Final answer:
Modafinil, known by the brand name Provigil, is a stimulant medication approved for treating narcolepsy, and it is also used off-label for cognitive enhancement and to treat ADHD. Its effects include increased wakefulness and alertness.
Step-by-step explanation:
Modafinil (brand name: Provigil) is a drug that has been approved for treating narcolepsy, a condition characterized by an excessive need for sleep and episodes of falling asleep suddenly during daytime hours. It operates as a stimulant, increasing wakefulness and alertness in individuals with this sleep disorder. Modafinil affects the dopamine and dopamine transporters in the human brain, indicating its influence on neural activity. While the drug is commonly prescribed for narcolepsy, it has also been used off-label for cognitive enhancement and the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The use of stimulant drugs, like modafinil and methylphenidate, has been observed to rise, especially on college campuses. However, their long-term consequences are not well-understood, and there is considerable variability in response to treatment among individuals with narcolepsy.