The Central Nervous System controls several important bodily functions. This mechanism is responsible for many things that take place in our human body. For example, it controls neural pathways between the spinal cord and the brain that carry information. However, this bodily system can easily be affected by some disorders.
In today’s time, many people have uncommon impulsiveness and hyperactivity behaviors, which are the most common central nervous system disorders. To treat such disorders, the two medication drugs prescribed are Ritalin and Modafinil. What are Modafinil and Ritalin? How are they different from each other? How do they function? This blog on Ritalin vs Modafinil will shed light on these topics.
A Brief Overview of Modafinil and Ritalin:
Modafinil:
The Modafinil is a medicine that healthcare professionals prescribe to their patients in order to improve wakefulness in such people. Modafinil acts as a stimulant for the central nervous system. Its effect can allow individuals to stay awake as well as focused most of the time. For office workers, students, transhumanists, etc., it is a “smart drug” that helps in the treatment of ADHD.
Oral tablets of Modafinil are readily available in the market. These tablets are generally recommended by doctors or healthcare professionals and should not be taken by individuals on their own. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved this medicine for medical use under the doctor’s supervision only.
Ritalin:
Another central nervous system stimulant that is recommended by healthcare professionals to their patients is Ritalin. Professionals use Titalin for the treatment of Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Ritalin is the brand name of Methylphenidate. It functions by blocking Norepinephrine in neurons and dopamine reuptake.
Ritalin has been approved by the FDA and it is a commonly prescribed medicine in the USA and many other countries all across the globe. This medicine is available in the form of generic oral tablets, capsules, and liquid solutions. Impulsiveness and hyperactivity disorders in individuals can be treated with the help of this medicine.
Uses of Modafinil and Ritalin:
Modafinil Uses:
- Sleep Apnea:
Health Professionals use modafinil for the treatment of patients who are suffering from sleep apnea. It is a disorder in which individuals feel that they are not able to breathe for some seconds or even minutes. Modafinil can show positive results in these patients.
- Narcolepsy:
Another disorder that can be treated with the help of this medicine is narcolepsy. Those who have narcolepsy experience excessive sleep during the daytime. After taking the suggested dosage of this medicine, individuals feel more focused.
- Smart Pill:
Some medicines are available as off-label drugs. Modafinil is one of those drugs that are available as an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine. Office goers, students, surgeons, etc., can take Modafinil as it can promote wakefulness in them.
- Shift Work Disorder:
During the treatment of shift work disorder, the Modafinil medication is prescribed by healthcare professionals. Shift work disorder occurs when the natural sleep cycle of people gets disturbed. Modafinil can help them stay wakeful or alert.
Ritalin Uses:
- ADHD:
Symptoms of ADHD can be effectively treated with the help of Ritalin. Doctors who treat their ADHD patients can administer this medicine together with other medicines (also called interaction drugs). Some therapies require the use of Ritalin for the treatment of ADHD.
- Narcolepsy:
Healthcare professionals can recommend the dosage of Ritalin to individuals who are suffering from Narcolepsy. It improves somnolence (drowsiness or sleepiness) measures in them. Ritalin also helps them stay alert.
- Performance Enhancer:
As per medical research, Ritalin acts as a performance enhancer for sportspersons. They may feel energetic and improve their athletic performance. However, taking over-dosages of this medicine could cause serious health complications.
- Cognitive Enhancer:
Ritalin can act as a cognitive enhancer or nootropic for those who want to improve their cognitive skills. Creativity, attention, and executive functions can be enhanced in them when taken in optimal dosages.
Difference Between Ritalin vs Modafinil:
Based on some parameters, Modafinil and Ritalin can differ from each other. Here are the differences between these two medication drugs.
- Types of Disorder:
Modafinil helps in the treatment of sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and shift work disorder. However, Ritalin is prescribed to patients who are suffering from ADHD and narcolepsy. Doctors may also prescribe it for individuals suffering from depression.
- Form of Dosage:
More dosage forms of Ritalin are available for medical use. Healthcare professionals can administer oral tablets, capsules, and solutions to their patients. Modafinil is available in the form of oral tablets. Generally, the dosage of 200 mg oral tablets is supervised by patients. On the other hand, Ritalin comes in dosage strengths of 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 60 mg (recommended only for adults above 60 years of age).
- Potential for Abuse:
Both these medicines differ in terms of potential for abuse. Ritalin is considered a drug with severe dependence. Hence, it can be more addictive to patients. On the other hand, the potential for drug abuse is low for Modafinil. Still, it must be taken in prescribed dosages.
- Interaction With Other Drugs:
Modafinil is known to interact with other medication drugs when compared to Ritalin. It can interact with approximately 463 drugs. Around 185 drugs interact with Ritalin as per the surveys and studies recorded. The side effects of these interactions may vary.
- Half-Life:
Ritalin has a half-life span of 4 hours, while that of Modafinil is 15 hours. This indicates that the concentration of Modafinil will be present for a longer period. Ritalin’s effects may be short-lived.
Dosages of Modafinil and Ritalin:
Here, we will have a brief look at the dosages of Ritalin and Modafinil.
Suitable Dose of Modafinil Medicine:
A dosage of 200 mg of Modafinil per day is given to any patient suffering from narcolepsy. For the best results of the treatment, it is administered in the morning at least 1 hour before the work shift. The ability to be wakeful can be enhanced with the help of this medicinal drug. Hence, those who have shift work disorder can take Modafinil one hour before going to work at night shifts. During the treatment of sleep apnea, a dosage of 200 mg tablet is given to patients in the morning before their work shift.
Appropriate Dose of Ritalin:
Generally, before giving the dosage of Ritalin to patients, doctors monitor their cardiac conditions since this medicine may cause some serious side effects on them. The recommended Ritalin dose is 5 mg for patients 6 years old and up to 60 years. Take the medicine twice a day. A dosage of 20 mg to 30 mg of Ritalin is recommended for adults. Dosages of this medicine may be lowered by healthcare professionals if symptoms become serious.
Side Effects of Modafinil and Ritalin:
Below are the side effects of Ritalin and Modafinil. Note that if these side effects are occurring, report them to the healthcare professionals.
Side effects of Modafinil Pill:
- Feeling nervous
- Anxiety
- Hives
- Pain in chest
- Jaundice
- Shortness of breath
- Skin rash
- Fever
- Uneven heart beats
- Dark urine
- Peeling
- Blisters
- Depression
- Hallucinations
- Aggression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Being more talkative than usual
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Back pain
- Stuffy nose
- Dizziness
Ritalin:
- Difficulty in breathing
- Hives
- Swelling in the face or tongue
- Chest pain
- Numbness
- Feeling cold
- Hallucinations
- Painful penis erection
- Unexplained wounds
- Aggression
- Paranoia
- Hostility
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Increased blood pressure
- Headache
Conclusion:
In this blog, we have learned about Ritalin and Modafinil. Modafinil is prescribed to individuals suffering from sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and shift work disorder, while Ritalin is used to treat the symptoms of ADHD. Both stimulate our central nervous system. For effective results, they must be used when prescribed by doctors only.
The best medicine between Ritalin vs Modafinil is majorly dependent on the patient’s condition and adaptation of his/her body toward the medication. To choose the best medicine for yourself, it is important to understand how the medicine will work for you.
Read More:
Modafinil vs Vyvanse: Which Medicine Will Cure Your ADHD
Best ADHD Medication For Adults: The Perfect All-In-One Guide