A lot of folks are using brain boosting drugs, also known as “smart pills” or “smart drugs” in hope of magnifying their mental capabilities.
People from different walks of life, from college students to Silicon Valley geeks, are taking these smart pills in order to hone their brains and stay competitive with their peers.
But, do these smart pills really work and are they harmful to health? We have reviewed 5 of the most common smart pills and things you should know about them:
- Modafinil – Brand name: Provigil
Originally created to cure sleep disorders, its only medically approved uses are for obstructive sleep apnea, shift work disorder and narcolepsy. The drug was discovered by chance to help with focus and concentration. It is preferred by Silicon Valley geeks, Wall Street bankers and biohackers.
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Side effects: Commons side-effects are nausea and headache; other side-effects include anxiety, insomnia, hypertension, nervousness, heart palpitations, loss of appetite and weight loss. PET scans showed that the drug affects the same areas of the brain involved in substance abuse. Some evidence suggest its long-term use significantly upsets sleep cycles, creating similar brainwave patterns during sleep as those of cocaine users.
- Methylphenidate – Brand name: Ritalin
Ritalin is a popular study drug that helps students stay awake and improve focus and memory. It has been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. According to a 2016 meta-analysis of various trials, Ritalin helps patients with traumatic brain injury to concentrate for longer periods, but does not improve memory in these patients.
Side effects: Side-effects may include fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeats; Fever, sore throat, feeling like passing out, aggression, hallucinations, dangerously high blood pressure, chest pain and shortness of breath.
- Amphetamine – Brand name: Adderall
This smart pill was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only to treat ADHD, but people commonly used it to help with study and stay alert and focused. This drug carries substantial risks. In healthy adults, it enhances attention, focus, short-term memory and motivation to work, all by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine release in your prefrontal cortex. This drug may reduce fatigue, but may make the user jittery. Adderall may become addictive with overuse.
Side effects: Common side effects are weight loss, anxiety, sleeplessness, sweating, nausea, and lack of interest in sex. It has also been linked with higher risk of heart attacks, psychosis, and even sudden death.
- Piracetam
A popular study drug, Piracetam is thought to improve learning, memory, and concentration by boosting blood flow to the brain.
Side-effects: The most common side effect is headache. Compared to other brain boosting drugs, this smart pill has low toxicity and few serious side effects.
- Noopept
Discovered by Russian researchers, Noopept is used to enhance memory, learning skills and focus. A 2007 study showed the drug may improve cognitive function and spatial reasoning associated with neurodegenerative disease like Alzheimer’s.
Side-effects: Although majority of the users do not experience serious side-effects, overdose may cause side-effects such as headaches, irritability etc. Other side-effects may be insomnia, nausea, fatigue and gastrointestinal problems.
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