Modafinil As A Smart Drug
Modafinil – an introduction
Although Modafinil has been used in an ad hoc way for some years now by students seeking a non-harmful stimulant to help them with their studies and against fatigue, it is only relatively recent that research has started to put Modafinil forward as a smart drug. The correct term for a smart drug is a nootropic, which is a drug that can be used to enhance the cognitive processes and memory.
How does Modafinil (Provigil) work?
Smart drugs, like Modafinil, can work by simply improving the supply of oxygen to the brain and thereby stimulating the growth of nerves, which is most readily attained by increasing the supply of neurochemicals to the brain. This improves the flow of oxygen by improving the efficiency of the enzymes and hormones working at the neurotransmitter level which reduces sleepiness and fatigue. Within the range of smart drugs such as Modafinil known as nootropics there are sub-groups and Modafinil belongs to the ‘stimulants’ sub-group known as Eugeroics, which basically refers to the primary reason for developing Modafinil in the fist place, that of enhancing wakefulness in its users by stimulating the central nervous system. Modafinil was originally designed to be a stimulant ‘wakefulness’ drug to treat conditions like narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, shift work sleeping disorders and fatigue. However, as Modafinil (also sold as Provigil brand) works on the central nervous system to do this it can also stimulate general brain activity at the synaptic terminals, which are now understood to be crucial in the process of how the brain learns and is therfore also know as a smart drug. Modafinil contributes to this process by promoting the release of monoamines – catecholamines, norepinephrine and dopamine – from the synaptic terminals.
Modafinil, sleep reduction and making you smarter
Students write exams on Modafinil
Of course, and unsurprisingly, if Modafinil was designed to help people to stay awake and to help against the feeling of fatigue – then that primary property of it can be used, for example, by students to also help to make them smarter. We all know there is nothing new in people taking stimulants to stay awake to try and help them with their studies. However, stimulants such as amphetamines are known to be harmful in several ways such as leading to psychosis and dependency. Which is why Modafinil scores over other stimulants like amphetamines, it is not addictive as it uniquely raises the levels of hypothalamic histamines. In doing this it is controlling our feelings of fatigue, as triggered by our levels of histaminergic cells. In this matter Modafinil isn’t directly being used as a smart drug, but the very fact that you can stay awake for long periods of time whilst taking it without feeling fatigue and without any harmful side-effects to otherwise healthy people, can only be of benefit to your studies. You can spend longer periods of time working and concentrating on an assignment or revise for exams for longer periods without feeling fatigue – all of which could help to boost your grades and make you smarter. So, given the genuine ‘smart’ potential of Modafinil keeping you awake means that you can simply study for longer periods of time when using it, surely using Modafinil should only be of benefit to you?
Despite extensive research into the interaction of modafinil with a large number of neurotransmitter systems, a precise mechanism or set of mechanisms of action remains unclear. It seems that modafinil, like other stimulants, increases the release of monoamines, specifically the catecholamines norepinephrine and dopamine, from the synaptic terminals. However, modafinil also elevates hypothalamic histamine levels, leading some researchers to consider Modafinil a “wakefulness promoting agent” rather than a classic amphetamine-like stimulant. Despite modafinil’s histaminergic action, it still partially shares the actions of amphetamine-class stimulants due to its effects on norepinephrine and dopamine.
Using Modafinil
In the USA Modafinil, or Provigil as it is sometimes known as, is a regulated schedule IV prescription only drug and is most commonly prescribed in 200 mg doses or quite sometimes 100 mg or up to 400 mg. A closely related drug Adrafinil is not currently regulated in the USA. With a prescription one can buy Modafinil online from within the USA, Canada, Australia (as Modavigil) or many of the EU countries. Modafinil is available without a prescription as Modiadal or Modalert from Mexico, India and Argentina. However, importing Modafinil into the USA without a prescription or license would be illegal.
For conditions other than shift work sleep disorder, modafinil is normally taken in one dose in the morning or in two doses in the morning and at midday. It is generally not recommended to take modafinil after noon: modafinil is a relatively long-acting drug with a half-life of 15 hours, and taking it during the later part of the day carries a risk of sleep disturbances
Finally, you should be aware that in some people Modafinil can have side-effects. Although often only minor you should read one of the articles available about the possible side effects of Modafinil before taking it. As would be true for taking any drug, be it a prescription one or not, if you have any known, pre-existing, medical conditions then you should discuss any new medication/drugs with your physician first. Something of potential significance for female students considering taking Modafinil is that it is known to interfere with the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
