You’ve probably seen Modafinil glorified in the popular 2013 sci-fi thriller Limitless. It’s actually a drug commonly prescribed to treat narcolepsy and other wakefulness disorders. It’s prescribed in New Zealand under the name of Modavigil.
Bradley Cooper’s character in Limitless takes the “smart drug” and then has access to 100% of his brains functionality. He goes from a struggling writer to a high-profile businessman.
On a casual Thursday Jack Lee, a Kiwi now living in Kuala Lumper, wanted to see what the fuss was about and decided to take some before his working day.
“I’m a morning person anyway but I just want to see if I could hack myself and have consistent focus and energy throughout the day,” he says before taking the drug at 10am.
So, in true investigative journalist fashion, I interviewed him before, during and after his personal experiment.
In absolutely no way am I, Jack or CakeOven.co.nz condoning drug use.
Modafinil should only ever be taken if prescribed by your doctor.
Names have been changed.
9.45am, Thursday, before consumption:
What do you want to happen when you take this?
“I know my energy dies out during the afternoon, as unfortunately I am a morning person so really just want to see if I get consistent with my focus and energy throughout the day. I know I like to learn and gather as much new knowledge as possible so I’m seeing if makes me even more focused on a task.”
Do you think you will be smarter like in limitless?
“That is really up to me and how much I am willing to soak up! Kinda like protein right? If you don’t work out, don’t expect protein to help build muscle.”
What do you expect to happen?
“No expectations, blank slate.”
1.23pm, during the experiment:
After locking himself in a meeting room for the morning, he messages me again and says the only effects, so far, are feeling like a “multi-tasking boss”. The drug allows him to focus on a single task. However, he realises he’s missed lunch, although he doesn’t mind ’cause he’s not hungry anyway.
Do you feel like you’ve got more done in your day than you would have normally?
“I mean usually at this time my energy starts to dwindle but so far it’s good.”
Have you had any negative side effects?
“Nah nothing, just time. I need more time. I feel like I’ve done loads but time is ticking away.”
2pm, still during:
I challenged James to try Sudoku – a game he’s never played before because he found it too complicated.
“I remember wanting to learn this game but couldn’t be bothered because it was a bit complex. But now, although not easy, I am breaking it down to make it understandable. I get the objective, and it’s clearer,” he says.
Seems like the drug is working then?
“It is, I have that “zoning in” feeling. It’s allowing me to absorb and dissect more information. It’s helping me perform at my best. It’s aiding what I already have.”
7.am, Friday, after:
“I’m feeling super awake this morning. Being awake and switched on all day has allowed me to have a better sleep,” he says.
Describe your experience in a sentence:
“Clear and much more focussed throughout the day. Come on, I played SU’FUCKING’DOKU.”
Did people at work know you were taking this? Did you get any comments?
“Some knew, some didn’t say anything. I was doing it for me so I didn’t expect any comments. They did say I was talking faster.”
James enjoyed his “multi-tasking boss” self enough to try the limitless drug again today. This time, however, only half of the recommended dosage.
Verdict: Limitless drug turns you into a more efficient, slightly speedier, less hungry you.
