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Adrafinil (Olmifon) is a eugeroic drug used to treat narcolepsy, excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue.
It has been shown to increase wakefulness and is used as a nootropic agent to enhance mental performance and cognitive function.
Adrafinil does pose a risk of side effects and use should be carefully researched before individuals decide to take this smart drug. Adrafinil was developed in the 1970’s, but has not been widely used clinically because it has been replaced by Modafinil.
Modafinil is seen as a safer alternative because it does not need to be metabolized by the liver in order to be converted into its active form. However, not everyone is able to purchase Modafinil where they live and Adrafinil is seen as a less expensive alternative.
Many people are interested in ordering Adrafinil for its purported ability to promote brain function, energy levels, attention span, productivity and to alleviate signs of sleep deprivation.
As significant as the potential benefits of Adrafinil are, there are also important concerns about negative effects and risks linked to long-term use.
What are the known Adrafinil side effects and is this drug safe to use? Also, what steps can you take to minimize adverse reactions while still achieving the purported nootropic effects?
Focus
Wakeful- ness
Thinking- Converted into Modafinil by the liver
- Increases energy, wakefulness & motivation
- Boosts mental performance & focus
Adrafinil Side Effects and Reactions
Related Topics
As with any drug, it is critical to understand that each individual user will respond differently to Adrafinil.
What this means is that some users may not notice any unwanted side effects, while other users may notice some mild but tolerable side effects
A few may experience many side effects or negative reactions that are severe enough for those users to discontinue Adrafinil.
Some of the most commonly reported side effects of Adrafinil include headaches, anxiety, skin issues, and stomach aches. These are comparable to the most commonly reported adverse effects of Modafinil use.
In comparison to the stimulant-based side effects of drugs commonly taken for similar purposes, Adrafinil, Modafinil and Armodafinil are believed to be safer.
For example, Adrafinil does not cause the same degree of Central Nervous System stimulation as is typical of amphetamines. There is also a lower risk of withdrawal symptoms, tolerance or addiction.
However, Adrafinil does have a higher risk of negative effects compared to other agents used as nootropic supplements.
Below is a comprehensive list of these and other reported side effects of Adrafinil based on user reviews and research analysis.
1. Anxiety
Adrafinil increases dopamine and norepinephrine to improve psychomotor vigilance. For some individuals, simultaneous increases in certain neurotransmitters, including dopamine and norepinephrine, can trigger feelings of anxiety.
If you experience anxiety when using Adrafinil, you may wish to reduce your dosage. If you continue to experience anxiety, Adrafinil may not be a good match for you.
Individuals who are prone to anxiety or suffering from PTSD or other conditions related to anxiety should be especially careful when taking Adrafinil.
Check with your doctor about using this cognitive enhancer if you have been diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder, another mood disorder or are taking medications to treat anxiety and related symptoms.
2. Headaches
One of the most commonly reported side effects of Adrafinil is headaches ranging in severity from very mild to quite severe.
Some users may even experience intense migraines, especially those users with a history of migraines.
Many users who experience headaches with Adrafinil find them to be dose dependent, meaning that higher doses produce more severe headaches. Adrafinil headaches are thought to be caused by constricted blood vessels or other changes in blood flow.
Use of Aspirin or supplements that have a vasodilation effect on blood vessels in the brain may minimize this side effect.
3. Stomach Pain
Some users experience abdominal pain or belly aches while taking the drug. This may be somewhat more likely to occur with high doses, though some users may experience pain at any dose.
In extreme cases, pain may be the result of liver toxicity or other serious condition. If you experience abdominal pain, talk to your doctor about checking your liver function, especially if the pain is severe or does not ease up with a lower dose.
4. Nausea
Nausea is not a common side effect of Adrafinil, but is one that may have a couple of different causes.
Mild nausea is typically due to hyper arousal or the presence of excess histamines in the body. High levels of histamines or an intolerance of histamines can cause nausea for some.
However, if you experience nausea the first time you take Adrafinil, or if you experience severe nausea, or if nausea is accompanied by a rash, seek medical attention as these may be symptoms of a severe reaction.
Some people may experience transient digestive discomfort when taking bulk Adrafinil powder. If this occurs, you may want to consume this drug with food or with a meal to minimize the gastrointestinal discomfort.
5. Skin Rash, Irritation and Itching
Adrafinil and similar compounds are thought to stimulate the release of histamines throughout the body, which are known to cause itching. In those users who experience this side effect, itching is typically mild and widespread, like having dry skin or a mild allergic reaction.
While this side effect is typically mild, it is still a good idea to consult with a medical professional to rule out a more serious reaction or other serious condition.
Some people may experience skin rashes, redness, dry skin, hives or other irritations when they take this medication.
In very rare cases, Adrafinil is believed to have the potential to trigger the onset of certain very serious conditions such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, or DRESS Syndrome.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome has been identified as a possible side effect of using Modafinil, but at a frequency similar to the expected occurrence rate in the general population. There is debate about whether Modafinil actually causes this condition or not.
While mild itching is common with Adrafinil, if you start to develop rash, hives, blisters, or swelling, or if you develop intense itching, seek immediate medical attention to rule out or treat a serious condition.
6. Insomnia and Sleep Disturbances
Adrafinil was formulated to increase wakefulness and has been used to treat extreme fatigue and excessive daytime sleepiness.
Using it too late in the day can cause insomnia or disruptions to normal sleep patterns. This is to be expected given the drug’s intended purpose.
Adrafinil may increase sleep latency, which is the amount of time it takes to fall asleep at night. Some people say that it makes them forget about the need to sleep and eliminates feelings of being tired for up to 12 hours following administration.
The increased wakefulness is likely due to increases in certain neurotransmitters linked to regulation of sleep cycles and/or suppression of certain slow brain waves.
Insomnia is more likely when using Adrafinil at high doses or late in the day. Taking Adrafinil very early in the morning or lowering the dose (or both) can help mitigate this effect.
Depending on how quickly your body metabolizes this substance and its active metabolite Modafinil, you may be more or less susceptible to experiencing this adverse effect.
Adrafinil can disrupt circadian rhythms, making it not only difficult to sleep, but also making it harder to stay awake during the day. It may impair sleep quality and make it difficult to achieve deep, restful sleep.
Adrafinil can also impair your brain’s ability to produce the slower delta waves needed for normal sleep stages. This can make it hard to stay asleep and can make you feel tired the next day.
Inability to cycle through normal sleep stages through the night can also lead to daytime drowsiness, even without nighttime waking.
However, Adrafinil is also used to mitigate the effect of sleep deprivation. It appears to improve mental performance in people who get low sleep quality (due to medical conditions like sleep apnea) or in shift workers who are constantly experiencing interrupted circadian rhythms.
7. Weight Loss and Appetite Suppression
Any type of stimulate, and eugeroics are no exception, can suppress your appetite. Like headaches, appetite suppression is dose dependent, so the more Adrafinil you take, the more likely you are to notice reduced appetite or for appetite suppression to be more significant.
While it is not known exactly why this occurs, it is thought that stimulation of the autonomic nervous system, combined with increases in norepinephrine and dopamine may be responsible.
Prolonged appetite suppression can be expected to result in weight loss. Between the side effects of hyperarousal, increased metabolism, appetite suppression, and occasional nausea, it is no surprise that many regular Adrafinil users lose weight.
- Increases energy, wakefulness and motivation
- Boosts mental performance and focus
- Supports memory and cognition
8. Jitters and Restlessness
A commonly reported side effect of Adrafinil is hyperexcitability. Adrafinil increases neurophysiological arousal, which can lead to heightened sensitivity to stimuli and extreme reactions.
Many Adrafinil users find themselves feeling jittery, nervous, unable to relax or find themselves with an urge to fidget.
This may manifest as restlessness, photosensitivity, inability to tolerate loud noises, or uncontrolled movement.
This can be hard to manage, but is typically an indication that your dosage is too high. A lower dose should eliminate, or at least, reduce the jitters.
It may also be recommended to reduce the use of other stimulants in your supplementation regimen or your diet. Combining Adrafinil with coffee or other sources of caffeine can worsen jitters and fidgeting.
If you are a beginner trying Adrafinil for the first time, or are considering increasing your dosage, take it with the expectation that it may cause you to feel over-excited and plan your day accordingly.
You may want to combine it with other relaxing supplements that can prevent restlessness. Drinking lemon balm or chamomile tea, consuming it with L-Theanine supplements or using it alongside a GABA booster or other mild anti-anxiety aid may prevent feeling anxious or nervous.
9. Difficulty Focusing
Most people who take Adrafinil are using it to boost their focus, attention span, mental energy and executive function. But at high dosages, this substance may make it harder to concentrate.
Any substance that increases arousal can cause restlessness, and Adrafinil is no exception. This may lead to an inability to direct focus towards intended tasks.
Feeling jittery or unable to stop moving is an indication that you are overstimulated. Overstimulation can make it difficult to focus, so may temporarily impair your cognitive ability.
If you find this to be true for you, lowering your dose may reduce or even eliminate this side effect.
10. Elevated Blood Pressure
While Adrafinil is not a conventional stimulant, it does increase arousal and may cause changes in blood pressure regulation as well as vasodilation and vasoconstriction.
While it is not entirely clear how this occurs, it is thought to boost concentrations of norepinephrine and other stimulating neurotransmitters, activate the sympathetic nervous system, and alter neuroelectric activity.
It is these effects that are thought to increase blood pressure. Because of this possibility, it is important to monitor your blood pressure while using Adrafinil and seek medical attention if blood pressure becomes elevated.
Those who have pre-existing high blood pressure (hypertension) should consult with a doctor before using Adrafinil to determine whether it is safe to use.
If you are taking any medications for hypertension or hypotension, be aware of the possible interactions between this drug and those prescription pharmaceutical agents.
11. Dizziness
Any substance that influences neurological function can cause dizziness, as can heightened stimulation, changes in blood flow, or increased anxiety.
For most users that experience dizziness while using Adrafinil, the side effect is generally mild. If you experience dizziness, a lower dose may help.
If you experience severe dizziness that is not helped by lowering the dosage, it may become necessary to discontinue use.
Some people may experience Orthostatic hypotension when taking Adrafinil. This is a form of low blood pressure that occurs when you transition from sitting down to standing up.
If you become dizzy when standing up, this may be the cause. In most cases, this is not a serious side effect. It may result in light-headedness or seeing stars in some people. In more serious cases, this could increase the risk of fainting.
12. Irritability or Increased Hostility
Some Adrafinil users report increased agitation and restlessness. This side effect is often dose dependent, meaning that the side effect is more commonly reported, and more significant, at higher doses.
Lowering the dose will, for most users, reduce or eliminate this side effect. Eliminating the concomitant use of other stimulants can also minimize this effect.
Users who have a history of anxiety related disorders should be cautious, as they may be more likely to experience this side effect, or to experience high levels of agitation.
Sympathetic nervous system stimulation causing a fight or flight reaction, combined with increases in certain neurotransmitters, can lead to feelings of irritability.
Other issues of irritability related to Adrafinil use may be caused by suppression of theta brain waves as well as hyperstimulation due to high doses. Irritability may be reduced by lowering the dose.
13. Liver Toxicity
Liver damage is a serious potential side effect most often associated with long term use, especially at high doses. There is insufficient research available to quantify this risk.
Any drug that gets metabolized by the liver has the potential to increase strain on hepatic function. For people with impaired liver function to begin with, this may be especially problematic.
The risk to liver health has been described as comparable to that of taking Tylenol or NSAID pain medications. However, there is no published clinical study data available to evaluate this claim.
Adrafinil can cause elevated levels of certain liver enzymes, including hepatic alkaline phosphatase, SGPT, GGPT, and SGOT. Increases in these enzymes can indicate possible compromised liver function or injury.
Because of this possibility, many users prefer drugs such as Modafinil, due to their lower impact on the liver. Modafinil does not need to be metabolized by the liver for it to become active in the body.
Some users take supplements known to support liver function, such as milk thistle extract and N-Acetyl Cysteine, to help lower this risk, but there is no evidence that these supplements are effective at mitigating liver damage.
Long term Adrafinil users would be wise to have their liver function tested periodically, and Adrafinil should be discontinued if signs of liver damage appear.
It is recommended to avoid taking this cognitive enhancer with other drugs or alcohol. If you have a history of heavy alcohol use or other conditions that impact liver health, consult with a doctor before taking this or any drug.
14. Muscle Tension
Some Adrafinil users experience significant increase in muscle tension, which can cause pain, stiffness, or cramping. If you experience tension or muscle pain, you may want to lower your dose and work to manage your stress response.
This is typically reported to consist of neck and shoulder tension or jaw clamping and teeth grinding. Some people say that this nootropic substance causes them to feel like their muscles are clenched or excessively tight.
Activation of the sympathetic nervous system tends to increase anxiety, stress, nervousness, and tension. Progressive relaxation exercises may help reduce muscle tension caused by Adrafinil.
15. Allergic Reaction
Adrafinil tends to stimulate histamine release in some users, causing symptoms similar to those of seasonal allergies. This may include runny nose or itching in the throat.
If you experience these when using Adrafinil, it is likely due to increase histamine production triggered by Adrafinil.
If you have been diagnosed with serious allergies, this substance could theoretically increase your intolerance and worsen allergic reactions.
Seek emergency medical attention if you develop signs of an allergic reaction after taking Adrafinil. Signs can include difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat, hives, skin peeling or vomiting.
16. Facial Tics (Orofacial Dyskinesia)
A rare but serious side effect of Adrafinil is orofacial dyskinesia, the technical term for facial tics. This adverse effect has been observed in a small percentage of patients being treated with long-term use of Modafinil.
These tics take the form of repeated involuntary movements of the muscles in the face and mouth. Some people may be more susceptible to the development of tics, including anyone diagnosed with Tourette syndrome.
In some who experience this side effect, the tics disappear soon after Adrafinil is discontinued, while others continue to experience the tics long term. However, it is possible that tics can be permanent.
There are a couple of theories as to why this side effects occurs including increased dopamine and inadequate metabolism by the liver. If you notice tics while taking Adrafinil, stop using it immediately and seek medical attention.
17. Rapid Heartbeat
Unusually rapid heartbeat, known as tachycardia, may occur in some users. In some people, this side effect may be bothersome, but is generally harmless, while in others it may be more serious.
If you notice any changes in heart rhythms while taking Adrafinil, it is important to see a doctor to rule out serious heart problems. Tachycardia is a common side effect of any substance that increases neurophysiological activity.
Anyone with a heart condition or history of heart problems should consult with a medical professional before using Adrafinil to avoid the possibility of causing more damage.
Some users have experienced changes in heart rhythm with Modafinil and Armodafinil. It is possible that Adrafinil use, especially prolonged use or high doses, can increase the risk of heart problems even with those without a history of cardiovascular issues.
18. Heart Palpitations
Heart palpitations are described as abnormal heartbeats where it may feel like your heart is skipping a beat or is beating excessively hard. It is characterized by abnormal awareness of cardiac muscle contractions.
Palpitations commonly occur as a result of increased arousal, so it is not surprising that Adrafinil and other related drugs can cause palpitations as a side effect.
Because Adrafinil increases awareness and vigilance, you may find yourself noticing this reaction more than you might otherwise. If this side effect bothers you, you may find relief from lowering your dose and practicing some stress reduction techniques.
While most cases of palpitations with Adrafinil are harmless, it is a good idea to talk to you doctor if you experience this side effect to ensure that it is not a sign of something more serious.
Stop taking this smart drug and seek medical attention if heart palpitations continue after use or if you experience chest tightness or pain following a dosage.
19. Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is a common side effect of Adrafinil and stimulants in general. Many users experience dry mouth as a result of decreased salivary production.
For some users, dry mouth (xerostomia, cottonmouth) subsides over time as the body adjusts to the drug, while others notice it only gets worse.
Dry mouth may seem like a minor annoyance, but can lead to bad breath, cavities, and gum disease. There are mouth rinses and sprays designed for those who experience dry mouth as a side effect of medications and may be worth trying temporarily while you adjust.
If dry mouth does not subside or gets worse, it may be a good idea to stop using Adrafinil.
20. Sweating and Changes to Body Odor
Excessive sweating, either through the day or at night, is a common side effect of any substance that changes neurochemistry.
For some users, this side effect is temporary will subside as the body adjusts, but severe sweating that does not subside is a sign that Adrafinil is not a good fit.
Some users report that sweating (Hyperhidrosis) is especially prevalent at night. Increasing consumption of water may help to minimize loss of hydration, but may cause greater sweating.
Another adverse effect reported on some websites is changes in body odor. It is unclear why Adrafinil causes this effect in some people, but it is presumed to be made worse with long-term use.
21. Photophobia
Some websites cite photophobia as a possible side effect of using Adrafinil. Photophobia is defined as abnormal sensitivity or discomfort to the sensation of light.
Users may become more sensitive to the visual perception of bright lights. This may be linked to pupil dilation which inhibits the homeostatic ability of the eyes to regulate pupil size when exposed to light.
If you experience this side effect, make sure to wear sunglasses when out during the day and you may want to keep the lights low in your work environment.
Photophobia may worsen the occurrence of headaches linked to use of this smart drug.
22. Increased Libido
Some users report feeling hypersexual when they take this nootropic smart drug. This may manifest as an increases sex drive or as heightened erectile function.
This has been described as “extreme libido” by some individuals and may become bothersome or annoying if it interferes with normal activities.
The opposite may also occur in some individuals. Users have reported low libido and reduced interest in sex when taking Modafinil and the same is possible with Adrafinil.
Another side effect linked to Modafinil is longer time required to achieve orgasm.
Additional Adverse Effects
In addition to the side effects reported above from Adrafinil use, this cognitive enhancer may also cause adverse effects that have been reported with taking Modafinil.
Modafinil has been more widely researched and used as a clinical therapy. As such, there is vastly more information available about side effect risks and frequencies linked to taking this drug.
This does not mean that Modafinil is more dangerous than Adrafinil; the contrary is likely true. However, the list of known side effects associated with Modafinil is longer than that of Adrafinil.
Some of the side effect warnings associated with Modafinil (Provigil) use include:
- Nervousness or agitation
- Nausea or diarrhea
- Fever, sore threat, vomiting
- Bruising, increased risk of bleeding
- Tingling in the extremities, numbness
- Muscle weakness
- Sores or white patches in the mouth
- Hallucinations
- Abnormal thoughts or behaviors
- Chest pain
- Depression
- Aggression
Consult with a doctor before taking Adrafinil to determine whether it is appropriate for you to use. Monitor yourself closely for side effects when you first start taking this drug and seek medical attention should any worrying reactions occur.
While the risk of dangerous side effects may be small, it is important that you speak to a medical professional to understand these conditions and make sure that you can recognize the signs before they develop.
It is always best to be overly cautious and for this reason you may not want to continue using Adrafinil for long periods of time. Occasional usage will likely reduce some of this risk.
Mechanisms Of Action
What are the main ways that Adrafinil affects the brain? In answering this question, it is important to understand that Adrafinil is turned into the drug Modafinil when it reaches your liver.
As such, the mechanism of Adrafinil is almost identical to Modafinil (Provigil). It is referred to as a pro-drug for this analeptic substance.
We can supplement the relatively limited research on Adrafinil pathways specially with the extensive understanding we have of how Modafinil works.
The effects of this drug on the brain all revolve around regulating several different chemicals, hormones, and neurotransmitters that affect wakefulness, arousal, attention and processes related to thinking and consciousness.
Some of the cognitive benefits produced are thought to be the result of Adrafinil stimulating and binding to excitatory Glutamate receptors. This increases activity of this neurotransmitter that is involved in the development of memory and other cognitive processes.
Adrafinil also has a positive effect on dopamine neurotransmission. With greater dopamine activity in certain regions of the brain, this may enhance focus, mental drive, goal-oriented behavior and have a positive effect on emotional state. The neurotransmitter dopamine has a significant effect on mood, stress, energy and anxiety levels.
This eugeroic nootropic drug is also thought to increase the production or presence of Hypocretin, another neurotransmitter which helps to control how awake and alert a person feels. As the level of this chemical is increased, it also leads to increased production of Histamine and Catecholamines like Norepinephrine.
These brain chemicals all are well established as having a direct effect on energy levels. Norepinephrine in particular is very similar to adrenaline and is implicated in greater awareness, concentration, ability to resist distractions as well as task salience.
The adrenergic system in general is activated in times of high risk or stress to dramatically increase alertness and concentration, similar to the experience of an adrenalin rush. This is described as the “fight or flight” response.
By artificially stimulating this system, Adrafinil can promote increased mental energy, productiveness and drive.
It was initially introduced to the market as a treatment for excessive sleepiness, obstructive sleep apnea, and to improve alertness in patients with shift-work sleep disorder.
Its therapeutic use has been supplanted by Modafinil which is perceived to be safer and more efficacious at a lower dosage. However, some people still choose to use Adrafinil because this unregulated substance does not require a prescription.
There have also been studies looking at the effects of Modafinil on Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and both Modafinil and Adrafinil are currently used as an off-label treatment for this condition in the United States. However, it has not been approved by the FDA for this use.
Some people take Adrafinil because it is much cheaper to buy than Modafinil (Provigil) or Armodafinil (Nuvigil). If your doctor has prescribed Modafinil to you for ADHD or some other off-label use, your insurance company might not cover the cost of this drug.
A number of insurance companies will not pay for medications used to treat off-label conditions. In these cases, the cost of Modafinil can be prohibitive to cover out-of-pocket. Adrafinil has been used because it is cheaper by a factor of 10. However, you should clear this use with your doctor before considering such an alternative.
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How to Prevent Side Effects
Each person who uses Adrafinil will have a different experience. Some people will experience no noticeable side effects with Adrafinil, while others may experience many bothersome side effects, or even severe reactions.
The number and severity of side effects is individualized, but there are a few factors that can increase the likelihood and severity of many side effects.
These factors include dosing, frequency of use, other substances taken, duration of use, and efficacy of hepatic metabolism.
There are several steps you can take to minimize the risk of side effects or reduce their severity. Following general practices of responsible use is important to prevent harmful adverse reactions to this drug.
Safe Dosage Range
Nearly every side effect of just about any substance available is more likely to occur with higher doses. As more Adrafinil is taken, it has a greater impact on the body, requires more liver metabolism, and more metabolites are formed.
More Adrafinil in the body means that it is having a greater effect on physiological processes throughout the body. The more these processes are impacted, the more noticeable the impact becomes.
Adrafinil is typically used at a dosage of 300 mg – 600 mg per day. Most beginners will start by taking 150 mg to gauge tolerance and then gradually increasing to this range.
Higher doses of Adrafinil can consist of 600-1200 mg per day. Those using around 600mg or less will notice fewer side effects than someone taking 1200 mg or more and the side effects that are produced will likely be less bothersome at the lower end of the range.
Do not use more of this nootropic agent than required to achieve the desired effects. If you experience sufficient increases in alertness and wakefulness at 300 mg per day, there is no reason to take more than this amount as it may not produce greater benefits and may worsen side effects.
Frequency of Use
Some users take their full daily dose of Adrafinil at one time, while others split the dosage and take it twice per day.
Some side effects, such as restlessness and jitters, may be more pronounced when taking a full dose at one time, due to having more of the drug in the body at one time.
Others, such as insomnia and sleep disturbances, may be more pronounced when taking it twice a day. This would be caused by still having it in the body at bedtime as opposed to having metabolised the full dose earlier in the day.
It is recommended to start with one dosage per day, taken early in the morning. You can then experiment with different dosage scheduled to determine the best time of day to take it for your needs.
If you experience side effects like insomnia, agitation, anxiety or jitters, using it less frequently or only on certain occasions may be recommended.
Stacks and Co-Ingested Substances
Taking supplements, medications, or other stimulating substances with Adrafinil may increase the number and severity of side effects you may experience.
This is especially true when using Adrafinil with amphetamines or other Central Nervous System stimulants that can increase some of the effects or have some of the same potential side effects.
It should also not be co-ingested with alcohol or other medications that put additional strain on liver function. If you take pharmaceutical drugs for the treatment of a medical condition, check with your doctor before combining these drugs with Adrafinil.
Adrafinil is metabolised in the liver with hepatic enzymes. This process converts the pro-drug into modafinil, which is in turn metabolized into other substances.
A number of different, yet similar, enzymatic pathways are thought to be at work in this process, including: CYP1A2, CYP3A4, CYP2B6, and CYP2C19.
Any substance that influences the function of any of these pathways, such as Prozac, Luvox, or Melobemide, can slow Adrafinil metabolism, leaving it to circulate through the body longer, which is likely to lead to more side effects and greater severity of side effects.
When trying something new, it is always a good idea to use it alone to see how it affects you before using it with other substances.
While Adrafinil is not regulated in the United States by the FDA, it should still be treated as a powerful drug with the potential for serious adverse effects.
Even substances that do not affect the same liver enzymes can still interact with Adrafinil in other ways, particularly neurochemically, that can trigger side effects.
Duration of Use
The long-term safety of Adrafinil has not been assessed. It should not be used for extended periods of time without taking frequent breaks.
Some side effects of Adrafinil will subside over time as the body adjusts, while other side effects may not be noticeable until after extended use.
If you notice side effects soon after starting Adrafinil, you may want to consider lowering your dose and gradually increasing until you find the optimal dose to produce the effects you want with a minimum of side effects.
If you have been taking Adrafinil for a while and are starting to notice side effects, or if you experience them getting worse, it may due to either increased dosing as a result of building up tolerance, or could be due to cumulative changes in neurophysiology or liver function from long term use.
In this case, it may be necessary to discontinue use of Adrafinil for a period of weeks or months to allow the body to clear Adrafinil and return to normal physiologic function.
Liver Function and Genetics
Those with liver impairment or compromised liver function should be very cautious and talk to a doctor before taking any new drug or supplement and should not use Adrafinil.
Impaired liver function is known to decrease levels of many enzymes, including those involved in Adrafinil metabolism. Decreased enzymes can cause blood levels of Adrafinil and certain metabolites to build up, leading to increased side effects.
Before using Adrafinil, it is a good idea to have your liver enzymes checked to ensure that your liver is functioning adequately. Any pre-existing liver impairment, even undiagnosed or asymptomatic impairment, can increase the risk of toxicity and side effects.
Even if your liver is functioning well, it is a good idea to have regular blood testing done to ensure Adrafinil is not causing liver problems.
Expression of genetic polymorphisms affecting the enzymes used in metabolising Adrafinil may make those enzymes unable to metabolize Adrafinil adequately. Those with any of these polymorphisms may be more likely to experience side effects.
Purchase from Trusted Sources
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the production of foods and medications.
Because Adrafinil is not regulated by the FDA, there are no regulations ensuring that it is only produced by licensed pharmaceutical companies according to strict quality guidelines.
This means you can easily obtain Adrafinil from labs all over the world without being able to verify that it is not contaminated with impurities. Contamination or other quality control issues may increase the risk of side effects.
Theoretically, every Adrafinil product should be chemically identical, but users often report different side effects when using product from different sources.
It is likely that the products causing greater side effects are produced by manufacturers who have not conducted adequate testing or who have lower quality standard in place.
Considering the risk of impurities, contaminants, or even a bad batch could produce serious side effects that may not necessarily be experienced with a pure, high quality product, it is worth paying a little extra to be sure of a high quality, pure product.
Some users may even prefer to obtain a prescription for a similar drug such as Nuvigil or Provigil. These medications are produced in facilities subject to greater FDA regulation and must conform to standards of pharmaceutical-grade manufacturing.
This is also why these brand-name products cost significantly more than Modafinil or Armodafinil brands sold by online pharmacies based in India or other international sources.
Is Adrafinil Safe?
Adrafinil does pose a risk of side effects and may not be appropriate for everyone to take. It is one of the most widely used nootropic agents today and there is a low reported prevalence of serious side effects.
There are steps you can take to minimize the likelihood of negative effects when using this cognitive enhancer. Taking an appropriate dosage, using it sparingly, consulting with a doctor and not combining it with alcohol can help to keep you safe while taking it.
Always start out with the lowest effective dose, between 100 to 150 mg and only increase the dose gradually from there as needed. In no instances should an amount of 300 mg per day be exceeded without the advice of a physician.
It is legal to use without a prescription in the USA and the same applies to most other countries like Canada, Australia, and Mexico. In the United Kingdom, it qualifies under the Psychoactive Substances Act of 2016 and now requires a prescription to import to the UK.
Keeping in mind the risks of liver issues, one should consider using an on-off type of cycle to prevent tolerance and the build-up of excess liver enzymes.
If you are concerned about the risk of negative side effects from taking Adrafinil, there are other nootropic supplements that you can look into with a lower risk of safety problems.
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Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment