Off-label Use of Modafinil And Its Rise in Popularity
The prospect of being a genius definitely sounds good and it’s only human nature to seek shortcuts. The 2011 movie Limitless (in which the protagonist takes a magic pill that turns him into a superhuman genius) saw the rise of the use of nootropics.
What are nootropics? They are supplements, which are either natural or synthetic, that are used by people with the aim of increasing specific parts of cognition to achieve a non-recreational goal. Furthermore, nootropics have to be safe and non-addictive. The most prominent nootropic is Modafinil and it’s been gaining lots of media attention in recent years. Popular media outlets such as Vice or The Guardian have shed positive light regarding this revolutionary smart drug.
Why is Modafinil so popular?
To put it simple, because it’s incredibly effective with regards to productivity, study and increasing reaction times. The potency / side effect ratio is very high, which has led many people who were previously on Adderall or Ritalin to switch to the much safer Modafinil.
Its price is also low, with vendors such as BuyXArmodafinil selling Modafinil and Armodafinil for as low as 0.78$ per pill.
Modafinil has a much lower potential for abuse. It’s been called “the world’s least fun drug” due to its lack of euphoria. This makes it better fit as a productivity enhancer or a study aid.
Buying Modafinil online
Modafinil is used as a treatment for narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder or obstructive sleep apnea. Modafinil is a schedule IV drug in the USA that is prescribed by doctors as Provigil. Sometimes, the government covers costs. Otherwise, the cost can go up to as much as $45 per tablet, making it very difficult for someone with an average income to afford a Provigil treatment.
Furthermore, studies have shown the effectiveness of Modafinil for the treatment of depression or ADHD. The thing is, doctors can’t prescribe it for either of the two.
The high cost of Provigil and the additional off-label benefits are the main reasons why people buy Modafinil online (and why the government seems to turn a blind eye on it).
Hence, there are several possible reasons why people may use Modafinil:
To treat a mental issue (sleep disorders, ADHD, depression);
To increase productivity (popular among professionals and entrepreneurs);
To improve study effectiveness (students use it to binge-study and teachers use it for better lesson quality);
To stay awake (truck drivers who need to stay focused when tired or surgeons who work long shifts)
To get off other addictive and dangerous medication (Adderall addiction is a real problem in the US, as it affects a large number of people, especially children or young people)
The list can go on to pro-gamers who seek better reaction times, body builders who want extra endurance or other types of personal development.
As you can see, Modafinil is aimed at providing a real benefit to those taking it, which can also provide benefits for society as a whole. Less laziness means more prosperity, after all. A hard-working person is good for the economy, which may be the reason why Modafinil is generally not a priority for government officials.
The low addictive potential, few side effects, and general utility of Modafinil make it a popular choice among people of all ages. Still, it should not be taken without prior consultation with a physician, especially if you’re already taking some form of medication.