Modafinil is a prescription stimulant that’s prescribed under the brand name Provigil. It’s shown to alleviate extreme sleepiness in people who have been diagnosed with sleep disorders like narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder. Modafinil is effective because of its effect on the sleep-wake cycle. This medication is safest and most effective when taken as prescribed. It’s also important to note that long-term use of this drug can lead to modafinil withdrawal, a side effect that all patients should be prepared for.
How Does Modafinil Work?
Modafinil is an FDA-approved prescription stimulant. Stimulants are items that increase nerve activity in the brain. Modafinil targets neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline to keep patients with sleep disorders awake when they need to be.
Serotonin and dopamine are two monoamines that play a significant role in gut health as well as mood, reward, motivation, sleep, digestion, nausea, wound healing, bone health, blood clotting, and sexual desire. Having imbalanced levels of either chemical could negatively impact a person’s sleep cycle, digestion, and overall well-being.
Therefore, modafinil promotes wakefulness and relieves sleepiness by targeting these chemicals. However, because dopamine and serotonin are linked to euphoria and pleasure, stimulants like modafinil are often abused by being taken in high doses or mixing with other drugs.
Engaging in Provigil abuse increases the risk of developing physical dependence, as well as addiction. It’s important to take this prescription medication as directed by a doctor to prevent these adverse effects from occurring.
Withdrawal Symptoms of Modafinil
While Provigil is an FDA-approved substance and highly effective medication, it produces many of the same effects as stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine. Like these substances, modafinil impacts dopamine levels, causing euphoric and psychoactive effects.
Therefore, when abused or misused, this drug can impact the individual’s perceptions, emotions, thoughts, and moods. Modafinil is currently a Schedule IV drug, meaning it’s FDA-approved by can cause psychological and physical dependence.
Physical dependence occurs in people who misuse or take medications for long periods. Even if a person does not abuse modafinil for its euphoric and stimulating side effects, long-term use can still result in physical dependence.
Withdrawal from modafinil occurs when people who are physically dependent on the drug suddenly stop taking it or attempt to quit using it cold turkey without medical support. Unfortunately, undergoing withdrawal from Provigil without medically assisted detox can be uncomfortable and increase the likelihood of relapse.
Common modafinil withdrawal symptoms include:
- Poor concentration
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Low energy
- Depression
- Shortness of breath
- Sleepiness
Since Provigil stimulates the brain, enhancing concentration, withdrawing from it can increase symptoms of anxiety and depression. This is mainly the result of a sudden decline in dopamine and serotonin levels.
Fortunately, modafinil withdrawal symptoms are usually minor. If you experience any of the above Provigil withdrawal symptoms, our drug rehab in Pennsylvania provides prescription drug detox that provides medical treatment and safe stabilization to overcome withdrawals.
Provigil Withdrawal Treatment
Individuals in need of modafinil withdrawal treatment can find a safe and effective form of care at our Pennsylvania rehab center. Here, we offer various drug detox programs for both illicit and prescription drugs like Provigil to help clients safely withdraw, avoid relapse, and move forward in their recovery.
In addition to detox, our inpatient rehab programs in Pennsylvania also incorporated therapy programs like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help clients break bad habits and adopt new ones that will support a sober lifestyle.
For more information about our substance abuse treatment or detox in PA, call Clearbrook Treatment Centers today at 570-536-9621.
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