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Updated: Jun 10, 2026

A General Method for Evaluating Deep Brain Stimulation Effects on Intravenous Methamphetamine Self-Administration
Published on: January 22, 2016
Modafinil administration improves working memory in methamphetamine-dependent individuals who demonstrate baseline
Ari D Kalechstein1, Richard De La Garza, Thomas F Newton
1Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. ari.kalechstein@bcm.tmc.edu
Modafinil may reverse working memory impairments in individuals with methamphetamine addiction. This study found improvements in those with poorer baseline performance, but not those with higher baseline scores.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychopharmacology
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Working memory deficits are common in methamphetamine addiction.
- Modafinil is known to enhance working memory in other populations.
- Limited research exists on modafinil's effects in methamphetamine-dependent individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of modafinil in improving working memory in methamphetamine-dependent subjects.
- To compare modafinil's effects against a placebo in a double-blind, controlled trial.
Main Methods:
- 11 non-treatment-seeking, methamphetamine-addicted volunteers participated.
- A daily dose of 400 mg modafinil was administered over three consecutive days.
- Working memory, episodic memory, and processing speed were assessed at baseline and after treatment.
Main Results:
- Modafinil significantly improved working memory in participants with poorer baseline performance.
- No significant improvements were observed in episodic memory or processing speed.
- Participants with higher baseline working memory performance showed no modafinil-induced changes.
Conclusions:
- Modafinil may serve as a potential therapeutic agent to reverse methamphetamine-associated working memory impairments.
- The drug's efficacy appears dependent on baseline cognitive function.
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