Does Modafinil Cause Depressive Mood?
Modafinil is widely viewed as a wakefulness medication that keeps people alert without the emotional turbulence associated with traditional stimulants. But a noticeable minority of users describe something very different, a sudden drop in motivation, emotional blunting or even overt depressive mood shortly after taking it, especially at higher doses. These experiences raise a reasonable question: can modafinil actually worsen mood?
Quick Summary
Large, controlled trials do not show a significant increase in depression, suicidality or mood switching on modafinil or armodafinil.
Rare but documented psychiatric reactions do occur, including severe mood changes and psychosis in vulnerable individuals.…