Modafinil administration improves working memory in methamphetamine-dependent individuals who demonstrate baseline impairment.
Modafinil improves working memory in healthy subjects and individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, though the effects of modafinil have not been evaluated on working memory in methamphetamine-dependent subjects. This double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated whether a daily dose of 400 mg of modafinil, administered over three consecutive days, would enhance performance on a measure of working memory relative to test performance at baseline and following 3 days of placebo administration in 11 methamphetamine addicted, nontreatment-seeking volunteers. The results revealed that participants demonstrating relatively poor performance on the third day of a 3-day washout period (ie, at baseline), showed significant improvement on measures of working memory, but not on measures of episodic memory or information processing speed. In contrast, for participants demonstrating relatively high performance at baseline, modafinil administration did not affect test scores. The findings provide an initial indication that modafinil can reverse methamphetamine-associated impairments in working memory.
Kalechstein
Ari D
AD
Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. ari.kalechstein@bcm.tmc.edu
De La Garza
Richard
R
Newton
Thomas F
TF
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019969:Amphetamine-Related Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000187:drug effects*; D011939:Mental Recall / Q000187:drug effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D000077408:Modafinil; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests
D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D000077408:Modafinil