Modafinil: How safe is the smart drug?

Increasing competition and high workload stress has rendered no time for us to keep check on our brain health. Although our brain plays a major role in maintaining our overall health, it is the last thing that we actually care for. This has a serious impact on our cognition- which mainly includes our focus, alertness and reasoning.

But smart drugs or nootropic health supplements are now here for the rescue. These cognition boosters have played an important role in elevating brain health and maintain optimum cognition. Modafinil- the world’s first safe smart drug- is one important example. This smart drug is seen to provide us with the required nutrition for brain health- mainly through its wake-promoting effects. This eugeroic compound has enabled many to achieve a better focus and mind-clarity, and hence improve their productivity.

Due to its immense popularity, you can also find Modafinil online in many medical stores. But before you take this smart drug, an approval from the doctor is a must. Here’s what you must know about Modafinil as a cognition enhancer.  

Modafinil mechanism of action:

The Modafinil smart drug basically acts as a nervous system stimulant. It can change the actions of neurotransmitters like dopamine and histamine for regulating our sleep and wake cycle. The smart drug normally binds to certain receptors and prevents these neurotransmitters from being taken up by the nerves. It ensures the presence of extracellular dopamine in the brain pathways and also, histamine in the hypothalamus of the brain. This way, the smart pill can promote wakefulness as the brain pathways get activated. It promotes a sound and clear mind that enables us to improve our focus.

Modafinil dosage:

The ideally suggested dose of this smart drug is Modafinil 200 mg, which you should take only once in a day.

·         You can take one pill in the early morning if you have narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea.

·         In case of shift work disorder, you can take the dose 1 hour before going to work.  

·         The dose can be taken either with or without food.

·         Be sure to avoid any kind of alcohol intake with Modafinil smart drug.

·         It is advisable to take the prescribed dose at the same time every day.

Are there any pros and cons?

As all types of medicines come with their own benefits and drawbacks, this smart drug too comes with the same. Modafinil pros and cons mostly include the following-

Pros:

1.       Modafinil is a safer alternative to psychoactive stimulants present in coffee or carbonated energy drinks. It is clinically tested and approved as the world’s first safe smart drug.

2.       This smart pill can bring about an improved cognition along with promotion of wakefulness. It is seen to increase focus, enhance attention capacity and also, make us mentally alert.

3.       The effects of Modafinil can last for half a day- which is 12-13 hours long. This is in contrast to our regular dose of coffee intake that gives us only a short-time energy boost.

Cons:

1.       This smart drug might not be free from side effects. Commonly, it is seen that a few users have undergone mild side-effects like chills, jitters, runny nose, nasal blockage, sore throat, skin rash and the like.

2.       Modafinil overdose can also lead to harmful health risks. These include hallucinations, frequent vomiting, nausea, nervousness, etc. People with a history of drug abuse are more likely to fall prey to its addiction, which is why doctors should be very careful with its prescription.

3.       Long term use of Modafinil is also not safe for health. It can lead to physical dependence and might increase your tolerance level to the smart drug.

It is always advisable to follow your doctor’s guidelines strictly while on Modafinil dosage. You must strictly avoid its recreational use.