Modafinil is a prescription medication approved to treat excessive sleepiness caused by narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and shift work disorder (SWD) (U.S. Food and Drug Administration [FDA], 2015). In recent years, it has gained popularity as an off-label “smart drug” among students, tech workers, and others seeking sharper focus. But what actually happens when…
Modafinil is a prescription medicine that helps people stay awake. It was first approved to treat conditions like narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work disorder. Over time, it has also become popular among healthy adults who hope it will improve focus and mental performance. But how strong is the evidence, and is it safe…
Modafinil is a prescription medicine approved to treat sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work disorder. In recent years, it has drawn attention for off-label use as a potential “smart drug” for learning and focus. Students, professionals, and individuals with cognitive impairments sometimes turn to modafinil in hopes of improving their…
Armodafinil helps people stay awake when sleep disorders cause daytime sleepiness. Two common brands are Artvigil and Waklert. Both contain the same active drug, armodafinil, in 150 mg tablets. There are no head-to-head clinical trials that prove one is stronger than the other. Differences people report are likely due to individual biology and non-active ingredients,…
Stephen Hawking was one of the most brilliant scientists of our time. He lived with motor neurone disease (MND) for decades, far longer than most people with the condition. Because of his exceptional intellect and long survival, rumors began to circulate online that he had used so-called “smart drugs” to boost his brain power. These…
What Are Nootropics Nootropics are natural or synthetic substances that aim to support or enhance aspects of cognitive performance. They may work by influencing neurotransmitters, supporting neuroprotection, improving cerebral blood flow, or improving the brain’s energy use (Malik and Tlustoš, 2022). These substances range from everyday compounds like caffeine to prescription medications such as modafinil….
Brain fog can feel like mental quicksand. Everyday tasks become difficult, focus slips away, and it may feel impossible to think clearly. People can experience this after chronic illness, stress, depression, or viral infections such as long COVID. Because of these challenges, many people look for treatments to restore mental clarity. One option that is…
Competitive gaming pushes players to maintain focus, fast reactions, and stamina across long matches. From casual players to professional esports athletes, the idea of using cognitive enhancers like modafinil has attracted attention. While some believe it can sharpen mental performance, others raise concerns about health and fairness. Key Takeaways What Is Modafinil? Modafinil is a…