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 .
The effect of modafinil on counter-regulatory and cognitive responses to hypoglycaemia
Aims /hypothesisOur hypothesis is that reducing release of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid ( GABA ) with modafinil will enhance symptomatic and hormonal responses to hypoglycaemia . Methods Nine healthy men received , in r and om order , two 100-mg doses of modafinil or placebo , followed by an insulin clamp in which plasma glucose was either reduced stepwise to 2.4 mmol/l or was sustained at euglycaemia ( four studies ) . Catecholamines , symptom scores and cognitive function were measured . Results Modafinil had no effect on the measured parameters during euglycaemia . During hypoglycaemia , autonomic symptom scores were significantly higher with modafinil ( increase at lowest plasma glucose concentration 271.3±118.9 vs 211.2±80.4/40 min , p=0.019 ) , and the heart rate response was increased ( 12,928±184 vs 6773±148 bpm/140 min , p=0.016 ) . Deterioration in performance of two cognitive tasks was reduced : Stroop colour – word test ( 613±204 vs 2375±161/65 min , p=0.009 ) and accuracy of a simple reaction task ( 11.3±1.8 vs 9.4±3.7 , p=0.039 ) . Conclusions /interpretationWe conclude that modafinil improves adrenergic sensitivity and some aspects of cognitive function at hypoglycaemia , possibly by reducing neuronal central GABA concentrations
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 .