Modafinil, as a nootropic, has gained a lot of importance for its off-label use in combating jet lag syndrome. 200 mg is the standard recommended dosage of Modafinil for treating Jet lag syndrome.
Travelling across time zones makes it difficult for people to maintain their sleep patterns, causes excessive fatigue, and ultimately hampers productivity. However, the symptoms can be minimised with wakefulness-promoting medications like Modafinil. The nootropic must be used correctly for it to work effectively.
The Guide below covers everything you need to know about the nootropic, its proper dosage and uses for jet lag syndromes.
Introduction To Modafinil
Modafinil is a central nervous system stimulant that helps to treat excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder. Modafinil tablets are available in generic form and sold under different brand names, such as Modalert and Modvigil. It belongs to a Schedule IV controlled substance. The use of the tablet was approved by the FDA in 1998.
Jet Lag Syndrome: An Overview
Jet Lag Syndrome is a temporary sleep problem that occurs after travelling across one or more time zones. It is the reason that causes excessive fatigue by constant travel plans.
Symptoms of Jet Lag:
7 symptoms of jetlag are cited below:
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Excessive fatigue
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Sleepiness
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Digestive Upsets
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Irritability
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Apathy
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Impaired judgement and decision-making
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Memory lapses
Does Modafinil Help In Treating Jet Lag Syndrome?
Yes, Modafinil is effective in treating the symptoms of Jet lag, as it belongs to a class of drugs called wakefulness-promoting agents. This helps eliminate excessive sleepiness associated with crossing time zones. The medication also increases focus, elevates mood, and boosts energy levels, making it effective against the disorder.
It was in 2010 when many reporters suspected that Barack Obama, the then president of the US, was continuously using Modafinil to fight Jet lag symptoms and to stay focused and alert in speaking engagements.
How Does Modafinil Help In Treating Jet Lag?
Modafinil helps treat Jet lag syndromes by increasing chemical neurotransmitters such as orexin, histamine, serotonin, and dopamine in the brain and decreasing the GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) level. As a result, it helps remove excessive fatigue and promote activeness.
What Is The Modafinil Dosage For Jet Lag?
The dosage of Modafinil varies from person to person, depending on factors such as age and health conditions (kidney or liver dysfunction). However, the standard recommended dosage of Modafinil is 200 mg/day for jet lag. The Modafinil dosage should be taken in the morning itself in order to avoid insomnia.
Missed Dose of Modafinil
If you miss a modafinil dosage, you can skip the missed dose and follow your normal dosage schedule.
Modafinil Overdose
Avoid overlapping the doses; it might lead to an overdose. Modafinil overdose might lead to several symptoms, like agitation, headache, nausea, vomiting, and depression.
Tips To Take Modafinil Dosage Correctly
5 simple tips to take Modafinil dosage correctly are given below:
1. Swallow the tablet as a whole with a glass of water.
2. Chewing or crushing the tablet is strictly prohibited.
3. You should not take alcohol while taking the medication.
4. Take the tablet at the same time of day for better effectiveness
5. You can take the tablet with or without food, as the doctor prescribes.
6. You should be mindful of the Modafinil interactions.
Potential Side Effects Of Modafinil For Jet Lag
10 notable side effects of Modafinil are given below:
1. Headache.
2. Nervousness
3. Nausea
4. Vomiting
5. Problems with memory
6. Increased thirst and urination
7. Chills or fever
8. Dizziness
9. Drowsiness
10. Insomnia
Modafinil side effects are milder in nature; however, if any of the above symptoms occur, you should consult your doctor or visit a nearby hospital.
NOTE: You should always consult your doctor before taking the medication.
Precautionary Measures While Using Modafinil For Jet Lag
There are six important precautionary measures or warnings that are to be followed while using Modafinil for Jet Lag:
1. Consult with your doctor if you are prone to allergies; the active ingredient might cause you allergy.
2. You should consult with your doctor about your medical history if you have problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney or liver dysfunction before taking the medication.
3. Avoid doing activities requiring immediate response, such as driving or operating heavy machinery, while taking Modafinil.
4. Do not take the medication at night; it might cause you insomnia.
5. The medication should not be taken at the stage of pregnancy, or while taking contraceptives.
6. Do not take Modafinil at the time of breastfeeding, as this might harm your baby.
Modafinil For Jet Lag: Our Final Conclusion
Modafinil is a safe and well-tolerated drug and is effective in treating the symptoms of Jet Lag. However, it is necessary to consider Modafinil’s legality in different countries. It is a prescription-based medication and is only approved with a valid prescription in different countries. It is also available online in different pharmacies, but you need to be careful as there are many fraudulent pharmacies and payment methods.