Modafinil is an Effective Alternative to Caffeine for Staying Alert

Working in night shifts can be a challenging task for a nursing staff. The early morning mental fog that descends on all the shift workers can make it difficult to focus on managing a department full of critical patients. While coffee is usually preferred in such situations, it comes with jittery side effects. A better option would be to switch to a safe and effective drug which can improve mental alertness and concentration levels. A single dose of this medicine is as strong as 600 gm of caffeine. Further, unlike caffeine, this drug does not contribute to anxiety, shakiness or frequent trips to the bathroom. Modafinil made its appearance in the international market in 1998 but it was in 2003, that it received certification from Food and Drug Administration. This wakefulness-promoting drug is widely used by several sections of society - students, professionals, lorry drivers, call centre executives and armed personnel. Modafinil enhances cognitive function, memory, focus, stamina, problem-solving skills and productivity. It lifts mood, increases motivation levels and improves learning capacity.The USP of this medicine is that it keeps the users awake and alert and brings out their optimum performance. Several pharmaceutical companies have come up with their version of Modafinil. It is also prescribed by the doctors for the treatment of an excessive daytime sleeping condition known as narcolepsy. Physicians even recommend this medicine to get relief from obstructive sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. A study was conducted on healthy males who had been sleep deprived for one night. It was found that people who took Modafinil performed better than others, solved complex problems easier, performed efficiently on memory tasks and made less impulsive decisions. In contrast to other nootropics, Modafinil promotes wakefulness with least side effects. It is less addictive, doesn’t induce tolerance and dependence and is a good choice for patients who burn the midnight oil. Modafinil binds to dopamine transporter and inhibits dopamine reuptake. It directly raises cerebral catecholamines and indirectly reduces the effect of GABA. It should be taken daily in the morning before the start of the work shift. Night shift workers should consume a 200 mg dose one hour prior to the start of the night shift.