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Alert Yet Not Very Motivated
Modafinil
Citation:   Lorax. "Alert Yet Not Very Motivated: An Experience with Modafinil (exp111188)". Erowid.org. Nov 7, 2017. erowid.org/exp/111188

 
DOSE:
300 mg oral Modafinil (pill / tablet)
  100 mg oral Modafinil (pill / tablet)
  100 mg oral Modafinil (pill / tablet)
  100 mg oral Modafinil (pill / tablet)
  100 mg oral Modafinil (pill / tablet)
BODY WEIGHT: 175 lb
I’m trying Modafinil for the first time after using Armodafinil, which is similar but more potent, and after years of use/abuse of psychostimulants to try to treat ADHD.

I initially experienced some mild euphoria/clarity of mind/focus when I took my first dose of 300mgs in the morning, which lasted a few hours. I was not expecting to take any more that day. Being used to amphetamines and other stimulants, I continued to seek more when the peak seemed to drop or I got bored - though additional subsequent doses of 100 mgs didn’t really enhance my experience. Despite reading several reports on the internet advising against high dosages, I continue to take more, as I wasn’t getting the kick I was looking for - convincing myself that I could take it as I have a high tolerance to these kinds of meds and it wouldn’t have too many adverse effects.

I had hoping to get a lot done on a pretty boring project for work. While Modafinil is making me more alert, and I am thinking more clearly, I feel more confident and less depressed, I am absolutely not motivated to get my work done. I’ve found myself instead kind of distracted, reading about Modafinil all day, and especially people’s experiences at high dosages, in order to justify my own excessive intake. I’m having trouble focusing on the one task I need to do, because it is just so boring, and unlike other stimulants, the Moda isn’t making it any more interesting.

I experienced dysphoria and anxiety around 2-3pm, realizing that I had forgotten to eat.
I experienced dysphoria and anxiety around 2-3pm, realizing that I had forgotten to eat.
After eating, and remembering to eat periodically, most of the side effects have resolved, though I am worried I will have a very difficult night sleeping. C’est la vie.

I’ve learned my lesson and I think in the future I will limit myself to 300mgs of Moda, if I can control my cravings. I also can’t understand why I’m getting cravings to continue taking more since it’s not particularly euphoric. Habit, I guess. Luckily the side effects are not that bad (probably due to my high tolerance).

In my experience Armodafinil is more powerful than Modafinil, even when taken at high doses. 150mgs of Armodafinil increases my alertness, but also increases motivation, and helps me work very effectively on tight deadlines. However when I take 300mgs of Armo I notice no benefit, just an increase in anxiety which leads to alcohol cravings.

I guess the conclusion is to take Modafinil just to increase alertness, and it could certainly help with job performance, but I don’t expect any kind of high or increased ability to focus on something that I find absolutely boring. For me, at least, 200-300 mgs per day seems the optimal dosage, just as 150mgs is optimal for Armodafinil. Above that it's sort of increased distractedness, anxiety, and insomnia.

Exp Year: 2017ExpID: 111188
Gender: Female 
Age at time of experience: 32
Published: Nov 7, 2017Views: 2,416
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Modafinil (217) : Retrospective / Summary (11), Performance Enhancement (50), General (1), Workplace (51)

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