Wakefulness-promoting agent

Wakefulness-promoting agent‏‎, also known as eugeroic, is a type of pharmaceutical drug that is used to treat sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder. These agents work by stimulating the central nervous system to increase alertness and wakefulness.

Mechanism of Action

Wakefulness-promoting agents work by interacting with the neurotransmitter systems in the brain. They increase the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in regulating sleep and wakefulness. Some agents also inhibit the reuptake of dopamine, thereby increasing its availability in the brain.

Types of Wakefulness-Promoting Agents

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 more potent version of modafinil. It has a longer half-life, which means it stays in the body for a longer period of time.

• Methylphenidate: This is a stimulant drug that is commonly used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)‏‎. It works by increasing the release of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.

Side Effects

Like all drugs, wakefulness-promoting agents can have side effects. These can include insomnia, headache, nausea, anxiety, and hypertension. In rare cases, these drugs can cause serious side effects such as psychosis or cardiovascular disease.

See Also

• Stimulant
• Nootropic
• Sleep disorder
• Neurotransmitter