Physicians should consider competing obligations, such as the need for evidence of benefit and upholding equitable and prudent use of resources as well as professional integrity, when prescribing smart drugs.

Research into the efficacy and safety of cognitive enhancers for recreational or lifestyle use has not been done. Should society pay for studies that might improve the lives of already healthy people?

Positive portrayals of smart drugs in media and medical research will entice more people to use smart drugs. Medical professionals and society need to prepare for more prevalent non-medical uses of neuropharmaceuticals by fostering better informed public debates.

Cognitive enhancers have both medical and societal side effects. Widespread use of cognitive enhancers will likely lead to a more work-obsessed and competitive culture that leaves less room for personal enjoyment and fulfilment.

The creation of safe, reliable and effective technologies to enhance mental performance would ensure that high-responsibility professionals, such as surgeons or pilots, would have additional duties and pressure to use smart drugs.

Widespread use, and development, of cognitive enhancers will lead to a “new normal” where individuals will be coerced into using drugs to live up to a new, medically enhanced, standard.

In this podcast, Nicole Vincent and Emma Jane discuss the ethical dilemmas that arise from widespread use of smart drugs and other cognitive enhancements.

Cognitive enhancement should not be permitted in practice-oriented activities, such as education, but should be allowed for activities of low social or moral importance, such as recreational games.