brain sciences Systematic Review The Use and Impact of Cognitive Enhancers among University Students: A Systematic Review Safia Sharif 1 , Amira Guirguis 1,2,* , Suzanne Fergus 1,* and Fabrizio Schifano 1 1 Psychopharmacology, Substance Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK;
[email protected] (S.S.);
[email protected] (F.S.) 2 Institute of Life Sciences 2, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, Wales, UK * Correspondence:
[email protected] (A.G.);
[email protected] (S.F.) Abstract: Introduction: Cognitive enhancers (CEs), also known as “smart drugs”, “study aids” or “nootropics” are a cause of concern. Recent research studies investigated the use of CEs being taken as study aids by university students. This manuscript provides an overview of popular CEs, focusing on a range of drugs/substances (e.g., prescription CEs including amphetamine salt mixtures, methylphenidate, modafinil and piracetam; and non-prescription CEs including caffeine, cobalamin (vitamin B12), guarana, pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and vinpocetine) that have emerged as being misused. The diverted non-prescription use of these molecules and the related potential for dependence and/or addiction is being reported. It has been demonstrated that healthy students (i.e., those without any diagnosed mental disorders) are increasingly using drugs such as methylphenidate, a mixture of dextroamphetamine/amphetamine, and modafinil, for the purpose of increasing their alertness, concentration or memory. Aim: To investigate the level of knowledge, perception and impact of the use of a range of CEs within Higher Education Institutions.