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Hydrafinil (Fluorenol): A Modafinil Analogue with Questionable Safety

Hydrafinil (Fluorenol) is an unregulated research chemical originally synthesized by Cephalon Pharmaceuticals (now owned by Teva) as a eugeroic (wakefulness-promoting agent).  After its synthesis, fluorenol was one of several agents to be considered as a hypothetical successor to the popularized and FDA-approved drug, Provigil (Modafinil).  Comparative data from animal trials indicated that fluorenol exhibited ~39% …

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TMS For Cognitive Enhancement (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)

TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is a technique utilized to stimulate specific regions of the brain via electromagnetic induction.  The regions that receive stimulation typically depend on an individual’s reason for using TMS.  For example, individuals using TMS for the treatment of depression may administer electrical pulses to the left prefrontal cortex, while individuals using TMS …

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Genetically Modified Mice: PDE4B Inhibition Increases Intelligence, Reduces Anxiety

Perhaps you’ve heard of the fictional story “Flowers for Algernon” about a laboratory mouse named Algernon.  The mouse undergoes a nootropic-esque surgical procedure that dramatically amplifies his intelligence.  The experiment is deemed so successful, that scientists decide to test the procedure in a human character named Charlie Gordon. Prior to the artificial enhancement of Charlie’s …

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Provigil (Modafinil) For Depression: An Effective Off-Label Treatment

Provigil (Modafinil) is a eugeroic drug that was originally approved in 1998 for the treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea.  Despite never attaining FDA approval for the treatment of depression, many anecdotal reports highlight the efficacy of Provigil as an antidepressant.  The drug tends to …

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Hidden Benefits Of Nicotine on The Brain

When most people think of nicotine, they think of smoking cigarettes or other tobacco products.  Since tobacco products are linked to various types of cancer (e.g. lung cancer from smoking), many people assume that nicotine is inherently evil.  While nicotine is considered one of the most addictive drugs, there isn’t significant evidence supporting the idea …

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