So, what the hell are ‘smart drugs’? The idea of a drug that enhances brain functioning is nothing new, although it came to mainstream prominence in the 2011 movie Limitless when a fictitious drug (NZT-48) turned Bradley Cooper’s character from a bumbling writer into a Wall Street wizard.

They can be divided roughly into two types: Nootropics and prescription drugs such as Modafanil and Adderall. Nootropics – the most popular of which are Racetams – are non-pharmaceutical cognitive enhancers, which some claim have no real benefits. Stimulants such as Adderall are usually prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy, and are not recommended for recreational use.

ASSUMED BENEFITS

Those are the basics. While Nootropics are considered to be less risky than stimulants, there is always a danger inherent in buying drugs online. “My advice is simply ‘don’t take them”,’ says Dr. Mike Scully (Consultant Psychiatrist, HSE Addiction Services & Irish College of General Practitioners). “Like any drugs, they have a potential for side-effects and there will be some folks who shouldn’t be using these drugs. That’s why you should have a chat with someone who is an expert on how to use them.”
For many students, increasing pressure to perform academically has meant they turn to smart drugs as an aid, particularly around exam time. Sarah, who finished her final exams in May, says she took Adderall daily during her exams. “It did help – I could concentrate much easier, my mind wouldn’t wander, and some days I would be in the library for 10 hours,” she said. For Sarah, the side-effects were less important than getting a first. “I would get headaches later on in the evening, but they go. My degree result is there forever. On the days I didn’t take anything, I found it hard to concentrate, which was a bit worrying, but I didn’t take anything over the summer and I am fine now.”
Sarah got her tablets from a friend of hers. “She just gave me a handful to use. I think she got them from someone else, who bought them online.”

Essentially, students take smart drugs in order to increase cognitive function – that is to improve focus, concentration and energy. However, these assumed benefits are not proven. In other words, depending on the person they may not actually increase cognitive function. The pharmacological basis is that these stimulants will enhance the effects of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain and thereby increase heart rate, which in turn boosts the respiratory system. The desired effect is a sense of euphoria.

Like so many other drugs, what works for one person may not necessarily work for another. According to Dr Scully, Modafinil’s reputation as a wonder drug is misplaced. It is estimated that maybe between 20% & 50% will experience positive effects, while others will find the side effects intrusive. “There is a perception among students that it is particularly effective as a cognitive enhancer but there’s not much evidence for that. Being more alert doesn’t mean better cognition,” he says. While there is plenty of anecdotal evidence that Paracetams increase concentration levels, there’s no evidence that any drug can make someone ‘smarter’. In Dr. Scully’s opinion, one of the only ‘smart drugs’ that works consistently is caffeine.

QUALITY CONTROL

Of course with any drug use, certain rules apply whether the drug is prescribed or unprescribed. To be clear, in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 and 1984, it is considered fraudulent to forge a prescription or to try to change it in any way. Anyone found guilty of this offence is liable, on summary conviction, to a class D fine or a prison sentence not exceeding 6 months. In the event of conviction the court can propose a hefty fine, or impose a prison term not exceeding three years. Any person who has in his or her possession, whether lawfully or not, a controlled drug for the purpose of selling or otherwise supplying it to another in contravention of regulations under section 5 of this Act, are guilty of an offence. The risk hardly seems worth it.

Along with the legal pitfalls, there are also a few downsides. Headaches, irritability, rashes and fatique are often reported by users. In addition, the long-term effects of the drugs are largely unknown. Dr. Darach O’Ciardha, of the Irish College of General Practitioners, said drug use without prescription “can have unintended consequences on individual health, interfere with other medications which may be being taken, for example, medications for epilepsy or contraceptive purposes.”

The other issue is that buying drugs online is dangerous. “Somebody could fix a label on a box and it says this is Modafinil manufactured by TEVA pharmaceuticals,” says Dr. Scully. “If you’re getting it through the usual pharmacy and drug chain then that’s fine. With online sources there’s no guarantee that what you think you’re getting is actually what you are getting. There’s no quality control.”
According to Dr Scully, natural methods such as “adequate diet, adequate sleep, adequate calories and exercise” should help boost cognitive function.

However, if students feel the need to use ‘smart drugs’ like Modafinil, which are potentially effective depending on the amount prescribed, the potential for serious side-effects also have to be factored in. If students feel that they have a legitimate reason for using the drugs, they should talk to a GP or someone who is aware of the potential benefits and limitations of the drugs.

To conclude with Dr. Scully’s words – “it isn’t Harry Potter – there are no magic drugs.”