Contents:
- What is modafinil?
- Modafinil can improve cognitive function of the brain
- However, don't use modafinil carelessly
When you are drowsy or have difficulty focusing while working, you might be looking for help so that your brain can continue to work well. For example, exercise so that the body is refreshed, drink coffee containing caffeine, or drink energy drinks that also contain caffeine. However, it turns out there are also drugs that can encourage the brain to stay focused, namely modafinil.
What is modafinil?
Modafinil is actually a drug to treat sleep disorders or excessive drowsiness caused by narcolepsy (a condition that causes drowsiness is unbearable regardless of time and place). This drug can also prevent excessive sleepiness caused by obstructive sleep apnea. Because it cannot be used carelessly, this drug can only be obtained by prescription.
This drug works by changing the amount of certain chemicals in the part of the brain that controls sleep and wakefulness. This can make narcolepsy sufferers stay awake, so they don't sleep in any time and place.
Modafinil can improve cognitive function of the brain
Reporting from The Guardian, Professor Barbara Sahakian from the University of Cambridge explained that modafinil works on several neurotransmitter systems in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that deliver command signals between cells in the brain. Some neurotransmitters whose work can be affected by this drug are:
- Dopamine which can make you more alert and easy to remember.
- Norepinephrine which makes you more alert and focused.
- Histamine that can keep you awake.
- Glutamate can increase short-term memory by 10 percent.
By working like that, it is not surprising if modafinil can improve memory, learning ability, and motivation in the short term, in addition to helping overcome sleep disorders.
A study has been conducted to see how this drug can affect users. Research conducted by Oxford and Harvard Medical School shows that modafinil can help in decision making, planning, flexibility in learning, memory, and creativity.
However, don't use modafinil carelessly
Many people may be interested in using modafinil to improve brain function. By using this drug, drowsiness can disappear and the brain returns to focus again to work. But unfortunately, the use of this drug can be misused.
People who buy it without a prescription, such as through the internet, may not know what they are actually buying, it could be not modafinil or mixed with other drugs. This is because they get the drug not from a trusted source. This is certainly not safe.
Although it can improve brain function in the short term, this drug also has side effects such as insomnia, headaches, and digestive problems. This drug also has long-term effects on brain development. Research conducted by Sahakian shows that long-term use of modafinil can potentially damage your sleep patterns, rather than improve sleep patterns. In addition, long-term use may also damage your memory.
In fact, a study conducted by Dr. Nora Volkow and colleagues in 2010 reported that a dose of 400 milligrams (mg) had an effect on parts of the brain known to be involved in substance abuse and dependence. Therefore, you should use modafinil carefully with a doctor's prescription.
