We found that whilst most studies employing basic testing paradigms show that modafinil intake enhances executive function , only half show improvements in attention and learning and memory , and a few even report impairments in divergent creative thinking .
In contrast , when more complex assessment s are used , modafinil appears to consistently engender enhancement of attention , executive functions , and learning .
Importantly , we did not observe any preponderances for side effects or mood changes .
Modafinil is an FDA -approved eugeroic that directly increases cortical catecholamine levels , indirectly upregulates cerebral serotonin , glutamate , orexin , and histamine levels , and indirectly decreases cerebral gamma-amino-butrytic acid levels .
In addition to its approved use treating excessive somnolence , modafinil is thought to be used widely off-prescription for cognitive enhancement .
However , despite this popularity , there has been little consensus on the extent and nature of the cognitive effects of modafinil in healthy , non-sleep-deprived humans .
Modafinil Alters Intrinsic Functional Connectivity of the Right Posterior Insula: A Pharmacological Resting State fMRI Study
Background Modafinil is employed for the treatment of narcolepsy and has also been , off-label , used to treat cognitive dysfunction in neuropsychiatric disorders . In a previous study , we have reported that single dose administration of modafinil in healthy young subjects enhances fluid reasoning and affects resting state activity in the Fronto Parietal Control ( FPC ) and Dorsal Attention ( DAN ) networks . No changes were found in the Salience Network ( SN ) , a surprising result as the network is involved in the modulation of emotional and fluid reasoning . The insula is crucial hub of the SN and functionally divided in anterior and posterior subregions . Methodology Using a seed-based approach , we have now analyzed effects of modafinil on the functional connectivity ( FC ) of insular subregions . Principal Findings Analysis of FC with resting state fMRI ( rs-FMRI ) revealed increased FC between the right posterior insula and the putamen , the superior frontal gyrus and the anterior cingulate cortex in the modafinil-treated group . Conclusions Modafinil is considered a putative cognitive enhancer . The rs-fMRI modifications that we have found are consistent with the drug cognitive enhancing properties and indicate subregional targets of action . Trial Registration Clinical Trials.gov
We found that whilst most studies employing basic testing paradigms show that modafinil intake enhances executive function , only half show improvements in attention and learning and memory , and a few even report impairments in divergent creative thinking .
In contrast , when more complex assessment s are used , modafinil appears to consistently engender enhancement of attention , executive functions , and learning .
Importantly , we did not observe any preponderances for side effects or mood changes .
Modafinil is an FDA -approved eugeroic that directly increases cortical catecholamine levels , indirectly upregulates cerebral serotonin , glutamate , orexin , and histamine levels , and indirectly decreases cerebral gamma-amino-butrytic acid levels .
In addition to its approved use treating excessive somnolence , modafinil is thought to be used widely off-prescription for cognitive enhancement .
However , despite this popularity , there has been little consensus on the extent and nature of the cognitive effects of modafinil in healthy , non-sleep-deprived humans .