Memory-Enhancing Drugs: Benefits & Risks

This assignment critically examines the use of memory-enhancing drugs. It analyzes three popular options: Piracetam, Modafinil (Provigil), and ADHD medications. The paper delves into their purported benefits, such as improved focus, memory enhancement, and cognitive function, while also discussing potential risks and side effects associated with each drug. The analysis considers both clinical and non-clinical applications of these substances, ultimately aiming to provide a balanced perspective on the complex issue of cognitive enhancement.

Running head: STRATEGIC ANALYSIS OF MYER
Critically discuss the evidence for and against the use of memory enhancing drugs
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

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STRATEGIC ANALYSIS OF MYER
Many people today use memory-enhancing drugs in the hope of increasing their
mental abilities. However, the news as well as media does states the benefits of these drugs
for the neuroenhancement but little they say about the side effects (Partridge et al., 2011). In
this, present times when technology is developing every second thus, memory-enhancing
drugs can be used both in a beneficial way as well as poorly. The drugs do have benefits,
which actually enhance the quality of life, and increases work productivity and it prevents the
normal and morbid age related cognitive reduction. Along with this, there is also certain risk
factors associate with these drugs as well. Therefore, considering three popular drugs for
memory enhancement like the Piracetam, Modafinil (Provigil) and ADHD Medications the
benefits and risk factors of these drugs can be analyzed. The first drug that is the most
popular one is the Piracetam, which is an imitative of the naturally appearing brain chemical
called GABA.
This drug usually helps in improving the blood flow to the brain, extending the brain
plasticity, enhances the acetylcholine which is the neurotransmitter that is related to memory
and learning. Moreover, it is also proven that this drug also works for those with stroke or
damaging brain injury. However, there have been risk factors as well like headache.
However, compared to other such drugs it has less number of side effects though but still it
has. Modafinil on the other hand was found to be effective for enhancing focus and
concentration. It however helps in planning and decision-making in long and complicated
tasks. Now coming to its side effects or risks factors are excessive headache, insomnia,
nausea, anxiety, nervousness, hypertension, heart palpitations, reduced appetite and lastly
weight loss. The most dangerous risk factor is it affects the same area in the brain that
includes the substance abuse (Hyman, 2011).
ADHD medications works by enhancing the levels of the neurotransmitters called
dopamine and norepinephrine. They help those with ADHD to become attentive, increase

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STRATEGIC ANALYSIS OF MYER
memory, and have control in their impulses as well as mood swings (Husain & Mehta, 2011).
However, it is also beneficial for those who do not have ADHD and for them this drug makes
them mentally alert and focused. This drug is also affective for making people stay awake
and support for rote memorization. On the other, hand the two of the most common ADHD
medication is Adderall and Ritalin, they also have certain major side effects like bladder pain,
difficulty in urinating, increased heartbeat and symptoms that are flu like (Greely et al.,
2008). However, other side effects can be chest pain, joint pain, fever and rashes. Moreover,
it has some severe risk factors as well as thoughts of suicide, stroke and even heart attack.
However, many people who are using drugs in clinical and non-clinical settings but there is
no confirmation that whether I really works or not rather it gives the person fake sense of
confidence. At many times it has been found that the person taking the drug gets addictive
and it gets difficult for them to leave it easily.

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STRATEGIC ANALYSIS OF MYER
References
Greely, H., Sahakian, B., Harris, J., Kessler, R. C., Gazzaniga, M., Campbell, P., & Farah, M.
J. (2008). Towards responsible use of cognitive-enhancing drugs by the
healthy. Nature, 456(7223), 702-705.
Husain, M., & Mehta, M. A. (2011). Cognitive enhancement by drugs in health and
disease. Trends in cognitive sciences, 15(1), 28-36.
Hyman, S. E. (2011). Cognitive enhancement: promises and perils. Neuron, 69(4), 595-598.
Partridge, B. J., Bell, S. K., Lucke, J. C., Yeates, S., & Hall, W. D. (2011). Smart drugs “as
common as coffee”: media hype about neuroenhancement. PloS one, 6(11), e28416.