The Use of Stimulant Medication to Enhance Human Performance in Extended Military Operations

The technological ability to operate around the clock places considerable demands on military personnel as they attempt to adapt to military operations beyond normal human physiological capability. The combination of increased operations tempo, decreased military personnel, and the probability of a prolonged effort in the global war on terrorism, increase the likelihood of military personnel working extended hours. These conditions result in military personnel experiencing fatigue and a decline in performance. Military leaders have authorized certain military personnel to use stimulant medications to mitigate the effects of sleep deprivation when adequate rest periods are not possible. The administration of these stimulant medications has enabled military personnel to perform at or near their rested performance levels. Medications currently in use have side effects and have limited utility for some personnel because of those side effects. This paper supports the effectiveness and suitability of a new medication, modafanil, as an alertness enhancing medication for military personnel in a variety of operational environments. The side effect profile of modafanil is superior to agents currently in use. Modafanil should be prescribed as a first line medication for mitigation of performance decrements in sleep deprived military personnel and those who experience shift work sleep disorder.

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