Modafinil is a drug that has gained popularity in the last few years, but like all drugs there are side effects. In this article, we will discuss how to get rid of these headaches and other common problems associated with Modafinil use.

Modafinil is a medication used to treat narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea. It can also be used as an “off-label” treatment for ADHD and depression. This article will provide you with an A-Z guide on how to get rid of modafinil headaches.

When you require laser concentration to complete an impossible assignment, modafinil headaches are the last thing you want to happen.

Unfortunately, one of the most prevalent Modafinil adverse effects reported by consumers is a headache. There have been multiple anecdotal instances of nootropic users having to discontinue using Modafinil due to the excruciating headaches they were having [1].

Fortunately, you may attempt a range of strategies and remedies to either reduce or remove the discomfort [2].

If you’re suffering from or worried about developing a headache from Modafinil, our comprehensive guide will tell you all you need to know.

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Modafinil’s Mechanism of Action

So, how does Modafinil affect the human mind and body? So far, what have scientists learned about its chemical properties?

The particular mechanism of action is unknown as of this writing. To take an example, we have the primary components of a jigsaw but are lacking a few pieces that will enable us to complete the puzzle and get a full image.

The dopamine reuptake inhibitor modafinil is best known for (DRI). It raises dopamine levels in the brain while also preventing it from being reabsorbed by nerve cells, making it more accessible to exercise its mood-enhancing effects [3].

Modafinil, on the other hand, has been shown to affect the synthesis of other neurochemicals in the brain. It increases glutamate [4] and histamine [5] synthesis while decreasing GABA production [6].

It’s particularly crucial to pay attention to histamine and GABA, which are both involved in controlling wakefulness. To put it another way, greater histamine concentrations cause alertness, whereas higher GABA concentrations cause sleep [7].

Despite this, Modafinil is distinct from other stimulants that have comparable effects on neurotransmitter production [8]:

“…modafinil’s molecular structure, neurochemical profile, and behavioral effects distinguish it from other arousal-enhancing drugs.

…in comparison to stimulant medicines, modafinil has a distinct physiological profile: it improves the efficiency of prefrontal cortex cognitive information processing while decreasing sensitivity to scary stimuli in the amygdala, a brain area involved in anxiety.”

With that knowledge in hand, let’s look at how and why smart drug users could get a headache from Modafinil.

Why Do Modafinil Headaches Occur?

A terrible headache is one of the most prevalent Modafinil adverse effects, believe it or not. Medical investigations have shown that it occurs more commonly than other adverse effects such nausea and gastrointestinal problems [9].

We need to look at the science of headaches quickly to understand why smart drug users regularly suffer Modafinil headaches.

While there are many other varieties of headaches, each with its own set of causes and symptoms, the following four are the most prevalent [10]:

Sinus headaches:…cause a deep, dull discomfort around the nasal bridge and below the cheekbones… sinusitis is caused by inflamed or infected sinuses, and it causes a “stopped up” sensation in the head, particularly in the ears and nose.

Tension headaches:…cause a painful pressure in the forehead, as if a headband were pinching it. The majority of them produce mild to severe discomfort and are caused by physical stress in the neck, jaw, and facial muscles.

Migraines are the most excruciating form of headache, usually affecting one side of the head and focusing behind the eye. Migraine patients complain of pounding, throbbing pain as well as intolerance to light and noise.

Headaches in clusters: occur in “clusters” or many times during the day They induce a searing or piercing sensation behind the eye that may last as little as 15 or 20 minutes.

The sort of Modafinil headache that is occurring is most likely a tension-type headache, according on hundreds of anecdotal comments from test participants on third-party sites.

The good news is that these headaches aren’t serious and won’t need medical care in most circumstances. In the worst-case situation, they disappear within a few hours. Furthermore, the origin of the headache is generally explained by one or two triggers.

Here are some obvious indications to look out for if you want to know what a Modafinil headache feels like [11]:

• A tense feeling in the head that may spread to the neck.
• Between the eyes, there is a sensation of pressure.
• A ache that is subtle and continuous rather than throbbing.
• Whether you’re preparing to snooze or go to the gym, the agony is the same.
• The headache was not accompanied by nausea.

Please bear in mind that not much is known about headaches or how to treat them, even among scientists. To yet, all we know is that Modafinil headaches are most likely caused by stress.

Overstimulation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which results in greater blood pressure and a faster heart rate, is one probable reason of stress. Modafinil has sympathomimetic effects, which means it activates the sympathetic nervous system [12].

Migraines are thought to be a chronic SNS dysfunction, which might explain why taking too much Modafinil can cause a headache [13]:

“An imbalance of sympathetic co-transmitters is thought to be linked to sympathetic dysfunction in migraine.”

A migraine episode is thought to be characterized by a depletion of sympathetic norepinephrine reserves, as well as an increase in the release of other sympathetic cotransmitters such dopamine, prostaglandins, adenosine triphosphate, and adenosine.”

Furthermore, high glutamate concentrations in the brain have been linked to migraines [14]. This is also why individuals get headaches after eating meals with high MSG levels (monosodium glutamate).

As you can see, there are a variety of reasons why regular Modafinil usage might result in a Modafinil headache.

Modafinil Headache: How to Get Rid of It

What is the best way to get rid of a Modafinil headache?

It’s crucial to emphasize two things before we provide our advice. First, Modafinil headaches often emerge 2-3 hours after treatment, which is when it is most effective. Second, headaches caused by modafinil seldom endure more than a day [15].

Some of these suggestions may help you get rid of a Modafinil headache fast, while others may not be as beneficial. It is up to each person to experiment to see what works best for them.

Because of our distinct and particular biochemistry, pharmaceutical medications will always respond differently in various individuals.

Here are some recommendations on how to get rid of Modafinil headaches that some test volunteers have had in the past [2]:

• Hydration

Dehydration is one of Modafinil’s most prevalent adverse effects, and it may be a substantial cause of headache discomfort in and of itself [16]:

“When the body is dehydrated, the brain might contract or shrink as a result of the lack of fluid.

The brain pulls away from the skull as a consequence of this process, creating discomfort and a dehydration headache.

The brain plumps up and returns to its natural condition after being rehydrated, which relieves the headache.”

This is by far the simplest and most effective treatment for a Modafinil headache. Modafinil’s extreme attention makes it easy to forget to remain hydrated while working.

If you’re taking 100 mg of Modafinil, we suggest drinking 2 liters of water in even sips throughout the day, and 4 liters of water if you’re taking 200 mg.

Electrolytes may be used to complement your water consumption, since an electrolyte imbalance can cause headaches. Pedialyte may also be consumed in this situation.

While we haven’t tried it ourselves, adding salt to your water may delay the rate at which your kidneys remove water from your body. This will aid in the retention of more water, ensuring that you remain hydrated.

• Food

High amounts of hunger may, believe it or not, cause headaches [17]:

“Your blood sugar levels might decline if you haven’t eaten in a long time.”

Your body responds by releasing hormones that tell your brain you’re hungry.

These same hormones may raise blood pressure and constrict blood vessels, resulting in a headache.”

While taking Modafinil on an empty stomach is said to be more effective, this is not always a healthy method. Modafinil, like hydration, may make skipping meals relatively simple for smart drug users, as it is a well-known appetite suppressor.

A remedy to this issue would be to plan your breakfast, lunch, and supper meals throughout the day. Before using Modafinil, at the absolute least, a good-sized nutritional breakfast should be taken.

Developing all of the nutrients your body requires can assist to reduce your chances of getting a Modafinil headache, or at the very least the amount of discomfort caused by a Modafinil headache.

• Sleep

Another little-known cause of tension headaches is insufficient sleep [18]. A headache might linger anywhere from a few hours to a full day after only 1-3 hours of sleep loss. Not to mention that sleeping poorly on a regular basis might be harmful to your health.

Because Modafinil increases wakefulness, you must dosage the smart medicine to guarantee that you can fall asleep at a reasonable hour each night. This implies taking it as early as possible in the morning, preferably before 10 a.m.

Many individuals report that headaches disappear after they obtain more sleep at night.

• Modafinil dosage reduction

One of the most typical errors committed by new Modafinil users is exceeding the prescribed daily dosage of 100-200 mg, 1-3 times per week. They would increase their Modafinil dose to 300-400 mg per day, sometimes taking it every day of the week.

Modafinil headaches are often associated with an overdose [19].

The simplest way is to just lower your Modafinil dosage. Most of our test participants improved after lowering their Modafinil dose to 200 mg and limited their usage to a couple times per week (in combination with proper hydration and nutrition).

Another option is to divide your regular Modafinil dosage into two smaller doses. If you want to take 200 mg of Modafinil every day, for example, you might take 100 mg in the morning and another 100 mg before 2 p.m. This may interfere with some people’ usual sleeping patterns.

• Increased Physical Activity

It might be useful to obtain frequent exercise if Modafinil is keeping you from sticking to a fitness routine. Frequent exercise has been shown to be an effective therapy for tension headaches in a large body of studies [20].

You do not need to spend hours at the gym working out. Modafinil headaches may be avoided with a brief 30-minute lifting workout or jog. Just remember to follow the other suggestions above, particularly the one about the significance of water.

In the unlikely event that you can’t make it to the gym, deep breathing techniques might help reduce SNS activation and hence anxiety levels.

• Bad Posture

When you spend 8-10 hours sitting down and typing away at a keyboard with Bad Posture, you’re inducing a state of chronic stress across the muscles in the head, neck and upper shoulders. This can eventually lead to tension-type headaches [21]:

“It is thought that Bad Posture such as forward head extension may result in tension build-up in the shoulders, neck, and upper back which can cause headaches and migraines.

Migraine sufferers were more likely to have multiple musculoskeletal dysfunctions in addition to forward head position, according to research.

To address this, we suggest taking numerous breaks throughout the day. After every 60 minutes of sitting work, just rising up and stretching for 10 minutes can do wonders for your body. It will also provide a much-needed mental respite for your head.

See whether you can improve your standing posture by actively practicing it. It may help relieve the discomfort associated with Modafinil headaches when used in conjunction with a regular exercise plan.

• Modafinil should not be used with other stimulants.

If your headache from Modafinil hasn’t gone away, you may want to reconsider the other nootropics you’re taking alongside it. When you quit consuming stimulants like coffee, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, with a throbbing headache being one of the most prevalent [22].

For a few days, try taking Modafinil on its alone to see whether eliminating other stimulants helps with the Modafinil headache.

In contrast, some research suggests that Armodafinil causes less headaches than Modafinil [23].

Headache Relief with Modafinil

90% of Modafinil headaches can be resolved with the lifestyle changes indicated in the preceding section. Additional supplementation in the form of a “Modafinil headache cure” may be necessary in rare circumstances.

While these vitamins aren’t guaranteed to cure headaches, they might be helpful when you’ve tried everything else and come up short.

• Supplements to Reduce Anxiety

Many test respondents have claimed that Modafinil headaches raise their anxiety levels, which may cause headaches on their own [24].

As a result, taking an anxiolytic (anxiety-relieving) medication might help alleviate Modafinil headaches. Some common choices are:

• [25] Magnesium
• [26] Melatonin
• [27] L-theanine

Here’s a simple protocol that uses these three nutrients to naturally reduce anxiety and perhaps remove Modafinil headaches:

• On days when you’re taking Modafinil, take L-Theanine after your last meal.
• Follow the directions on the container to apply Magnesium Oil to your body (500 mg is adequate).
• Before going to bed, take 3 milligrams of Melatonin.

Please use care while utilizing this technique since it may not work for everyone.

• Choline supplementation

Our final suggestion is entirely based on personal experience. We wanted to present a plausible reason for why this combination seems to help for some individuals in curing a Modafinil headache after hearing hundreds of smart drug users swear by it to minimize headaches.

Let’s take a look at what Choline accomplishes and why it’s so important for brain health [28]:

“Choline is a methyl donor and vitamin-like essential nutrient involved in a variety of physiological activities, including proper lipid metabolism and transport, methylation reactions, and neurotransmitter production.”

…Choline is a precursor for acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter produced by cholinergic neurons that is involved in muscle control, circadian rhythm, memory, and a variety of other neuronal processes.”

To be clear, Modafinil has no effect on the conversion of choline to acetylcholine, nor does it boost extracellular acetylcholine concentrations.

Choline supplementation has been claimed by some test volunteers to help with headaches caused by other nootropics, although there is no proof linking Modafinil with Choline. As a result, the notion that Choline may aid with Modafinil headaches cannot be supported.

Lower choline levels in red blood cells have been linked to cluster headaches [29], but nothing has been shown to link tension headaches or other forms of headaches.

An thorough presentation on nootropics [30] seems to offer the solution in terms of the optimum source of choline to use:

2.5-9.5 percent choline by weight in soy lecithin

CDP-Choline (citicoline) is a uridine precursor that contains 18 percent choline by weight.

The most frequent dietary source of choline is phosphatidylcholine, which contains 13 percent choline by weight.

Alpha-GlyceroPhosphoCholine (Alpha GPC) (40%) consistently penetrates the blood-brain barrier.

40 percent by weight of choline bitartrate, but unsuccessful conversion

If nothing else helps to relieve your headaches, combine Modafinil and Choline with Alpha-GPC.

Due to the lack of proof, we only recommend utilizing this combination as a last option.

The Verdict on Modafinil and Headaches

Although a Modafinil headache is difficult to cure, it is not impossible.

Some people find the headaches so intense that they lose all of the smart drug’s cognitive advantages since they can’t work or study because of the discomfort.

When using Modafinil, other test volunteers reported no tension, anxiety, or headaches.

If you have a headache from Modafinil, there are many approaches and strategies you may use. If you’re having trouble, start with the suggestions above.

For many smart drug users, however, the advantages of Modafinil far exceed the minimal negative effects they experience. They’d rather purchase Modafinil online and continue to take the smart medicine, even if a slight headache occurs once in a while.

Get your hands on the most potent smart medicine on the planet…Modafinil!

Here’s the link:

References

1. CM;, KJ McClellan; Spencer “A Review of Modafinil’s Pharmacology and Clinical Efficacy in the Treatment of Narcolepsy.” CNS medications National Library of Medicine, United States. The date was March 4, 2021. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27521015/.

2. “Hope Through Research: Headache.” The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke is a federal agency that studies neurological disorders and strokes. Department of Health and Human Services, United States of America. The date was March 4, 2021. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/patient-caregiver-education/hope-through-research/headache-hope-through-research.

3. A Three-Decade History of Modafinil hmpharmacon.com (accessed May 23, 2020).

4. Look who’s doping, according to the poll. nature.com (accessed May 20, 2020).
5. ND Volkow, JS Fowler, J Logan, et al. Clinical implications of modafinil’s effects on dopamine and dopamine transporters in the male human brain. JAMA. 2009;301(11):1148u20101154. doi:10.1001/jama.2009.351

6. L. Ferraro, T. Antonelli, W.T. O’Connor, S. Tanganelli, F. Rambert, and K. Fuxe. In the thalamic and hippocampus, the antinarcoleptic medication modafinil enhances glutamate release. doi:10.1097/00001756-199709080-00016. Neuroreport. 1997;8(13):2883–2887.

7. Modafinil stimulates histamine release in the anterior hypothalamus of rats, according to Ishizuka, Sakamoto, Sakurai, and Yamatodani. 339(2):143146, Neurosci Lett, 2003. doi:10.1016/s0304-3940(03)00006-5

8. L Ferraro, T Antonelli, S Tanganelli, and others The vigilance-enhancing medication modafinil raises extracellular glutamate levels in the conscious rat’s medial preoptic region and posterior hypothalamus: local GABAA receptor inhibition prevents this. 346–356 in Neuropsychopharmacology, 1999. doi:10.1016/S0893-133X(98)00085-2

9. Wakefulness Is Governed by GABA and Histamine Cotransmission, Yu X, Ye Z, Houston CM, et al. 87(1):164–178, 2015. doi:10.1016/j.neuron.2015.06.003.
10. Performance improvement at the expense of prospective brain plasticity: neuronal consequences of nootropic medications in the developing brain. Urban KR, Gao WJ. doi:10.3389/fnsys.2014.00038. Front Syst Neurosci. 2014;8:38.
11. Evaluation of the safety of modafinil for the treatment of excessive drowsiness. Roth T, Schwartz JR, Hirshkowitz M, Erman MK, Dayno JM, Arora S. 3(6):595-602 in J Clin Sleep Med.
12. 4 Common Headache Types and Where They Hurt brgeneral.org (accessed May 19, 2020).
13. Four Types of Headaches, Including Migraines Relinque.com.au (accessed May 20, 2020).
14. STIMULANTS FACT SHEET psychrights.org (accessed May 16, 2020).

15. Migraine is a persistent sympathetic nervous system illness, according to SJ Peroutka. Headache, 44(1), 5364, 2004. doi:10.1111/j.1526-4610.2004.04011.x

16. Glutamate and Its Receptors as Migraine Therapeutic Targets, Hoffmann J, Charles A. doi:10.1007/s13311-018-0616-5. Neurotherapeutics. 2018;15(2):361370.

17. Modafinil is used to treat narcolepsy. The date is May 18, 2020. guysandstthomas.nhs.uk
18. How to detect a headache caused by dehydration. medicalnewstoday.com (accessed May 19, 2020).
19. Is Hunger Linked to Headaches? healthline.com, retrieved May 29, 2020.

20. Sleep deprivation headache, Blau JN. 1990;10(4):157–160; doi:10.1046/j.1468-2982.1990.1004157.x

21. HA Spiller, HL Hays, A Aleguas Jr. Overdosing on medicines for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: clinical manifestations, toxicity causes, and treatment. CNS Drugs, 27(7), 531-543, 2013. doi:10.1007/s40263-013-0084-8

22. FM Amin, S Aristeidou, C Baraldi, and others The link between migraine and physical activity. 2018;19(1):83 in Journal of Headache Pain. 10 September 2018, doi:10.1186/s10194-018-0902-y

23. Migraines and Body Posture The date is May 21, 2020. news-medical.net
24. Withdrawal from Caffeine Caffeine Turns On — And Off — Your Brain, Explained sciencedaily.com (accessed May 20, 2020).
25. Effect of Wakefulness-Promoting Agents on Sleepiness in Patients with Sleep Apnea Treated with CPAP: A Meta-Analysis, Sukhal S, Khalid M, Tulaimat A. 2015;11(10):1179-1186 in J Clin Sleep Med. doi:10.5664/jcsm.5096
26. TJ Song, SJ Cho, WJ Kim, KI Yang, CH Yun, MK Chu A population-based study of anxiety and depression among migraineurs. 2017;37(9):845854; doi:10.1177/0333102416653235.
27. Is There an Evidence-Based Rationale for Magnesium in Migraine Prophylaxis? von Luckner A, Riederer F. A Systematic Analysis 58(2):199209. doi:10.1111/head.13217.
28. Consider melatonin for migraine prophylaxis, according to Lyon and Langner. 66(5):320-322 in J Fam Pract.
29. L-theanine lowers psychological and physiological stress reactions, according to Kimura, Ozeki, Juneja, and Ohira. Biol Psychol, 74(1), 39–45, 2007. doi:10.1016/j.biopsycho.2006.06.006.
30. Choline. lpi.oregonstate.edu, retrieved May 22, 2020.
31. Erythrocyte choline concentrations and cluster headache, de Belleroche J, Cook GE, Das I, et al. 288(6413):268270 in Br Med J (Clin Res Ed). doi:10.1136/bmj.288.6413.268
32. Smart Drug Pharmacology is a study of the pharmacology of smart drugs. The date is May 23, 2020. documents.grenadine.co

Modafinil is a medication that can help people with narcolepsy and shift work disorder. However, it can also cause headaches. In this article, we will discuss how to get rid of modafinil headaches. Reference: modafinil head pressure reddit.

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