Pregnancy warning over so-called '˜smart drug'

Students warned over 'smart drug' pregnancy riskStudents warned over 'smart drug' pregnancy risk
Students warned over 'smart drug' pregnancy risk
A so-called '˜smart drug' favoured by students cramming for exams could lead to unplanned pregnancies, experts have warned.

Modafinil can stop the contraceptive pill working, according to a report from Stanford School of Medicine in the US, and there are also fears that it could cause birth defects, following animal trials.

The drug - available only on prescription - is aimed at narcolepsy sufferers. The sleep disorder can be treated with Modafinil, but the NHS website lists various potential side-effects including psychiatric disorders and skin reactions.

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It also casts doubts over the belief that the drug can enhance cognitive performance, instead pointing to trials where users found their brain function actually slowing down.