Improves Cognitive Function

A recent study by a team from Imperial College London and the University of Cambridge found that modafinil improves cognitive function in healthy individuals. They performed a series of mental tasks that were known to be improved by regular short periods of sleep and found that modafinil 200 mg enhanced performance in a way that was independent of sleep disorder symptoms. This is the first time that a drug has been shown to have a cognitive enhancing effect in the absence of pre-existing poor performance and could reshape ethical discussion of ‘nootropic’ drugs.

The results of this and other studies suggest that modafinil increases the availability of neural resources for vigilance and cognition, improving performance even in those with normal neurobiology. In particular, modafinil enhances the activity of neural circuits involved in impulsivity, attention and speed of processing (Greenhill et al, 2016).

Another study showed that modafinil increased error-correcting rate on the Watson-Crick test for sentence completion, but not the Hayling Sentence Completion Task or digit symbol manipulation task, a measure of executive functioning. This was associated with a reduction in the deficit of th and d power on the resting EEG measured by LORETA. The remediating effects of modafinil were localized to frontal and anterior cingulate cortices.

One intriguing finding was that modafinil had a greater effect on vigilance tests in those with lower IQs than those with high IQs. This is consistent with the hypothesis that modafinil acts directly on wake-promoting brain regions. However, it also suggests that the benefits of modafinil in these people are not due to actions on acetylcholine and is more likely related to its ability to inhibit the chain reaction of oxygenated radicals that degrade mitochondrial membranes, allowing protons to leak out and reducing ATP production (17).

Increases Energy Levels

Modafinil is an FDA approved eugeroic drug that is known for its wakefulness-enhancing effects. It is used to treat excessive daytime sleepiness in narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, and other conditions. It has also been shown to reduce fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis, poststroke fatigue and HIV/AIDS neurocognitive dysfunction.

However, it is not clear how long-term use of this drug impacts future ability to sleep or psychological well-being. It is also a Schedule IV controlled substance, and people often illegally obtain it from clandestine manufacturers on the internet without a prescription. This can be dangerous, as many tablets don’t follow the same quality control measures that make sure they contain the right amount of modafinil and other ingredients.

One recent study investigated the effect of modafinil on performance and mood when participants were subjected to sudden changes in their work schedules. It found that modafinil decreased the number of false alarms in the DSST task and increased correct digits recalled in the immediate recall test. It also improved scores on a computerized task that measures attention and alertness.

It was important to note that the research was conducted in a laboratory setting, and that the participants were trained on the cognitive tasks before starting the experiment. This may have influenced the results, but it does demonstrate that performance and mood can be significantly disrupted by sudden work-shift change, and that therapeutic doses of modafinil can decrease these disruptions.

Reduces Fatigue

Modafinil (Modawake 200 mg) reduces feelings of fatigue and sleepiness in people with narcolepsy, shift work disorder, or obstructive sleep apnea. These conditions all cause excessive daytime sleepiness, making it hard to stay awake and concentrate. Despite the improvement in focus and energy, it does not replace getting enough sleep or cure these conditions. People taking modafinil should ask their doctor for advice on healthy sleep habits and continue using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine if they have obstructive sleep apnea.

Unlike most other stimulants, which block adenosine and give the feeling of staving off sleep, modafinil affects dopamine in your brain. This creates a softer burst of energy, which is more consistent and long lasting than caffeine. This means that you can feel more awake and focused without the negative side effects of long-term use of other stimulants, such as jitteriness, a rapid heart rate, or an increased risk of stroke.

The effectiveness of modafinil was demonstrated in several large, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies. The most important domain in these trials was cognition, and results showed that modafinil significantly improved objectively determined wakefulness on the MWT and self-rated vigilance and sleepiness scores on the ESS in comparison to the placebo. In addition, processing speed and verbal learning also improved with modafinil, again in line with the drug’s primary mechanism of action.

Helps You Sleep Better

The use of Modafinil has been found to reduce excessive sleepiness in narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea and split shift sleep disorders. It is considered safer than many stimulants and has minimal side effects. However, it is not recommended for long-term use and should be used under a doctor’s supervision. If you are taking Modafinil, make sure to let your doctor know if you experience any changes in your mental or physical health.

According to WebMD, the drug is a central nervous system stimulant that helps you stay awake and increases focus. It works by directly affecting the dopamine neurotransmitter. This results in a “softer burst of energy” compared to other stimulants like amphetamine. It has also been shown to increase wakefulness in patients with traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.

Modafinil was first synthesised in the 1970s and approved for use by the FDA in 1998 as a treatment for narcolepsy. It is classed as a Schedule IV drug in the US because of fears of addiction, but it is available in many other countries.

Studies have shown that it improves performance on cognitive tests when taken in the morning. It is thought to work by elevating synaptic and extracellular dopamine in the thalamus, hypothalamus and striatum, and by inhibiting the DA active transporter, promoting wakefulness. It has been found to also interact with the norepinephrine, serotonin and cortical GABA systems.