A meta-analysis [7] of 175 primary literature
studies of Modafinil in humans demonstrated significant
improvements in executive functions (most notably attention
and memory) on both simple tasks and complex
tasks. However, only 24 studies employed a double blind
randomized control trial study design. Ritalin, in a meta
analysis of 19 randomized control trials [8], was found to
demonstrate a consistent effect specific to memory, but
failed to demonstrate an effect for other executive functions.
Repantis et al. also report an increase in attention
for Modafinil amongst non-sleep deprived subjects in a
meta-analysis of 31 RCT primary literature papers. Whilst
neither meta-analysis demonstrated no consistent serious
side effects, it should be noted that there is a potential for
abuse of amphetamine like substances (such as Ritalin/
Adderall) [9]. In sum, there is a small but growing body of
evidence to suggest that nootropic drugs can fulfil their
potential as cognitive enhancing agents, and therefore, we
argue that arguments that rest on dismissing their availability
under prescription based efficacy are not sufficient.