Whether on vacation or the job, modafinil is a great way to get through the day. It helps you stay awake and creative, and it helps you want to consume the most out of your working day. It can even help you find the time to relax.
Brain
Among modafinil’s many potential brain benefits is its ability to enhance memory, attention, learning, and concentration. It is also an effective treatment for narcolepsy. Although its effects are well known, many studies have yet to be conducted on the long-term safety of modafinil or its effect on cognitive decline.
One systematic review examined 24 studies on modafinil in healthy individuals. Researchers raised questions about the biochemical effects of modafinil and its addictive behaviour. The study also suggested that cognitive-enhancing drugs may have unique risks to developing brains.Another study used an fMRI method to investigate the effects of modafinil on the brain. Specifically, the brains of eight healthy men were studied after they were given a dose of modafinil 200 mg. The effects of modafinil were mainly localized to the frontal cortex.
Temperament
The mood effects of modafinil are not well understood, but it may be helpful for people with sleep deprivation, depression and fatigue. Modafinil has been used to treat narcolepsy, a sleep disorder caused by excessive sleepiness, and may also be helpful for individuals who experience treatment-resistant depression. Several studies have been conducted on modafinil, but most have focused on its effects on mood.
In one study, modafinil was given to healthy students, and its effects on cognition were investigated. The students completed an extensive battery of cognitive tests, and their scores on various tasks were compared with a placebo group.Modafinil’s effects on cognition were modest. In particular, the study found no significant impact on motivation or attention. However, the study did demonstrate the general mood-elevating effect of modafinil.
Creative thinking
Several studies have shown that modafinil, a popular prescription drug for sleep apnea and narcolepsy, maybe a beneficial cognitive enhancer for healthy individuals. This study sought to investigate whether modafinil could enhance creativity.
It was a double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel design study. Participants received 200 mg of modafinil and were evaluated in a range of cognitive and motivational tasks. Research nurses monitored participants throughout the study. They were compensated for the time spent, plus local transportation expenses.
The test batteries used in the study included several different levels of difficulty. One of the more advanced tests used in the study was the CANTAB battery. This battery was designed to measure the impact of different levels of challenge.
Modafinil had no significant main effect on any of the creativity tests used in the study. However, it did increase performance on a verbal creativity task.
Sleepiness caused by narcolepsy
Getting too sleepy can be a problem for people. It can affect their ability to concentrate, recall information, and participate in social activities. Excessive daytime sleepiness is a primary symptom of narcolepsy.Narcolepsy is a condition that affects the brain’s ability to control sleep and wake cycles. Symptoms of narcolepsy can vary, but all individuals with narcolepsy have excessive daytime sleepiness. Some symptoms can be improved by lifestyle changes, while medications can improve others.
Typical narcolepsy symptoms include sleep disturbances, hallucinations, and rapid eye movement sleep. Rapid eye movement sleep is part of REM sleep, a phase in which dreams occur. People with narcolepsy often enter rapid eye movement sleep within 15 minutes of falling asleep.An infection, significant stress, or brain injury may trigger symptoms of narcolepsy. It is also possible to develop narcolepsy due to tumours or other diseases. If you suspect you may have narcolepsy, visit your doctor. They may prescribe medication to stimulate your central nervous system.
Conclusion
Despite modafinil’s benefits, the drug has several side effects. If you’re considering taking the drug, make sure you know about all the risks.One of the most common modafinil side effects is insomnia. It occurs when the drug is taken too close to bedtime. If you have insomnia, you should try other treatments before trying modafinil.
Another modafinil side effect is anxiety. Many reports feeling more nervous, anxious or stressed after taking modafinil. These side effects are usually manageable but should be discussed with your doctor. If you experience severe anxiety after taking modafinil, you should call your doctor immediately.Modafinil has been reported to cause skin rashes. The drug contains chemicals that may interact with other medications or herbal products.
Author: Dr. Khaled Shafiei, graduated from the University of Pecs Medical School in 1994. He works in West Monroe, LA and 5 other locations and specializes in Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine and Hospice & Palliative Medicine. Dr. Shafiei is affiliated with Cornerstone Hospital and Specialty Extended Care Hospital.
