Modafinil effects short-term memory

Modafinil is an analeptic which is utilized to treat drowsiness associated with narcolepsy.

The Food and Drug Administration office approved it for the cure of disorders of sleep associated with shift work and obstructive sleep apnea. The European Agency of Medicines recommends limiting new uses of medicines, containing Modafinil, for just the cure of paroxysmal sleep, due to the risk of developing neuropsychiatric, skin and allergic side effects.

Some of the side effects are most often observed in the first two weeks of using the drug, its usage for the prescription that was made earlier, is not limited. It is also popular to take this preparation not on medical prescriptions, as a relatively safe stimulant.

In some countries Modafinil is approved by the state regulatory authorities for the cure of cases of idiopathic hyposomnia (pathological daytime sleepiness, the causes of which aren’t diagnosed definitely).

Dosage regiment.

It is recommended a single dose of the medicament in the morning at a dose of 200 mg for the cure of hyposomnia associated with disturbances of sleep and obstructive sleep apnea, although there is information from clinical trials, according to which the double use (in the morning and at noon, each dosing is 200 mg) is more effectively. A single dose of 400 mg doesn’t lead to substantial efficiency gains, in comparison with a dosage of 200 mg.

It is advised a single dosage of 200 mg of the drug 1 hour before the shift started for the cure of drowsiness associated with work in shifts. A good effect is also reached with a single taking at a dose of 300 mg.

In all cases, an everyday dosage shouldn’t exceed 400 mg; the drug is not recommended in the second half of the day, as Modafinil is eliminated slowly from the body (the period of partial ejection is 12-15 hours) and can interfere with normal night's sleep. In general, recommendations for dosing are in the range from 100 to 400 mg per day in 1-2 reception.

Scientists agree that this medicine makes better some points of short-term memory, such as memorizing numbers, computing and pattern recognition, but the results related to spatial memory, executive functions and attention, are contradictory. Some positive benefits of Modafinil may occur only for people with a low IQ. One study showed that this drug restored the ability to learn to normal levels in methamphetamine-dependent individuals, but didn’t show any effect on healthy people.