Modafinil and residency

[Cytarabine]

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How commonly is this used to make it through residency? From what I've read, it seems like a fairly benign drug, has well documented use for shift work disorder, .mil uses it for their fighter pilots, etc. Seems like a great option for someone who has difficulty making it through 28 hr shifts or bouncing on and off of night float. Just looks like it costs a fortune (~$600/30 off lexicomp :|)

 

[MadRadLad]

I've heard of some people using Adrafinil, which is the prodrug and is much cheaper. It's probably not a bad option at times, but i'd do some research on it and make sure constant use isn't going to cause any harmful side-effects or dependence or something.

 

[Kahreek]

i would prefer aderall, just for the fact that has been around longer.

 

[MI3PEO]

I was prescribed Modafinil a few weeks ago for constant excessive daytime sleepiness/fatigue. After reading multiple reviews on how it worked for others I was optimistic that it would help me control my fatigue. I thought that I had struck gold because this fatigue has suppressed my ability to live life, perform, and study like I want to for years. Unfortunately, I was mistaken. It seems to work well for many others, though. IMHO, stay away from stimulants you don't need... I'm sure the short term benefits pose no competition to the unknown long term damage/changes they may cause.

 

[TooMuchResearch]

How commonly is this used to make it through residency? From what I've read, it seems like a fairly benign drug, has well documented use for shift work disorder, .mil uses it for their fighter pilots, etc. Seems like a great option for someone who has difficulty making it through 28 hr shifts or bouncing on and off of night float. Just looks like it costs a fortune (~$600/30 off lexicomp :|)

Drink coffee. Try to exercise. You'll be fine.

 

[deleted6669]

Drink coffee. Try to exercise. You'll be fine.

agree. People can stay awake for 40+ hours without resorting to anything stronger than coffee.
Lots of folks routinely do 24+ hr shifts (paramedics, solo rural ED coverage providers, etc). ultramarathon runners stay up for 24-48 hours while RUNNING and burning 10,000 calories/day. it can be done.