Sunosi Vs. Modafinil: Which One To Choose?

Sleep disorders such as Narcolepsy and Obstructive Sleep Apnea, among others, can negatively impact every aspect of your life, including your work, relationships, and mental health, and can lead to the development of certain diseases. 

However, some drugs have been approved for sleep disorders. This blog explores the robust sleep disorder medication Modafinil vs. Sunosi. It covers their similarities and differences based on various factors. 

What Is Modafinil?

Modafinil is a prescription-based medication that helps treat narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder.

Modalert and Modvigil are two different brand names for the active ingredient Modafinil, a schedule IV controlled substance. 

The FDA approved the use of the Nootropic in 1998, and is manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals. 

Sunosi: An Overview

Sunosi is a prescription-based medication used to treat narcolepsy and obstructive sleep apnea. Its active ingredient is Solriamfetol. Sunosi is a schedule IV controlled substance with a low potential for abuse. The FDA approved the use of the medication in 2019 and this medication is manufactured by Jazz Pharmaceuticals.

Are Sunosi And Modafinil Similar?

Yes, Modafinil and Sunosi have both similarities and differences. However, we will discuss the differences in the next section.

Now, Let’s take a glance at the similarities-

1. The nootropics belong to the Eugeroic group (a group of drugs that promotes wakefulness). 

2. Modafinil and Sunosi are classified as schedule IV controlled substances; therefore, both medicines have a lower risk of abuse and dependence. 

3. Both medications might interact with other medications. Therefore, It is necessary to consult your doctor before taking the medications.

4. Modafinil and Sunosi have common side effects like- headache, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, trouble sleeping, etc. [1].

5.  Both medications are available in tablet form for oral consumption.

Differences Between Sunosi And Modafinil

The differences of the nootropics are given below:

1. The cost of Modafinil is lower in comparison to Sunosi. 

2. Modafinil's half-life (the time taken to reduce an active substance from your body by half) is 15 hours, whereas Sunosi's is 7.5 hours.

3. The dosage strength of Modafinil is 100-200 mg, and Sunosi's is 75-150 mg. Both medications are taken orally (by mouth).

4. Modafinil's efficacy is excellent compared to Sunosi's.

5. The risk of withdrawal from Modafinil is lower compared to Sunosi.

Can I Take Both The Nootropics Together?

Although no drug interactions were found between the two medications, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider before combining them [2].

Side Effects of Sunosi Vs. Modafinil

9 side effects of both the Nootropics are mentioned below-

Is Sunosi Better Than Modafinil?

As both nootropics are used for similar purposes, it is difficult to choose between them. Hence, we have provided certain customer reviews that help you get a clear picture of both.

According to Drugs.com, Modafinil has an average rating of 7.2 out of 10. There are 504 ratings, of which 64% have reported a positive effect, while 19% have reported a negative effect.

On the same website, Sunosi has an average rating of 4.7 out of 10 from 64 reviews. 31% of the customers reported a positive impact, while 45% reported a negative effect. 

Let’s quote some of the customer reviews from the same website:

Modafinil For ADHD

Since childhood, I have suffered from underconfidence and daydreaming. Now, after taking Modafinil, my career and my life have changed.

Modafinil For Depression

Modafinil is considered a wonder drug. I was suffering from depression for a long time and was taking anti-depressants. The side effects of the medicine were in-tolerable. I started taking Modafinil for 3 days, and the magic happened. Modafinil literally saved my life.

Sunosi For Narcolepsy 

I was diagnosed with narcolepsy without cataplexy.  I started taking 75 mg of Sunosi daily, but sadly, it didn’t work out. Then, I started taking 150 mg of Sunosi, which started working. But the effects last only for 3 hours, which is a downfall of the medicine.

Sunosi For Narcolepsy

I have been taking Sunosi for narcolepsy for about 6 months. But it didn’t work out so well. The side effects of the medicine are very high.

Drug Interaction Of Both Substances

There are 460 drugs known to interact with Modafinil. Nine are disease interactions, and two are alcohol/food Interactions. Of all the Drug Interactions, 70 are major, 210 are moderate, and 8 are minor.

Ten of the Drug Interactions of Modafinil are mentioned below-

1. Benadryl

2. Aspirin

3. Abilify

4. Ritalin

5. Prozac

9 Disease Interactions are-

1. Hypertension

2. Renal dysfunction

3. Cardiovascular

4. Bipolar disorder

5. Liver disease.

Sunosi Drug Interactions 

There are 81 drugs known to interact. Three of them are disease Interactions. 11 out of the total drug interactions are major, and 70 are moderate.

Ten Drug Interactions Of Sunosi are mentioned below-

1. Adderall

2. Duloxetine

3. Cymbalta

4. Omeprazole

5. Trazodone

3 disease interactions are-

1. Renal dysfunction

2. Cardiovascular toxicities

3. Psychiatric effects.

Our Final Verdict: Sunosi Vs. Modafinil

Based on our findings, Modafinil is a powerful nootropic that works longer than Sunosi. 

We recommend you use Modafinil if you require a well-tolerated, highly studied, and very effective medication that not only treats sleep disorders but also offers cognitive benefits.