Modafinil and Ritalin are two stimulant drugs prescribed to increase wakefulness in patients. However, they do have some distinct differences. With this in mind, let’s take a closer look at modafinil and Ritalin below.
What is modafinil?
Modafinil is an oral drug that is usually prescribed by doctors to help people with sleep disorders such as sleep apnea (periods during sleep when breathing stops) or narcolepsy (extreme sleepiness). It works by stimulating the mind so that you stay awake during the day, helping you to form a normal sleeping pattern. However, it’s also commonly used as a wakefulness aid during work, school or sports.
Among those who play chess, modafinil is very popular, as studies have supposedly shown that it helps the brain to concentrate for prolonged periods of time.
However, it should be noted that modafinil is a prescription drug for a reason. Even though it’s deemed safe for use to treat these disorders, scientists don’t understand how modafinil works in the body. Theoretically, biochemists believe that it alters the substances in the brain that control the sleep cycle, but this is not concrete. Therefore, it shouldn’t be used in place of a good night’s sleep because it doesn’t give the body the rest or recovery time it needs.
What is Ritalin?
Ritalin is the drug used to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), helping to decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity in patients. It’s commonly prescribed by a doctor due to its ability to alter the natural amounts of different substances in the brain. Unlike modafinil, ritalin helps to increase attention, rather than just keeping you awake.
However, like modafinil, it can also be used to treat the sleep disorder narcolepsy as it increases your capacity to stay focused and attentive. Both modafinil and Ritalin must be taken orally and can interact with blood thinners and seizure medicines. The most common side effects of Ritalin are stomach pain, loss of appetite, vomiting and weight loss, while the most common side effects of modafinil are diarrhoea, dry mouth and upper respiratory tract infections.