" Modafinil " is a new generation stimulant that is able to regulate the process of human wakefulness without compromising sleep, which is sometimes necessary for the modern lifestyle.
The substance was first synthesized in the late 1970s by the French pharmaceutical company Lafon Group. In December 1998, the US FDA approved the production and sale of modafinil under the patented name Provigil.
Modafinil is an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonist that increases the release of dopamine in the central nervous system and also increases the release of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid).
Modafinil (known as Alertek, Provigil, Modalert) is a drug approved in most countries for the treatment of narcolepsy - uncontrollable attacks of daytime sleepiness caused by somatic (neurological) disorders.
Modafinil suppresses the desire to sleep, increases physical endurance, improves memory, intellectual acuity and other parameters of mental activity. It is worth noting that the pharmacological profile of the drug has nothing in common with amphetamines, methylphenidate (Ritalin) and cocaine.
Modafinil is unique in its ability to act only when needed, and in the absence of side effects (anxiety, agitation, insomnia, "hangover" or "withdrawal"), which is usually pronounced when taking other "prescription stimulants".
Modafinil is non-addictive, causes virtually no euphoria, reduces peripheral excitation of the nervous system and has little effect on blood pressure.
The drug can be used to maintain clear thinking during prolonged periods of sleep deprivation.
During clinical trials, it was proven that the drug has a very high level of safety.
Modafinil is also used experimentally to treat the following conditions:
- Alzheimer's disease
– Depression
- Attention deficit disorder
- Multiple sclerosis caused by fatigue
- Post-anesthesia intoxication
- Age-related memory loss
– Idiopathic hypersomnia
– Circadian rhythm disorder
The practice of using modafinil in the army:
Modafinil is used in many armies around the world, in the US Air Force and regular army, special services and rapid response units, military intelligence, as a drug that enhances the attention and performance of pilots, operatives and soldiers of combat units.
The previously used drug of the amphetamine group "Dexedrine" had significant side effects: anger, nervousness, tremors, a feeling of powerlessness.
Trained fighters report that modafinil allows them to go 40 hours without sleep while maintaining the ability to function and make decisions as effectively as possible.