Modafinil

Scientists for years have studied the various cognitive and health benefits of modafinil. Although the secrets of modafinil havenot fully been revealed,scientists have a fair idea of its mechanism of action. It’s believed that the wakefulness effect of this smart drug is largely due to its influence on histamine. In our body histamine is responsible for alertness and the sleep-wake cycle. Therefore, by increasing the levels of histamine, modafinil promotes wakefulness and improves productivity.

To enhance cognitive functions such as motivation, focus, memory, etc. modafinil plays the role of an inhibitor. The smart drug curtails or blocks the functions of the dopamine transporter, and doing so modafinil ensures the presence of dopamine near the brain cells.

Some experts claim that modafinil influences chemicals such as hypocretins or orexins. They contend that these two chemicals stimulate neurons, and the neurons, in turn, affect the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine. Some doctors use modafinil, instead of stimulants, to treat ADHD. It should be mentioned here that USFDA hasn’t approved modafinil as an option for treating ADHD.

History: This alertness promoting drug was created by Michel Jouvet, a French medical Professor, in the 1970’s. Modafinil was first used in the 1986 as an experimental drug to treat a condition called narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by hallucinations, random fainting, sleep paralysis, and excessive sleepiness. Now, modafinil is used for treating various conditions such as daytime sleepiness, shift work sleep disorder, etc.

It has found ready use in the battle field. American and British military have used modafinil to keep the soldier awake, alert, and functioning for long hours, sometimes up to 40 hours straight. There is scientific evidence to show that the supplement can decrease the negative effects of short-term sleep deprivation on our brain.

Lack of adequate sleep can hamper our cognitive performance. Hence, as a nootropic, modafinil boosts the cognitive performance by alleviating the damaging effects of sleep deprivation.

Caution: Users who stay within the maximum allowed dosage limit will not experience any side effects. Every user reacts differently to the supplements they take. Some Modafinil users might experience anxiety after taking this nootropic supplement. Consult a doctor immediately if this happens regularly.

Some users who laud the drug for its alertness and wakefulness also complain about lack of creativity after using modafinil. They say modafinil enhances focus, concentration, alertness, and mental acuity, but deprives them of the ability to think outside the box, plan ahead, and think innovatively.

Dosage: 100 – 200 mg per day