Adrafinil
A prodrug that the liver converts to modafinil, producing similar wakefulness effects after a delay. Because conversion loads the liver and it is largely unregulated as a supplement, it is generally considered a less controlled and less clean route to modafinil's effects.
01 Overview
Adrafinil was the original wakefulness compound from which modafinil was derived; modafinil is its principal active metabolite. Once discontinued as a French prescription drug (Olmifon), it now circulates mainly as an unscheduled nootropic in several markets.
After oral dosing, hepatic enzymes hydrolyse adrafinil to modafinil, so its effects resemble modafinil but with a slower onset and greater inter-individual variability. Repeated use has raised concern about elevated liver enzymes, and monitoring is advised where it is used chronically.
02 Mechanism
Inactive prodrug metabolised in the liver to modafinil, which then inhibits the dopamine transporter and promotes cortical arousal.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical | 300–600 mg/day | Oral | Higher than modafinil because only part is converted; not intended for continuous daily use due to liver load. |
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Increased wakefulnessProduces modafinil-like alertness after hepatic conversion. | Moderate, delayed onset | Observational | |
| Reduced fatigueOlder studies in elderly patients reported reduced fatigue and improved alertness. | Moderate | Observational |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elevated liver enzymes / hepatic strainChronic use has been associated with raised transaminases, reflecting the metabolic burden of conversion. | Moderate | Uncommon but characteristic concern | Observational | |
| InsomniaSleep disruption from prolonged wakefulness effect. | Moderate | Common | Observational |