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Adrafinil (Olmifon) is a eugeroic compound, considered to be a nootropic.
In addition to being able to produce cognitive benefits, Adrafinil and other eugeroics act as wakefulness promoting agents and have stimulant-like effects.
Adrafinil is particularly considered to be effective for increasing daytime wakefulness and alertness as well as positively affecting mood, energy levels, motivation and reaction time.
This smart drug is not a controlled substance in the USA and can be purchased without a prescription, unlike its predecessor Modafinil (Provigil, Modapro, Modiodal,Modalert, Alertec).
However, there are some side effects associated with Adrafinil and you should speak to a doctor before deciding to use this product.
What are the main benefits of Adrafinil, how does it work, and what is the right way to use this cognitive enhancer?
Focus
Wakeful- ness
Thinking- Converted into Modafinil by the liver
- Increases energy, wakefulness & motivation
- Boosts mental performance & focus
What Is Adrafinil?
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Adrafinil is a central nervous system stimulant originally discovered in the 1970’s by Lafon Laboratories – a French pharmaceutical company.
In 1974, experimental medicine professor and neurophysiologist Michel Jouvet and and another scientist developed a series of benzhydryl sulfinyl compounds, including Adrafinil. They were originally looking for new analgesics.
When the pharmacology of Adrafinil was tested though, it was not found to have pain relieving capabilities, but instead was seen to have psychostimulant-like effects, causing wakefulness and even hyperactivity in animal trials.
Adrafinil was initially researched under the name CRL-40028 and was marketed as Olmifon up until recently when its production was discontinued by current manufacturer Cephalon (who bought Lafon in 2001, and not operate as a subsidiary of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, who acquired them in 2011).
During testing to determine what Adrafinil’s mechanism of action in the body is, Modafinil was discovered. Adrafinil is the prodrug for the cognitive enhancer Modafinil, which means it gets converted to this compound when it is processed by the body.
After it is ingested, Adrafinil travels to the liver, where it is metabolized into its component parts – modafinilic acid and Modafinil. Modafinil has been determined to be the primary active component of Adrafinil, and the compound that causes its effects in the body.
When technology improved to allow for the direct synthesis of Modafinil as a pharmaceutical agent, research into Adrafinil was largely discontinued and it was no longer developed for clinical use.
There are, however, many sources from which you can continue to buy generic Adrafinil powder online.
Adrafinil was initially prescribed in Europe for patients with sleep disorders such as narcolepsy and excessive daytime sleepiness caused by obstructive sleep apnea.
Modafinil has been researched and approved for the same purposes, namely to treat narcolepsy and shift-work sleep disorder, and as an adjunct treatment for obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome. More recently, Modafinil has been investigated for its potential benefits in the treatment of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
In 2004, the World Anti-Doping Agency placed Modafinil (and its analogues) on the list of substances prohibited for athletic competition, due to its perceived ergogenic (performance-enhancing) benefits.
Adrafinil can promotes wakefulness and mental energy during the day and reduce symptoms of fatigue or excessive daytime sleepiness.
The main effect of Adrafinil is on the catecholamine hormones and the adrenergic system. This is the part of your nervous system that responds to excitement and stress by releasing epinephrine (adrenalin) and producing a characteristic adrenalin rush.
It is actually a natural evolutionary response that is similar to a fight or flight feeling when the brain feels threatened. By boosting adrenergic neurotransmitters, you can increase alertness, raise energy levels and improve cognitive abilities.
In fact, many stimulants and smart drugs like Adderall used today work on the same principle of stimulating the adrenergic system to enhance focus and concentration. However, Adrafinil does not carry any risk of dependency nor does it actually interfere with normal sleeping patterns when taken appropriately.
Additionally, in most users it is not known to affect the heart rate or elevate blood pressure, unlike many commonly used and prescribed stimulants. Cardiovascular related side effects of Adrafinil and Modafinil are considered rare, and typically are fairly mild (i.e. heart palpitations, minor chest pain).
- Increases energy, wakefulness and motivation
- Boosts mental performance and focus
- Supports memory and cognition
Adrafinil Benefits
There are really two different categories of benefits to consider when discussing Adrafinil.
The most interesting benefits may be related to Adrafinil acting as a general stimulant and cognitive enhancer. It is known to give you more energy, stamina and attention.
This makes it well-suited for treatment of individuals with serious sleep problems such as narcolepsy and sleep apnea. These individuals are able to stay awake during the day and experience increased alertness.
It is becoming more and more popular for those who work at night, shift workers like doctors and nurses, truck drivers, and even students when studying for important exams. This nootropic supplement is thought to help increase overall motivation, mental energy, focus, productivity and drive.
It is also beneficial for some people in promoting a sense of well-being, reduction of stress, and enhanced excitement or pleasure. This may be related to the stimulation of dopamine receptors that occurs with Adrafinil usage.
In addition to giving you more energy, there are a number of Nootropic-like effects associated with Adrafinil. This includes cognitive benefits such as improved memory and even learning capacity. Many users have also reported a faster speed of recall and describe the drug as increasing the speed of their thoughts.
This is particularly noticeable in regards to verbal or written communication where the drug might help you come up with what to say more immediately.
On a fundamental level, Adrafinil makes mental work less exhausting, curbing some of the strain you may feel when working for long periods of time. Adrafinil reviews often say that this drug makes it easier to focus without getting distracted and may even lead to a ‘mental high’ feeling in a number of people.
Adrafinil vs Modafinil
Because Adrafinil is a prodrug for Modafinil, some reviews suggest that one can attribute the same benefits experienced with Modafinil use to its parent compound.
While many of the psychological and physiological effects are similar, user experiences with Adrafinil suggest that this compound is less reliable at producing positive effects compared to Modafinil.
To account for the difference in effects, it may be prudent to consider differences in liver metabolism across different users. It is known that other drugs that rely on the liver to be metabolized into an active form also exhibit differences in efficacy across the population.
Furthermore, Adrafinil carries an increased risk of side effects due to the elevation of liver enzymes that occurs during prodrug conversion. When deciding between Adrafinil vs. Modafinil, it is best to use Modafinil if you have the option.
How Adrafinil Works
Adrafinil is thought to mimic the chemical process by which the body is prepared (thanks to the adrenal glands) to fight or flee in response to the presence of danger. It is believed to stimulate alpha adrenoceptors in the brain and increase alpha and beta activity in the Central Nervous System.
Although the specific mechanisms of action are still not entirely understood, this nootropic drug is hypothesized to increase the levels of the neurotransmitter Hypocretin.
As the levels of this chemical are increased, it also leads to an increased production of other hormones and neurotransmitters like Dopamine, Norepinephrine, and Histamine. These are all directly related to both mental and physical energy levels and play an important role in the wakefulness and alertness-inducing effects of the supplement.
Adrafinil also works by preventing the breakdown of Dopamine, which is thought to improve mood and reduce stress. It is further thought to stimulate the release of Serotonin which can help to regulate sleep as well as lessen anxiety.
Finally, it has been observed to positively modulate Glutamate receptors as well which is theorized to be the main mechanism of action behind the cognitive benefits of this smart drug. By activating these pathways and receptor sites (helping to inhibit the breakdown of Glutamate) it may lead to improved memory, better brain and neuronal communication, and enhanced cognitive performance.
Adrafinil Side Effects
There are a few side effects that have been associated with Adrafinil ranging from mild to more severe in nature. Users may experience headaches, dizziness, stomach discomfort, and nausea when taking Adrafinil.
With significant use over a long period of time, there have been dangerous adverse reactions documented pertaining to liver function.
These occurrences are related to a build-up of enzymes in the liver which is why liver health should be monitored if you are taking this on a daily basis. The risk is often compared to that of Acne sufferers who take Accutane regularly.
To reduce the risk of liver damage, it is recommended to to only take Adrafinil on an occasional basis, when it is really needed for a mental energy boost. It is also recommended to avoid combining Adrafinil with other substances that put a strain on the liver, such as alcohol, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and other psychoactive drugs.
The primary reason that this drug was discontinued, was due to the fact that Modafinil has not been seen to cause the same elevation in liver enzymes and is safer to administer. Modafinil is also more potent and faster acting.
If you are healthy, are following the provided dosage suggestions, and do not plan to take it for extended periods of time, then typically you should not experience any problems in this area.
Because Adrafinil is a prodrug for Modafinil (Provigil), users can expect similar side effects from taking this medication. Below are the most frequently reported side effects from consumers who have used Modafinil:
- Headache (45-50%)
- Decreased appetite (16%)
- Rhinitis (11-15%)
- Abdominal pain (12%)
- Nausea (11%)
- Nervousness (6-10%)
- Syncope (1-5%)
The following side effects have also been reported at a lower frequency: Arrhythmia, Hypotension, Hypertension, T-wave changes, Amnesia, Anxiety, Cataplexy, Chills, Depression, Dizziness, Epistaxis, Fever, Insomnia, Paresthesia, Reversible psychosis (rare), Tremor, Drug hypersensitivity syndrome, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Toxic epidermal necrolysis due to drug, Anorexia, Diarrhea, Dry mouth, Mouth ulcer, Vomiting, Abnormal LFT, Chest pain, Neck pain, Dyspnea, Pharyngitis, Aggression and Psychomotor hyperactivity.
It is best to speak to a doctor before using this or any other smart drug to make sure you are healthy enough to use this product.
How to Use Adrafinil
The recommended daily dosage for Adrafinil is between 150 and 300 mg. Since this is one of the most powerful Nootropic agents available, it is always advisable to start with a smaller dose and only increase gradually as needed after the body has had a chance to adjust.
It is recommended to take your Adrafinil dosage early in the day as it can interfere with sleep patterns if used in the evening.
This drug has a half-life of approximately 1 hour, but this does not mean that the effects begin to diminish after one hour. The half-life represents the duration of time it takes for Adrafinil to be converted by the liver into Modafinil.
Modafinil has an active half-life of 15 hours, which reflects the duration of effects that you can expect when consuming this stimulant.
Adrafinil powder is neither water soluble nor fat soluble and will not form a solution if mixed into other liquids. Because the powder has a very bitter taste, it is best to consume in the form of tablets or oral capsules. User reviews suggest that taking your daily dose with orange juice can help to mask the taste.
Long term use is not recommended; taking Adrafinil in cycles (two weeks on, one week off, one week on, two weeks off) can help to prolong its effects without the body building up too much of a tolerance level. It is recommended that anyone planning on using Adrafinil for an extended period of time should consult with their doctor or qualified health care provider.
You will need to keep track of liver function, since the supplement has been known to elevate particular enzymes, which may lead to liver damage.
- Focus longer, clear brain fog & feel more motivated
- Boost energy, alertnes & memory
- Contains 12 safe and natural nootropic ingredients
Other Non-Prescription Nootropics
Adrafinil is most commonly used by people as a substitute for Modafinil. In many places around the world, Modafinil is a prescription drug. In the United States, it is categorized as a Schedule IV drug that is only available for purchase with a prescription.
Many people would like to use Modafinil as a cognitive enhancer. There are many reports from users of the nootropic effects of this drug, including improved memory, concentration, motivation, learning ability, and focus.
However, off-label prescriptions for Modafinil are rarely written, and are not written for purely nootropic purposes. This leaves people either risking their health and money buying Modafinil without a prescription online from international online pharmacies, or going with a non-prescription alternative.
Many people choose the latter and go for nootropic compounds they can obtain and use legally without a prescription. As the prodrug of Modafinil, Adrafinil is one of the top alternative nootropics. For many people it is ideal, as it provides the same effects as Modafinil once it is metabolized in the body.
Some people are not able to use Adrafinil as a substitute though, as like Modafinil, it is a prescription drug in their country (i.e. Australia). And other people simply want some other options for more customized nootropic experiences.
One of the most popular nootropics are the Racetams. This family of compounds are all based off of the first ever developed nootropic Piracetam. Piracetam was developed in the 1960s by Romanian scientist Corneliu Giurgea for the Belgian company UCB Pharma.
Piracetam has been observed in scientific studies to effect Acetylcholine levels and activity, which may improve learning ability, memory, and executive function. Since the development of Piracetam, more potent derivatives have also been developed, including Aniracetam, Oxiracetam, Pramiracetam, and Phenylpiracetam.
For example, Phenylpiracetam is considered to be 50-60 times as potent as Piracetam. Users report that it has physical and mental effects, including increased energy, learning capacity, focus and concentration.
These compounds come in a variety of formats, including Aniracetam capsules and Oxiracetam capsules, as well as Pramiracetam powder and Phenylpiracetam powder. Powder formulations are typically cheaper then capsules, but do require you to measure out your dosages using microscoops are scales. Choose whichever format is better for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Difference Between Adrafinil vs. Armodafinil?
Armodafinil (Nuvigil, Waklert) is a single-isomer version of Modafinil, which only contains the R-enantiomer of the drug.
This enantiopure version of the drug is believed to be responsible for the positive effects and less likely to cause negative side effects. Thus, Armodafinil is a higher potency (and potentially safer) version of Modafinil.
Since Adrafinil is a prodrug for Modafinil, it is also a prodrug for Armodafinil. However, it gets converted by the body into both enantiomers and is therefore only 50% converted into the right-handed optical isomer.
Is Adrafinil legal in the United States?
Adrafinil is not a controlled substance and is an unregulated drug in the USA. This means that it is legal to possess and to purchase; however, it has not been approved by the FDA as a drug for the treatment of any medical conditions. While it is legal to buy Adrafinil online in small quantities, purchasing large amounts with the intent to sell may be illegal.
Is Adrafinil Available Over The Counter?
Over the Counter drugs are pharmaceutical agents that have been approved for use in a specific country, but that do not require a prescription to purchase from a pharmacy. Adrafinil has not been approved for use in the United States, so it is not available over the counter.
It is typically purchased as a bulk powder or raw research chemical in a form that is not packaged for human consumption.
Is Adrafinil legal in Canada?
In Canada, Adrafinil is not a scheduled or controlled substance and has not been assigned a Drug Identification Number (DIN). Health Canada has not approved the use of the drug, but it is legal to purchase and to possess in an unfinished (raw powder) form.
Is Adrafinil legal in the United Kingdom?
Under UK regulations, Adrafinil is not a controlled drug and does not require a prescription to purchase. It has not been approved for medicinal use, but it is legal to import this pharmaceutical to the UK for personal use.
Is Adrafinil Legal in Australia or New Zealand?
In 2005, MEDSAFE NZ received a recommendation to classify Adrafinil as a prescription medication due to the risks of recreational use. The Medical Classification Committee determined that this drug could be abused as a party drug and suggested that it be placed under controls so that it would be illegal to purchase or import without receiving a doctor’s prescription.
In Australia, Adrafinil has likewise been categorized by the Therapeutic Goods Administration as a Schedule 4 prescription-only medicine.
What are the Best Adrafinil Stacks?
This drug may be stacked with other nootropic compounds such as Noopept, Piracetam, Aniracetam, Pramiracetam, Oxiracetam, Phenylpiracetam, Phenibut, or Caffeine. The best stack will depend on individual goals and response to these different cognitive enhancement agents.
Does Adrafinil Work for ADHD?
There are no research studies examining the effects of this drug on Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Studies have been conducted on the metabolites Modafinil and Armodafinil for ADHD with some positive results, but neither drug is currently approved for the treatment of this condition by the FDA in the United States.
Who is the Original Manufacturer of Adrafinil?
Adrafinil was developed by the pharmaceutical company Lafon (now Cephalon) located in France. Currently, this drug is no longer actively used in medicine anywhere in the world. Most of the laboratories that make this drug at present are generic manufacturers located in China.
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- Rao RN, Maurya PK, Shinde DD. Development of a validated LC method for enantiomeric separation and determination of adrafinil and its related substances on a Chiralcel OJ-H column connected to PDA and polarimetric detectors in series. Biomed Chromatogr. 2010
- Dubey S, Ahi S, Reddy IM, Kaur T, Beotra A, Jain S. A novel study of screening and confirmation of modafinil, adrafinil and their metabolite modafinilic acid under EI-GC-MS and ESI-LC-MS-MS ionization. Indian J Pharmacol. 2009
- Rao RN, Shinde DD. Enantioselective separation and determination of adrafinil and modafinil on Chiralcel OJ-H column in rat serum and urine using solid-phase extraction followed by HPLC. Biomed Chromatogr. 2009
- Milgram NW, Siwak CT, Gruet P, Atkinson P, Woehrlé F, Callahan H. Oral administration of adrafinil improves discrimination learning in aged beagle dogs. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2000
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- Siwak CT, Tapp PD, Milgram NW. Adrafinil disrupts performance on a delayed nonmatching-to-position task in aged beagle dogs. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2003
- Siwak CT, Gruet P, Woehrlé F, Schneider M, Muggenburg BA, Murphey HL, Callahan H, Milgram NW. Behavioral activating effects of adrafinil in aged canines. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2000
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Article last updated on: April 13th, 2018 by Nootriment
14 Comments
Yeah, really appreciating……….
You have absorbyourhealth linked to where to buy adrafinil. Do they sell the real thing? I’ve been reading mixed reviews about them.
Hey Caz,
Thanks for your comment! If you go to the Adrafinil page on Absorb Health and scroll down to below the video, you will see a link to their 3rd party COA showing that their product has been tested and confirmed to contain legit Adrafinil by HPLC. They have COAs for all of their products and this is one of the reasons we link to them.
I have seen nowhere any comment about the effect of stopping using Adrofinil. So, what happens when one discontinues use.? And if use is discontinued, can one restart use ? And, how much time should elapse during such periods of non use ? What are the long term effects of usage and later non-usage ?
I have also seen conflicting claims about Adrofinil’s effect upon blood pressure. So, just exactly what effect does Adrofinil have upon blood pressure ?
Hi Gary,
Thanks for your comment! There is limited information about the withdrawal potential of Adrafinil, but you will find more information available about Modafinil/Provigil. Since these compounds work on similar pathways, their withdrawal potential is likely to be similar. Here is an article that discusses this: https://nootriment.com/provigil-abuse/
There is conflicting research about Adrafinil and Modafinil’s effects on blood pressure. Some studies have shown an increase in blood pressure while others have not reported a significant effect on blood pressure. Here is one study you may find useful to review: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10096265
Pregnenolona, Pramiracetam, Adrafinil precisa de prescrição médica ?
you mentioned above that it is best to start with the lower dosage of adrafinil (150 mg) but the recommended supplier has it only in 300 mg. Where can I buy 150 mg capsules?
You can buy powder from several different vendors and get a $10 scale to measure out your dose. You can experiment (safely) and find the does that works for you and increase over time if needed.
Hello,
Being a new user of nootropics I have found your descriptions interesting but also amazed that in the section describing how to take the supplement involved, you RARELY inform whether the substance in question is water or fat soluble. Seeing as this is VITAL in gaining maximum benefit from each particular nootropic I find it very strange you do not include it. It is not only your site which fails in regard to this but the suppliers also. Attempting to find this information in general searches is not simple and in many cases there are polar opposite descriptions.
Michael
Hi Michael,
We do have a few articles discussing the solubility of different nootropics as well as pointing out special considerations for fat soluble nootropics like Aniracetam or Pramiracetam. Which nootropics in particular are you looking for solubility info for? I will try to help.
Cheers
You’ll get headaches and tinnitus fluctuations.
which is better for me – adrafinil or armodafinil? is it worth the more expensive cost of the pill for armodafinil?
I live in the USA and am planning to travel through Europe (UK, France, Italy and may some other countries) in the next month.
Can I take Adrafinil across the border or could I get stopped by customs? Would like to bring it with me but don’t want to have any issues.
Can anyone please tell me whether it is dangerous to use Adrafinil with tylenol? I have heard that they both are liver toxic… but what is the actual risK? Very difficult to find any actual info on this. I searched pubmed and pubchem but did not find ANYTHING.