Rankings / Cognitive — Nootropics
Modafinil
Cognitive · Wakefulness-promoting
Tier B+
What this is
Battleday & Brem 2015 reviewed ~24 studies; benefits most consistent on tasks requiring sustained attention and executive function. Minor US Schedule IV scheduling. Popular off-label cognitive enhancer among knowledge workers and military. Reduces sleep pressure markers.
Mechanism
Weak DAT inhibitor; complex orexinergic, histaminergic, glutamatergic, and GABAergic effects; promotes wakefulness with lower abuse potential than amphetamines
Dose & route
100-400 mg PO once daily morning
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26293404/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32822850/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3183109/
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This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.