Modafinil, a wake-promoting agent believed to operate via the hypocretin/orexin 
system, has a similar clinical profile to that of conventional, dopaminergic 
stimulants but different biochemical and pharmacological properties. There is 
increasing interest in the use of modafinil to improve cognition in 
schizophrenia as well as in other disorders such as 
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Recent research has focused on 
enhancing cognition in patients with schizophrenia because of the association 
between cognitive performance and functional outcome. Initial findings indicate 
that modafinil may lead to better executive functioning and attentional 
performance in patients with schizophrenia. The results further suggest that 
patient characteristics such as overall current cognitive functioning levels, 
genetic polymorphisms, and medication status may be important mediators for the 
effectiveness of modafinil, allowing for future treatment to be targeted to 
those most likely to benefit. Currently, further research is required to address 
the potential benefits and risks of chronic administration of modafinil to 
patients with schizophrenia.