The growing personal use of nootropics — drugs, supplements or other substances that enhance cognitive function — has given rise to safety concerns. On Tuesday, physicians at the Annual Meeting of the American Medical Association established new clinical measures to discourage the nonmedical use of prescription "smart drugs" in healthy individuals.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved certain nootropics to treat conditions like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy. These drugs are commonly misused by students and other individuals looking to boost memory and learning capabilities. This off-label use can incite a number of adverse mental health conditions.
"As temptation grows to use prescription drugs for a competitive advantage at work and school, the nonmedical use of these drugs should be discouraged given potential for substance misuse and other adverse consequences," said Maya A. Babu, MD, AMA board member. "The AMA believes physicians can support this goal by not prescribing any drug for the purpose of cognitive enhancement in otherwise healthy individuals."