Modafinil vs Rhodiola for energy
Short answer: For energy, more users report improvement with Modafinil — 91% of 307 reports, versus 86% of 199 for Rhodiola.
Modafinil has 155 meta-analyses and 297 randomized trials on PubMed; Rhodiola has 18 and 45.
Based on 1,116 reports about Modafinil and 853 about Rhodiola. Not medical advice.
| Modafinil Medication | Rhodiola Supplement | |
|---|---|---|
| User score | 45 | 52 |
| Verdict | Mixed | Mostly positive |
| Positive of reports that state an outcome | 48% | 62% |
| Reports | 1,116 | 853 |
| Research | AResearch: Strong | AResearch: Strong |
| Meta-analyses / RCTs | 155 / 297 | 18 / 45 |
| Mainly used for | ||
| Weight loss % reporting improvement | 100% (5) | — |
| Appetite % reporting improvement | 40% (15) | — |
| Focus % reporting improvement | 84% (454) | 85% (71) |
| Energy % reporting improvement | 91% (307) | 86% (199) |
| Sleep % reporting improvement | 19% (75) | 38% (13) |
| Anxiety % reporting improvement | 26% (73) | 74% (117) |
| Mood % reporting improvement | 62% (90) | 83% (126) |
| Memory % reporting improvement | 71% (21) | 75% (4) |
| Performance % reporting improvement | 88% (17) | 100% (21) |
| Libido % reporting improvement | 33% (9) | 80% (5) |
| Hormones % reporting improvement | — | 100% (4) |
| Heart & lipids % reporting improvement | 9% (11) | 40% (5) |
| Skin & hair % reporting improvement | 50% (2) | — |
| Immunity % reporting improvement | — | 50% (2) |
| Common side effects | insomnia, anxiety, headache, tolerance | anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, jitteriness |
| Typical dose reported | as needed | evenings |
Our findings represent the most comprehensive available evidence base to inform patients, families, clinicians, guideline developers, and policymakers on the choice of ADHD medications across age groups. Taking into account both efficacy and safety, evidence from this meta-analysis supports methylphenidate in children and adolescents, and amphetamines in adults, as preferred first-choice medications for the short-term treatment of ADHD. New research should be funded urgently to assess long-term effects of these drugs.
Lancet Psychiatry, 2018 ↗“It did make me focused and alert. I was working two jobs at the time and needed every ounce of energy I could muster.”
The data from the meta-analysis showed that plant adaptogens could provide a number of benefits in the treatment of chronic fatigue, cognitive impairment, and immune protection. In the future, there is great potential to register medicinal products that contain plant adaptogens for therapeutic purposes.
Nutrients, 2021 ↗“This one not only reduces my social anxiety but actually puts me in a good mood and makes me feel more social.”
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Percentages come from first-hand user reports and are not clinical outcomes. Talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or combining anything. How we rate