{"id":1526,"date":"2023-09-24T10:22:00","date_gmt":"2023-09-24T17:22:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/scribe\/?p=1526"},"modified":"2026-10-29T10:23:29","modified_gmt":"2026-10-29T17:23:29","slug":"cognitive-enhancing-drugs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/scribe\/2023\/09\/24\/cognitive-enhancing-drugs\/","title":{"rendered":"Cognitive-Enhancing Drugs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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Cognitive-Enhancing Drugs<\/h1>\n\n\n<\/div>\n \n \n By<\/span>Kaitlyn Woods<\/strong>\n \n September 24, 2023<\/span>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n <\/div><\/div>\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Nootropics are a category of drugs designed to improve cognitive function, learning, memory, and performance. These drugs are useful for treating ADHD, narcolepsy, or Alzheimer\u2019s. While they are most useful for those whose cognition is impaired, \u201cnormal\u201d people have begun to look into the use of these \u201csmart drugs\u201d to increase cognitive performance (Medical News Today<\/a>). However, most do not have extensive research to support their efficacy or safety, which is a problem for those who intend to use them to enhance their mental capacity. Nootropics come in prescription (Modafinil, adderall) and over-the-counter (creatine) drugs.<\/p>\n

Modafinil stimulates the central nervous system (CNS), leading to wakefulness (NIH<\/a>), which is why this prescription drug is used to treat narcolepsy. It is a weak dopamine reuptake inhibitor, and researchers theorize that it leads to increases in dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. It may also impact glutamate, which is important for memory, cognition, and mood regulation. This drug produces euphoric and psychoactive effects, which can lead to potential abuse. Typical side effects include headache, nausea, decreased appetite, anxiety, insomnia, and dizziness. Physicians should closely monitor those who have cardiovascular problems, psychiatric disorders such as psychosis, and tic disorders, as it can exacerbate these conditions. Research into the long-term effects of Modafinil for ongoing use is still in early stages, so it should only be used when prescribed (ADF<\/a>). There is also no clinical evidence that this drug is effective for those with normal wakefulness and cognition, so caution should be used before experimenting with Modafinil as a cognitive enhancer.<\/p>\n

Adderall is a prescription drug typically used to treat ADHD or narcolepsy. It acts as a CNS stimulant and increases dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine in the brain (Caron<\/a>). Those with ADHD have lower levels of dopamine, so adderall can balance out the brain. When those who have normal levels of dopamine take adderall, it has the effect of increased wakefulness, better coping with stress, and a state of euphoria. Adderall has many side effects, including lack of sleep, decreased appetite, increased and irregular heart rate, headaches, and anxiety. It should not be used in those who have high blood pressure, heart disease, or a heart defect, as this can lead to stroke, heart attack, and sudden death (Drugs.com<\/a>). It negatively interacts with many medications, so consult a physician before use. When combined with other drugs that increase serotonin, adderall can lead to serotonin syndrome, a potentially fatal condition caused by too much serotonin in the brain (NIH1<\/a>). While students may look to adderall to improve their functioning and cognitive abilities, studies show that it does not lead to a better performance in students without ADHD (drugfree.org<\/a>). Therefore, adderall use to improve mental capacity is not recommended.<\/p>\n

Creatine occurs naturally in the body, and it is stored in the muscles to use for energy during high-intensity exercise (Mount Sinai<\/a>). It can also be found in food like fish or sold in over-the-counter supplements. Creatine is popular for athletes due to its ability to increase lean muscle mass and improve athletic performance. However, it has the potential for serious negative side effects, like kidney damage and preventing the body\u2019s creation of creatine, when used in high doses. Studies have determined that most teen athletes use higher than recommended doses of creatine. Additionally, it has not been tested for those under 19, so safety and efficacy concerns remain for that population. To maximize creatine benefits, users should not exceed the recommended doses.<\/p>\n

These are only a few examples of nootropics on the market. Overall, while they might have some cognitive and performance benefits, their use should be monitored by a physician to ensure safety,\u00a0 and they should\u00a0 only be taken at recommended doses. Another question arises about whether nootropics are \u201cfair,\u201d when only certain people have the access to them. Do people with normal brain function really experience benefit, and does this put them at an advantage compared to those who don\u2019t take nootropics? A lot of ethical questions will continue to crop up as nootropics become more popular. Society will have to answer these questions and decide whether nootropics are something to promote or to refrain from.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n <\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1036,"featured_media":1513,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[78,33],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1526","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-kaitlyn-woods","category-past-editor-blogs"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nCognitive-Enhancing Drugs<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/scribe\/2023\/09\/24\/cognitive-enhancing-drugs\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Cognitive-Enhancing Drugs - 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