Indeed, at school or in the workplace, a pill that enhanced the ability to acquire and retain information would be particularly useful when it came to revising and learning lecture material. But the appeal of drugs like Ritalin and modafinil lies in their purported ability to enhance brain function beyond the norm. If smart drugs are the synthetic cognitive enhancers, sleep, nutrition and exercise are the "natural" ones. Primarily used to treat excessive sleepiness associated with the sleep disorder narcolepsy, modafinil increases alertness and energy. In recent years, another drug called modafinil has emerged as the new favourite amongst college students. Popular smart drugs on the market include methylphenidate (commonly known as Ritalin) and amphetamine (Adderall), stimulants normally used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. Cognition is the way in which we acquire, process and store information, so the drugs are promising better memorization and attention in normal, healthy people. So-called "smart drugs" are being used off-label for their apparent cognitive enhancing effects. Just as you might drink a cup of coffee to help you stay alert, an increasing number of students and academics are turning to prescription drugs to boost academic performance. At least this is what current trends on university campuses suggest. When it comes to coping with exam stress or meeting that looming deadline, the prospect of a "smart drug" that could help you focus, learn and think faster is very seductive.
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