Most people face difficulties in staying alert or awake during the day or throughout their night shift. However, with proper drugs such as Waklert (armodafinil) or Modalert (modafinil), they can overcome such difficulties because they have wakefulness-prompting effects.
Waklert and Modalert belong to a class of drugs called nootropics or smart drugs. They are advised to people who have symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness caused by narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). They are also recommended to those who are diagnosed with shift work sleep disorder (SWSD).
As wakefulness-promoting agents, Waklert and Modalert have stimulant-like effects. Their exact mechanism is unknown; however, the drugs are presumed to improve the secretion of certain neurotransmitters or brain chemicals that are associated with the sleep-wake cycle.
Both Waklert and Modalert are controlled substances and belong to Schedule IV drugs, with a low potential for drug abuse and dependence.
So, which drug is strong?
Both Waklert and Modalert are similarly effective for treating excessive daytime sleepiness due to narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea, and even shift work disorder. However, it has been found that Waklert may have longer-lasting effects than Modalert.
Waklert is a relatively newer drug than Modalert. Armodafinil (Waklert) was approved in 2007 as the R-enantiomer of modafinil (Modalert). Simply put, armodafinil is a close cousin of modafinil. However, armodafinil is found to have a slightly different chemical structure than modafinil.
A study was conducted to understand why armodafinil and modafinil have substantially different pharmacokinetic profiles in spite of having the same terminal half-lives.
The study, published by the National Institutes of Health, found that armodafinil (Waklert) maintains higher plasma concentrations later in the day than modafinil (Modalert).
Researchers found that on an mg-to-mg basis, plasma concentrations after Waklert administration are higher later in the day than Modalert administration. This means people who take Waklert may have improved wakefulness throughout the day than those who take Modalert.
Waklert may have a longer half-life than Modalert. So, in some cases, Waklert could be considered a stronger drug with better wakefulness properties than Modalert.
Both these smart drugs can be used as an effective treatment for excessive sleepiness. but it is recommended to consult a doctor to determine which drug is suitable for you. Please note that there are no definitive studies to conclude that is more effective or stronger than the other is.
