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For a number of different reasons, many nootropic users will prefer Adrafinil over Modafinil.
While Modafinil is the drug that has received more attention in the media recently, Adrafinil has largely the same effects with a 30% lower potency.
The two compounds are metabolized differently, with Adrafinil being converted into Modafinil in the body.
The reasons for picking one over the other might simply have to do with geography – Adrafinil is not restricted in the USA while Modafinil is a controlled substance only available with a prescription for serious sleep disorders.
Or it may be motivated by cost – Adrafinil is much cheaper than even generic Modafinil.
If you are deciding between the two, our friend Stephen from the Perfect Version of Yourself blog offers his thoughts in the detailed Adrafinil user review below. There are also some additional shorter user reviews describing other positive Adrafinil experiences.
Some users however do not have a positive experience when taking Adrafinil, typically because of lower then expected benefits or negative side effects. To offer a full picture of the Adrafinil experience and help you determine if this compound is right for you, some of these negative Adrafinil user reviews have been included as well.
Focus
Wakeful- ness
Thinking- Converted into Modafinil by the liver
- Increases energy, wakefulness & motivation
- Boosts mental performance & focus
Stephen’s Adrafinil Review
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“After having taken Modafinil on several rare occasions (all nighter for final exams, speech, and a ten page paper) I wanted to try a form that is available without a prescription, and one that has been reviewed to have almost exactly the same effects. I wasn’t disappointed.
“Adrafanil kicked in after an hour of orally ingesting the substance, one 300 milligram capsule, and immediately I was in the zone, and knew it was the strongest nootropic I had ever taken.
“Vision became clear, colors became brighter, and my heart rate increased ever so slightly, like a combination of coffee and pramiracetam, only without any jitters and few side effects.
“Over the course of five hours, I had written a paper for macroeconomics, studied nearly a hundred pages from my business calculus book, and still had energy for the gym afterwards.
“Adrafanil was again used on several occasions (once a week to minimize tolerance build up) with no sign of tolerance, and virtually no tolerance. When using Adrafanil, limit it only to days in which you have something special that you need to be mentally prepared for (ie: don’t take it every day for class.)
“Use it as an alternative to the common college aid of Adderall when you have to pull an all-nighter, or if you haven’t slept well lately, and need a boost while taking your final exam.
“A warning to those who are prone to having an addictive personality however…please be cautious of the dosage you take. The standard dosage of 300 milligrams is perfect for first timers, and for each and every use…do not let tolerance build up to this substance, and do not take more than 300 milligrams unless you’re REALLY used to taking it (a year or more.)
“Adrafanil is second to none one of the best nootropics I have ever taken (the only thing coming close being modafinil) and it is in a class by itself as far as legal nootropics go.
Adrafinil Legality
“If you haven’t found out already by the way…Modafinil is illegal in the United States without a prescription…HOWEVER, Adrafanil is identical to it in effects, is cheaper, and is legal without a prescription.
“Modafinil/ Adrafanil is a great study drug, and when used once in a blue moon, can greatly improve overall mental performance, keeping your intelligence strong, and constantly challenging your mind to its mental breaking point.
Adrafinil Usage
“I recommend when using this substance, use it on rare occasions only… however if you want it for its biohacking type effects as well, use no more than once a week for most prominent effects.
“And a word to the wise, make sure that after you take Adrafinil, the next day you supplement one gram of L-Tyrosine (found at any local GNC). This will help any minor down regulation of your receptors that may occur when taking Adrafanil, keeping tolerance low, and keeping you in tip top shape.
“So if you’ve been curious, or wanting to try Modafinil, give Adrafinil a shot! If you’re interested in more life hacks/nootropics, feel free to visit perfectversionofyourself.blogspot.com, and check out my book ‘Confessions of an AP Student’ for my story, and how I switched from ADHD medication to nootropics. Enjoy!”
- Increases energy, wakefulness and motivation
- Boosts mental performance and focus
- Supports memory and cognition
Other Users’ Reviews of Adrafinil
Stephen’s review above gives a detailed account of his experiences using Adrafinil as an occasional nootropic compound. Many other users have reported similar experiences, and a select few reviews are given below:
“My first year in college I did reasonably well, but I realized that I really needed some sort of strong effective stimulant to keep me focused and awake. The workload in college was a hell of a lot harder than it was in high school, and I often found myself having to stay up very late to finish all the work I had to do.
To keep myself going I had been using an awful lot of caffeine, first I had guzzled the ever-popular energy drinks and coffee but I ultimately switched to the cheaper, more effective pills. Caffeine, however, wasn’t really cutting it when it came to long-term sleep-deprivation situations. At that point, I heard about Olmifon (adrafanil) and decided to try it.
All in all, adrafanil is really unique as far as stimulants go. It doesn’t give me that ‘bionic’ sort of hyperfocus that the amphetamines do, but it does give me a boost in focus and awakeness that is more effective than caffeine, which is often all I need. Furthermore, that feeling of mental crispness that Olmifon gives is very helpful in some situations where I need to be focused but not jittery or nervous (i.e., when I need to give a presentation).
I’ve noticed that adrafinil is not nearly as effective as are the amphetamines when it comes to doing science or math work, however. For me, it works much better when I’m just trying to study liberal-arts stuff or write a paper or do busywork. That said, it has its place in helping any serious student get the job done and it is even superior to the ‘gold-standard’ amphetamines in terms of it giving mental clarity without nervousness. ” – orlando_to_miami [1]
“I first started using a variety of cognition-enhancing substances (nootropics) when I had a lot of work/study-related pressures and felt it difficult to cope with these pressures. Of all the chemical ones (rather than proper nutritional supplements such as choline, ginkgo biloba, or L-Glutamine) I had tried, this seems to be the one that works best for me, and with the least side effects.
As I had to perform quite well and be quite alert from very early in the morning at times but am not really a ‘morning person’ I decided to try taking it within half an hour of waking and to see where the effects took me. And I think it was more than placebo, because it repeatedly did the same job for me:
ONE (1) 300mg pill would consistently make me feel considerably more alert, confident, talkative and eager to perform in front of a large audience within about half an hour of taking it. This effect would last for about four or five hours before dropping off to baseline. When taken with a good strong cup of coffee (and perhaps with some choline etc.) the effect could be slightly stronger than is comfortable if I wanted to be matter-of-fact and fully in control rather than over-the-top and a little bit jittery.
Taken in the evening, it helped boost energy for a few more hours, not unlike a taurine/b-vit/caffeine based energy drink but without the restless jitters (which are probably due to caffeine, to which I am quite sensitive). […]
I have since used it again on a couple of occasions just to eliminate tiredness with a one 300mg dose, once daytime to get some work done and once nighttime to be sociable. Both times it had the desired efects – subtle, comfortable, but definitely there.
I can see myself using this more often in the future when the need arises due to a demanding lifestyle. But I wouldn’t do it daily, because I do have feeling that even after just one dose taken on a particular day, I tend to feel a little bit more tired the next day, even if I did get adequate sleep the night before. […]” – ximot [2]
- Focus longer, clear brain fog & feel more motivated
- Boost energy, alertnes & memory
- Contains 12 safe and natural nootropic ingredients
Adrafinil Side Effects
Adrafinil is generally well tolerated in most adults who take it at recommended dosages. Some mild side effects have been reported, including headaches, nausea, anxiety, stomach pain, dizziness, skin rash/irritation, insomnia, weight/appetite loss, and restlessness.
Some serious, but rare reactions may occur with Adrafinil use, including the skin and mucous membrane conditions Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). SJS is the most common of the three, and symptoms include, fever, flu-like symptoms, and a red or purple rash that spreads and blisters.
People with certain genetic factors (the presence of certain human leukocyte antigens) have a genetic susceptibility to developing these conditions when they take certain medications, including Adrafinil and Modafinil. Stop taking Adrafinil and speak to your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms.
Another serious concern with taking Adrafinil concerns liver enzymes. The breakdown process of Adrafinil into Modafinil in the liver requires the presence of certain liver enzymes.
While these enzymes are a natural product of the liver and necessary for the breakdown of many different compounds, the potential issue arises if Adrafinil is used on a regular basis. It is hypothesized that levels of these toxic liver enzymes could accumulate if Adrafinil is used regularly and cause liver damage.
Similar warnings are in place for using NSAIDs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen on a regular basis, or drinking regularly. Therefore it is up to the individual to decide how frequently they want to take Adrafinil. It is often recommended to only take it on an occasional basis, when needed.
If you do decide to take Adrafinil more frequently, then it is recommended that you have your liver enzyme levels analyzed by your doctor regularly to keep track of any elevated levels.
Reviews of Lack of Benefits and Side Effects
The following are some reviews from people who did not have positive experiences while taking Adrafinil. Some did not experience the benefits they wanted, and others have had negative side effects.
While most people who take Adrafinil report having a positive experience, it is important to understand that this compound effects everyone differently, and to be aware of the potential negative experiences that can happen.
“My hope was that Adrafinil would allow me to be more productive when I was not well rested. Upon first taking it (600 mg), I thought I was slightly more awake, but wasn’t sure. Over the follow few weeks I ingested various doses every few days (always between 600 and 1200 mg). During this time I became increasing skeptical that the medication was having any effect on my degree of alertness. If it did, the affect was too minor to have been helpful; certainly it was less powerful than a hearty cup of coffee.
The only effect I am certain this chemical had was to make my urine smell strongly. The smell always subsided after I had stopped taking Adrifinil for a day or two.
In conclusion, I would not recommend Adrifinil, though the only significant side effect of all this was that I wasted a little money.” – Robert [3]
“I’m always up for something new, especially where stimulants are concerned. After reading a few moderately positive reports regarding adrafinil, I ordered a box of 40 tablets & gave it a go.
I ate my first tablet after work, a time when I am usually on the tired side. I noticed a slight ‘something’, best described as being slightly more alert, approx. 30 minutes after. This was a very subtle, fleeting feeling, possibly even a placebo effect kind of thing.
I took another 300mg the following morning, followed by 300mg more around four or five hours later. I felt a slight headache-y twinge that went away quickly & nothing more. A 200mg dose of caffeine afterwards got me a tad more jittery than usual, but nothing out of the ordinary. I continued using 600mg a day for around a week, then I stopped as I felt it really wasn’t doing much of anything for me.
This stuff has the side effect of making my urine smell sort of funky (or funkier than usual). I also developed a real bitch of a backache, not sure if this is the ‘inner tension’ some people have reported or even if it was related to the drug at all.
All in all I thought Olmifon was disappointing, I’d prefer ephedrine or even caffeine as a stimulant. It may work well for others, but for me it did next to nothing. ” – Dude Manbrough [4]
“I play ice hockey in a city 2 hours away from me, and I have noticed a significant increase in my reaction time and focus while using Adrafinil approximately 5-6 hours before a game. However, there have been some negative side effects:
-Severe dehydration, occasionally resulting in very bad cramping
-Raised body temperature
-Sleep disruption for up to 3 days after dosing (having trouble sleeping for more than 2-3 hours at a time)
Just a warning to any other athletes that would try it. It’s also worth noting that Modafinil is a tested-for doping substance, so don’t get caught. ” – Hockey Player [5]
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- orlando_to_miami. "An Excellent Study Aid: An Experience with Adrafinil (exp63204)". Erowid.org. May 31, 2007. erowid.org/exp/63204
- ximot. "Various Uses of the Alertness Drug: An Experience with Adrafinil (exp31478)". Erowid.org. Mar 12, 2004. erowid.org/exp/31478
- Robert. "No Noticable Effect: An Experience with Adrafinil (Olmifon) (exp36743)". Erowid.org. Nov 12, 2004. erowid.org/exp/36743
- Dude Manbrough. "Not Much There: An Experience with Adrafinil (Olmifon) (exp78201)". Erowid.org. Apr 20, 2009. erowid.org/exp/78201
- Hockey Player. "Helpful for Athletes but Beware: An Experience with Adrafinil (exp104081)". Erowid.org. Feb 11, 2016. erowid.org/exp/104081
- Siwak CT, Gruet P, Woehrlé F, Muggenburg BA, Murphey HL, Milgram NW. Comparison of the effects of adrafinil, propentofylline, and nicergoline on behavior in aged dogs. Am J Vet Res. 2000
- Siwak CT, Callahan H, Milgram NW. Adrafinil: effects on behavior and cognition in aged canines. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2000
- Rambert FA, Pessonnier J, de Sereville JE, Pointeau AM, Duteil J. [A unique psychopharmacologic profile of adrafinil in mice]. J Pharmacol. 1986
Article last updated on: April 13th, 2018 by Nootriment
1 Comment
Took adrafinil today after a lousy night’s sleep (3 in a row). I was curious about my BP which is normal in recent months but has been high. So, 4 hours after a 300 mg dose My BP is 111/76. My pulse (BPM) is usually at 60 when resting and it is 65. Very cool because I havebeen focused, energized, and productive.
The advise to make a to-do list right after you take adrafiil is solid.