Olmifon (Adrafinil) is a cognitive enhancer with the potential to increase energy, speed up thought processes, and promote greater clarity of brain function.
While it has been prescribed in Europe for decades, it is not regulated as a prescription drug in the United States or Canada.
This drug is most frequently used as a legal alternative to Modafinil which is a powerful wakefulness promoter and has been shown to boost brain performance.
Recently, Olmifon has received some high profile attention from many entrepreneurs and individuals in the financial industry who say that this compound helps them become more motivated and keeps them working at their best even during long days.
Olmifon is common as a study pill or smart drug both for academic settings and for people who want to maximize their productivity at work.
What are some of the effects of Olmifon, how it works, and can actually enhance productivity and intelligence? Also, are there any side effects or other nootropic compounds that may work better?



- Converted into Modafinil by the liver
- Increases energy, wakefulness & motivation
- Boosts mental performance & focus
Olmifon History
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Adrafinil was first developed by scientists working for the French pharmaceutical company Lafon Laboratories in 1974. Michel Jouvet and another scientist were researching new analgesics when they developed a series of benzhydryl sulfinyl compounds, including Adrafinil.
Adrafinil was not found to have any pain-reliving capabilities, but instead had stimulant-like effects, while not being related to traditional amphetamine based stimulants in its structure (and later it was learned its mechanism of action). Adrafinil belongs to a class of compounds known as eugeroics, or wakefulness promoting compounds.
While researching how Adrafinil causes effects, Modafinil was discovered. When it is ingested, Adrafinil is transported to the liver, where it is metabolized and broken down into its component parts, modafinilic acid and Modafinil. Modafinil has been determined to be the primary active compound in Adrafinil that causes its effects.
Adrafinil and Modafinil have been seen to have stimulating effects in animal studies, causing increased locomotor activity, increased alertness, and even hyperactivity when given at high dosages. Because of these stimulating, wakefulness-promoting effects seen in animal trials, the first human trials used Adrafinil as a treatment for the sleep disorder narcolepsy.
Multiple double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trials found that compared to a placebo, both Adrafinil and Modafinil improve wakefulness and reduce excessive daytime sleepiness in narcoleptics.
Adrafinil was approved as a treatment for narcolepsy in France in 1986. Modafinil was approved for the same use in France in 1994, and later in 1998 in the United States.
In 2001, Lafon Laboratories was bought by the American pharmaceutical company Cephalon Inc. They continued to make the brand name versions of Adrafinil and Modafinil, Olmifon and Provigil, respectively.
In 2011, Cephalon was acquired by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries. That same year, Cephalon, now working as a subsidiary of Teva, stopped production of Olmifon. Adrafinil is the less potent compound of the two, and takes longer to act in the body.
Modafinil is the preferred choice over the two compounds, and is used as a prescription medication in many countries around the world. Cephalon still makes Provigil to this day. While Cephalon no longer makes Olmifon, generic Adrafinil is made by a number of manufacturers around the world.
Olmifon Benefits
As described above, Olmifon is the brand name for Adrafinil that was marketed by Cephalon. While you can no longer purchase Olmifon tablets, you can buy Adrafinil powder or capsules online from a variety of vendors.
Currently, its most popular use is as a wakefulness agent for people having sleep issues.
In fact, it is even considered to be one of the most effective treatments for narcolepsy and sleep apnea, with the ability to help restore more normal sleeping patterns as well as promoting a feeling of alertness and wakefulness throughout the day.
More importantly, this compound is also considered to be a highly effective cognitive enhancer with nootropic effects. Supplementation with Olmifon will lead to an increase in memory and even overall speed of recall.
Many users will experience being able to recall facts and figures without any trouble, remembering dreams, and even being able to hold conversations without any extra effort or conscious thought on their part. Mental energy is also enhanced.
In some cases this benefit can be very significant. The increased energy will lead to an improved and expanded attention span and enhanced ability to concentrate and focus.
Taking Olmifon Adrafinil can also lead to a reduction of stress and anxiety levels and an overall improved mood. Many users even consider Olmifon to be more effective (and with less side effects) than potentially dangerous drugs or stimulants like Xanax and Adderall.

- Increases energy, wakefulness and motivation
- Boosts mental performance and focus
- Supports memory and cognition
How Adrafinil Olmifon Works
The compound works by affecting a number of neurotransmitters and other powerful brain chemicals.
Essentially, these synaptic receptor sites become more sensitive to their specific neurotransmitters when using Olmifon powder. This leads to greater brain activity in the areas related to learning, reasoning, memory and focus.
The production of the neurotransmitter Orexin (Hypocretin) is increased, which is thought to control levels of alertness and produce more energy. The increase in Orexin stimulates the release of Histamine, a neurotransmitter that regulates wakefulness, arousal, and appetite.
Additionally, Olmifon causes more Dopamine, Norepinephrine, and Histamine to circulate, all of which are associated with improved energy and motivation. Norepinephrine is actually closely related to Epinephrine (Adrenaline) which is why some people may experience feelings similar to an “adrenaline rush” after taking an Olmifon dosage.
Most of the effects of Olmifon are directly related to stimulating the brain via the wakefulness hormones that natural keep you alert during the day and rested at night. But there are also some purely cognitive effects of Olmifon that make it more closely related to other nootropics such as Pramiracetam, Noopept, or Aniracetam.
From an intellectual enhancement standpoint, Olmifon works by activating the Glutamate receptors in the brain. As the compound binds to these receptor sites, it essentially amplifies the signals sent between your neurons.
Since this neurochemical is involved in memory formation, computations, creating new connections between neurons and maintaining neural health, optimizing glutamate receptors can lead to massive gains in brainpower.
Olmifon: The Productivity Enhancer
Olmifon has a high degree of off-label usage among success conscious individuals who want to increase their productivity. There are a number of ways in which this drug can help you overcome procrastination and get more done.
For example, the increase of both mental and physical energy that comes with Olmifon certainly plays a role in this. As you are more awake and alert, you may find that you experience less brain fog and do not have to think as hard about your tasks. You may also have better stamina levels for mentally exhausting work and feel less “brain strain” as the hours pass.
Another aspect to the increase in productivity is related to Olmifon’s mood enhancing benefits. With higher Dopamine and Serotonin levels, you may find that the usual stream of negative thoughts in the back of your mind disappears. Many people say that this compound gives them higher levels of confidence and promotes greater mental drive.
Olmifon is also used off-label as an anti-anxiety compound and some people say that it even alleviates symptoms of depression. With all of these barriers lifted, it may become effortless to live a more productive lifestyle.
Legal Status of Modafinil vs Adrafinil
Modafinil is categorized as a prescription drug in many countries. In the US, Modafinil is a Schedule IV prescription only drug that is typically only prescribed for serious sleep disorders like narcolepsy, shift-work sleep disorder, and as an adjunct treatment for obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome.
Many people are interested in trying this nootropic drug, but cannot legally get a prescription for Modafinil for this purpose. There are many international online pharmacies that will sell Modafinil without a prescription, but buying from these vendors is not recommended for a few reasons.
The first main risk is that orders can be searched and confiscated at customs, and without proof of a prescription, they will not be released to you. You could also be placed on a drug enforcement agency watchlist for importing prescription drugs without a prescription.
The second main risk is that even if your shipment does make it through customs to you, there is no easy way of determining the authenticity and purity of these products. These products are not typically made in GMP certified factories, and the vendors typically do not have Certificates of Analysis from third party sources testing for contaminants, especially not for every batch they produce.
So because it is very difficult to get a prescription, and because of the risks inherent with buying without a prescription, many people decide to forgo using Modafinil, and instead turn to its predecessor, Adrafinil.
In most countries around the world, including the United States, the UK, and Canada, Adrafinil is not a regulated or scheduled compound. This means that it has not officially been approved for human use as a drug, and is not regulated as such.
Two exceptions to this are Australia and New Zealand, who consider Adrafinil to be a Prescription Only Medicine, the same as Modafinil.
In the US, Adrafinil has not been placed on an drug schedules. It is legal for people to buy, own, and use this compound. However, because it has not been approved for human use, the sale of it is limited domestically.
FDA laws restrict the sale, labeling, and distribution of unregulated, unscheduled compounds like Adrafinil, which makes it difficult to sell these products, but does not restrict users buying them for personal use.
There are many vendors with online nootropic stores that sell Adrafinil. It is important to do your research and find a reliable vendor with certified products, reasonable shipping practices to your country, and hopefully multiple positive user reviews online.

- Focus longer, clear brain fog & feel more motivated
- Boost energy, alertnes & memory
- Contains 12 safe and natural nootropic ingredients
Olmifon Side Effects
While there are a lot of benefits to Olmifon and Adrafinil, it is important to understand that this compound does come with more risks than the typical class of nootropics.
Adrafinil is generally well tolerated by most users when taken in appropriate dosages following a proper dosage schedule. That being said, many people have reported having some minor side effects when taking Adrafinil Olmifon, including:
- headaches
- nausea
- indigestion
- stomach pain
- anxiety or nervousness
- skin rash/irritation
- insomnia
- weight and/or appetite loss
Some mild side effects are normal during the first few weeks of taking any new medications, as your body adjusts to the compound. If you are still experiencing side effects after 2-3 weeks, then consider taking a lower dosage and see if your side effects improve.
Insomnia is a common complaint when taking Adrafinil. This effect is typically not a true adverse reaction to the compound, but is normally just due to poor timing of dosages. Because of its long half-life in the body, you can still feel the stimulating effects of Adrafinil many hours after it is taken. Therefore, it is recommended to take you dosage in the morning to allow sufficient time for it to wear off before you want to sleep at night.
While it is quite rare, there is the possibility of developing a serious cutaneous reaction such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome when taking Adrafinil.
While these adverse reactions only occur in a small percentage of the population, it is a good idea to speak to your doctor first so that you are aware of the risks. If you develop a rash that spreads and blisters, then stop taking Adrafinil and speak with your doctor immediately.
Another important consideration is that Olmifon may cause liver problems if you are using it for an extended period of time or at high dosages. The breakdown of Adrafinil requires the presence of certain liver enzymes.
While these enzymes are a natural bodily product and are necessary for the breakdown of many different compounds, there is a concern about effects if these enzymes buildup from the continued daily use of Adrafinil. An accumulation of these toxic enzymes could cause liver damage in the long term.
While the danger is minimal if you are only taking this compound on an infrequent basis and are sticking to the safe doses, you may not want to take Olmifon every day. It is typically recommended to only take Adrafinil on an as-needed basis.
Should You Use Olmifon or Another Nootropic?
Are there any nootropics that can give you the same results as Olmifon without as many of the risks? Some of the most commonly used nootropic alternatives are one or a combination of the Racetams.
The Racetams are a family of compounds that are all based off of the original nootropic, Piracetam. Piracetam was first developed by Romanian scientist Corneliu Giurgea in the 1960s while working for UCB Pharma in Belgium. The cognitive enhancing effects he observed with this compound led him to create the term nootropic – from Greek origins, meaning “to turn the mind.”
Piracetam has been observed to have positive effects on Acetylcholine in the brain and central nervous system. This neurotransmitter is associated with executive function, learning ability, and memory.
All of the derivatives of Piracetam – including Oxiracetam, Aniracetam, Pramiracetam, and Phenylpiracetam – are more potent compounds than their parent compound. One excellent alternative to Adrafinil is Pramiracetam which is one of the strongest compounds in the Racetam family, considered to be about 40-50 times as potent as Piracetam. This drug also increases focus, energy, and productivity but it is actually neuroprotective and can support healthier brain cells.
Other options include Phenylpiracetam, Noopept, or Oxiracetam, especially when stacked with a Choline source and a natural nootropic supplement like Alpha Brain.
The Racetams come in a variety of formats such as Oxiracetam capsules and Aniracetam capsules, or Phenylpiracetam powder and Pramiracetam powder. Do your research to choose a format and strength the fits your needs.
There are thousands of people who use Olmifon regularly without seeing any negative side effects, but if you are looking for a compound to take as part of a daily nootropic regimen you might want to consider other choices.
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Article last updated on: April 13th, 2018 by Nootriment