Right I have been reading about these for a while, most common in the UK are Ritalin and Modafinil it seems. My questions are what are the dangers and side effects? And do they really work?
This is an extremely broad question/topic which I think you need to do some of your own research on first. Ritalin and Modafinil have as far I know never been considered nootropics as well. Check out this thread from PD The Big & Dandy Nootropics Thread and feel free to PM me if you have any questions.