Adrafinil

Negative side effects of Adrafinil

In the human studies which have examined the effects of Adrafinil, several studies found that the drug was well tolerated and had no negative side effects. The following side effects and frequencies were found [1]:

• 3/23 participants had increased agitation and aggression
• 2/23 participants experienced dryness of the mouth
• Transient period of psychological agitation and irritability (unknown frequency)

It is not known whether these are actual negative side effects from Adrafinil or if other factors, such as the placebo effect or random chance were the reason for these negative side effects.

The risk of experiencing negative side effects from Adrafinil is likely highly dose-dependent and dependent on duration of use, meaning lower doses for shorter periods will result in less negative side effects than higher doses or any dose used for long periods.

A case report has been published describing the experience of a person who got dyskinesia, an inability to control muscle movements, from Adrafinil use. [12] This side effect didn't disappear for 4 months after discontinuation of Adrafinil use, but was treatable with medication. It is not known how rare this side effect is, but considering it was reported in only one of more than 750 people, it is likely very rare. [3]

Should you use Adrafinil?

One thing that is certain about the effects of Adrafinil is that we know relatively little about them. There is a lack of high-quality research, especially in healthy humans.

Because of the lack of research on Adrafinil, we never recommend that people use it.

If you have already decided to use it, here are some guidelines to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks.

How much and how often should you dose Adrafinil?

Adrafinil was usually given in 600-1,200mg dosages daily for at least a couple of weeks in the studies that found beneficial effects in people with impaired energy levels or cognitive functioning. [1]

Is Adrafinil a stimulant?

Animal studies suggest Adrafinil is a stimulant. [15][3] People who have used it as a nootropic also tend to refer to it as and report that it is a stimulant.

What time of day should you take Adrafinil?

If you are going to take Adrafinil, take it in the morning as early as possible after wake-up to minimize negative effects on sleep, considering its stimulatory effects.

What substances may stack well with Adrafinil?

There's no high-quality research on the effects of combining Adrafinil with other substances, such as nootropic drugs or supplements. The safety and efficacy of the below-listed combinations are supported only by anecdotal reports. People tend to report better effects from Adrafinil when they also use:

• Choline sources, such as Alpha-GPC, Choline Bitartrate, or CDP- Choline
• L-Theanine
• Magnesium
• Bacopa Monnieri

Before combining any drugs or supplements, talk with your trusted medical professional about the risks involved.

How does Adrafinil work?

The mechanisms of action of Adrafinil have not yet been fully discovered by researchers.

Scientists have found that Adrafinil may exert the following neurobiological effects:

• Stimulates central alpha 1-adrenergic postsynaptic receptors [23][24]
• Modifies release of GABA and glutamate [4]
• Increases cerebral metabolism [11]

It is also very likely that Adrafinil shares many mechanisms of action with Modafinil, considering that Adrafinil is partially converted into Modafinil in the body upon ingestion.

How fast does Adrafinil reach peak concentrations in the blood and how long is its half-life?

Adrafinil quickly reaches peak concentrations and half of it is also eliminated very quickly (less than 2h). [13]

It is probably better to consider the movement of Modafinil in the body when trying to understand how long you will feel the effects of Adrafinil for, since Adrafinil is partially metabolized into Modafinil in the body.

Adrafinil can be converted to Modafinil or the inactive compound modafinilic acid. Since not all of the Adrafinil you consume is metabolized into Modafinil, you need a higher dose of Adrafinil than Modafinil to get similar effects.

Modafinil has the following pharmacokinetic profile, meaning this is how it moves in the body upon ingestion:

"After single or multiple oral doses, modafinil is readily absorbed, reaching maximum plasma concentrations at 2-4 hours after administration and pharmacokinetic steady state within 2-4 days. Its pharmacokinetics are dose-independent between 200 and 600 mg/day. The elimination half-life is approximately 12-15 hours ..." [29]

What other "afinils" do people use as cognitive enhancers?

Other "afinils" that some people use for their possible cognitive benefits include:

• Modafinil
• Fladrafinil
• Flmodafinil
• Hydrafinil
• Armodafinil