Psychostimulants as cognitive enhancers – the evidence for the use and abuse of smart drugs

Abstract

While modafinil is licensed to treat narcolepsy as a psychostimulant, there is widespread use as a “smart drug” in the young to help study and interest in older populations as a cognitive enhancer. This review considers both the evidence for benefit and potential for harm. If it is as effective as it seems, should we all be using it? Should neurologists recommend it, and should we worry if our patients are taking it? In this review the evidence base behind psychostimulants, in particular modafinil as a cognitive enhancer, is discussed.