Modafinil

evidence score

nootropic

Prescription Only

438 studies

ProvigilAlertecModalert+2 more

Modafinil is a Schedule IV wakefulness-promoting agent FDA-approved for narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea. Off-label it is widely used as a cognitive enhancer for focus, working memory, and sustained wakefulness. Unlike amphetamines, it has minimal cardiovascular side effects, low addiction potential, and a more targeted mechanism. Evidence for cognitive enhancement in healthy adults is mixed but reasonably consistent for tasks requiring sustained attention.

Evidence

Strong evidence

Safety

Unknown safety profile

Clinical Status

No formal phase listed

Last Sync

Feb 19, 2026

Last Reviewed

Not reviewed yet

Dosing

Typical

200 mg

100 mgRange400 mg

Frequencyonce daily, morning

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Pharmacology

Half-life12-15 hours

Onset30-60 minutes

Duration8-12 hours of wakefulness promotion

Routes

oral

Evidence Score

Level A — Strong

438 studies indexed · 19 meta-analyses

Scoring Factors

Volume(24%)~53/100

Quality(24%)~52/100

Sample Size(12%)~98/100

Consistency(14%)~98/100

Replication(8%)~98/100

Recency(18%)~98/100

Scores estimated from study counts. Exact breakdown computed after research sync.

Evidence Levels

AScore ≥75 with at least 1 meta-analysis and 3+ RCTs

BScore ≥50 with at least 1 RCT or meta-analysis

CScore ≥25 — observational or animal evidence only

DScore <25 — very limited or preclinical data

Plain-English Snapshot

Modafinil is currently categorized as a nootropic compound.

Evidence is strong (76/100) with a relatively mature body of research (438 indexed studies).

Safety scoring is incomplete. Start conservatively and monitor carefully.

Core mechanism

Weak DAT inhibition raises synaptic dopamine; activates orexin/hypocretin neurons; increases histamine and NE

Practical Context

Strongest current signals

Level C: Efficacy of Fatigue Countermeasures on Cognitive Performance and Operational Safety in Military Pilots: A Systematic Review.
Level C: Long-term quality of life and hypothalamic dysfunction after craniopharyngioma.
Level C: Fatigue and management of warfighter mental endurance.

Elevated caution signals

1 severe/high side effect flag