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If you are looking into using either Adrafinil vs Modafinil to give you more energy and vitality, you might be curious as to what the main differences between these smart drugs are.
These are two of the most popular cognitive enhancement drugs available today with considerable benefits recorded for speed of cognition, memory, productivity and general alertness.
Those of us with superior intelligence, drive, focus, and other mental powers have a distinct advantage in almost every area of life and business. As work and academic environments become even more competitive, the edge that these kind of nootropics provide is becoming increasingly sought-after.
So which is the best Eugeroic drug to use – Adrafinil vs Modafinil? Adrafinil and Modafinil offer very similar effects, but there are some key distinctions between the two in terms of mechanism of action, side effects, and most notably legal status. It might be helpful to take a closer look at the effects of each in an effort to determine if one really is better than the other.
Focus
Wakeful- ness
Thinking- Converted into Modafinil by the liver
- Increases energy, wakefulness & motivation
- Boosts mental performance & focus
Adrafinil Benefits
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Adrafinil was first discovered in 1974 by French chemists. It was discovered that the compound had psychostimulant-like qualities, and promoted wakefulness and activity in animal trials. Consequently, the original human clinical trials on Adrafinil used the medication for treating sleep problems, specifically narcolepsy.
Adrafinil is still being used in many parts of Europe in the treatment of narcolepsy and sleep apnea. There previously was a brand-name version of Adrafinil, Olmifon, that was sold by the French pharmacetical company Cephalon, but this specific product is no longer produced. Generic Adrafinil is still available for sale from other sources.
One of the most pronounced benefits is the ability to help people normalize sleep patterns, as it is effective as an agent promoting wakefulness and alertness, and preventing excessive sleepiness. However, in addition to the originally intended sleep disorder uses, many people today buy Adrafinil for its reported nootropic effects.
Many Adrafinil reviews from users report that they experience a higher level of energy from this compound. This is most likely due to the fact that it works by increasing the presence of the neurotransmitter Hypocretin. This brain chemical actually controls how alert and awake a person will feel.
Additionally, there are increased levels of other neurotransmitters called catecholamines that also contribute to a higher energy level. The primary catecholamines are Dopamine, Epinephrine (Adrenaline), and Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline). These neurotransmitters are involved in the adrenergic systems of the brain and can promote higher levels of awareness, physical stamina, and most importantly focus and attention span.
Mood is also generally improved while using Adrafinil. This is caused by an increase in the levels of Dopamine and Serotonin within the brain. Both of these neurotransmitters are involved in the sensation of pleasure and can reduce levels of stress, fatigue, and anxiety.
As your mood and general level of well-being improves, this may also lead to enhanced motivation and the ability to get more things done. This is why many people say that Adrafinil is an excellent productivity promoter.
While Adrafinil is usually thought of as only having stimulant-like effects related to energy and mood, there are also some cognitive changes that occur as well. Adrafinil is also capable of stimulating Glutamate receptors in the brain. As Glutamate receptors are stimulated and their pathways activated, this compound increases memory and may also improve the speed of recall.
Of course, the strength of this effect will vary from person to person, but most people will experience this at least to some extent. Many students also report that they find it much easier to learn and study with even small Adrafinil dosages. This is why Adrafinil is commonly used as a study pill, in addition to helping you stay awake for all-night cram sessions before an important exam.
- Increases energy, wakefulness and motivation
- Boosts mental performance and focus
- Supports memory and cognition
Modafinil Benefits
Modafinil (Provigil brand name) works in ways that are essentially similar to Adrafinil – although it is known to be a bit faster acting and it lasts slightly longer.
In fact, both substances were developed by the same company for the purpose of promoting wakefulness and alertness. This is why the primary medical use of Modafinil is in treating narcolepsy or excessive daytime sleepiness and/or fatigue.
The reason for the very similar mode of action and effects is that Adrafinil is in fact a prodrug of Modafinil. The two compounds are very similar in molecular structure, with the only difference being that Adrafinil has a terminal amide hydroxyl group that Modafinil does not have.
When Adrafinil is consumed, it is transported to the liver, where it is converted into Modafinil. This essentially means that using Adrafinil will raise levels of Modafinil in the body. However, because not all of the Adrafinil consumed will be converted into Modafinil (the majority is converted into the inactive modafinilic acid), it is considered less potent than Modafinil.
Like Adrafinil, Modafinil is also considered to be a central nervous system stimulant. As such it is capable of increasing overall energy levels, both physical and mental.
It has been shown that this increase in energy can enable a healthy adult (not likely someone with already existing significant sleep problems) to stay awake and relatively alert for as much as 40 hours. Of course, you will need to catch up on sleep as the drug wears off.
The cognitive effects are also similar to those listed for Adrafinil. These include improved memory and recall speed as well as a possible increase in learning capacity. Attention span is also expanded and so are the ability to concentrate and focus. Many people report that it is also easier to engage in common tasks like reading, writing, talking, and giving presentations.
The stimulant feeling resulting from this medication is one of smoothness when compared to some stimulant nootropic supplements like caffeine and compared to amphetamine drugs. In other words, you experience a consistently higher energy level rather than a spike and burn-out with more traditional central nervous system stimulants.
Adrafinil Legal Status
At present, Adrafinil is legal in the United States as an unregulated, unscheduled drug. It is not considered to be a prescription drug and it is not controlled under any act of Congress. The FDA also has not issued any regulations regarding buy, owning, or using this compound either.
That does not expressly mean that it has been approved by the FDA, rather it simply has not been addressed in the USA. You can at present legally buy Adrafinil online like you would most other nootropics.
However, sales, distribution, and labeling of Adrafinil when marked for human consumption is regulated by the FDA. This means that it can be sometimes difficult to find from online vendors within the US. Some online specialty nootropic stores do carry it though. Many people will also use international online vendors to buy Adrafinil and then import it.
Modafinil Legal Status
Modafinil, on the other hand, is heavily regulated in the USA. It has been approved by the FDA as a prescription medication to treat narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome. Modafinil is not available as an over the counter drug. You need a prescription from your doctor to purchase this drug and use it legally.
This may not be the case in other countries which is why some international residents may be able to order Modafinil from an online pharmacy, but you should investigate locally to determine what the laws are governing where you live.
Due to the lack of availability of Modafinil in the USA without a prescription, many people will turn to Adrafinil as a legal alternative.
- Focus longer, clear brain fog & feel more motivated
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- Contains 12 safe and natural nootropic ingredients
Adrafinil Side Effects
Most of the supplements that we think of as nootropics are entirely side-effect free with great potential to actually improve the long-term health of the brain. This is unfortunately not the case with Adrafinil – while it is considered safe at recommended dosage levels for short-term use, there are some potential side effects.
These include headaches, which can normally be eliminated by adding a quality Choline supplement (Alpha GPC) to your routine. You also may notice other symptoms like nervousness, fatigue, or intestinal issues. If taken at high doses it is also possible to see increased blood pressure and even heart issues. The way to avoid most of these is to never take more than the recommended dose.
Another potential risk associated with extensive Adrafinil use is the development of liver problems. Once again, this is not a result typical of short-term usage and is normally only seen when excessive doses are used. In some of these situations, Adrafinil has been shown to increase certain toxic enzymes which are known to cause liver damage.
When taken at the proper levels by healthy individuals, however, the risk of any side effects is minimal. If you have a history of liver problems or are taking any other drugs or supplements that are known to be harsh on the liver, you should definitely speak to a doctor before using this compound.
Modafinil Side Effects
What about Modafinil? Like Adrafinil, Modafinil is regarded as safe in small dosages for short periods of time and it is widely used by many people who never experience these side effects. The most common side effects of Modafinil are almost exactly the same as those listed for Adrafinil. Some people have reported experiencing headaches, nausea, fever, or stomach discomfort.
What about the potential for liver problems? Here we see that Modafinil may be safer than Adrafinil for long-term use. The reason for this has to do with the fact that Modafinil is not metabolized by the liver in the same way that Adrafinil is.
When Adrafinil reaches your liver, the enzymes present have to convert this drug into Modafinil. It is this conversion process which puts stress on the organ and may lead to hepatoxicity.
Because Modafinil does not get converted in the same way, it does not come with the same risk of side effects. As such, Modafinil may be safer than Adrafinil in the long-run, although there has not been much research done on this area to know for sure.
In rare, more serious cases, certain skin conditions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) have been seen. These reactions are quite rare, and are not typically seen with normal dosages.
However, the risk is certainly something that needs to be weighed. As Modafinil is a prescription medication, you should consult with a medical professional before taking this drug anyways, and you can bring up any concerns about side effects.
Adrafinil vs Modafinil
The main differences between Modafinil versus Adrafinil are in regards to the potential for side effects and the potency and speed at which they are effective.
Modafinil is thought to be safer on the liver and is faster acting once it has been ingested. However, Modafinil requires a prescription to be legally purchased in the United States. Adrafinil is legal to buy in the USA without a prescription, however it is less potent than Modafinil, and has the potential for more side effects related to the liver. These are all important considerations to weigh when looking into Adrafinil vs. Modafinil.
In fact, you may eventually decide to use a completely different nootropic drug or compound, like one of the Racetams. The Racetams are a class of compounds that are derived from Piracetam, which is considered to be the original nootropic compound, first developed in the 1960s.
More potent derivatives or Piracetam have been developed since then, including Oxiracetam, Aniractam, Phenylpiracetam, and Pramiracetam. People use these compounds to boost energy levels, concentration, focus, and memory, often with a lower reported incidence of serious side effects compared to Adrafinil or Modafinil.
Racetams are similar to Adrafinil in that they are unregulated, unscheduled compounds. This means that they are legal to buy, own, and use in the United States, but it may be difficult to purchase them within the US.
There are some small specialty nootropic stores online based in the United States that still sell Racetams though, as well as international vendors. Import into the United States does not seem to be a problem as long as amounts are kept to what is considered for personal use (often a three month or less supply).
Ideally, you should speak to your doctor before beginning any new nootropic drug such as the Racetams or either Modafinil or Adrafinil and make sure you follow the recommended safe dosage guidelines. It is also a good idea to use these drugs only on an occasional basis or cycle them rather than using them as part of your daily nootropic stack.
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Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment
4 Comments
I have ADHD and low level narcolepsy. I believe these drugs would help me.
I have been a lifetime diagnosed Narcoleptic/mild cataplexy with sleep apnea. Dextroamphetamine has been the drug used for most of my treatment. I was prescribed Modafinil for a short period,about 1 year.I really like the drug very much. I developed an itching side affect with it. The doctor took me off it immediately. My question is, have they refined the class of drugs in its family that doesn’t produce that side affect ?
I’m confused. On other websites, it is claimed ADRAFINIL is more potent than Modafinil. You’re saying it is the other way around.
Hi Michael,
Thanks for your question!
Adrafinil is definitely not more potent than Modafinil. Adrafinil only becomes active in the body when it is converted into Modafinil by the liver. Since less than 100% is metabolized into Modafinil, you need a larger dose of Adrafinil to achieve the same effects.
Hope that explanation helps!