Nine hospitalised after taking illegal 'smart drugs'
Nine people have been hospitalised over the past year after suffering severe and life-threatening skin reactions from taking illegal modafinil and armodafinil pills, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said on March 11.
These cases, which happened between February 2024 and February 2025, affected seven men and two women, aged between 18 and 57.
They had obtained the drugs illegally, either from street pedlars in Geylang or from friends, without a doctor's prescription or medical supervision.
Some admitted to taking the drugs to stay awake, improve focus or boost energy, while one person believed the pills were health supplements.
Six of the consumers developed Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) - a rare but potentially fatal condition that causes painful blistering, severe skin peeling and mucous membrane ulcers.
In one particularly severe case, a man in his 40s experienced extensive blistering rashes and oral ulcers, rendering him unable to eat or speak for several days.
The remaining three individuals suffered from Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, a more extreme form of SJS.
A man in his 20s had blisters across 60 per cent of his body, including sensitive areas such as the face, chest, genitals and soles of his feet.
Although there have been no deaths, most patients are still undergoing recovery.
Associate Professor Lee Haur Yueh, senior consultant at Singapore General Hospital Department of Dermatology, warned of the grave dangers associated with unsupervised use of these drugs.
"The fact that we are seeing a significant number of cases from armodafinil and modafinil suggests that the risk associated with these medicines is particularly high," said Prof Lee.
"These medicines should only be taken when prescribed by a doctor and with proper medical supervision to ensure patient safety."
Modafinil and armodafinil are prescription medicines used in some countries to treat narcolepsy, a condition that affects the brain's ability to regulate sleep.
However, these drugs are not approved for use in Singapore and come with serious health risks, including:
- Life-threatening skin reactions
- Heart problems and high blood pressure
- Psychiatric issues, including anxiety, hallucinations, and mania
- Dependency and addiction due to their stimulant effects
Despite these dangers, modafinil and armodafinil are sometimes misused as so-called "smart drugs" or cognitive enhancers, to promote wakefulness and focus.
HSA is reminding consumers that modafinil and armodafinil should never be taken without a doctor's prescription. The agency warns that illegal sources may continue to supply these drugs, driven by ongoing demand.
Consumers are strongly advised not to buy or use modafinil and armodafinil from illegal or unknown sources, as these medicines can cause life-threatening side effects when taken without proper medical supervision.
They should also avoid sharing prescription medicines with others, even if they appear to have similar symptoms, as what may be suitable for one person can be extremely dangerous for another.
Anyone struggling with excessive sleepiness or difficulty concentrating should seek medical advice from a qualified doctor, who can assess their condition and prescribe appropriate treatment if necessary.
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) also warned that unauthorised sale or distribution of modafinil and armodafinil is a serious offence under Singapore's Health Products Act. Those convicted face a fine of up to $50,000, a jail term of up to two years, or both.
Members of the public who have information on the illegal sale or supply of these medicines are urged to contact HSA's Enforcement Branch. They can call 6866-3485 during office hours from Monday to Friday, or email hsa_is@hsa.gov.sg to report such activities.