Modafinil is widely recognized as a wakefulness-promoting agent approved for narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder. Beyond its clinical uses, it has gained attention for its off-label role as a cognitive enhancer. Understanding its biochemical actions is crucial to evaluate both its therapeutic potential and its ethical considerations. Key Takeaways Modafinil’s Mechanism…
Modafinil is a wakefulness-promoting medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work disorder (FDA, 2015). Beyond these approved uses, Modafinil has attracted significant research interest for its potential in managing psychiatric disorders and cognitive impairments. However, findings remain mixed, and safety concerns warrant cautious consideration….
Modafinil is a wakefulness-promoting medication primarily approved for disorders such as narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder. Beyond its established clinical uses, Modafinil has garnered significant interest as a cognitive enhancer, with research investigating its effects on memory, learning, and executive functions in both healthy individuals and those with cognitive impairments. Its…
Modafinil, a wakefulness-promoting agent, has attracted significant attention for its effects on cognitive function and brain activity. Originally approved for narcolepsy, shift-work sleep disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea (FDA, 2015), it has also been studied for its potential role as a cognitive enhancer. Understanding modafinil’s neurochemical actions and clinical findings provides valuable insights into both…
Modafinil is a prescription medication known for promoting wakefulness. It is primarily approved for use in treating narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and shift work sleep disorder (SWSD) (U.S. Food and Drug Administration [FDA], 2015). Beyond its clinical applications, modafinil has gained popularity for off-label cognitive enhancement. However, its long-term effects, particularly in healthy individuals,…
Modafinil is a prescription medication used to improve wakefulness in adults with excessive daytime sleepiness related to narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), or shift work sleep disorder (SWSD). It is not a cure for these conditions. Instead, it helps people stay more alert during the day (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2015). Like all medications,…
Modafinil, a wakefulness-promoting agent originally developed to treat sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, has gained popularity among students seeking a cognitive edge. Marketed under brand names like Provigil, it is now widely discussed in academic circles as a potential “smart drug.” Its growing off-label use for studying has generated both intrigue and controversy, prompting questions…
What Is Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD)? Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD) is a circadian rhythm disorder that disrupts sleep patterns due to work schedules that conflict with natural biological rhythms. It affects about 10% of night and rotating shift workers (Drake et al., 2004). Common symptoms include: Key Takeaways According to population-based data, individuals…