Modalert and Modvigil are two of the most talked-about generic forms of modafinil — the wakefulness-promoting drug originally sold as Provigil. Both are widely used (with a doctor’s prescription) to treat narcolepsy, shift-work sleep disorder, and to improve daytime sleepiness from obstructive sleep apnea; they’re also commonly used off-label as cognitive enhancers. If you’re trying to decide between Modalert 200 mg (Sun Pharma) and Modvigil 200 mg (HAB Pharma), this guide breaks down how they compare, what the evidence says about modafinil generically, safety considerations, and practical buying and usage tips.
Quick bottom line
Both Modalert and Modvigil contain the same active ingredient — modafinil 200 mg — and should, in principle, produce the same clinical effects when the active ingredient and dose are equivalent. Key differences people report in forums and small comparative write-ups usually come down to manufacturing quality, pill formulation/excipients, price, and perceived onset/duration rather than different pharmacology. If you need a prescription treatment for a sleep disorder, consult a clinician and use whichever product is reliably sourced and manufactured to good-quality standards.
What is modafinil and how does it work?
Modafinil is a eugeroic — a wakefulness-promoting agent that’s distinct from classic stimulants (like amphetamines). Its exact mechanism isn’t fully nailed down, but evidence shows it affects several neurotransmitter systems (dopamine, histamine, orexin/hypocretin, and others) and inhibits dopamine reuptake to some degree, which promotes alertness and improves executive function in sleep-deprived people. It is generally well tolerated but has recognized side effects (headache, nausea, anxiety, insomnia) and rare serious reactions (severe dermatologic or psychiatric events). Official clinical summaries and review articles give a clear picture of its benefits/risks.
Brands and generics: what do Modalert and Modvigil mean?
- Modalert 200 mg – a widely distributed generic manufactured by Sun Pharma (an established Indian pharmaceutical company). It’s one of the most recognized modafinil generics globally.
- Modvigil 200 mg – produced by HAB Pharma (Hamdard/ HAB Pharma or related manufacturers, depending on region). It’s typically priced lower than Modalert and marketed as a budget generic option.
Both products list modafinil 200 mg as the active ingredient; any clinically meaningful difference would come from manufacturing consistency, tablet additives (excipients), or possibly batch quality — not from the drug molecule itself. Regulatory approval and oversight vary by country, so the same brand can have different legal/quality statuses across territories.
Head-to-head: efficacy and clinical effects
Because both drugs contain the same active ingredient, randomized clinical trials comparing Modalert vs Modvigil specifically are rare to nonexistent in peer-reviewed journals. Most clinical evidence compares modafinil (as a drug class) to placebo or other wakefulness agents; these studies support modafinil’s efficacy for sleep disorders and off-label cognitive benefits in sleep-deprived individuals. Any brand-level differences reported online tend to be anecdotal or from small, uncontrolled observations. In short, clinically, expected efficacy is the same if dosing and purity are equal.
Tolerability and side effects, are they different?
The side-effect profile for both products should mirror modafinil’s known effects: common—headache, nausea, nervousness, dry mouth, insomnia; rare but serious—severe rash (including Stevens-Johnson syndrome), psychiatric symptoms, liver enzyme changes. Individual tolerability can vary, and some users report milder side effects with one brand versus another — again likely due to excipients, placebo/nocebo effects, or batch variability rather than a pharmacologic difference. Always stop and seek medical help if you experience severe rash, swelling, breathing difficulty, or new psychiatric symptoms.
Safety, interactions, and special considerations
- Contraindications / precautions: pre-existing heart disease, uncontrolled hypertension, severe psychiatric illness, pregnancy (modafinil may reduce hormonal contraceptive effectiveness and is contraindicated in pregnancy). Always discuss with your prescribing clinician.
- Drug interactions: modafinil induces or inhibits various CYP enzymes (CYP3A4, CYP2C19, etc.), so it can affect levels of hormonal contraceptives, anticoagulants, antiepileptics, and more. Clinically meaningful interactions are important — check with a pharmacist or prescriber.
- Abuse/misuse: Modafinil has a lower abuse potential than classic stimulants but is still a prescription medicine that should be used under supervision. Off-label “study drug” use is common, but medical supervision is safer.
Cost, availability, and authenticity
- Price: Modvigil is usually cheaper than Modalert in many online markets. That price difference is often the primary reason buyers choose Modvigil. However, a lower price can come with variability in supplier reliability.
- Availability and regulation: Modalert (Sun Pharma) is a globally recognized generic brand; in some jurisdictions, it’s more likely to have consistent manufacturing standards and recognized distribution channels. Modvigil (HAB Pharma) is widely circulated, but regulatory oversight depends on the region. If you’re buying online, use reputable pharmacies and verify packaging and batch information. Importation rules vary — check local regulations.
How to choose between Modalert and Modvigil
- Prescription first. Use a prescription, and discuss indications and dosing with your prescriber. Don’t self-medicate.
- Source reliability. Buy from licensed pharmacies or verified suppliers. Avoid unknown marketplaces with questionable provenance. Packaging, batch numbers, and expiry dates should be clear.
- Cost vs quality. If cost is a major barrier, Modvigil may be attractive — but weigh savings against supplier reputation and possible batch variability.
- Personal tolerance. If you tried one brand and had unacceptable side effects, switching brands (with medical advice) sometimes helps — but report adverse events to your clinician.
- Regulatory status in your country. If one brand has recognized approvals or better local availability, that’s an advantage.
Comparison Chart: Modalert 200 mg vs Modvigil 200 mg
| Feature | Modalert 200 mg | Modvigil 200 mg |
| Manufacturer |
Sun Pharma, one of India’s largest and most regulated pharmaceutical companies |
HAB Pharma, a mid-sized manufacturer supplying many budget generics |
| Active Ingredient | Modafinil 200 mg | Modafinil 200 mg |
| Drug Class | Eugeroic /
Wakefulness-promoting agent |
Eugeroic /
Wakefulness-promoting agent |
| Primary Use |
Narcolepsy, sleep-apnea–related daytime sleepiness, shift-work disorder |
Same medical indications |
| Quality & Consistency |
Often reported as slightly more consistent in potency and dissolution due to Sun Pharma’s stricter quality control |
Quality acceptable but may vary slightly between batches depending on supplier |
| Onset of Effect | Reported onset ≈ 30–45 minutes
after intake |
Reported onset ≈ 45–60 minutes
after intake |
| Duration of Action | 10–12 hours
(may last longer in some users) |
8–10 hours
(some users find it shorter) |
| User-Reported Potency |
Described as “smoother” or “more focused,” possibly due to tablet formulation |
Described as “milder” or “gentler” in onset; slightly less intense for some |
| Price Range (approx.) |
Usually higher because of Sun Pharma branding |
More affordable; marketed as a cost-effective generic |
| Side Effects & Tolerability |
Typical modafinil side effects —headache, nausea,insomnia, anxiety |
Identical side-effect profile; individual tolerance varies |
| Availability |
Broad global distribution; recognized by many licensed pharmacies |
Common online; varies by regional approval |
| Taste / Tablet Form | Slightly harder tablet;
neutral taste |
Softer tablet;
may crumble more easily |
| Packaging & Design |
Professional blister packs with clear batch & expiry details |
Simpler packaging; batch labeling may differ by distributor |
| Shelf Life |
Around 24 months from the manufacturing date |
Around 24 months from the
manufacturing date |
| Best For Whom |
Users wanting reliability and consistent dosing backed by a top-tier manufacturer |
Users seeking a budget-friendly option with similar effects |
| Drawbacks |
Slightly more expensive; limited availability in some regions |
Quality may fluctuate between batches; a weaker brand reputation internationally |
Real-world reports vs scientific evidence
Much of the online “brand wars” (Modalert vs Modvigil) is fueled by user anecdotes: perceived differences in strength, onset, or duration. The scientific community treats modafinil as a single molecular entity; unless tablets differ in actual modafinil content, any observed differences are likely due to pharmacokinetic variability from formulation/excipients, subjective expectation, batch quality, or sample bias. Objective clinical trials comparing the brands head-to-head are lacking, so evidence remains inferential rather than definitive.
Practical dosing notes
- Typical dose for adults:
- For shift-work disorder, timing differs based on shift schedule. Some clinicians start lower; follow your prescriber’s plan. Do not take it late in the day to avoid insomnia.
FAQs
Q: Is Modalert stronger than Modvigil?
A: Chemically, they both contain modafinil 200 mg of modafinil. There’s no high-quality head-to-head clinical trial proving one is categorically stronger. Perceived differences are usually due to manufacturing, excipients, batch quality, or individual response.
Q: Which has fewer side effects, Modalert or Modvigil?
A: Side effects depend on the drug (modafinil) and the person, not the brand. Both can cause similar adverse events; if you experience serious reactions, stop and seek medical help.
Q: Are there safety differences because Modvigil is cheaper?
A: Price alone doesn’t determine safety; cheaper products may come from suppliers with variable quality control. To reduce risk, buy from licensed pharmacies or trusted distributors.
Q: Can modafinil interact with my birth control?
A: Yes. Modafinil can reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives via enzyme induction. Women of childbearing potential should discuss alternative contraception with their clinician.
Q: Is modafinil addictive?
A: Modafinil has lower abuse potential than classic stimulants but is not risk-free. Use under medical supervision.
Responsible usage and red flags
- Do not use modafinil if you’re pregnant or planning pregnancy without specialist advice.
- If you develop a rash, blistering, or psychiatric symptoms (new mania, hallucinations), stop immediately and seek emergency care. Serious dermatologic reactions, while rare, are reported with modafinil.
References
Below are authoritative resources and manufacturer pages that support the points made above.
- StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf). Greenblatt K. Modafinil. StatPearls [Internet]. 2023. (Clinical summary: mechanism, indications, adverse effects). NCBI
- MDPI – Nowak K. The Issue of “Smart Drugs” on the Example of Modafinil. 2025. (Recent review discussing modafinil’s pharmacology, effects, and societal use). MDPI
- Sun Pharma – corporate/products pages. (Sun Pharma is the manufacturer behind Modalert; see company product listings for context on brand/regulatory presence). Sun Pharma
- HAB Pharma – Modvigil product page. (Manufacturer listing for Modvigil 200 mg). Hab Pharma
Final takeaways
- Modalert 200 mg (Sun Pharma) and Modvigil 200 mg (HAB Pharma) both deliver modafinil 200 mg and are intended to produce the same therapeutic effects.
- Choose based on trusted sourcing, price, availability, and how your body tolerates a brand, not on internet hype about one being “much stronger.”
- Always use modafinil under medical guidance, be aware of interactions (especially with hormonal contraceptives), and stop the drug and seek medical advice for severe reactions.
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