we do need this pills just in case....
UK army tested 'stay awake' pills,By Brian Wheeler,Political
reporter, BBC News --Thursday, 26 October
2006.--http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/6083840.stm
A controversial drug which can keep people awake for days has
been tested by the UK military, MPs have been told.
Modafinil pills - known on the drugs scene as "zombies" - are used
to treat the rare sleeping disorder narcolepsy.
The Ministry of Defence reportedly stockpiled thousands of pills
ahead of the Iraq war but they have never been given to combat
personnel.
Defence contractor Qinetiq told the commons' science committee the
drug had recently been tested for military use.
Qinetiq scientist Dr Anna Casey told the Science and Technology
Committee the MoD funded research into stimulant and
performance-enhancing drugs and dietary supplements. ....
Special forces sometimes have to stay awake for 48 hours or
more
2.MoD's
secret pep pill to keep forces awake
BRIAN BRADY WESTMINSTER EDITOR
([email protected])
3.UK
troops receiving 'trigger happy' drug
MURDO MACLEOD POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT
([email protected])
BRITISH troops are being prescribed with a controversial drug
which has been blamed for making US pilots "trigger-happy" and
causing friendly fire deaths.
The Ministry of Defence has admitted that it prescribes the
amphetamine dexedrine, which is capable of keeping users awake for
as long as 60 hours.
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While the MoD has refused to say what it uses the Class B drug for,
leading narcotics experts say that the main purpose is to keep
soldiers awake during special operations. However, they have warned
that the substance can be highly addictive.
In addition, the MoD has admitted that it permits soldiers to take
a drug called kava-kava, from the South Pacific, which is known to
be linked to severe liver damage.
Documents obtained under Freedom of Information provisions show
that although the amount the MoD spends on dexedrine is just £32
per year, this is estimated to be enough for several hundred 5mg
doses. A typical course will see a user given the pills for about
two or three days. ...
--http://news.scotsman.com/topics.cfm?tid=1034&id=906322007
