as an alternative to ADHD.
Physical: The body load is much less than with amphetamines. I don’t feel as stiff, but rather the opposite. So far, a negative effect has been distrubted sleep, but nothing I can’t fix with a bit more discipline.
Cognitive: Not only do I find the work easier to focus on, I find the work I do much more qualitable. Before it felt like there was a wall that was preventing me from focusing on a subject, but now I find my brain works through problems more efficiently. For example, my notes for my philosophy class are incredible, because of how quickly my brain worked through the concept. It’s as if my brain was merely sluggish before, lacking the focus and motivation to do quality work. I would have the drive to go to class but fail to pay attention once there. Now, the information comes much faster. Creatively, my mind was sharp. I experienced visual effects similar to Psychedelics, without the hallucinations. Colours were brighter, music is better. It’s enjoyable.
Social/Emotional: These are actually my most beneficial effects. Since my brain has been lifted from its sluggish fog, I have been much more… quick and witty. Before I would say I was a little awkward. I find I am much more confident, have much more engaging conversations, and I’m more likely to strike up a conversation. The confidence has in turn made me happier and more relaxed. However, a negative side effect is irritability, which I find comes from wanting to get things done and other’s halting that. Again, nothing very severe.
Mixing with Cannabis: I decided to do a side test to see the effects with pot. I am one who is careful with cannabis as I experience heightened paranoia and anxiety with greater ease. However, I do enjoy a pleasurable high from time to time. I felt mixing helped with the irritability, but I got high much easier. For completing work it is not advised, as you become very absent minded and go-with-the-flow, but it can be socially fun.
Overall: I highly recommend asking your doctor about this if you are struggling with mild ADHD especially. I felt as if the amphetamines are way too hard on the body and mind for me and make me feel as if my brain is fried, aka it’s too much for what I need.
EDIT: after approx. a week all I can say is be careful about the lack of sleep. For me mixing that with cannabis sometimes lead to some adverse effects such as paranoia and absent mindedness (however, I am predisposed already). I’ve gone back to toking only infrequently and lowering the modafinil dosage until I get back on track with my sleep. However, my energy and motivation are still amazing. Still highly recommend, just be wary of the mix of sleep deprivation and cannabis if these have been issues for you!!
Is there anything else I should look out for? I’m new to using nootropics and would appreciate any additional info!!