GTD Times - Provigil - Would you try it?
June 5th, 2008 Jennifer GeorgeCategories | Cognitive Science | Health
Editor’s Note: Smart drugs, also called nootropics are a relatively recent phenomenon for most people. Although some folks have been aware of, and utilizing, a variety of drugs that appear to measurably improve intellectual performance, concentration, wakefulness, energy, memory and more, to date there has been little coverage of these compounds in the mainstream press and also a paucity of research on safety and efficacy.
That stands to change however as new drugs like Provigil - which shows promise in correcting many problems from the effects of sleep deprivation to the fatigue associated with MS - begin to be more thoroughly investigated for off label uses. Further, aging baby boomers that are not willing to allow the aging process to slow them down, continue to drive forward the prospects of any product that can help them stay young longer.
As a former researcher with a certain amount of expertise on this topic, I would be happy to include more posts on compounds like Provigil if GTDtimes readers like this material. Please let us know in the comments.
Editor
Blogger Johann Hari posted an account of his recent experiment with the new smart drug, Provigil (also called modafinil), and it’s caused a lot of discussion in the blogosphere. Here’s a quote describing the effects he felt after ingesting his first pill:
- Perplexed, I got up, made a sandwich – and I was overcome with the urge to write an article that had been kicking around my subconscious for months. It rushed out of me in a few hours, and it was better than usual. My mood wasn’t any different; I wasn’t high. My heart wasn’t beating any faster. I was just able to glide into a state of concentration – deep, cool, effortless concentration. It was like I had opened a window in my brain and all the stuffy air had seeped out, to be replaced by a calm breeze.
He didn’t experience any particular side effects, but gave it up for fear of all the things we still have to learn about the drug and its relationship with the brain. The idea of a magic, consequence-free smart drug to give you effortless concentration and productivity is tremendously tempting, don’t you think? Would you try it? Or do you prefer the old fashioned way?
In my opinion, smart drugs are like doping: they will give an improvement, but usually only for those folks who already are at the top. Before starting with smart drugs to improve my productivity, I would first make sure that all processes are in place and that I am clear on what my goals and vision are.
To add to this story:
A recent article in the prestigious science journal NATURE (April 2008) reported on an online survey of scientists that they conducted. They were curious about scientists’ own use of cognitive enhancers. Results from 1400 respondents demonstrated that 1 in 5 scientists (or mainly scientists) have used one of these new cognitive enhancing drugs. Most popular is Ritalin, usually prescribed to help concentration in people (children and adults) with ADHD. The study found that 62% of the responders used Ritalin, and 44% use Provigil. The reason for use was most often to improve concentration.
80% of responders to the survey said that they believed these drugs should be allowed for improving cognitive performance.
Lynn O’Connor
To add one more piece to the procrastination/dopamine story:
These cognitive enhancers (especially Ritalin) serve to increase the supply of available dopamine. This rounds out the picture of dopamine, procrastination, concentration, and medications that promote concentration. If it makes anyone feel better that they are not the only one with the problem, just think of all those scientists taking their daily externally supplied jolt of dopamine.
LynnOC
Provigil is a mind-altering drug. I have personally known someone very close to me who used it for quite a while. Her behavior was erratic and made everyone uncomfortable. Needless to say, any type of medication that is used specifically to alter the mind in a speed-like fashion is dangerous, in my humble but serious opinion.
I am a narcoleptic, and have been for the majority of my life. To function normally after sleeping that had no end, has been a blessing. I know what Provigil has done for me… given me back my life. My life was sleeping, sleeping while at work, sleeping while trying to be young, and sleeping until the next day… Provigil has offered me the chance to enjoy a life without the buzz of other drugs out there. I feel naturally me, but awake, and for that I am grateful.