patient’s usage of a cognitive enhancing drug is inherently
safer than one where there is no experienced and professional
input. The safety of individuals on the whole is of
critical importance and by this means efficacy can also be
monitored more efficiently on a widespread scale.
Creating a legal market for nootropics available under
prescription would also attract investment and research
into the field. Whilst we have highlighted the benefits of
certain drugs on cognitive functions, the field is marked
by a paucity of data on existing drugs in longitudinal studies.
Particularly important here is the question of dosage
guidelines for nootropic consumption: PET scans illustrated
that 400 mg of modafinil had observable effects in
parts of the brain involved in substance abuse and dependence
[12], and therefore clearly appropriate guidelines
need to be created for their consumption. However, such
research will only be forthcoming upon legitimising such a
use. Finally, it is worth noting that currently available nootropics
have arisen from drugs intended for use for particular
diseases. Opening up the field would allow research
to begin on projects centred on pharmacological research
of cognitive enhancement, rather using existing molecules
for novel purposes (such as Ritalin or Modafinil).