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Stacking guide

What goes well with Modafinil?

Evidence-graded stacking partners for Modafinil. Synergistic and neutral combinations are listed alongside pairings to avoid. Use this to design a deliberate stack rather than experimenting blind.

Safe to stack with Modafinil (1)

  • L-TyrosineEVIDENCEA

    Amino acid precursor to dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. Effective for cognitive performance under stress.

    L-Tyrosine supports DA precursor; complements modafinil's DA reuptake inhibition.

Combine with caution (3)

  • CaffeineEVIDENCEA

    The most widely consumed psychoactive substance in human history — roughly 80% of the global population uses it daily, mostly via coffee and tea. A competitive adenosine receptor antagonist that lifts the brake on dopamine and norepinephrine signalling. The canonical pairing is 100 mg caffeine + 200 mg L-theanine for clean focus without the jitter.

    Dual strong stimulants — afternoon insomnia, anxiety, elevated HR. Drop caffeine after 11am if combining.

  • Prescription stimulant for ADHD (Ritalin, Concerta). Increases dopamine and norepinephrine.

    Both increase DA/NE. Manageable under physician supervision; risky DIY.

  • Prescription stimulant combination (Adderall) for ADHD and narcolepsy. Stronger than methylphenidate.

    Both elevate DA. Manageable under MD; cardiovascular monitoring advised.

Avoid stacking (4)

  • A phenylated derivative of piracetam 20-60x more potent. Originally developed for Soviet cosmonauts.

    Two strong dopaminergic stimulants — high overstimulation and cardiovascular risk.

  • ArmodafinilEVIDENCEA

    The R-enantiomer of modafinil. Similar effects with smoother onset and longer duration per dose.

    Duplicate compounds — armodafinil IS the R-isomer of modafinil. Pick one.

  • AdrafinilEVIDENCEB

    Prodrug of modafinil. Converted in the liver. Used historically before modafinil was widely available.

    Adrafinil is a modafinil prodrug — taking both stacks the active metabolite.

  • YohimbineEVIDENCEB

    Alkaloid from Pausinystalia yohimbe bark. Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist. Increases norepinephrine. Used for fat loss, libido, and acute focus.

    Anxiety / panic risk. Don't combine.

Build a stack: use the Stack Builder with Modafinil pre-selected, or check any specific pairing in the Interaction Checker.

Stacking guidance reflects curated interaction rules from the published literature, traditional use, and well-characterised mechanisms. Individual response varies; introduce one substance at a time and track effects. Not medical advice — see our disclaimer.