# Adrafinil **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/adrafinil **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-18 **Evidence Score:** 8 / 10 **Category:** Other **Also Known As:** 2-[(diphenylmethyl)sulfinyl]acetamide, CRL-40028, Olmifon, diphenylmethylsulfinylacetamide, benzhydrylsulfinylacetamide ## Overview Adrafinil is a synthetic eugeroic compound that promotes wakefulness by converting to modafinil in the liver via hydrolysis. It enhances alertness and [cognitive function](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) by increasing [dopamine](/ingredients/condition/mood), norepinephrine, and orexin levels in the brain. ## Health Benefits - Promotes wakefulness by increasing orexin levels, which enhances alertness and reduces fatigue. This effect is beneficial for those needing sustained focus. - Enhances cognitive function by boosting dopamine and norepinephrine, leading to improved mental clarity and memory retention. This is particularly useful for students and professionals. - Improves mood by modulating [serotonin](/ingredients/condition/mood) levels, which can help alleviate symptoms of depression. This makes it a potential aid for emotional well-being. - Increases energy levels by enhancing [ATP production](/ingredients/condition/energy) in the brain, which supports prolonged mental and physical activity. This is ideal for athletes and busy individuals. - Supports neuroprotection by reducing [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant), which helps preserve brain health over time. This is crucial for long-term cognitive function. - Enhances learning capacity by facilitating synaptic plasticity, which is the brain's ability to adapt and learn new information. This is beneficial for lifelong learners. - Reduces reaction time by optimizing [neurotransmitter activity](/ingredients/condition/cognitive), which can improve performance in tasks requiring quick decision-making. ## Mechanism of Action Adrafinil acts as a prodrug that undergoes hepatic hydrolysis to form modafinil, the active metabolite. Modafinil then inhibits [dopamine](/ingredients/condition/mood) reuptake transporters (DAT) and blocks GABA release, while simultaneously increasing orexin/hypocretin neurotransmission in the hypothalamus. This dual mechanism enhances dopaminergic and noradrenergic signaling pathways responsible for wakefulness and [cognitive](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) arousal. ## Clinical Summary Limited clinical research exists specifically on adrafinil, with most studies conducted on its active metabolite modafinil. Early French studies from the 1980s showed adrafinil (300-900mg) improved alertness in elderly patients and shift workers. However, these studies involved small sample sizes (typically 20-40 participants) and lacked modern placebo-controlled designs. Current evidence for adrafinil's efficacy relies primarily on modafinil research and anecdotal reports, making the clinical evidence relatively weak. ## Nutritional Profile - Synthetic compound with wakefulness-promoting properties. - Acts as a prodrug to Modafinil. - Non-addictive with a low potential for abuse. ## Dosage & Preparation Typical dosage ranges from 300-600 mg per day. Available in capsules and tablets. Consult a healthcare provider before use. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Adrafinil may cause elevated liver enzymes due to hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management), requiring periodic [liver function](/ingredients/condition/detox) monitoring with prolonged use. Common side effects include headache, nausea, anxiety, and [insomnia](/ingredients/condition/sleep), typically dose-dependent. It can interact with hormonal contraceptives by inducing CYP3A4 enzymes, potentially reducing their effectiveness. Adrafinil should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. ## Scientific Research Limited studies compared to Modafinil, but some research supports its efficacy in promoting wakefulness and [cognitive enhancement](/ingredients/condition/cognitive). ## Historical & Cultural Context Developed in France in the 1970s as a precursor to Modafinil. Gained popularity for its [cognitive](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)-enhancing effects. ## Synergistic Combinations L-Theanine, Caffeine, Bacopa Monnieri ## Known Interactions | Substance | Severity | Summary | URL | |---|---|---|---| | Phenibut | SAFE | Adrafinil and Phenibut — No Known Interaction | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/phenibut | | Tianeptine | SAFE | Adrafinil and Tianeptine — No Known Interaction | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/tianeptine | | Black Walnut Hull | SAFE | Adrafinil and Black Walnut Hull — No Known Interaction | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/black-walnut-hull | | Wormwood | SAFE | Adrafinil and Wormwood — No Known Interaction | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/wormwood | | Clove Oil | SAFE | Adrafinil and Clove Oil — No Known Interaction | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/clove-oil | | Tea Tree Oil | SAFE | Adrafinil and Tea Tree Oil — No Known Interaction | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/tea-tree-oil | | Colloidal Silver | SAFE | Adrafinil and Colloidal Silver — No Known Interaction | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/colloidal-silver | | Serrapeptase | SAFE | Adrafinil and Serrapeptase — No Known Interaction | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/serrapeptase | | Nattokinase | SAFE | Adrafinil and Nattokinase — No Known Interaction | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/nattokinase | | Lumbrokinase | SAFE | Adrafinil and Lumbrokinase — No Known Interaction | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/lumbrokinase | | Wobenzym | SAFE | Adrafinil and Wobenzym — No Known Interaction | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/wobenzym | | Monolaurin | SAFE | Adrafinil and Monolaurin — No Known Interaction | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/monolaurin | | Turkesterone | SAFE | Adrafinil and Turkesterone — No Known Interaction | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/turkesterone | | Fadogia Agrestis | SAFE | Adrafinil and Fadogia Agrestis — No Known Interaction | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/fadogia-agrestis | | Cistanche | SAFE | Adrafinil and Cistanche — No Known Interaction | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/cistanche | | Apigenin | SAFE | Adrafinil and Apigenin — No Known Interaction | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/apigenin | | Emodin | SAFE | Adrafinil and Emodin — No Known Interaction | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/emodin | | Sea Moss | SAFE | Adrafinil and Sea Moss — No Known Interaction | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/sea-moss | | Spermidine | SAFE | Adrafinil and Spermidine — No Known Interaction | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/spermidine | | Urolithin A | SAFE | Adrafinil and Urolithin A — No Known Interaction | https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/interactions/urolithin-a | ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the difference between adrafinil and modafinil? Adrafinil is a prodrug that converts to modafinil in the liver, making it less potent and requiring higher doses (300-600mg vs 100-200mg). Unlike modafinil, adrafinil is unscheduled in most countries but places additional stress on liver metabolism. ### How long does adrafinil take to work? Adrafinil typically takes 45-60 minutes to show effects due to the time needed for liver conversion to modafinil. Peak effects occur 2-4 hours after ingestion, with duration lasting 6-8 hours depending on individual metabolism. ### What is the recommended adrafinil dosage? Typical adrafinil dosing ranges from 300-600mg taken once daily in the morning. Beginners should start with 300mg to assess tolerance, while experienced users may take up to 600mg, though higher doses increase liver stress risk. ### Can adrafinil cause liver damage? Prolonged adrafinil use can elevate liver enzymes (ALT/AST) due to its hepatic metabolism pathway. While serious liver damage is rare, users should monitor liver function with blood tests during extended use and avoid alcohol consumption. ### Is adrafinil legal to buy as a supplement? Adrafinil remains unscheduled and legal to purchase as a research chemical or nootropic supplement in most countries including the US. However, it's not approved by the FDA for human consumption and is sold for research purposes only. ### Does adrafinil interact with common medications like antidepressants or blood pressure drugs? Adrafinil may interact with serotonergic medications (SSRIs, SNRIs) and stimulants, potentially increasing serotonin levels or cardiovascular effects. It can also interact with medications metabolized by the liver, including certain blood pressure medications and anticoagulants. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining adrafinil with prescription medications to avoid adverse interactions. ### Who should avoid adrafinil, and is it safe for pregnant women or children? Adrafinil should be avoided by individuals with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or a history of liver disease due to its stimulant properties and hepatotoxicity concerns. It is not recommended for pregnant women, nursing mothers, or children, as safety data in these populations is limited and potential risks outweigh benefits. Those with bipolar disorder or a predisposition to psychosis should also consult a doctor before use. ### What does clinical research show about adrafinil's long-term cognitive and mood benefits? Clinical studies demonstrate that adrafinil effectively improves wakefulness, mental clarity, and mood in individuals with fatigue-related conditions, with benefits typically emerging within 1-2 hours of dosing. However, long-term safety data is limited, and prolonged use (beyond several months) carries increased risk of liver toxicity, which led to its withdrawal in many countries. Most robust evidence supports short-term use for acute fatigue or cognitive demands rather than sustained daily supplementation. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*