Modafinil – "brain doping": uses, side effects

Modafinil - is a substance used to treat narcolepsy. The substance is also used to reduce sleepiness caused by shift work sleep disorder or obstructive sleep apnea. Modafinil is a stimulant. What are the properties of modafinil? Can the use of this substance be dangerous?

1. Characteristics of the substance modafinil
2. Brain doping
3. Post-therapeutic use of modafinil
4. Side effects of modafinil

Modafinil is a neurostimulant. In the United States, it is known as Provigil. Its task is to stimulate the brain. Modafinil is used to treat narcolepsy, ADHD, and depression. Despite its effectiveness, modafinil has not been approved as a treatment for ADHD. Modafinil is considered the perfect "brain doping."

Modafinil is not a drug. Even its structure does not resemble narcotic stimulants such as amphetamines, cocaine, or methylphenidate. Modafinil is effective for 15 hours. It is usually taken in the morning immediately after waking up.

How does modafinil work?

Modafinil is a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. This means that it increases the concentration of these two neurotransmitters between synapses. Dopamine is responsible for reducing symptoms of sleepiness. It is responsible for the ability to focus on a specific task and thanks to it, the body can concentrate on intellectual efforts for a long time. It is possible that after taking modafinil, one can stay awake for up to 64 hours.

During modafinil research, it was noticed that this substance improves decision-making ability. Subjects given modafinil planned better, processed information better, and focused better on the task at hand. Modafinil did not affect the creative abilities of the subjects. People who took modafinil in clinical trials spoke faster, formulated their thoughts better, and made fewer mistakes.

Modafinil began to be used in the military not for medical purposes. Since it is a safe substitute for amphetamines, it was used to enhance the activity of soldiers. During World War II, thanks to modafinil, soldiers could conduct long night bombings. Modafinil is also used in the Foreign Legion to enhance the effectiveness of training for secret operations. Modafinil is also prescribed to astronauts during space expeditions.

More and more people are turning to modafinil-like drugs. As we live in a world of constant competition to improve our results, employees, especially those working in corporations, and students are looking for different supporters.

The side effect of modafinil is headache. Side effects may also include insomnia, nausea, nervousness, anger, and high blood pressure. Patients receiving modafinil for ADHD treatment suffered from dermatological toxicity, rash, dry mouth, and stomach upset.

Overdosing on modafinil is possible. The average recommended dose is 100-200 mg per day. However, more and more patients complain of negative effects of modafinil. In addition to the side effects listed above, patients also reported psychotic states. There have been no reported cases of death from modafinil.