Known as smart drugs, nootropics can boost your memory and other cognitive functions. Some people use these substances as a means to boost their productivity. Others want to chemically alter their brains to achieve peak performance. Silicon Valley is the epicenter of this movement. Read on to learn why Modafinil is a favorite among biohackers. Here are some reasons why you should try it.
Modafinil reverses the effects of the sleepy time cycle
One of the most widely used wake-promoting drugs is modafinil, which is also used to treat sleepiness, residual sleepiness, and narcolepsy. It acts by activating brain regions responsible for maintaining a stable arousal state. This is accomplished through the modulation of dopamine, orexin, and histaminergic neurotransmitter pathways as well as the sympathetic nervous system. Its multiple actions are responsible for its antidepressant and cognitive enhancement properties.
In studies, the alertness and psychomotor performance of people working day shifts was improved by taking Modalert. The results were not as dramatic as those observed during night shifts, but nevertheless significant. The doses were similar on both day and night shifts. The 400-mg dose significantly improved tracking speed and reduced the number of false alarms. Both active doses produced the desired effects over the three-day period.
It improves brain-derived neurotrophic factor
According to recent research, using a modafinil nanoparticle can boost levels of a brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Researchers studied male Westar rats, which were divided into four groups and subjected to a middle cerebral artery occlusion. The silicone-coated filament was inserted into the right internal carotid artery, anterior cerebral artery, and posterior cerebral artery. After an overnight occlusion, rats were given either modafinil or the modafinil-coated nanoparticle once daily.
Activated BDNF is a potent neurotropic that has been shown to improve neuronal functions following hypoxia-ischemia. It has been shown that BDNF inhibits the actions of three key enzymes, including the autophagy activator kanamycin and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. This may explain the neuroprotective effect of BDNF.
It clears your mind without speeding up your mind
Peter Borden, who's a longtime advocate of alternative medicine, was able to get off his job as an academic after trying Modafinil, a prescription drug that clears your head without speeding up your brain. Borden, who does quantitative analysis for a Wall Street start-up, says that he was unable to concentrate on his work because of sleepiness.
It shows up on a drug test
The most popular nootropic in biohacker circles, Modalert 200 (also known as Provigil) is an increasingly common substance. Its users claim to get six to eight hours of wakefulness per dose, with few side effects. Bulletproof Coffee creator Dave Osprey is a big fan of the substance, and he says he took it for 10 years. But what happens when you take the drug? Does it show up on a drug test?
Modafinil is a smart drug that promises to improve cognitive function and focus. It was popularized in the film Limitless, but it is not the same drug as the movie. Biohackers claim that it provides the same results as caffeine, but the FDA has yet to approve it for medical use. Regardless of the potential side effects, modafinil shows up on a drug test in biohacker circles.
