Home

Provigil Information

A Solution for Sleepiness

Taking Provigil

Off-Label Provigil Use

Journal Articles

Related Resources

Provigil in the News

About Provigil Web

Mechanism of Provigil in the Body

The mechanism inside the body is not totally known, but scientists do consider it different from other stimulants. Unlike amphetamines and Ritalin, Provigil does not act as a direct or indirect dopamine receptor agonist nor does it bind to possibly relevant receptors including those for norepinephrine, serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and dopamine uptake.

Modafinil also does not work unless the patient has a good alpha-one-adrenergic system, but does not appear to be a direct or indirect alpha-adregenergic agonist. The level of c-fos expression rises in patients on Provigil, in certain areas of the brain. (Agonists are substances that bind to and cause a functional effect identical in quality and quantity to the endogenous ligand, in this case alpha-adregens.)

Provigil affects the activation of orexin-containing neurons. Neurons of the lateral hypothalamus exclusively produce orexin-A and orexin-B, neuropeptides made of 33 and 28 amino acids. These orexins act at axon terminals, increasing the release of the inhibitory transmitter GABA and the excitatory transmitter glutamate. This fact does not necessarily determine the mechanism of action for Provigil, but confirms its action on the hypothalamus.

Researchers have also found that coadministration of Provigill and drugs that are substrates, inhibitors, or inducers of the cytochrome P450 isoenzymes may lead to reductions in plasma concentrations of modafinil.

Provigil has broadened the range of therapeutic options

Related: Provigil and Drug Tests

Popular Science magazine's issue features the "Six Scariest Ideas in Science", including "The 22-Hour Workday" fueled by medications such as Provigil. It is a mystery why they use prejorative language to describe Provigil's use. Many people welcome less sleep and Provigil has helped many people.