Before discussing smart medications, it’s vital to give a basic overview of cognitive enhancement. It’s because smart medications’ entire concept adds upon it. The amplification or extension of the mind’s fundamental capacity through enhancing the internal and external information processing systems is known as cognitive development. In simple terms, it is the ability to concentrate and be productive for an extended amount of time while maintaining an attentive and concentrated mind.
There are two strategies to improve your cognitive abilities. To begin, live an active and healthy lifestyle, refrain from smoking or drinking, and have a regular sleep routine. Second, you can use cognitive enhancers or pharmaceutical drugs to help you improve.
What are Smart Drugs and How Do They Work?
Smart medicines are another name for cognitive enhancers, which are used to improve cognitive abilities. Smart medicines, also known as nootropics, are a heterogeneous or diverse group of pharmacological substances that work on the brain to boost memory, attention, learning performance, and creativity in those who take them. Nootropics are available as supplements over the market or as a prescription treatment for sleep disorders.
While prescription pharmaceuticals must be purchased with a prescription for sleep disorders, generic versions are more widely available and are referred to as “smart drugs” off-label. These act by blocking the brain’s dopamine and noradrenaline receptors. The goal is to raise the levels of dopamine and noradrenaline, which are important for mental stimulation, resulting in improved cognitive performance. Popular names include Modalert and Modvigil that are containing Modafinil as an active ingredient.
Why is there so much hype about it?
The use of nootropics among the general public increased dramatically in 2011. Students, pilots, athletes, entrepreneurs, and even medical professionals have testified to its effectiveness and urged for its usage in increasing academic performance. Smart medicines like Modalert 200 have been shown to increase and improve concentration, focus, stamina, and mental alertness for up to twelve hours. Though this is wonderful news for manufacturers, it has caused concern among medical experts and researchers.
While smart medicines, which have been pharmacologically authorized for cognitive enhancement, are part of the nootropics family, there is another side to nootropics. These contain compounds that are prescribed over-the-counter and marketed as “smart medications,” but have not been approved by the FDA and have not been subjected to adequate clinical trials or studies to demonstrate their safety and efficacy.
If these medications are misused or overused, they can create major and irreversible abnormalities in the brain’s functioning and general system. Even more concerning is the increased use of smart medications in otherwise healthy people, which raises concerns about their safety.
Is This a Positive Sign?
Many prescription pharmaceuticals have lately been designated as State IV medications in order to combat rising misuse. That means that obtaining them and keeping them in your possession without a prescription is illegal. Possessing them unlawfully can result in penalties, license suspension, and, in the worst-case scenario, incarceration. Apart from providing a mental boost, smart drugs can destroy years of hard work and lead to expulsion from university. And that’s only the beginning.
When taken for an extended period or in excess, smart medicines can induce a variety of side effects ranging from appetite loss to mood disorders and even life-threatening difficulties such as liver problems that require emergency medical attention.
Is there a way to fix this?
This is a multi-layered problem with a multi-layered solution. Smart medicines like Modvigil 200 are not as tightly regulated as some other narcotics. Their generic Modalert 200 is available over the counter and can also be acquired online. They manage to achieve many of the qualities of the brand version but not being as effective as the brand version. Obtaining them without running afoul of the law is rather simple. However, the user is solely responsible for their usage and subsequent overuse. They also have adverse effects and withdrawal symptoms, which have no cure. You must be aware of their positive and negative aspects and use them with caution.
Conclusion
There is a fine line between how they are used and how they are misused. Smart medicines, when used correctly, can result in dramatic improvements in performance and raise your academic achievement by several notches. They have the potential to have you jailed or prosecuted if they are used improperly. While their use can make you feel better and boost your self-esteem, their impact on your central nervous system can induce mood fluctuations, sadness, and even impair your mental abilities if difficulties arise. Before coming to a conclusion, we must carefully consider the legal, social, and ethical implications.
The government should do more research into their nootropic benefits in order to raise public awareness about their efficacy and safety regulations.
