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What is Adrafinil, and is it legal to buy and possess in the USA without a prescription?
Adrafinil (Olmifon, CRL-40028) was initially developed in France by the pharmaceutical company Lafon Laboratories.
It was sold in Europe for the treatment of narcolepsy, excessive daytime fatigue and other sleep disorders. In 2011, this drug was discontinued after French authorities removed the marketing approval for the drug.
Use of Adrafinil has largely been replaced by Modafinil, the compound which it is metabolized into within the body. This substance remains unregulated in the United States, Canada and other countries which means you can buy it without a prescription.
This article examines the current legal status of adrafinil in the United States. The uses, benefits, safety and dosing recommendations for this product are also reviewed.
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Thinking- Converted into Modafinil by the liver
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Adrafinil in the USA
Related Topics
The use of adrafinil powder and capsules in the USA is increasing like it is in many other countries.
Adrafinil is used as a smart drug to increase energy levels, wakefulness and mental performance.
Research shows that Adrafinil becomes active in the body after being converted by the liver into Modafinil. This compound has been shown to promote memory performance, mental acuity and cognitive function.
Many people use coffee, other caffeinated beverages or natural stimulants to help them get them motivated and moving in the mornings. However, these substances can sometimes cause an “energy crash” just a few hours after ingestion.
There are other possible problems linked to regular caffeine use as well – including tolerance, dependence, anxiousness, jitteriness, nausea and frequent urination.
Adrafinil is considered to be a potent eugeroic agent. It stimulates the CNS (central nervous system) without causing amphetamine-like side effects. [1]
Adrafinil is commonly used to help students focus longer at school and remember more information when studying. It is also used by working individuals who want to boost their productivity and motivation.
Its effects are said to be longer-lasting and to not have the negative effects of stimulants. Furthermore, this drug is legal over-the-counter whereas Modafinil (Provigil) requires a prescription from a doctor.
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Legal Status
Currently, it is 100% legal to possess, purchase and use adrafinil in the USA. The US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not regulate its use or distribution. [1]
Adrafinil has not been approved by the FDA for any specific clinical uses. This drug was formerly prescribed in France and certain parts of Europe for the treatment of excessive sleepiness and narcolepsy.
However, it is no longer approved in France and its sale as a pharmaceutical agent has been discontinued around the world. It has been replaced by Modafinil (Provigil), which is considered to be more effective and safer to take.
Because adrafinil is not classified as a controlled substance in the United States, the US DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) has no jurisdiction over their sale, purchase or use.
The current legal status of adrafinil in the USA is that citizens may buy and use it at will. They are free to purchase adrafinil from domestic or foreign merchants.
Because of regulations, adrafinil may not be included in multi-ingredient health or nootropic supplements. However, it is sold as a single-ingredient compound.
Comparison to Modafinil
Adrafinil is a prodrug of another eurogeric nootropic called Modafinil. That means that it gets metabolized into modafinil inside the liver. [2]
Modafinil is a controlled substance in the USA, and it requires a prescription for use. The FDA has approved modafinil for use in treating various wakefulness disorders such as excessive daytime sleepiness, narcolepsy, and shift work sleep disorder.
Because adrafinil gets converted into modafinil, some of its effects are similar to this compound. However, many users say that they do not feel the same benefits when they take this product compared to Modafinil.
Furthermore, Adrafinil can increase demand on the liver as it must first go through hepatic metabolism in order to become active. This can cause liver enzyme levels to increase with regular use.
At least for the time being, adrafinil is legal without a prescription for residents of the United States while modafinil requires a doctor’s prescription to buy or use.
How Does It Work?
Adrafinil was formulated in the 1970s by Louis Lafon Laboratories in France. It was developed as an alertness-enhancing drug that could provide stimulant benefits without stimulant dangers like increased heart rate, higher blood pressure and the risk of dependency. [3]
Beginning in 1986, adrafinil was offered in France as a prescription-only medicine for treating narcolepsy. By the early 2000’s, it was not being prescribed as widely because people began using the active version Modafinil instead.
It works by getting converted into modafinil in the body. Researchers think that this compound has several mechanisms of action within the brain and affects various neurotransmitter systems including histamine (HA), norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), orexin and serotonin (5-HT).
Use of this nootropic agent can promote increased wakefulness and alertness without causing hyperactivity or related side effects.
Adrafinil is often referred to as the strongest nootropic available without a prescription. The compound it gets converted into has been shown in cell, animal and some small human studies to: [3]
- Enhance problem-solving abilities;
- Improve focus and concentration;
- Support long-term memory;
- Increase motivation levels;
- Increase mental energy;
- Improve reaction times;
- Promote a positive mood;
Note that adrafinil has not been studied in the USA in large double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized human trials. Most of the research available comes from France and is several decades old.
The majority of clinical studies conducted today use Modafinil (Provigil) or Armodafinil (Waklert). More research is needed to understand the difference in effects between these substances.
However, because Adrafinil is no longer used clinically, it is unlikely that it will be studied in clinical trials in the future.
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Guide to Using
It is best to consult your doctor about beginning to use any nootropic compound, including adrafinil.
Adrafinil is legal in the USA without a prescription, but there are some safety concerns. You should seek professional medical advice about before starting to use this product.
If you have a legitimate medical reason for taking this drug, there is also the possibility that your doctor will write you a prescription for modafinil instead, which would be more effective and reliable.
It has been recommended by manufacturers to begin using adrafinil at low-level divided daily doses of 200-300 mg. [3]
Some people take 100 mg doses 2-3 times daily, to begin with, and then slowly increase, or decrease that amount as they see fit. [2]
It is not recommended to take more than 600 mg daily. This would increase the risks of various mild-to-severe side effects.
Studies suggest that lower doses are just as effective at enhancing cognitive function as higher doses. More research is needed to determine the optimal dose.
Online sources recommend that users cycle the use of adrafinil, taking it on a two-week-on and two-week-off rotation. Some users describe taking it three days per week for up to five months and then cycling off for one month before restarting usage. [3]
Using smart drugs cycles will reduce the risk of developing dependence and tolerance.
Adrafinil should only be used long-term under the close supervision of a doctor. Liver enzyme levels should be monitored consistently throughout long-term supplementation periods.
Adrafinil is recommended to be taken on an empty stomach. Take the first daily dose with a full glass of water upon waking in the morning.
The effectiveness of any dosage can be increased by waiting at least an hour after taking it to eat.
Many people choose not to take doses after late-morning because it might keep them awake too late if they do.
Adrafinil has a slower onset of effects than some other stimulants. It can take up to an hour to notice its effects.One the effects begin to kick in, users report experiencing increased mental and physical energy.
Users commonly report feeling the effects for up to 8 hours after taking a dose. Some users report feeling the effects for up to 16 hours.
Precautions
Adrafinil is reported to be well tolerated in most healthy adults. [3] Many user reviews describe low rates of side effects with an increased sense of well-being.
However, there is a possibility of elevated liver enzymes with long-term or excessive use. [2]
Some mild adrafinil side effects that have been reported by users include diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, back pain, skin irritation, and insomnia.
Rare, but more serious possible side effects include trouble swallowing or breathing, decreased alertness, peeling or blistered skin, face swelling or serious rashes.
If any serious side effects occur after using this product, discontinue use and contact your doctor right away.
Both adrafinil and modafinil are banned as stimulant substances according to WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency).
Always take plenty of water along with adrafinil or other dietary supplements.
Conclusion
The US FDA has not approved adrafinil for any therapeutic purpose. However, it has approved the related drugs Modafinil and Armodafinil.
Modafinil is a controlled substance in the USA and Canada. It is a prescription-only drug and can be difficult to obtain a prescription for unless you have a legitimate medical need for it.
Because adrafinil is an inactive prodrug of modafinil, the mechanisms and effects are expected to be similar to those of modafinil. [2]
Buying Adrafinil in the USA is legal. This compound does not require a doctor’s prescription and can be purchased online on numerous websites.
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Article last updated on: July 10th, 2018 by Nootriment