Medical What is your opinion on taking brain-boosting drugs?

[cosmos 2.0]

I don't think there's any argument whether or not the drugs actually work...

If you have any doubts, here is what nootropics do:
Thought and thinking (what nootropics are used for)
Abstract thinking
Attention
Attitude
Brainstorming
Cognition
Cognitive science
Creative thinking
Critical thinking
Curiosity
Decision making
Eidetic memory
Emotions and feelings
Emotional intelligence
Goals and goal setting
Imagination
Intelligence
Introspection
Lateral thinking
Learning
Memory
Memory-prediction framework
Mental calculation
Motivation
Perception
Personality
Recollection (recall)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nootropic

Where do you think it wouldn't be fair to take them?

I did not go through the entire article. The science of brain enhancement is a interesting field and research is going on in this field specially in areas such as dementia, Alzheimer etc.

I will stress as i said before, I have not come across any long term studies of the effects of drugs on normal individuals
( particularly enhancing cognitive abilities ignoring side effects).The studies are usually done on conditions such as dementia.

others such as B vitamins, omega 3 fatty acid, antioxidants (common knowledge) are known to improve function not only of the brain but also other organs.

 

[hamster143]

LTTE "modafinil causes" psychosis
http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/162/10/1983

LTTE "exacerbates psychosis"
http://archpsyc.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/extract/59/3/292

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18808567

And of course... the home for Modafinil (Provigil) http://www.provigil.com/
There are studies, but most that I know of are only available if you subscribe to the relevant journal. Double-blind studies have been done, but I'm glad that you're not experiencing any difficulties.

Okay, these are both isolated incidents, and in both cases there were additional factors in combination with modafinil (sleep cycle manipulations or history of schizophrenia).

I read about the trials of modafinil for childhood ADHD, they tested it on close to a thousand children, and I don't recall any mention of psychosis.

This is not aspirin, and all people are different. Side effects may occur. Headaches are the most frequent side effect, drug allergies (rashes) are the most frequent SERIOUS side effect, those occur in <1% of those who take the drug, and those go away when you stop taking it. Psychosis is probably even less frequent than that.edit: that second article links psychosis with dopaminergic action of the drug. And since ritalin/adderall are substantially more potent than modafinil in that aspect, shouldn't it follow that ritalin/adderall are even worse? And indeed there's even a page on Wikipedia called "Methylphenidate psychosis"...

 

[nismaratwork]

Okay, these are both isolated incidents, and in both cases there were additional factors in combination with modafinil (sleep cycle manipulations or history of schizophrenia).

I read about the trials of modafinil for childhood ADHD, they tested it on close to a thousand children, and I don't recall any mention of psychosis.

This is not aspirin, and all people are different. Side effects may occur. Headaches are the most frequent side effect, drug allergies (rashes) are the most frequent SERIOUS side effect, those occur in <1% of those who take the drug, and those go away when you stop taking it. Psychosis is probably even less frequent than that.


edit: that second article links psychosis with dopaminergic action of the drug. And since ritalin/adderall are substantially more potent than modafinil in that aspect, shouldn't it follow that ritalin/adderall are even worse? And indeed there's even a page on Wikipedia called "Methylphenidate psychosis"...

I think I might have been unclear: I'm not saying that Modafinil isn't preferable to popping dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate, just that it isn't what was hoped for... which pretty much WAS wakefulness-aspirin.

 

[Louise M]

I think the question has turned from is it okay to take the drug to is the possible side effects worth it? At least it seems this is where the discussion has gone.

Whether or not the side effects are worth it is truly a personal choice, even when the side effect is temporary psychosis. For example, along with my other health problems I experience frequent bouts of optic neuritis. The treatment for this is steroids. However, over the many uses, I have developed the extreme side effect of temporary psychosis when taking it and it takes about a month to wear off. Still, I feel it is worth the obviously horrible side effect to regain my eyesight. Others may feel it is better to go blind, but it is a choice.

I think these mental drugs are the same way. People have to weigh the potential for side effects with the possible gains. Every medication has potential for abuse and has side effects. Therefore, saying a medication should not be used do to potential of abuse or potential side effects is null.

 

[Evo]

I think the question has turned from is it okay to take the drug to is the possible side effects worth it? At least it seems this is where the discussion has gone.

Whether or not the side effects are worth it is truly a personal choice, even when the side effect is temporary psychosis. For example, along with my other health problems I experience frequent bouts of optic neuritis. The treatment for this is steroids. However, over the many uses, I have developed the extreme side effect of temporary psychosis when taking it and it takes about a month to wear off. Still, I feel it is worth the obviously horrible side effect to regain my eyesight. Others may feel it is better to go blind, but it is a choice.

I think these mental drugs are the same way. People have to weigh the potential for side effects with the possible gains. Every medication has potential for abuse and has side effects. Therefore, saying a medication should not be used do to potential of abuse or potential side effects is null.

The difference here is weighing the side effects of a medication that prevents a physical impairment to someone trying to get a temporary boost in memory.

 

[ViewsofMars]

Nature Publishing Group had a commentary from December 2008 - Towards responsible use of cognitive-enhancing drugs by the healthy:

Today, on university campuses around the world, students are striking deals to buy and sell prescription drugs such as Adderall and Ritalin — not to get high, but to get higher grades, to provide an edge over their fellow students or to increase in some measurable way their capacity for learning. These transactions are crimes in the United States, punishable by prison.
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v456/n7223/full/456702a.html

 

[thehacker3]

Nature Publishing Group had a commentary from December 2008 - Towards responsible use of cognitive-enhancing drugs by the healthy:

Yes, but nootropics are over-the-counter and not prescription drugs, and therefore not illegal by any means.

 

[ViewsofMars]

Protip: they're called nootropics. :D

Makes sense because the only one I know is call Nootropil. Thanks!

Nootropil is considered a prescription drug where I live.

Nootropil
How does it work?
Piracetam is a medicine used to treat certain types of movement disorder resulting from brain disease (e.g. myoclonus of cortical origin). Its exact mechanism of action is not fully understood. It is used as an adjunctive treatment (in combination with other medicines).

What is it used for?
Sudden spasm of muscles (myoclonus)
Warning!
You should not suddenly stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
This medicine may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery.

Use with caution in
Decreased kidney function
Elderly people
Not to be used in
Breastfeeding
Children under 16 years of age
Moderate to severely decreased liver function
Pregnancy
Severely decreased kidney function

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.
Please read on . . .
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/100001864.html