Armodafinil as a Potential Pharmacological Treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults: A Review

Abstract

Introduction: Armodafinil is a psychostimulant that promotes alertness, and it has been shown to improve attention, memory, and fatigue in healthy adults and adults with neurodevelopmental conditions that share symptoms with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It is generally well tolerated and safe, and most of the adverse events reported are considered not serious. However, the available evidence on the efficacy of armodafinil for the treatment of ADHD in adults is scarce. Objective: The present review aims to perform a systematized search of the available evidence on the possible therapeutic benefit of armodafinil treatment in adult patients with ADHD. Methods: A literature review using PubMed was conducted to compile and summarize the available clinical and scientific evidence on the possible use of armodafinil as a pharmacological treatment in adult patients with ADHD. Results: From the 86 articles reviewed, the available evidence showed that both acute and chronic treatment with armodafinil can improve wakefulness, memory, impulse control, and executive functions in adults with sleep disorders and other conditions. In addition, evidence of improvement in cognitive functions and mood alterations in other neuropsychiatric conditions was shown. Conclusion: Armodafinil could be useful for the treatment of ADHD in adults, according to the review of the literature from both pre-clinical and clinical studies.