Nootropic profile
Adrafinil
A prodrug of modafinil that converts to its active form in the liver - provides similar wakefulness-promoting and cognitive-enhancing effects without requiring a prescription in most countries.
Best for
Educational only: this is not medical advice. Always check with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement.
What is Adrafinil?
Adrafinil is a synthetic eugeroic (wakefulness-promoting agent) first discovered in 1974 by scientists at the French pharmaceutical company Laboratoire Lafon.
What it does for you
Community and editorial ratings, out of 5:
How to take it
- Standard dosage: 300-600 mg per day, taken in the morning
- Conversion ratio: Approximately 300 mg adrafinil produces effects equivalent to 100 mg modafinil, though conversion efficiency varies between individuals
- Onset: 60-90 minutes (slower than modafinil due to hepatic conversion)
- Duration: Effects last approximately 8-12 hours. Avoid afternoon dosing to prevent sleep disruption
- Cycling recommended: Due to liver metabolism concerns, limit use to 2-3 times per week rather than daily. Consider periodic liver function monitoring with...
Watch out for
- Liver stress: Unlike modafinil (which bypasses significant liver metabolism), adrafinil places additional load on the liver during conversion. Regular liver...
- Hepatotoxicity risk: Rare but documented cases of elevated liver enzymes. Avoid in individuals with pre-existing liver conditions or heavy alcohol use
- Skin reactions: Rare risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and DRESS syndrome, shared with modafinil. Discontinue immediately if skin rash develops
- Cardiovascular: May increase heart rate and blood pressure modestly. Use with caution in individuals with cardiovascular conditions
- Drug interactions: Metabolised by CYP3A4. May interact with hormonal contraceptives, warfarin, and other CYP3A4 substrates. Consult your doctor if taking...
The science, if you're curious.
- Metabolised by liver enzymes into modafinil and modafinilic acid. Modafinil is the primary active metabolite responsible for cognitive effects
- Increases histamine release in the tuberomammillary nucleus, promoting wakefulness without the peripheral stimulation of amphetamines
- Activates orexin/hypocretin neurons in the hypothalamus, stabilising the sleep-wake cycle and maintaining sustained alertness
- Weakly inhibits dopamine transporter (DAT), increasing dopamine availability in the prefrontal cortex for improved executive function
Where to find it
- Powder: Available from nootropic supplement vendors as bulk powder for flexible dosing
- Capsules: Pre-dosed capsules (300 mg) available from specialist nootropic retailers
- Legal note: Unscheduled in the UK and US (not a controlled substance), though not approved as a medicine. Modafinil itself requires a prescription
Frequently asked
A prodrug of modafinil that converts to its active form in the liver - provides similar wakefulness-promoting and cognitive-enhancing effects without requiring a prescription in most countries.
The main benefits people report from Adrafinil are: Cognitive Enhancement, Energy, Focus, Memory, Mood, Motivation.
Standard dosage: 300-600 mg per day, taken in the morningConversion ratio: Approximately 300 mg adrafinil produces effects equivalent to 100 mg modafinil, though conversion efficiency varies between individualsOnset: 60-90 minutes (slower than modafinil due to hepatic conversion)Duration: Effects la...
Liver stress: Unlike modafinil (which bypasses significant liver metabolism), adrafinil places additional load on the liver during conversion. Regular liver...Hepatotoxicity risk: Rare but documented cases of elevated liver enzymes. Avoid in individuals with pre-existing liver conditions or heavy al...
Metabolised by liver enzymes into modafinil and modafinilic acid. Modafinil is the primary active metabolite responsible for cognitive effectsIncreases histamine release in the tuberomammillary nucleus, promoting wakefulness without the peripheral stimulation of amphetaminesActivates orexin/hypocret...
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