PlainPill

Modafinil vs Yerba Mate for energy

Short answer: For energy, more users report improvement with Yerba Mate — 100% of 52 reports, versus 93% of 485 for Modafinil.

Modafinil has 155 meta-analyses and 297 randomized trials on PubMed; Yerba Mate has 7 and 16.

Based on 1,613 reports about Modafinil and 136 about Yerba Mate. Not medical advice.

Modafinil
Medication
Yerba Mate
Substance
Users say it helped50%helped936 reports · high confidence86%helped57 reports · medium confidence
Verdict
Mixed
Mostly positive
ResearchAResearch: StrongAResearch: Strong
Meta-analyses / RCTs155 / 2977 / 16
Mainly used for
Focus
% reporting improvement
86% (689)100% (14)
Energy
% reporting improvement
93% (485)100% (52)
Mood
% reporting improvement
64% (125)100% (8)
Sleep
% reporting improvement
21% (94)50% (2)
Anxiety
% reporting improvement
30% (87)83% (6)
Common side effectsinsomnia, anxiety, headache, tolerancestomach issues, brain fog, drowsiness, jitteriness
Typical dose reportedNot listed2-3 teaspoons / daily, multiple infusions
Modafinil
Latest review conclusion

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 ↗
What a user said
“It did make me focused and alert. I was working two jobs at the time and needed every ounce of energy I could muster.”
Full Modafinil profile →
Yerba Mate
Latest review conclusion

The available literature indicates that yerba maté can be used within a balanced and healthy diet for prevention and adjuvant treatment of chronic diseases.

Nutr Rev, 2023 ↗
What a user said
“But after yerba maté, I drink it around 30 min after my shower, I am fully alert, focused, awake and full of energy for the rest of the day.”
Full Yerba Mate profile →

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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