Provigil is now being studied for use in helping those with Alzheimer's disease, attention deficit disorder, schizophrenia and depression to maintain focus and alertness. And while studies have been inconclusive, it is also being given to energize those fatigued from multiple sclerosis and HIV. It's even being used to counteract the terrible inconvenience of jet lag, drowsiness after anesthesia and the grogginess associated with many drugs.
Although it may have legitimate uses, there would seemingly be a high possibility for abuse of this drug by overachievers and go-getters looking for another way to get their job done and then some. While the FDA includes a warning on the label that the drug has a potential for addiction, many doctors prescribing Provigil believe the risk for abuse is small. The drug only stimulates a small region of the brain, so it doesn't give you the high that is associated with other abused uppers like amphetamines.
"It just isn't showing up as a street drug," said Dr. Scammell. "There's really not much of a buzz to it."
Even so, the ability to get that term paper finished or to pick up extra overtime at work could turn out to be a hard habit to break.
"There you are talking about people who want to stay up even when their body is telling them to go to sleep," said Dr. Scammell. "That can be seen as a form of abuse—abusing your body. But it's one that's tolerated in society."
