Tak Modafinil as an example:

> The real problems with these drugs are addiction,

Not addictive.

> side effects,

Same as caffeine while active. Irritating comedown after.

> and the phenomenon where you have to take higher doses over time to get the same effect.

Abstaining during weekends helps. The real problem is lack of sleep it can somewhat mask.

> Maybe one day we will get a drug that enhances mental function, that works effectively and has no real downsides.

We already have it. It's called having good company and plenty of rest. The problem is not that we don't perform well in this environment, the problem is that we don't perform well IN THIS ENVIRONMENT.

And then we search for hacks.