Modafinil Dosage Guide

## Acute Overdose Modafinil has an exceptionally wide safety margin. The median lethal dose (LD50) for humans has never been reached. Documented intentional overdoses of 4,000-5,000 mg -- twenty to twenty-five times the standard therapeutic dose -- have not resulted in death or lasting injury. Clinical trials administered doses up to 1,600 mg per day for weeks without life-threatening effects. An accidental ingestion of 800 mg by a three-year-old child was similarly non-fatal. ## Recognizing Overdose Symptoms At supratherapeutic doses, the most commonly reported symptoms include: - Severe headache (the most consistent finding) - Nausea and vomiting - Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) - Insomnia lasting 24+ hours - Anxiety, agitation, and restlessness - Elevated blood pressure - Tremor - Chest discomfort (usually benign, but warrants evaluation) ## Emergency Response There is no specific antidote for modafinil overdose. Management is supportive: - Monitor cardiovascular status (heart rate, blood pressure, ECG) - Benzodiazepines (lorazepam, diazepam) for anxiety, agitation, or insomnia - IV fluids for hydration if vomiting is present - Activated charcoal if ingestion was within 1-2 hours - Due to the 12-15 hour half-life, symptoms may persist for 24 hours or longer ## Combination Risks While modafinil alone has an excellent safety record in overdose, combinations with other substances significantly change the risk profile. Community reports include a case of seizure following the combination of modafinil with methylcyclazodone (a potent eugeroic), heavy caffeine consumption, and cannabis. Stacking multiple wakefulness-promoting agents or combining modafinil with high doses of caffeine increases cardiovascular stress and may lower the seizure threshold. Sustained wakefulness beyond 36-48 hours -- achievable by combining modafinil with other stimulants -- carries its own risks of impaired judgment, psychotic symptoms, and dangerous fatigue upon eventual sleep. Call emergency services (911 in the US, 999 in the UK, 112 in the EU) if symptoms include chest pain, seizures, severe tachycardia, or loss of consciousness. Good Samaritan laws apply.