Based on a systematic review and meta- analysis we show that expectations regarding the effectiveness of these drugs exceed their actual effects , as has been demonstrated in single- or double-blind r and omised controlled trials .
For methylpheni date an improvement of memory was found , but no consistent evidence for other enhancing effects was uncovered .
Modafinil on the other h and , was found to improve attention for well-rested individuals , while maintaining wakefulness , memory and executive functions to a significantly higher degree in sleep deprived individuals than did a placebo .
However , repeated doses of modafinil were unable to prevent deterioration of cognitive performance over a longer period of sleep deprivation though maintaining wakefulness and possibly even inducing overconfidence in a person 's own cognitive performance
The term neuroenhancement refers to improvement in the cognitive , emotional and motivational functions of healthy individuals through , inter alia , the use of drugs .
Of known interventions , psychopharmacology provides readily available options , such as methylpheni date and modafinil .
Both drugs are presumed to be in widespread use as cognitive enhancers for non-medical reasons .
Pharmacodynamic effects on alertness of single doses of armodafinil in healthy subjects during a nocturnal period of acute sleep loss*
ABSTRACT Objective : To assess the pharmacodynamics of armodafinil compared with modafinil and placebo on measures of alertness in healthy volunteers undergoing sleep loss . Research design and methods : In a double-blind , active- and placebo-controlled , parallel-group study , 107 healthy male volunteers ( aged 18–40 years ) were r and omized to receive a single oral dose of armodafinil ( 100 , 150 , 200 , or 300 mg ) , modafinil ( 200 mg ) , or placebo administered at 19:25 h. Main outcome measures : The primary outcome was the Maintenance of Wakefulness Test ( MWT ) , administered every 2 hours from 22:00–08:00 h. Secondary outcomes included the Psychomotor Vigilance Task ( PVT ) and the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale . Blood sample s for pharmacokinetic analysis were collected hourly . Adverse events were evaluated throughout the 2‐day laboratory stay and by telephone on day 9 . Results : All four doses of armodafinil , and the dose of 200 mg modafinil , improved wakefulness as measured by increased MWT latencies ( treatment effect , p < 0.0001 ) and reduced PVT lapses of attention ( treatment effect , p < 0.0001 ) . The magnitude and duration of these effects at the later time points appeared to be dose and concentration dependent . Armodafinil at 200 mg result ed in comparable Cmax , a later tmax , and higher plasma concentrations 6–14 hours post-drug administration than with 200 mg modafinil . Following armodafinil , longer MWT latencies and fewer PVT lapses 6 to ≈ 14 hours post-drug administration were observed compared with modafinil . Armodafinil doses were well tolerated , with the most common adverse events including abdominal pain , nausea , and headache . There were reports of tachycardia/palpitations . Decreased mean sleep efficiency and increased mean blood pressure were also observed . Conclusion : Armodafinil  improved alertness at all doses studied . Relative to modafinil 200 mg , armodafinil 200 mg showed a comparable peak plasma concentration with higher concentrations 6–14 hours post-drug , and improved wakefulness and sustained attention for a longer time post-dose . Both drugs were well tolerated ; however , further research on the efficacy , safety , and tolerability of armodafinil in patients with disorders of excessive sleepiness ( ES ) is required
Based on a systematic review and meta- analysis we show that expectations regarding the effectiveness of these drugs exceed their actual effects , as has been demonstrated in single- or double-blind r and omised controlled trials .
For methylpheni date an improvement of memory was found , but no consistent evidence for other enhancing effects was uncovered .
Modafinil on the other h and , was found to improve attention for well-rested individuals , while maintaining wakefulness , memory and executive functions to a significantly higher degree in sleep deprived individuals than did a placebo .
However , repeated doses of modafinil were unable to prevent deterioration of cognitive performance over a longer period of sleep deprivation though maintaining wakefulness and possibly even inducing overconfidence in a person 's own cognitive performance
The term neuroenhancement refers to improvement in the cognitive , emotional and motivational functions of healthy individuals through , inter alia , the use of drugs .
Of known interventions , psychopharmacology provides readily available options , such as methylpheni date and modafinil .
Both drugs are presumed to be in widespread use as cognitive enhancers for non-medical reasons .