Perhaps it is inevitable in this day and time that some
people will find a way to abuse any prescription drug. But it feels more like a
personal affront when it's a drug whose proper use is so effective against
certain sleep disorders.
Provigil is the trade name for modafinil, a stimulant that was
approved by the FDA in 1998 for the treatment of narcolepsy and some other
sleep disorders that compromise daytime alertness. It is a carefully regulated
drug because it's a stimulant. But a small number of people are obtaining it
over the Internet and using is for alertness and cognitive enhancement.
The only time it is ever appropriate to use Provigil is
under the supervision of a doctor for treatment of excessive sleepiness that is
caused by narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea or shift work disorder.
The best way to improve mental and physical performance
during the day is to get enough sleep the night before. Consolidation and
reorganization of memory occurs during REM sleep.
Provigil works by activating the sleep-wake center in the
brain, making people who take it feel energized and alert.
There is little evidence that Provigil or any drug can
improve memory and learning. There are potential side effects, including
headache, upset stomach and dizziness, as well as less common but more serious
side effects, such as severe rash or an allergic reaction that affects the
liver or blood cells. More importantly, since these are not FDA-approved uses
there has been no study of long-term use in this way.
