The number of so-called smart drugs seized by regulators in Scotland increased last year, amid concerns that stressed students are endangering their health to enhance academic performance. Thousands of pills were confiscated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority (MHRA) after officers discovered the substances at border points across the UK.
While specific locations of seizures have not been disclosed, it is known that the drugs were either found in Scotland or were destined for transport to the country. Many of these medications were originally developed to treat cognitive dysfunction in conditions such as ADHD and Alzheimer's disease, but are increasingly being used by healthy individuals who believe they can improve attention span, memory, and motivation.
Modafinil Seizures Rise Sharply
The most commonly seized smart drug was modafinil, a medication intended for narcolepsy—a brain disorder causing sudden sleep episodes. In the last financial year ending March 31, the MHRA reported seizing 1,200 doses of modafinil, a significant increase from 500 doses the previous year and higher than the 1,020 doses seized in 2023/24.
Additionally, MHRA officers confiscated 1,000 doses of piracetam, a cognitive disorder drug that, like modafinil, is a prescription-only medicine. This figure rose from 360 doses the prior year.
Legal Status and Concerns
While purchasing these drugs is not illegal, supplying or selling them to others without a valid prescription is against the law. Barbara Sahakian, professor of clinical neuropsychology at the University of Cambridge, suggested that peer pressure may be driving their use in competitive environments.
Professor Sahakian recounted: 'When I spoke on cognitive enhancing drugs at St Andrews University some years ago, a student told me she did not want to use smart drugs but felt she might fall behind in exams if she didn't. She also mentioned—and I have heard this at other universities—that students pass smart drugs to each other in the library before exams.'
A 2018 study on the availability of smart drugs found they were 'widely available to purchase via the internet from the UK without a prescription.' This method of supply is concerning, as many drugs bought online do not originate from registered pharmaceutical companies.
Professor Sahakian added: 'Students often buy these drugs online and do not know if they are getting what they purchased or some other drug or mixture. We do not know the effects of these prescription-only medications in healthy adolescents and young adults, raising concerns about potential negative impacts on normal brain development. There are no chronic studies of these smart drugs in healthy people, so we cannot confirm their safety and effectiveness when used long-term.'
Andy Morling, MHRA deputy director of enforcement, stated: 'Modafinil and piracetam were identified and seized at the border before reaching importers, as they are not approved for importation or supply in the UK. Importers were reminded of their obligations to comply with medicines regulations.'
