Modafinil and Depression: 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."

• Ema...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 3, 2020

For Fatigue "This medication, modafinil, was awful. I was prescribed 100 mg to take daily for chronic fatigue syndrome. Here's what happened: I felt like my brain completely shut off. ADD to the max... unable to focus, lingering headache turned full-blown migraine, apathetic. If anything, I felt more exhausted; it messed with my vision and created so much pressure behind my eyes that I had a hard time focusing in on anything. It made my brain feel silent... all thoughts were muted, like I was only a hollow vessel. This is not me; my brain normally works a million miles per hour. I can multitask, I can focus... I'm just exhausted, and that's why this was prescribed. I would not recommend this medication. I wish it would've helped."

• DMN...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 5, 2014

For Depression "I selected depression, but at this point, I believe depression is a side effect of a larger neurological issue and apnea. I was diagnosed with depression years ago, and after being put on tons of different medicines, some of which were a nightmare, I was upgraded to bipolar. Along the way, I gained about 100 lbs and eventually ended up on a cocktail that included Seroquel, which made me very sleepy all the time. I was initially given Provigil as a way to be awake during the day. It was a very positive improvement. After a while, I was adjusted to Seroquel, Lamictal, and Provigil, and it seemed to keep me stable but still lethargic. Eventually, we tried lessening the Seroquel and eventually eliminated it. I am doing better than ever now for several years."

• B_1...
• May 30, 2017

For Depression "It is great and all for giving you laser focus, however, after the drug wears off from my system, I notice that I get a little bit of a crash. I get depressive symptoms, that's why I don't take it anymore."

• Anonymous
• March 3, 2010

Provigil (modafinil) for Depression "I was initially prescribed this medication to address both a mild sleep apnea problem and persistent depression. Initially, it was indeed like a miracle drug. I felt better immediately and continued so for about a year. However, the drug then quickly became less effective and actually began to make my depression much worse. I very briefly switched to Nuvigil, but I continued with the worsening depression and ended up having to stop the medication. Within a few days of discontinuing the medication, I felt considerably better. I went on to other medications to help with the depression and fatigue. Provigil/Nuvigil has been a blessing for many people. However, as with many medications, their continued use can sometimes backfire."

• Anonymous
• July 18, 2008

Provigil (modafinil) for Multiple Sclerosis "I too have MS and have been taking this drug since it came out—about 6 years. Because Provigil is not an amphetamine, it doesn't make you 'high', you just feel like you have energy. Provigil does not interfere with your normal sleeping pattern if you take it in the morning. I feel like my old self when I take it. I also know now when I do not take it (I'm on 200 mg). I can feel the difference, what I thought was depression was actually a lack of energy."

• Cot...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 23, 2017

For Depression "Depressive mood with the ability to function well, but have noted a significant improvement in mood since prescribed. Thankfully. Have to monitor the amount I take and should not mix with strong coffee."

• 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."

• 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."

• buy...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 4, 2024

For ADHD "Effectiveness for ADHD: Several clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of modafinil in reducing symptoms of ADHD in children and adolescents, including improvements in inattention, hyperactivity, and overall quality of life. Many users report that modafinil provides them with improved focus, energy, and productivity compared to other ADHD medications like Adderall. Side Effects and Safety: Modafinil is generally well-tolerated, with common side effects including insomnia, headache, decreased appetite, and gastrointestinal issues. However, there are also reports of more serious side effects like severe rashes, allergic reactions, and mental health effects like depression and suicidal thoughts."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 16, 2012

Provigil (modafinil) for Narcolepsy "I have narcolepsy with cataplexy and am currently taking Provigil during the day when I first wake up. I have noticed that my cataplexy attacks are fewer, but it doesn't stop them all. I still have at least 3 big attacks a week. I have found that I am more alert taking Ritalin, but have more cataplectic attacks. I am currently working with my doc to up the dosage because the 200 mg is not enough. I have had some side effects with the medicine: mood swings, becoming fixated on a task or project, confusion, headache, and some depression. I am currently a full-time student, and for me, taking Provigil to prevent attacks vs. being more alert is the best option for me at this point."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 7, 2023

For ADHD "I was prescribed Modafinil for ADHD about 1 year ago. My dosage is 100-150 mg. For me, the drug works well to help me focus and finish projects that are usually left undone. It helps with my depression as well. However, I have found a fast tolerance within a week of daily use. Coming off the drug is easier than Adderall, but I still experience some depression and lethargy. Therefore, for me, I only use it to complete tasks that need a clear head, such as taxes, and no more than 3-4 days in a row."

• OSA...
• July 11, 2015

For Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome "The first time I took this (prescribed for obstructive sleep apnea), I thought, 'Wow, this is the answer!' I was awake and alert but didn't feel drugged.... I felt 'on the ball,' and I hadn't felt like that in forever. The second time I took it, I felt extremely tired. I forced myself out of bed but felt extremely depressed and anxious. I took another tablet, not realizing I was having a negative reaction to this drug. I became so tired I stayed in bed all the next day. I felt disorientated, and it was as if everything was in slow motion. I could not get out of bed and was more tired than I had ever been in my life. My heartbeat was fast, and it felt irregular. I started to have negative thoughts and hallucinations. Not good!!!"

• hea...
• May 18, 2011

Provigil (modafinil) for Multiple Sclerosis "Provigil gets 9 out of 10 ONLY because of the extreme headache I get when I don't take it A--with lots of water (and a little food in my stomach) and B--before 10 a.m. I've had Multiple Sclerosis for 7 years now and have been on Provigil for the last few years to fight the fatigue and lack of focus associated with MS. And it even has the 'bonus' side effect of making me HAPPY again. Most people who have MS know that depression is also a silent struggle that never gets acknowledged. Provigil makes me physically less 'worn out,' makes me mentally alert, and makes me emotionally just in a better mood. I guess I can't say enough good things about it. If you can tolerate the headache you might get, this medicine is WORTH IT."

• Anonymous
• December 13, 2022

For Fatigue "It has been the most useless medication I've ever taken regarding fatigue. At least, Adderall and Ritalin worked the same way for a couple of weeks, generating energy. Just the first time, I felt more energetic for only 3 or 4 hours, and the major problem with this med is that all of a sudden, it puts you down, giving you a type of fatigue that now it's worse than before. The dosage isn't important at all with this med. I'm a researcher, and it's the first med I've come across and taken that 200 mg is no different than 600 mg. Even for some people, a higher dosage makes them feel so lethargic and depressed. There are people out there who take medications like antidepressants that make them feel so lethargic during the day, and 100 mg of this med doesn't, or, in better words, can't counteract. I'm on Seroquel, which makes me so exhausted both mentally and physically, and this 'magical med' couldn't counteract the fatigue-induced part even a bit."

• 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."

• Sui...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 23, 2022

For Depression "I have found with NDRI drugs like methylphenidate and drugs like modafinil to induce depression. As someone with dyslexia and ADHD, what I find is that the normal sense of euphoria I gain from normal things like listening to music and just generally being alive is gone, which induces a state of depression and suicidal thoughts. I am not finding much on this effect, though, and I am wondering if it's mainly due to dopamine reuptake inhibitors causing the issue entirely. Perhaps my issue is not the lack of dopamine but the conversion of tyrosine into dopamine. I have no idea, and I wish I knew because 100 mg (200 mg+ makes this worse) is very effective for ADHD and hypersomnia."

• Anonymous
• July 3, 2023

For Fatigue "Actually, the times when I don't take any modafinil, I have more energy and can easily stay up all night. Modafinil only gives me a sudden surge of mental and maybe physical energy for around half an hour. Then, I become lethargic and down."

• Ami...
• March 4, 2023

For Fatigue "Modafinil has been the most expensive, the most overrated, and yet the most unusual medication I've ever taken. The first time, you're on cloud nine, and it made me so talkative. But later on, I became depressed for no reason, I became exhausted, and I didn't have any interest in doing anything at all. It releases dopamine and serotonin, but it increases the histamine level in your system, and after a couple of hours, it gave me too many side effects, both physical and emotional. It's not safe at all. If you take more than a certain amount, it will have paradoxical effects. The other times, it just gave me side effects and numbed all of my feelings and emotions."

• Jac...
• May 9, 2018

For Narcolepsy "I’ve tried everything in the books, still on a desperate, feels like never-ending search to find something that keeps me awake and functional for a day. I’ve been on Dexedrine for the past 5 years, and it’s by far my favorite, no side effects, prevents my cataplexy from occurring, however, after a certain amount of time (I would say a year), I have to switch off of it for a few months because my body becomes used to it. Ritalin makes my heart go nuts and anxiety. Modafinil, I’ve been on it for four days, and I hate it, I am so exhausted, doesn’t help at all with sleepiness, and it’s giving me insane mood swings. I’m a pretty happy, positive person, however, this medication gives me bad anxiety, including an intense panic attack last night, makes me want to cry at everything, also feeling depressed. It’s like PMS times a million! Pay attention to your moods if you are trying it out. Good luck with all your narcoleptic journeys, one day we will feel awake!"

• Ebo...
• September 6, 2017

For Drowsiness "I was given Provigil for my sleep disorder. I already have major depression, and Provigil made it significantly worse, along with affecting my memory. I will need to try a different medication with fewer side effects. It did keep me awake, but the severe depression wasn't worth it."