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Modafinil has been available in generic form since 2010 and you can buy Modafinil online.
In the last few years dozens of companies have stepped up to produce their own generic version of Modafinil.
You might be confused when you see the laundry list of names that are out there: Alertec, Alertex, BravaMax, Carim, Provake, Mentix, Modasomil, Modavigil, Modalert, Modapro, Modafil, Modvigil, Modatec, Modiodal, Provigil, Resotyl, Stavigile, Vigia, Vigicer, Vigil, and Zalux.
Don’t be, they are in fact one and the same.
Once a patent for a drug expires any pharmaceutical manufacturer can produce it.
Modafinil had become quite popular, and so many companies all over the world sought to produce their own version of generic Modafinil. Many of the above names are catered to a local market or language to improve sales. Regardless of what name they have, they are essentially the same exact thing.
Generic medicines are made by following the recipe outlined in the original patent. Think of it like baking a cake. The original brand-name manufacturer made the first cake, and patented its ingredients and methods. Now that information is available to the public, and anyone can make the same cake. The FDA regulates the generic medicine (or cake) market to ensure that the product you receive matches the original brand-name product. If the brand-name product created a “Chocolate Raspberry Layer Cake” then the generic version must also be the same exact flavour.
What makes generics different is that they are able to use different quality ingredients, or in some cases different quantities of those ingredients to make their cake. Perhaps one manufacturer uses 100% dark chocolate from Brazil, while another uses a cheaper 90% semi-sweet chocolate from Asia. One factory uses premium flour and sugar while another decides to use an artificial sweetener.
The cakes will have the same basic flavour, but they won’t be exactly the same. Some might be a little better than others.
Generics can also use different packaging.
One company simply wraps his cake in clear plastic to save some money, while another puts it in an elegant box. The packaging doesn’t affect the taste, just the presentation.
Ultimately this explains the differences in price between generic medicines. The only difference between generic medicines is the ingredients used to make them and the way they are packaged. Generics are always cheaper than brand-name drugs because the generic maker didn’t have to invest in research, testing, or marketing.
But are generics really effective?
The FDA requires that all generic medicines contain 85-128% of the brand name’s active ingredient. This means that generics may sometimes be a bit weaker than the original formula, or they could even be a bit stronger. But in general they must fall within that range.
All generics, regardless of their brand, contain the same primary ingredient and roughly the same amount.
So why do some people boldly claim that one generic is more effective than other, while other people declare the exact opposite? Based on what has just been said, it’s completely possible that some generics contain more of the active ingredient than others. However if that were the case, there wouldn’t be a debate. People should unanimously agree that one generic is superior.
One of the reasons why users frequently disagree about which generic is better is due to the “Brand Name Placebo Effect.”
This effect occurs when people believe that the drug they have taken is working better due to its name, cost, or packaging. Names matter. There’s a reason why companies spend millions on marketing trying to come up with the best way to sell their product.
Have you ever seen an energy drink named “Sleepy Time”? The price matters too. When we pay more for something, we want to justify that increase in price. A pill that costs $4 MUST work better than one which costs $1, right?
When something is well packaged, we perceive it as better. Why else would high-end restaurants decorate their plates and spend so much time making them look appetising?
That sprig of parsley doesn’t make the food taste better, it only looks better.
What really matters is if the generic is tested and safe. One problem with generics is that many of the factories are located in different countries where testing standards and inspections are not as well enforced.
It is important to make sure that your generics are manufactured by a pharmaceutical company that is regulated by strict and reputable third-party government agencies - think Sun Pharma and HAB Pharma to name only two. Every batch is tested to ensure that it contains a high quantity of Modafinil, nothing more and nothing less.
This rigorous process guarantees your safety, which should be your primary concern any time you put something into your body.
Where to buy Modafinil
While Modafinil can be purchased from your local pharmacy with a valid prescription, it can also be purchased online easily enough without a prescription.
That being said, it isn't obvious to know where to purchase from and which vendor you can trust. This is why we've prepared some detailed vendor reviews to help you find a supplier that best suits your needs based on how much you're looking to spend and what country you live in.
Remain productive and stay safe!