Effects of Modafinil on Dopamine and Dopamine Transporters in the Male Human Brain

Abstract

Modafinil is a wake-promoting medication used in the treatment of narcolepsy and other sleep disorders. Modafinil may enhance cognition and is used off-label for the treatment of cognitive dysfunction in some psychiatric disorders (ie, schizophrenia, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD]).¹ Moreover, modafinil is increasingly being diverted for nonmedical use by healthy individuals with the expectation that it will improve cognitive performance.² Although modafinil apparently has very low abuse liability (low reinforcing effects) in non–drug abusing individuals, the Physicians' Desk Reference cautions that it can produce psychoactive and euphoric effects typical of central nervous system stimulant drugs,³ and there is debate surrounding its potential for abuse.^4,5