Modafinil belongs to a new group of psychostimulants. They call it the „smart medicine`. It was discovered by Michael Jovanet in 1960 in France. It is currently classified in the US as a controlled substance of list IV.
The main difference between modafinil, caffeine and adenosine lies in the mechanism of action of modafinil as it slows dopamine processing and stops producing noradrenaline, it also does not disturb the regime and does not change sleep.
The benefits of „smart medicine` consist of improving cognitive skills and brain activity. The drug is used to treat some addictions, helps in planning, making decisions. It improves memory and mental abilities, as well as creativity, helps solve long and complex tasks. Enables attention and memory, helps clarity of consciousness. In addition, modafinil is also a strong aphrodisiac.
Contrary to its many advantages, side effects are expressed in short insomnia, headache, anxiety, and less often in dizziness, instability, and more. In the past, modafinil was mainly used by the US Air Force to perform long missions and flights for better concentration, as well as by astronauts.
Today, modafinil is particularly interesting for students during sessions.
New studies will prove whether modafinil will be the safest way to improve surgeon concentration during long-term work shifts. Forty minutes after taking it, the effect of using the „smart medicine` begins, with no instantaneous energy flow, but after four hours the brain runs at very high speeds.
Notwithstanding the new discovery, one should not overlook traditional methods that also work: reading, writing, communicating, and thinking.
Battleday R., Katharine A., Review of `smart drug` shows modafinil does enhance cognition, 2015
D`Angelo C., Savulich G., Sahakian B., Lifestyle use of drugs by healthy people for enhancing cognition, creativity, motivation and pleasure, 2014
Judith G. et al., Modafinil treatment in patients with seasonal affective disorder, 2009
Judith G. et al., Modafinil Treatment for Fatigue in Patients with HIV/AIDS: A Placebo Controlled Study, 2010
Kotagal S., Treatment of narcolepsy and other organic hypersomnias in children, 2017
Newman J. et al., Behavioral Evaluation of Modafinil and The Abuse-related Effects of Cocaine in Rhesus Monkeys, 2011
Puiu T., Modafinil is the first confirmed drug that makes you smarter, 2013
Sheng P. et al., Efficacy of Modafinil on Fatigue and Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Associated with Neurological Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, 2013
Volkow N. et al., Effects of Modafinil on Dopamine and Dopamine Transporters in the Male Human Brain: Clinical Implications, 2010
Saletan W., The War on Sleep, 2013
Swapnajeet S., Modafinil Dependence and Hypersexuality: A Case Report and Review of the Evidence, 2016
