A BRIEF INSIGHT INTO STIMULANTS’ EFFECTS: A REVIEW BASED ON STUDENTS

Central nervous system stimulants of various levels of effectiveness are commonly used among students worldwide. These stimulants are a group of drugs that increase vigilance, alertness, and excitation. In the present study, three stimulants; caffeine, methylphenidate, and modafinil are compared in terms of their mechanisms of action, effects on memory, and addiction, especially in the younger population. Caffeine is the most widely used stimulant after methylphenidate and modafinil. Although the possibility of addiction due to caffeine is highly dose- dependent, there is a potential for abuse of methylphenidate and modafinil. These stimulants are used for a variety of reasons, such as staying awake to study, increasing alertness to complete assignments, or for recreational purposes among students. Also, since many stimulants are readily accessible to many individuals, such substances may be misused. The aim of the study is to show different aspects of caffeine, methylphenidate, and modafinil use on epidemiology, mechanism, addiction, and effect on electroencephalogram and long-term memory. Keywords: Caffeine, methylphenidate, modafinil, attention, ADHD