Modafinil and its Different Mechanisms of Action

1. Modafinil and its Different Mechanisms of Action Modafinil is one of the most popular ‘smart drugs’ available in the market that is used for treating various sleep disorders. It also acts as an effective cognitive enhancer with very few side effects. This drug is sold under various brand names, including Provigil, Alertec and Modvigil. People suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, shift work disorders and other sleep related problems use Modafinil because it promotes wakefulness. Even students use this drug because it helps them focus better due to its nootropic qualities. Some students consider it to be the ‘study drug’ because it helps them achieve academic success by improving their attention span and memory. Use of this drug for studying has become quite common in academic communities. This is because this drug is said to enhance cognitive faculties and enables an individual to work for a longer period of time. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in America hasn’t approved the use of Modafinil for memory and learning. However, doctors at their discretion can allow patients to take Modafinil for ‘off-label’ purposes. According to some medical experts, Modafinil is one of the most sought-after ‘smart drugs’ that offers solid benefits as far as improving memory is concerned. This drug can foster learning and also help people recall better. Whereas there are some experts who believe that an individual can experience side effects related to withdrawal and tolerance after taking Modafinil. This drug was created in the 1970s by Michel Jouvet, a French professor. In 1986, it was used experimentally for treatment of narcolepsy and it was in 1998 that the FDA approved the use of this drug for treatment of this disorder. Physicians have been prescribing this drug off-label since the FDA approved it for treatment of narcolepsy. They are prescribing it for addressing issues such as depression, multiple sclerosis, attention problems and memory issues. People who have taken Modafinil for treatment of sleep disorders are of view that this drug improves their mental function on many levels. Mechanism of Action There are different ways in which Modafinil works. It works on orexin as well as hypocretin and this is the drug’s main mechanism of action. The drugs also works by increasing the amount of dopamine inside the human brain. Dopamine is basically the neurotransmitter that is released in the brain when someone performs an action that is perceived as ‘good’. Modafinil tends to block the transporters of dopamine in the brain, thus increasing the amount of dopamine that is available for action. Modafinil increase or elevates the levels of hypothalamic histamine. Histamine is a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in wake/sleep regulation. The drug elevates serotonin which is a feel good chemical responsible for regulating our mood. Serotonin is also useful in plasticity and memory because of its role in learning and its ability to stimulate neurogenesis. This drug also elevates glutamate levels which is another excitatory neurotransmitter. Modafinil reduces the amount of GABA that is known for promoting relaxation and sleepiness.