As soon as you finished watching this movie, I bet you googled “NZT-48 is it real?”, or something along those lines. Hate to burst your bubble, but NZT-48 is pure fantasy. At least in the version presented in the movie. In fact, the director himself mentions this substance in an interview, whilst comparing it to NZT-48. He mentions Modafinil and Adderall, comparing them to be one-thousandth of what NZT-48 is, a turbocharged version of both. It could be also Ritalin, Vyvance and any other adhd drug alternatives.
Provigil is the branded name for a substance called Modafinil, and this is what I really want to talk about. Since 2010, Modafinil has been readily available in its generic version, since the patent that held exclusive production, first for Group Lafon, and afterwards Cephalon. Now that the patent’s exclusivity has ended, Modafinil is readily available on the markets and depending on the country you live in, you might need to get a prescription for it first. The most popular otc brand called Modalert by SunPharmaceuticals.
Modafinil belongs to a group of substances called eugeroics, which is a category encompassing all cognition improving drugs out there. While they enjoy a high amount of popularity online, (the movie helped) they are not that well known in the real world and a quite limited number of people will ever try them. Adderall, Vyvance and other alternatives belongs to a ADHD drugs group.
Improving Synaptic Plasticity
If you take a look at the effects of NZT-48 (whuch are actually the effects of Modafinil, Adderall and Vyvanse) in the movie and apply a little bit of cognitive knowledge onto the subject, you will soon realize that the true benefit of limitless pill is the ability to enhance the brain’s synaptic plasticity. In neuroscience, synaptic plasticity represents the brain’s ability to strengthen and weaken synapses over time, in accordance to their activity.
Having a higher coefficient of synaptic plasticity will allow your brain to generate new synaptic connections faster, often resulting in a higher aptitude for memory and learning. In real life it has been discovered that glutamate and acetylcholine play an important role in the levels of synaptic plasticity for your brain, and some nootropics already exist that can provide you with the cognitive boost comparable to NZT-48, even if it’s only a fraction.
Comparing Nzt-48 to Modafinil, Adderall and Vyvanse
Either Modafinil, Adderall and Vyvanse has the unique properties to stimulate the brain and affect how it produces neurotransmitters. Its influence extends over the glutamate and acetylcholine receptors, prompting the brain to increase production. In turn you will get a chance to feel “Limitless”, enjoying the benefits of an increased memory, focus and concentration, as well as the ability to effectively learn and integrate new information in your mind.
It will slightly increase the temperature of your body, allowing it to integrate more nutrients in your blood and this in turn keeps your brain supplied with the necessary energy it needs to help you achieve your goals.
If you remember NZT-48 from the movie, it had a nasty side-effect. Well as much as it is unfortunate that you can’t have the exact same positive effects, you will be happy to hear that no negative effects will happen. The movie is pure fantasy, simply inspired by reality, by Modafinil, Vyvanse, Adderall and alternatives.
Modafinil is closer to nootropics, a special class of substances and compounds. To be included in this class, a drug must have a low potential for negative side effects and exhibit neuroprotective effects. While Adderall and Vyvanse cause wide set of side effects, Modafinil certainly not. Modafinil’s effects lead to an increase in brain health, as it is commonly used to treat sleep disorders. A little bit ironic, that a stimulatory drug can be used in this way, but completely true regardless.
There is nothing available on the market that will match NZT-48’s effects to the letter, but you have a wide variety of Nootropics to pick and choose from, substances which will allow you to experience and increase in your cognitive faculties. ADHD drugs like Adderall and Vyvanse (so called “smart drugs”) are raising popularity among students, who take it for better study results, however these drugs are recommended ONLY for those having an ADHD and doctor’s prescription.
