A few years ago I used Modafinil, alternative between that and Methylphenidate, for Narcolepsy/EDS and ADD (not diagnosed). My Narcolepsy/EDS is sometimes very severe (it changed through different periods of weeks/months), where I can't function and have to take naps that I can't wake up from.
Modafinil worked similarly to Methylphenidate, though Modafinil had less side effects, felt "cleaner", but was hard to get, expensive and not as effective for motivation and focus. Accordingly, during the past several years I've been taking Methylphenidate in different doses, depending on need.
Recently I felt I should take a break from Methylphenidate - it is hard to dose right, it makes me sick, it's not always effective against fatigue. I decided this time to try Armodafinil, expecting it to be similar to Modafinil, maybe with fewer side effects and more effective per mg. However, that wasn't the case - it didn't do anything for my alertness (was still as sleepy as if not taking anything) but it was amazing for clarity of thought, motivation, even anxiety. It just made me feel exactly like I want to feel - not euphoric but very engaged and present, concentrated and productive. Sadly, the sleepiness was still there, so I was either unable to take advantage of this new feeling, or suffered as I did (my fatigue is like I haven't slept in days, even though I sleep 8-9 hours a day, some of it as naps because I can't bear the sleepiness). Oh, and both the benefits and lack thereof have been present no matter what dose I was taking - 75mg to 300mg. It has been going on for a week.
Doesn't make sense, as Armodafinil is essentially Modafinil, without the "S" molecule. Unless the S, for me at least, is what is responsible for the alertness/lack-of-sleepiness.
Anyone with a similar experience? What are your thoughts about my experience? Any suggestions?
Thinking about trying a combo of Armodafinil + Modafinil.