Modafinil and Anxiety: What Users Say

• The...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 7, 2017

For ADHD "This medicine is literally a life changer. For so long I took Adderall to get me through the day and to sustain focus during college courses. Adderall gave me severe anxiety and depression, and I thought I had lost all hope seeing as that is 'the best' drug for ADD... WRONG! Modafinil gives you the same level of focus without ANY side effects... no anxiety, no depression, no euphoria (which is great because Adderall is very addictive) and minimal weight loss. It has improved my life to the point that my friends and family members have been commenting on how great I sound. I just wanted to share my experience (never have before, but I felt compelled to because this is an emotional topic for me) in case you're nervous about giving it a shot."

• fun...
• September 29, 2020

For Fatigue "I was prescribed Modafinil by my psychiatrist to help my chronic fatigue and depression (off-label). I am an addict in recovery (going on 9 months sober) and although this is not officially a stimulant, it toes the line *just enough* that it almost spun me into relapse. There's plenty of testimonials testifying how amazing this drug is and that it isn't addictive. I was more wakeful but the anxiety it gave me was not worth it the boost, plus I fantasized about upping my dose immediately. I ended up giving my medication to my boyfriend to throw away and having to tell my sobriety sponsor about it. I was on 100 mg, prescribed to take it every morning. I was on Modafinil for 2 months and quit cold turkey, and couldn't stay awake more than a couple hours for several days. I felt the need to post a review to warn anyone thinking their sobriety will stay intact with this drug because it almost threw me completely off the wagon."

• Kat...
• September 23, 2013

Modafinil for Narcolepsy "I am 2 months shy of having used Provigil for 10 years. I have no physical side effects from it, which is pretty good since I am in my late 60s. It was more effective at keeping me awake when I first started using it, but it also made me a little nervous. These days it is usually effective, but sometimes not, but the good news is that I am much calmer than I have been in years. If this medicine seems to lose its effectiveness, don't give up. Stop taking it for a little while (a week or two) and it will work again just fine. All in all this medicine has given me back my life, except for driving me to the poor house."

• CKL...
• June 14, 2019

For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome "My experience with Modafinil was tough. I have been struggling with daily fatigue for a while now, and my psychiatrist prescribed me it to help me wake up. It has in fact helped me with that, and I feel like I can mostly go through each day without crashing or feeling like a dead fish. However, I have a severe anxiety disorder, and my psychiatrist had been cautious of prescribing me a stimulant in case it increased said anxiety. Unfortunately, that’s what Modafinil did to me. It increased my heart rate and gave me overall physical anxiety, which seems impossible to get rid of once it attacks me. This in turn causes mental anxiety. The energy Modafinil gave me ultimately was not worth this anxious increase. Also, since the drug is a controlled substance, I couldn’t get a refill anyway, and it just wasn’t worth it. I would say that each person is different, and while anxiety is a common side effect, it doesn’t have to be a sole feature. It did give me energy, and that was a big plus."

• Dad...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 21, 2019

Modafinil for Narcolepsy "Does nothing for my narcolepsy. I stay on it because the doctor told me to, and I’m not competent enough to know that it’s not working. Also, I look like a drug seeker if I mention anything, and I don’t agree with the doctor's recommendation. It gives me some anxiety, my body feels awake, but my head feels sleepy. Does nothing for the brain fog I get with my narcolepsy. Armodafinil works better."

• Laz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 15, 2020

Modafinil for Narcolepsy "This med has been very helpful for my excessive daytime sleepiness (idiopathic hypersomnia). Probably saved me from ending my career as a therapist altogether, although I’m limited to seeing half the usual number of clients. First 100 mg dose at 8 am, and I’m good to go for about 4 hours—and quite talkative and energetic. By noon or 1, I’m getting quite tired and, even though I take my afternoon dose of 100 mg, the rest of the day I typically feel quite tense and often irritable. Tight knot in upper back. Seeing clients is a real challenge. My life remains pretty limited by my idiopathic hypersomnia, but I’m so relieved to at least be able to work enough to support my family. Losing that capacity altogether would have been devastating, so I’m very grateful for Provigil."

• Pau...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 19, 2016

For Fatigue "I have had fatigue and brain fog for years now, so I decided to try modafinil. I took 100 mg on my first day at 7:00 AM, by 8:00 I could feel my tiredness diminishing and went to work. It certainly gave me more motivation and focus, but at the same time, you feel slightly weird. You certainly know you have taken a drug, and for me, the slightly wired feeling is a little off-putting. People leave comments claiming it's amazing, etc., but I feel people taking modafinil for the first time should take caution. On 100 mg, it was incredibly hard to sleep, my mind started cobbling together thought after thought of random things, anything but shutting down to sleep. I would recommend starting on 50 mg, for me, 100 mg is too strong."

• Eve...
• November 27, 2020

For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome "I was first given this medication, modafinil, in October when I volunteered to go to an in-patient facility for my depression. They put it on me for my chronic fatigue (that they later told me was from CFS). At first, it gave my body energy but still left my mind in a fog of tiredness. It also increased my heart rate and gave me anxiety like none I had ever seen. That lasted for 2 or 3 days. When I was finally released, my insurance required prior authorization in order to fill the prescription. Of course, it took the collective amount of doctors from both my primary and the in-patient nearly 3 weeks to finally get the prescription filled. When I finally got back on it, I felt a little energized (of course I was on bed rest at the time for a foot injury, go figure). But that quickly wore off. I have been on it almost a month now and am pretty much back to where I was energy level-wise. I was so hopeful too."

• kkh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 15, 2020

For Depression "After 3 months, I quit taking Zoloft for depression after taking modafinil. It gives me energy from chronic fatigue also. I'm a teacher, and I also notice I'm much more alert and focused while taking it. I have mild bipolar 1 also, and take Seroquel and Lamictal also. I can't detect any side effects unless I have to take it with my asthma inhaler, as then it can cause shakiness, nervousness, sleeplessness, etc. Otherwise, it's a great product! I found Zoloft to 'numb' me to a degree-I didn't feel sad, but I didn't feel happy either. Kind of desensitized."

• Dot...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 1, 2021

For Fatigue "It really helps my exhaustion caused by MS. You have to find the right dosage that works for you; I discovered 50 mg of Modafinil keeps me moving and accomplishing tasks all day—very productive. But more than 100 mg makes me too jittery. Also, I have to watch or even eliminate my caffeine intake when taking 50 mg."

• Har...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 22, 2020

For Fatigue "I was prescribed 100 mg for bipolar fatigue. I was hopeful after seeing all the reviews and some comparing it to the 'limitless' drug (not that I believed that), but I was let down. I took it the first day with no food... about an hour later I felt jittery, just uncomfortable, and later in the day that anxious feeling in my chest for a little while. Felt just as tired as usual. Waited a couple of days and tried half a pill and felt nothing. So the next day, I tried a whole one again with food and hated the feeling again. Jittery, uncomfortable, I just wanted it to get out of my system."

• RFM...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 7, 2020

For Depression "I take modafinil on and off for OCD and depression, and it works. I have high blood pressure that is treated with meds, and this doesn't seem to bother it too much. It messes with my anxiety, but not enough to stop using it. If you want to get a job done, then this is for you."

• Arr...
• April 21, 2016

For Depression "I was extremely hopeful upon reading the raving reviews about Modafinil for depression, especially for initiative and motivation. I was practically expecting it would work, so if anything, I was the perfect candidate for the placebo effect. But it was not to be. I took up to 200 mg but found it to have no effects at all on my depression. It actually made me slightly anxious and agitated. Though, it does work very well with making you stay awake and alert."

• Bee...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 1, 2019

For ADHD "Since I am unmedicated for ADD, I've been trying several natural nootropics in the past. After reading about Modafinil, I've decided to give it a try. I mostly have problems with concentration and procrastination, and unfortunately, it doesn't work. I know that Modafinil is supposed to keep you awake and focused, but it doesn't help with motivation. Well, the thing is that it's not even keeping me awake. I've been experimenting with several doses in various situations, I was taking care not to eat or drink anything that interacts, but most of the time I can take a nap on it. And when it works, it makes me very anxious and irritable, so I can't get things done because of the anxiety. I gave it 5 stars because some days it helps, kinda, but so far I'm not happy with the results. I think it works, but not for ADD."

• Ccr...
• September 17, 2018

For ADHD "Diagnosed PTSD, depression, and anxiety over 25 years ago. I've been on antidepressants and anti-anxiety meds but never felt even 75% better. Tried modafinil - great. Out of bed, no anxiety or very little. Now, the doctor thinks I have ADD, so I was prescribed Adderall. I hate it. I can't tell how well it's working because of having to cope with the anxiety and crashes it causes. Stopped Adderall and tried modafinil again and feel so much better. I don't know exactly what my condition is beyond PTSD. But modafinil has been a lifesaver. The cost, which insurance won't cover, is too high, and you do build up a tolerance to it. You have to stop sometimes to clear your system. If I take a high dose, it doesn't work, or I feel terrible. I take only 50 mg at a time - lasts about 4 hours right now. Cuts the cost down. Never had withdrawals, just some sleepiness. Better compared to other drugs and the horrible side effects and addiction potential."

• Gee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 27, 2016

Modafinil for Narcolepsy "IMHO, modafinil is a good medication. I was originally diagnosed with EDS. A couple of years later, MSLT showed REM, blablabla, narcolepsy. I've tried it all. Best was Dexedrine, which is no longer manufactured (as far as I understand). Adderall dropped me down to about 95 lbs (even though I'm a small girl). Ritalin made me super anxious and mute and slow. And Provigil was just okay and very expensive. Stopped the Provigil because it cost $500 a month, 60 tabs BID 100 mg. I just can't keep paying for it. I went back to Ritalin, which is the cheapest of them all because I thought I was better. Never been more wrong! Not being on the Provigil has shown me I do have narcolepsy. Without Provigil, I can barely function :-/. But how can I carve out $500 for it?!"

• Mil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 4, 2016

For ADHD "I have ADHD, tried modafinil 100 mg, side effects, stomach upset, lost appetite, can't sleep at all for 2 days. Headache. Made me feel jittery, I felt all over the place, couldn't concentrate, actually. Also made me feel unsocial and in a bad mood. The only thing is, yes, you won't sleep. Gave it a try a few more times, don't like it. Sticking to Adderall, much better for ADHD!!!"

• sri...
• April 3, 2015

For Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome "I have obstructive sleep apnea so severe, I fall asleep driving, working, sitting, during an MRI, etc. I'm extremely allergic to the plastic CPAP masks, or they don't work effectively, so I'm unable to get relief from the machine. I do shift work, suffer from depression, anxiety, ADD, panic attacks, and now this has become progressively worse in the last year. I sleep so much to catch up that now my 46-year-old body is breaking down. Loss of muscle mass, weight gain, etc. What does work for me? Provigil/modafinil. Amazing! Truly! But my Medica health insurance does not cover it. Why won't the pharmaceutical companies lower the price or provide alternatives, options, etc.? I'm a beautiful woman slowly wasting away."

• M85...
• January 27, 2016

For Depression "I think I might be the only person in the world having no beneficial effect on this drug. I took 50 mg Modalert and I never felt so bad in my life: I was paranoid, anxious, had several serious suicidal thoughts, headache, and nausea. I kept feeling bad for the next 24 hours. I feel so disappointed and sad, I was hoping that moda could have helped me."

• Anonymous
• May 15, 2022

For Depression "A complete game changer. I stopped taking modafinil for a few days and became extremely stressed and depressed. Started taking them again and feel amazing. Not sure why everyone isn’t given modafinil instead of antidepressants and other drugs."

• Anonymous
• January 19, 2010

Modafinil for Drowsiness "I have been taking Provigil 200 mg x 2 for 3 years. I don't doze off while driving like I used to, which is wonderful. I do still get very sleepy in the afternoon, and I have a lot of fatigue. The major downfall to Provigil is the cost. I lost my job due to a layoff and no longer have insurance. My prescription without insurance is over $800 per month. Needless to say, I will no longer be able to take it once I use all of what I have. Not looking forward to that at all. My doctor also prescribed Ritalin to take in the afternoons, but it just makes me jittery for about 15 minutes, and that's pretty much all it does for me."

• Fas...
• November 18, 2016

For Fatigue "I was prescribed modafinil to address the extreme fatigue associated with abrupt cessation of crystal methamphetamine. By no means is this a miracle cure, but it will keep you awake. It will not give you energy, like amphetamines. It will not produce euphoria. At higher doses, I'm taking 400 mg b.i.d. as needed, since my 2000 mg dose of meth per day ceased. At that high a dose, I feel a bit jittery, more of a caffeine-like effect for the first hour. Duration for me is about 5 hours with an almost immediate crash. The best thing is, if you are determined to quit meth, this is a helpful tool. Especially for those that don't have time to detox in a clinical setting. Addition of the dopamine precursor supplement L-Arginine will help mood."

• Anonymous
• March 1, 2009

Modafinil for Multiple Sclerosis "I take Provigil about 5 times a week. I have been on it since 12/06. I have to take 'vacations' from it in order for it to work like it should. When I start it again, I get massive headaches, but it's worth it for the energy. My MS fatigue is so bad most of the time that I really need this medication. I do get headaches, nervousness, anxiety, and stomach issues while taking this pill. But all I do without taking it is sleep."

• Anonymous
• March 1, 2009

Modafinil for Multiple Sclerosis "I take Provigil about 5 times a week. I have been on it since 12/06. I have to take 'vacations' from it in order for it to work like it should. When I start it again, I get massive headaches, but it's worth it for the energy. My MS fatigue is so bad most of the time that I really need this medication. I do get headaches, nervousness, anxiety, and stomach issues while taking this pill. But all I do without taking it is sleep."

• Sle...
• March 12, 2019

For Narcolepsy "I am on 200 mg of Modafinil, 20 mg of Adderall XR, 30 mg of Adderall IR, and I am still falling asleep. Provigil is way too expensive, even with insurance, it was over $3,000.00. I am already having issues at work with meeting deadlines, which is causing depression and anxiety. I just do not know how I am going to keep my job if I cannot stay awake. I am just wondering what happens when the medication will no longer work at the highest dosage."