modafinil

Do Brain Enhancing “Drugs” Work? Know the Risks

David Tomen
Author:
David Tomen
10 minute read

memory enhancing drugsYou don’t have to be rich to experience better cognition, think faster or perform better. You don’t even need a prescription for the latest brain enhancing drug.

It’s easy to get confused with more and more headlines declaring Adderall or Modafinil a nootropic.

And unless you are aware of how powerful natural nootropic supplements are, and how they differ from a ‘smart drug‘, you’ll ask your doctor for a prescription on your next visit.

But at what risk? We’ll get into that in this post.

So let’s clear this up from that start.

All nootropics are brain enhancers. But not all brain enhancers are nootropics.

This post is intended to help you understand what each brain enhancing smart drug is, why neurohackers use them, the clinical evidence they use to justify their use, and the risks involved in using these drugs.

You also learn which nootropic supplement can be used instead of a smart drug. They’re safer, come with far fewer side effects, and for most people can provide a similar benefit.

We have the science to back these claims. And decades of personal and community experience testifying to how well they work.

Cognitive enhancement without the risk. Let’s get started …

Smart Drugs List

Adderall

What it is

Adderall is a combination of four salts of which two are types of amphetamines (levoamphetamine & dextroamphetamine).

smart drugs listThese amphetamines are agonists of TAAR1 (trace amine-associated receptor 1) and interact with the monoamine transporter (VMAT2).

The action of MVAT2 forces the release of more dopamine and norepinephrine from synaptic vesicles. And TAAR1 either stops the transport of these neurotransmitters or transports them out of the neuron.[i]

This increase in activity of dopamine and norepinephrine acts as a central nervous system stimulant.

Why neurohackers use it

Amphetamines including Adderall are considered Schedule I or II drugs or controlled substances in most countries. And are legally purchased with a prescription from a qualified psychiatrist to treat ADHD or narcolepsy.

But Adderall is also commonly used off-label to help you stay alert and focused in high-pressure jobs or as a study aid.

Does it work?

In 2011, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania published a study on the effectiveness of prescription stimulants as “Smart Pills”.

The team concluded that stimulants can improve declarative memory and enhance consolidation of memory when used by healthy people. Fewer people experience improvements in executive function and cognitive control.[ii]

The risks

Amphetamines including Adderall can be highly additive particularly if you are prone to addiction.

Long-term, therapeutic dosage of Adderall has been shown to be relatively safe but does come with a host of possible side effects.

Including high blood pressure, reduced blood flow to hands and feet, increased heart rate, erectile dysfunction, stomach pain, appetite loss, nausea, blurred vision, dry mouth, teeth grinding, insomnia, nose bleeds, and more.

But recreational use typically involves far larger doses and significantly more dangerous side effects. World-wide, 5,200 people died from amphetamine abuse in 2016.[iii]

Adderall is approved in the USA by the FDA to treat ADHD or narcolepsy only. It’s a Schedule II drug and purchase or possession without a legitimate doctor’s prescription can result in being charged with drug possession.

nootropic drugs

Donepezil (Aricept®)

What it is

Donepezil is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used to treat Alzheimer’s Disease.

Donepezil works by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for the natural breakdown of acetylcholine (ACh).

Acetylcholine is critical for encoding memories, reasoning, concentration, cognition, and neuroplasticity.

In 2018, Oxford University did a study of clinical trials using donepezil as a treatment for Alzheimer’s. The team analyzed 30 studies totaling 8,257 Alzheimer’s patients. And found only small benefits to cognitive function for mild, moderate and severe dementia.[iv]

Why neurohackers use it

Some neurohackers use Donepezil for improving memory and concentration on complex tasks.

Does it work?

The FDA in the United States has approved Donepezil for the treatment of Alzheimer’s.

And some blogs devoted to the biohacking world claim that we have clinical evidence proving it can used to enhance cognition in healthy people.

But the single study that these bloggers point to has been proven false. We have no clinical evidence that shows Donepezil helps improve memory or concentration in healthy people.[v]

The risks

Donepezil side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, muscle cramps and loss of appetite.

A far better and safer acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and alternative is the nootropic supplement Huperzine-A.

legal mood enhancing drugs

L-Deprenyl (Selegiline)

What it is

L-Deprenyl is a selective MAO-B (monoamine oxidase) inhibitor at lower doses. But in larger doses also inhibits MAO-A.

The enzyme monoamine oxidase breaks down monoamine neurotransmitters including dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin and melatonin.

MAO-B breaks down only dopamine and phenethylamine. So inhibiting this enzyme prevents the breakdown of dopamine. More dopamine contributes to better memory, attention and focus, faster thinking, less anxiety and an improved mood.

Why neurohackers use it

L-Deprenyl is used primarily as an anti-aging drug. But neurohackers report that long-term use of low-dose (5 mg per day) of L-Deprenyl helps boost mood, energy, and libido in older men. Because it boosts dopamine in your brain.

Does it work?

L-Deprenyl was discovered by Joseph Knoll in the 1960’s. And is now registered in more than 60 countries to treat Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and major depressive disorder.[vi]

Early studies showed the amazing anti-aging benefits of L-Deprenyl. When given to dogs they had twice the survival rate compared to placebo. And mice lived about 200% longer when given L-Deprenyl.

The FDA has approved L-Deprenyl for treating early stage Parkinson’s disease. And an expensive skin patch named Emsam® for depression.

The risks

Low-dose L-Deprenyl is considered very safe when used long-term. But side effects can include irritability, insomnia, nausea, and stomach upset.

And you’ll likely have a difficult time convincing your doctor to give you a prescription for L-Deprenyl as an anti-aging drug.

Instead, you can use a natural nootropic MAO-B inhibitor like Oat Straw.

Methylphenidate (Ritalin®)

What it is

Methylphenidate is a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Which means it binds to and blocks dopamine and norepinephrine transporters. Leading to an increase of these neurotransmitters in your brain.

Methylphenidate acts as a central nervous system stimulant and is a first-line of defense in the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy.

Methylphenidate exhibits a distinctly different mechanism of action in your brain compared to Adderall (amphetamine).

Methylphenidate functions as a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor while amphetamine is a releasing agent and reuptake inhibitor of dopamine and norepinephrine.[vii]

Why neurohackers use it

Methylphenidate is used off-label by healthy neurohackers to boost alertness and improve focus and memory.

Does it work?

Dozens of studies conducted since the 1950’s show Methylphenidate as effective in treating symptoms of ADHD and ADD.[viii] With a good safety profile and relatively minor adverse effects on someone who is clinically ADHD.[ix]

Several studies have been done testing Methylphenidate in healthy people. And at least one study found it better than Modafinil in the enhancement of cognitive performance.[x]

But another meta-analysis of 48 studies including nearly 1,500 healthy participants (not ADHD) said, “we conclude that the effect of amphetamine and methylphenidate on the examined facets of healthy cognition is probably modest overall”.[xi]

The risks

Methylphenidate is a scheduled or controlled drug in many countries around the world and only available with a doctor’s prescription for treating ADHD or narcolepsy. Possession of this drug without a prescription can be treated as drug crime.

The most common side effects of Methylphenidate include anxiety, irritability, appetite loss, dry mouth, stomach pain, lethargy, dizziness, heart palpitations, blood pressure changes, rapid heart rate, reduced blood flow to hands and feet, blurred vision, dry eyes, depression, confusion and teeth grinding.

Methylphenidate can worsen psychosis in psychotic patients. And mania if you are bipolar.

Some recent studies show Methylphenidate in young people may impair neuroplasticity in the healthy (not ADHD) brain.[xii]

A safer alternative for prescription Methylphenidate in any age category is L-Tyrosine or N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine (NALT) for increasing dopamine in your brain.

Available as a standalone supplement, and in some of the better pre-made nootropic stacks like Mind Lab Pro® or Performance Lab® Mind.

Modafinil (Provigil®)

What it is

Modafinil is a unique dopamine reuptake inhibitor that binds to the same dopamine transporter as cocaine but in a different manner.[xiii] Resulting in a drug with less abuse potential.

modafinilModafinil is sold under the brand names Provigil® and Nuvigil® as a wake-promoting agent. And is approved by the American FDA for the treatment of narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea.

Researchers are still trying to figure out how Modafinil works in the brain. So far, animal studies show Modafinil affects the pathways of dopamine, norepinephrine, glutamate, GABA, serotonin and histamine.[xiv]

Some researchers speculate that Modafinil promotes vigilance and neurotransmitter release by enhancing cellular metabolism and reducing free radicals.[xv]

Why neurohackers use it

Neurohackers use Modafinil for alertness, boosting reaction time, motivation and enhancing cognition.

Does it work?

Reports by neurohackers in forums and blog posts praise Modafinil and love how it improves alertness, reaction time, faster thinking and they claim to be more productive.

But what does the science say?

One study published by researchers at Cambridge and Oxford universities showed that 200 mg of Modafinil in healthy volunteers enhanced task enjoyment and performance. It helped in planning and working memory but had no effect on learning.[xvi]

Another team at Harvard conducted a meta-analysis using the keywords “modafinil” AND “cognitive” for MEDLINE studies from January 1990 until December 2014. Investigating the cognitive actions of Modafinil in healthy, non-sleep deprived humans.

The analysis found that Modafinil enhanced attention, executive function and learning. With few side effects or mood changes.[xvii]

Another study with 39 chess players over a total of 3,000 games showed that Modafinil slowed reaction time indicating deeper thinking. Not good when working under time constraints. But using Modafinil did provide an overall increase in players’ score.[xviii]

The risks

Modafinil is a controlled drug in most countries and requires a doctor’s prescription.

Modafinil side effects during clinical trials report anxiety, headaches, diarrhea, dizziness, nervousness, increased heart rate, perspiration, and stomach problems.

Addiction and dependency seem to be low with Modafinil. But long-term use could result in psychological dependence. Reported withdrawal symptoms after long-term use include anhedonia, anxiety, insomnia and lethargy.

Summary

When leading business magazines like Forbes publish articles about the benefits of ADHD in business.

And the Wall Street Journal equates nootropics with prescription smart drugs, it seems like verification that amphetamines are worth the risk to get ahead in life.

But now you know the risks involved when using these smart drugs.

It’s the reason why NootropicsExpert exists. To help you make an informed decision about your health. And live a better and more productive life.

Use natural nootropics to boost dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin and acetylcholine. And bypass the risk of smart drugs.

For more, see my posts on:

Hacking Motivation with Nootropics

5 Ways Nootropics Can Increase your Success in Business and Life

How do Nootropics Work?

Scroll through dozens of nootropics that can tame anxiety and depression, boost learning and memory, for OCD, ADHD, PTSD and more here:

Nootropics List

An easy way to get started with nootropics and begin feeling the benefits right away, check out my reviews for:

Mind Lab Pro®

Performance Lab® Mind

Performance Lab® Energy

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[i] Miller G.M. “The emerging role of trace amine-associated receptor 1 in the functional regulation of monoamine transporters and dopaminergic activity.” Journal of Neurochemistry 2011 Jan;116(2):164-76. (source)

[ii] Smith M.E., Farah M.J. “Are Prescription Stimulants “Smart Pills”?” Psychology Bulletin 2011 Sep; 137(5): 717–741. (source)

[iii] “Global, regional, and national age-sex specific mortality for 264 causes of death, 1980-2016: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016.” Lancet Sep 16;390(10100):1151-1210. (source)

[iv] Birk J.S., Harvey R.J. “Donepezil for dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease.” Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2018 Jun 18;6:CD001190 (source)

[v] Wade L., Forlini C., Racine E. “Generating genius: how an Alzheimer’s drug became considered a ‘cognitive enhancer’ for healthy individuals” BMC Medical Ethics 2014; 15: 37. (source)

[vi] Miklya I. “The significance of selegiline/(−)-deprenyl after 50 years in research and therapy (1965–2015)) Molecular Psychiatry 21, pages 1499–1503 (2016) (source)

[vii] Miller G.M. “The Emerging Role of Trace Amine Associated Receptor 1 in the Functional Regulation of Monoamine Transporters and Dopaminergic Activity” Journal of Neurochemistry 2011 Jan; 116(2): 164–176. (source)

[viii] Fone K.C., Nutt D.J. “Stimulants: use and abuse in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.” Current Opinion in Pharmacology. 2005 Feb;5(1):87-93. (source)

[ix] Huang Y.S., Tsai M.H. “Long-term outcomes with medications for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: current status of knowledge.” CNS Drugs. 2011 Jul;25(7):539-54. (source)

[x] Schmidt A., Müller F., Dolder P.C., Schmid Y., Zanchi D., Liechti M.E., Borgwardt S. “Comparative Effects of Methylphenidate, Modafinil, and MDMA on Response Inhibition Neural Networks in Healthy Subjects.” International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacolgy. 2017 Sep 1;20(9):712-720. (source)

[xi] Ilieva I.P., Hook C.J., Farah M.J. “Prescription Stimulants’ Effects on Healthy Inhibitory Control, Working Memory, and Episodic Memory: A Meta-analysis.” Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience. 2015 Jun;27(6):1069-89. (source)

[xii] Urban K.R., Gao W.J. “Methylphenidate and the Juvenile Brain: Enhancement of Attention at the Expense of Cortical Plasticity?” Med Hypotheses. 2013 Dec; 81(6): 10.1016/j.mehy.2013.09.009. (source)

[xiii] Okunola-Bakare O.M., Cao J., Kopajtic T., Katz J.L., Loland C.J., Shi L., Newman A.H. “Elucidation of structural elements for selectivity across monoamine transporters: novel 2-[(diphenylmethyl)sulfinyl]acetamide (modafinil) analogues.” Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. 2014 Feb 13;57(3):1000-13. (source)

[xiv] Ferraro L., Antonelli T., Beggiato S., Cristina Tomasini M., Fuxe K., Tanganelli S. “The vigilance promoting drug modafinil modulates serotonin transmission in the rat prefrontal cortex and dorsal raphe nucleus. Possible relevance for its postulated antidepressant activity.” Mini Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry. 2013 Apr;13(4):478-92. (source)

[xv] Gerrard P., Malcolm R. “Mechanisms of modafinil: A review of current research.” Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment. 2007 Jun;3(3):349-64. (source)

[xvi] Müller U., Rowe J.B., Rittman T., Lewis C., Robbins T.W., Sahakian B.J. “Effects of modafinil on non-verbal cognition, task enjoyment and creative thinking in healthy volunteers” Neuropharmacology Volume 64, January 2013, Pages 490-495 (source)

[xvii] Battleday R.M., Brem A.K. “Modafinil for cognitive neuroenhancement in healthy non-sleep-deprived subjects: A systematic review” European Neuropsychopharmacology Volume 25, Issue 11, November 2015, Pages 1865-1881 (source)

[xviii] Frank A.G., et. al. “Methylphenidate, modafinil, and caffeine for cognitive enhancement in chess: A double-blind, randomised controlled trial.” European Neuropsychopharmacology. 2017 Mar;27(3):248-260. (source)

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Join The Discussion - 18 comments

Vanya Zheleva
November 16, 2023

My 3 children on feces tests have high dopamine and low serotonin. However two of them are with ADD. Any explanation ?

    David Tomen
    November 16, 2023

    Vanya, I suggest not taking that type of test as the gospel. Because how much dopamine and serotonin is being produced in their brain is what is important. Not how much is in their feces, urine, or blood.

    ADD on the other hand can be tested reliably and how dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin is used in their brain is part of the problem. But it is “how” these neurotransmitters are used which relies on transporters, enzyme production, brain cell signaling, etc. Not necessarily “how much” of each neurotransmitter that is the problem.

Vanya Zheleva
November 16, 2023

Can you please share your best article/advices for children with ADD ? Thanks!

Karen
October 10, 2023

Hello David, Do you know any ways to enhance orexin re helping narcolepsy? Or any ideas for narcolepsy? Thankyou?

    David Tomen
    October 14, 2023

    Karen, BCAA supplements, Omega-3s, and L-Tryptophan.

Park
August 24, 2023

selegiline is a selective and irreversible MAO-B inhibitor

Just because it is an “irreversible” MAO-B inhibitor, isn’t that a bad thing? So it irreversibly inhibits MAO-B? But then why its effects are only seen when it is taken continuously, and some people take it all their lives….

I have bad associations with irreversible inhibitors and I don’t quite understand how they are eventually excreted by the body? Using the example of irreversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitors that are used for military purposes etc.

    David Tomen
    September 13, 2023

    An MAO-B inhibitor makes more dopamine available to the brain. For those who do not need more dopamine to be available that would be a problem. But under normal conditions MAOO-B gets helps get rid of dopamine once your system use it. If you are perfectly healthy and you let dopamine build up it’ll kill you.

Ryan
July 26, 2023

Hi David,
You mention Forskolin being a better alternative to Donepezil as a acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, but after reading your review of Forskolin it seems to do the opposite. Is there something I’m misunderstanding?

Thanks,
Ryan

    David Tomen
    July 26, 2023

    Ryan, I don’t know what I was thinking when I included Forskolin as an alternative but you were correct to point out I was wrong. A much better alternative would be Huperzine-A which is a potent as a drug like Donepezil. Thanks for pointing this out. It will be corrected today.

Max
January 24, 2023

I saw doctors prescribing Methylfenidate when someone had physical frontal lobe injury.
As I understand Methylfenidate is antagonist to antipsychotics and can be stacked with DHA to get fastest recovery after grey matter loss. I’m not medic, so this information should be confirmed by very good psychiatrist.
The only thing I know there is no point to decrease grey matter, because people are losing their cognition.

    David Tomen
    January 25, 2023

    Max, Methylphenidate is dopamine reuptake inhibitor. In other words it prevents dopamine from attaching to transporters and receptors and forcing it back into the intrasynaptic cleft. You are reusing the dopamine already in your brain.

    DHA is one of 3 main phospholipids that make up brain cell membranes. DHA with Phosphatidylserine can help recover gray matter loss. Not Methylphenidate.

Sofia Francesca
December 1, 2020

Hello, thanks for the summary! I have some questions and I hope you can answer me, thanks beforehand.

Do you think I should add Choline if im taking Modafinil?

can I take Soy Lecithin? it works as Choline precursor?

How much should I take of Choline birtrate if I take Modafinil?

    David Tomen
    December 2, 2020

    Sofia, best if you check my ADHD article because the stack I describe there would be the same for Modafinil: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/

    Soy Lecithin does not provide enough choline for it to be useful. It’s a waste of money. It is NOT a choline precursor. Some supplements like Phosphatidylcholine is made from soy lecithin. Not the other way around.

    Choline Bitartrate cannot cross the blood-brain barrier. It’s why people use it grams at a time with the hope that some will get into your brain. The only choline supplements worth using for nootropic benefit are Alpha GPC and CDP-Choline (Citicoline).

      Sofia Francesca
      December 2, 2020

      Thanks for your reply, Sadly I dont have enough time nor money to replace modafinil with a new stack, but I will try to buy Citicoline as soon as possible. Also, can I replace Vinpocetine with Nicergoline? and finally, Lemon balm and chamomile can interfere with Modafinil? I love all those natural stress relievers but Im not sure if Im taking too much green tea, L-theanine, ashwagandha, Guarana, Bacopa, lemon balm,etc. I take all of those daily, so im not sure if it is neutralizing the Modafinil (80 mg or 100 mg at max daily 5 time-week)

        David Tomen
        December 4, 2020

        Sofia, Nicergoline is not a direct replacement for Vinpocetine. It will increase blood flow in your brain. But Vinpocetine also increases neuroplasticity which boosts memory. And tames the type of inflammation that leads to Alzheimer’s. So you would not get those benefits if you only used Nicergoline.

        Lemon Balm increases GABA in your brain. Not a direct threat to Modafinil. But you need to decide on the type of balance you are looking for. And what is more important to you. The alertness provided by Modafinil. Or the calming effects of many of the other supplements you are using.

        It’s not a matter of “neutralizing” the effect of Modafinil. It’s the the balance in mood and alertness that you’re happy with.

fe
February 10, 2020

Hello David, do you have personal experience with Modafinil? Thanks

    David Tomen
    February 10, 2020

    Fe, not personal experience. My only experience is with Ritalin and Adderall.

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