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How long does it take for Adrafinil to work and when can users expect to see results?
Adrafinil is a chemical precursor of a drug called Modafinil. This nonprescription eugeroic agent is used to support cognitive function while increasing daytime wakefulness and mental alertness. [1]
Users take this compound to promote focus and concentration without feeling jittery or over-stimulated. This nootropic agent has also been shown to improve memory and speed of learning in research studies.
Adrafinil has a long half-life and duration of effects. Most users only need to take it once a day to experience benefits. Adrafinil can take longer to become effective compared to Modafinil because it must first go through hepatic metabolism.
This article reviews how long adrafinil effects take to kick in, what people use it for, some recommended dosages and tips, and the effects of long-term usage.
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Thinking- Converted into Modafinil by the liver
- Increases energy, wakefulness & motivation
- Boosts mental performance & focus
How Long Does Adrafinil Take To Work?
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Adrafinil was originally developed as a wakefulness-promoting drug for the treatment of narcolepsy and other sleeping disorders. It was distributed in parts of Europe under the brand name Olmifon.
Today, it is more commonly used a “smart drug” to help with the following:
- Increasing attentiveness and alertness throughout the day;
- Improve mental energy and motivation;
- Improve mood and outlook;
- Speed up reaction times;
- Boost physical energy;
- Support memory and improve mental acuity
Many adrafinil users report beginning to feel its effects between 60-90 minutes after taking it. [2]
According to Psychonautwiki, it has an onset period of 1-2 hours with a come-up period of 45 – 60 minutes.
Adrafinil is metabolized inside the liver and peak plasma levels are detected between 2-4 hours after administration.
This nootropic drug is recommended to be taken about 90 minutes before events requiring increased focus ability like taking an exam, for instance.
Not everyone responds to this compound in the same way. Some users say that it takes significantly longer to experience positive effects from Adrafinil capsules or powder. Others say that do not feel strong effects from this compound compared to Modafinil.
Duration of Effects
How long to the cognition-enhancing and stimulatory effects of adrafinil last? It depends on several factors relative to each individual user.
Compared to other nootropics like the racetams or noopept, Adrafinil has a significantly longer lasting effect. Users typically describe the effects as lasting for between 6 – 12 hours with a peak at 4.5 to 6 hours and an offset period of 1 to 3 hours.
Those just beginning to use adrafinil may notice its effects for longer than those who are used to it. According to one source, “When you first start using it, your tolerance is low, so effects can last for as long as 9-12 hours on a single 300-milligram dose.”
How long adrafinil lasts in your body depends on the dose taken, your tolerance level, state of health, body weight, diet and various other factors. Liver function and sensitivity to stimulants will also influence the duration of effects.
- Increases energy, wakefulness and motivation
- Boosts mental performance and focus
- Supports memory and cognition
Eugeroic Effects
Adrafinil is a eugeroic agent, which means that it promotes wakefulness and alertness. This class of drugs is commonly used in the treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness and narcolepsy.
Eugeroic stimulants like adrafinil do not cause amphetamine-like effects similar to those experienced with Adderall, ephedrine, cocaine, or methamphetamine.
Instead, they act to increase daytime arousal, mental attentiveness, awareness and energy without jitteriness, nervousness, shakiness or other similar side effects.
Researchers are not sure exactly how this eugeroic agent works, but studies suggest that it increases activation of adrenergic receptors inside the brain; the same receptors that normally react to noradrenaline (norepinephrine).
Noradrenaline is a nerve-signaling brain chemical called a neurotransmitter. It can increase your mental alertness and physical stamina when you are in a stressful or dangerous situation.
This compound also seem to elevate levels of other neurotransmitters – including serotonin, dopamine, histamine and glutamate. [1] This can result in a high level of CNS excitation.
Adrafinil does not cause hyperactivity in the CNS (central nervous system). However, it does still fight off sleepiness and encourage an alert, focused state of mind.
Some shift workers, students, professionals and fitness enthusiasts use this smart drug to help them get through long hours of mental and physical performance.
In most countries including the USA and Canada, adrafinil is not a controlled substance. You can buy it without a doctor’s prescription as a nootropic supplement.
Because adrafinil is classified as a non-specific stimulant, it has been banned by WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency). Some sporting agencies do not allow it to be used by competitive athletes.
Adrafinil vs Modafinil Half-Life
The half-life of adrafinil is short: just about one hour. Because of this, some users think that its effects will subside in that amount of time.
However, the effects of this compound are mediated by its metabolites. This means it must first be converted within the body in order to be physiologically active. After you take adrafinil powder or capsules, this ingredient is converted inside the liver into Modafinil.
The half-life of modafinil is estimated to be 12-15 hours in humans. Therefore, it can take up to 15 hours for a single dose of adrafinil to be eliminated completely from the body. [4]
Because of this, many users take a single dose of this brain-boosting supplement daily. It is common to feel the effects all day long with one dose. Many users state that a single dose helps them to combat excessive daytime sleepiness and stay focused during the workday.
Since adrafinil is converted into modafinil, its effects are expected to be similar. User accounts describe similar benefits, although adrafinil is generally considered to be a weaker substance.
Modafinil is generally considered a better choice for enhancing cognition and maintaining daytime wakefulness. However, a prescription is needed to buy modafinil in the USA, but not to buy adrafinil.
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Using Adrafinil
Common adrafinil dosage recommendations range between 600-1200 milligrams (mg) daily. If you are new to using nootropics, then it is advisable to begin at the low end of that range. [3]
By starting supplementation with a small dose, you enable your body and brain to adapt to the effects and reduce the risk of side effects. You can gradually increase the daily dosage amount over time if needed to achieve desired effects.
Different users will experience different results. Personal experimentation may be necessary to determine the best dosage for you.
It is recommended to take this nootropic early in the day to avoid disruptions in your sleep schedule. Because of its long period of efficacy, it can cause insomnia or impaired sleep quality when used later in the day.
The long-term effects of using adrafinil have not been studied enough to understand well. Using this substance for extended time periods is not recommended.
This compound must be metabolized by the liver before it starts to work in the body. This can increase strain on liver function and could result in higher liver enzyme levels over time.
Some sources state that 5 weeks is the maximum period to use this nootropic without cycling off for a week or two.
Cycling off allows your body time to completely clear this substance and restore your sensitivity to its effects.
Adrafinil side effects are possible, especially for those who use it for long periods of time without interruption. Some of the potentially serious side effects can include: [3]
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis;
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome;
- Disturbed sleep patterns;
- Elevated liver enzymes;
- Nervousness;
- Sleep apnea;
- Narcolepsy;
Other possible adrafinil side effects include a headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and stomach discomfort. Loss of appetite, decreased food consumption and weight loss are also possible.
Some people only use adrafinil powder or capsules on days when they know they have a lot to focus on and accomplish, boost their energy levels, or need to stay awake. This helps to avoid the development of tolerance, or adverse side effects.
Adrafinil powder is water-soluble and mixes easily in liquids. Many users dissolve their daily dosage in a glass of fruit juice to disguise the taste. Oral capsules and pills are also available, although they cost more than the powder.
It is best to discuss beginning to use a potent nootropic agent like adrafinil with your doctor beforehand to be sure it is safe for you.
What To Do If It Does Not Work for You
Adrafinil does not work for all users. Some report using it for several weeks only to experience no positive effects. If you have used it for more than two weeks and have not observed any benefits, this may not be the right nootropic for you.
To maximize its effects, many users take it first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach. Some people divide their total daily dosage into 2 smaller doses; taking one on the morning and the other at lunchtime.
Taking adrafinil in the late afternoon is generally not advised because it can cause sleep disturbances in the night.
If you do not notice any desired effects after taking adrafinil for a week, then you might consider using it as one part of a nootropic stack.
Some users take it along with Noopept to enhance wakefulness, memory, focus and overall cognitive function. This stack is also said to increase your sense of well-being and has anti-anxiety effects for some users.
Other users take it with a caffeine source or other stimulating compounds like sulbutiamine, tyrosine or phenylpiracetam.
One user reports taking a stack with adrafinil, caffeine, pramiracetam, and L-theanine to maximize their capacity for studying for long hours.
What If Adrafinil Stops Working?
What should you do if you find that the effects of this nootropic begin to wear off with regular use? Tolerance to stimulants is common and can cause some users to increase their dosage beyond the recommended amount.
It is not recommended to take more than 1,200 mg per day of Adrafinil. If you feel like the benefits of this nootropic have diminished with use, it is recommended to cycle off of the drug to allow your tolerance to reset.
Most users who experience declining effects are able to restore their sensitivity by discontinuing usage for at least a week.
You can also choose only to use this eugeroic nootropic supplement on certain days of the week to avoid developing any tolerance to its effects.
Reduce Risk of Side Effects
If you notice side effects from taking Adrafinil and do not want to stop using this product, there are a few things you can try that may reduce or eliminate some adverse effects.
Some of these strategies include lowering the dose, adding or avoiding certain supplements, taking with food, and experimenting with timing. Before trying any of these strategies, you may wish to talk to a doctor to verify the safety of this product for you.
1. Lower the Dose
This is the easiest and most effective way to reduce many side effects. While lowering the dose of Adrafinil may reduce the desired effects, it should also reduce the number and severity of unwanted effects.
Finding the optimal dose will require some experimentation. Consider starting Adrafinil at a very low dose and slowly increasing until finding the optimal dose that produces the maximum desired effects with minimum unwanted side effects.
2. Add Supplements to your Stack
Some side effects may be minimized by the use of substances that can counteract some of the unwanted effects.
Some users concerned with liver toxicity will add liver support supplements like milk thistle, while those wishing to avoid insomnia might sip chamomile tea before bed to help stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system.
Co-supplementation should always be done strategically and never without consulting a doctor to ensure safety.
3. Consume with Food
Just how much food influences Adrafinil’s effects on the body are not clear, but food slows the absorption and may alter the metabolism of the drug.
If you notice side effects when taking Adrafinil on an empty stomach, taking it with food may help. However, it is important to be aware that doing so may also interfere with desired effects.
4. Reduce Other Supplements
In come cases, using other supplements with this smart drug, especially those that tend to be stimulating, may increase many side effects. If you are taking other supplements or medications alongside Adrafinil, it may be that side effects are linked to the other compounds in your stack.
Side effects may be the result of other substances or could be due to a synergistic interaction between Adrafinil and one or more other substances you may be taking. If you notice side effects in combination with other supplements, even those you’ve used for a while without problem, consider trying Adrafinil alone to find out how it affects you.
If you are on medications that may be interacting with Adrafinil, talk to your doctor before changing how you take the medication.
5. Continue Using
Some side effects are caused as the body adjusts to Adrafinil and will subside over time with the development of a tolerance. For example, some users feel over-stimulated when first taking this product.
If you experience any severe side effects, or any of the more worrisome side effects like facial tics, you should certainly discontinue use rather than hoping they subside over time.
If side effects are bothersome but not severe, you may want to temporarily lower the dose while your body adjusts then gradually increase.
6. Discontinue Use
Adrafinil is not a good choice for everyone. If you find yourself experiencing severe or potentially serious side effects, the best thing to do is stop using it. There are safer eugeroics that are just as effective and may be a better match for you.
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- Nootriment Staff. Adrafinil Research, Reviews and Best Way to Take. Accessed Feb 26, 2018
- Nootropics Review Staff. Adrafinil Dosage Guide: How Much and When to Take. Accessed Feb 26, 2018
- Smoot, J. How Long does Adrafinil Last?. Accessed Feb 26, 2018
- Nootrohacker Staff. ADrafinil. Accessed Feb 26, 2018
Article last updated on: July 15th, 2018 by Nootriment