Modafinil is a prescription medication best known for promoting wakefulness. It is approved in the United States for conditions such as narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2015). In recent years, some people have wondered whether modafinil could also help manage stress. Stress is not only a…

Managing narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia often requires more than one medication. Two commonly prescribed treatments are Xywav® (low-sodium oxybate) and modafinil (Provigil®). Patients and clinicians sometimes wonder whether these medications can be used together — and what the benefits and risks might be. Key Takeaways What Are Xywav and Modafinil? Xywav (Low-Sodium Oxybate) Xywav contains…

Modafinil, a wakefulness-promoting agent originally approved for narcolepsy and shift work sleep disorder, has attracted attention for its potential off-label uses in cognitive and behavioral symptoms associated with dementia. Dementia patients often suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness, apathy, and cognitive decline, which significantly impact their quality of life and caregiver burden. While some studies suggest…

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, memory impairment, and behavioral symptoms. Despite numerous therapeutic efforts, effective treatments for the cognitive symptoms of AD remain limited. Modafinil, a wakefulness-promoting agent approved for sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, has gained attention for its off-label use as a cognitive enhancer. Key Takeaways…

Fatigue is a persistent and serious challenge in military aviation, compromising safety and performance during long and demanding flight missions. To combat this, air forces worldwide have turned to pharmacological aids, with modafinil emerging as a favored option. Originally developed for sleep disorders, modafinil is now widely used to enhance alertness and cognitive function among…

Modafinil is a medication used to promote wakefulness, mainly for conditions like narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and shift work disorder. It is also popular off-label as a cognitive enhancer. A recent study by Delli Pizzi et al. (2025) reveals how modafinil changes brain connectivity in ways that boost attention and alertness. These findings explain part of…

Modafinil is a wakefulness-promoting agent best known for treating sleep-related disorders such as narcolepsy and shift work disorder. However, it has also gained popularity as a so-called “smart drug” or nootropic. One of the most debated claims is whether modafinil can actually enhance memory—particularly in healthy individuals or those with cognitive deficits. Key Takeaways What…

Modafinil is a prescription medication approved for treating sleep disorders like narcolepsy and shift work disorder. But in recent years, it has become a popular off-label “smart drug” among students, tech workers, and biohackers. The big question: What happens when a healthy, “normal” person takes Modafinil? To find out, we analyzed Reddit testimonials from users…