Real life 'limitless' drug trending among office workers to stay ahead

A new drug has been discovered that is being purchased online by Australian workers in high pressure industries such as finance to stay ahead of the competition.

A number of workers who spoke to News.com.au on the condition of anonymity said the use of the drug had grown among workers in competitive, fast-paced industries in recent months.

Modafinil, marketed as Provigil in the US, is a prescription-only drug used to improve wakefulness in those who suffer from sleep disorders like narcolepsy.

It shot to fame when Dave Asprey, the founder of The Bulletproof Executive and self-described "biohacker" credited the use of Provigil to his success in Silicon Valley.

It's since been popularised as the real-life version of the drug used in 'Limitless', the 2011 film starring Bradley Cooper, and has gained a cult following among financial traders, IT professionals, poker players and card-counters.

However, Australian Medical Association President, Dr Steve Hambleton issued a severe warning against Modafinil, saying it was illegal to use or import the drug without a prescription and could lead to huge risks when not taken appropriately.

"There are dangers if you're pregnant or likely to become pregnant. If you're under 18 or over 65, if you've got a mental illness or for people with abnormal heart rhythms. There's an interaction with anti-depressants, there's an interaction with drugs that help epilepsy and blood-clotting drugs," he said.