Wakefulness-promoting
Wakefulness-promoting agents (or eugeroics) are a class of drugs that are used to treat sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder. These drugs work by stimulating certain areas of the brain to increase alertness and reduce the urge to sleep.
Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]
Wakefulness-promoting agents work by increasing the activity of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in regulating the sleep-wake cycle and promoting wakefulness.
Types of Wakefulness-Promoting Agents[edit | edit source]
There are several types of wakefulness-promoting agents, including:
- Modafinil: This is a popular wakefulness-promoting agent that is used to treat narcolepsy and other sleep disorders. It works by increasing the release of dopamine in the brain.
- Armodafinil: This is a newer version of modafinil that has a longer half-life, meaning it stays in the body for a longer period of time.
- Methylphenidate: This drug is primarily used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but it can also be used to promote wakefulness.
Side Effects[edit | edit source]
Like all drugs, wakefulness-promoting agents can have side effects. These can include insomnia, headache, nausea, and anxiety. In rare cases, these drugs can cause serious side effects such as heart problems or psychiatric disorders.
See Also[edit | edit source]
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