Description
Vilafinil (Modafinil) is one of the strongest nootropics , among pharmacies. At the same time, it is not yet fully understood. Find out how modafinil works and what effects you should expect from it.
Today the conversation will be about a very powerful nootropy – modafinil. In some countries, the drug is prohibited, while in others it is considered a dietary supplement, although it can be dispensed by prescription. Among Western students this is one of the most popular nootropics and in this it can be compared with domestic phenotropil. Also, remember that any strong drug can not be completely safe.
The use of modafinil as a stimulant has shown that it differs in a positive way from amphetamines. Virtually without causing the addictive syndrome, it practically does not cause euphoria, reduces the peripheral excitation of the nervous system, weakly affects blood pressure. In addition, it does not cause the effects of aftereffects: “hangover” or “dressing”. During the clinical trials, a very high level of safety was demonstrated.
Vilafinil is used in many armies of the world, in the Air Force and the regular US Army, intelligence services and rapid reaction units, military intelligence, as a drug that enhances the attention and efficiency of pilots, operatives and soldiers of combat units. Previously used drug amphetamine group Dexedrine, had significant side effects, like anger, nervousness, tremor, a sense of impotence.
Trained fighters say that modafinil allows you to hold out for 40 hours without sleep, while retaining the ability to act as efficiently as possible and make decisions. Modafinil was successfully tested during military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Mechanism of Vilafinil
As we said above, the drug is still being studied and not all of its effects are known to scientists. Now we will only talk about those mechanisms of nootropic work that have a scientific evidence base.
Acceleration of the synthesis of glutamate, noradrenaline and dopamine, as well as partial inhibition of the re-uptake of these substances
About all these substances we did separate articles, which can be found on the site. The combination of the effects of the three above-mentioned catecholamines can be compared with the work of such drugs as cocaine or amphetamine. When using modafinil, a person experiences a strong drive, the work of many systems is stimulated, and tunnel vision allows you to better concentrate on the required subject. In simple terms, it will be very difficult to distract you from the work you are doing, but there is a risk of becoming paranoid
Increases the concentration of histamine
Not everyone knows that the vast majority of drugs designed to combat allergic reactions are antihistamines. This is due to the fact that histamine increases the ability of the body to respond to various stimuli. You have already understood that antihistamines are called to inhibit the work of this substance. Vilafinil also produces the opposite effect on the body. As a result, the person on the course becomes not only more sensitive and irritable, but also a feeling of drowsiness is suppressed.
Increased intelligence
This effect is still being studied, but there is no doubt about it. You probably know that the intellect is related to the concentration of acetylcholine. However, the drug does not affect the work of this substance. Scientists hypothesized that the body exists a certain substance that, under the influence of the drug, helps improve the intellect. However, it is difficult now to talk about what negative consequences may manifest in the future.
Improves short-term memory
Most likely, this nootropic effect is associated with the dopaminergic system. It is this substance that is capable of interacting with receptors responsible for human concentration and attention.
Reduction in the concentration of GABA
The fall in the concentration of GABA leads to the appearance of an excited state. Recall that gamma-aminobutyric acid in our body is the most powerful sedative neurotransmitter.
What is the danger of Vilafinil?
We have already said that the risks of manifestations of side effects directly depend on the strength of the drugs. In comparison with other nootropics, the side effects are much more frequent, and the most common negative effect is headaches – more than 30 percent.
Since Vilafinil is a stimulant, when using the drug, the body is depleted. The main side effects in this case may be psychosis and depression. In one experiment the subjects were divided into three groups. Representatives of the first received a placebo, the second used modafinil in a daily dosage of 0.3 grams, and in the latter, people took the D-isomer of amphetamine in amounts of 20 milligrams.
As a result, scientists noted a significant improvement in short-term memory, reaction, logical thinking in representatives of the second and third groups. It should also be noted that amphetamine significantly outperformed Vilafinil by the number of side effects. It is obvious that all drugs used in the study were created in medical laboratories.
What conclusion can be drawn from all of the above? To begin with, modafinil should be considered a highly controversial drug. Yes, it works fine, but the risks of developing side effects are quite high.
