Adrafinil

other

What is it

Adrafinil is a synthetic wakefulness-promoting compound developed in France in the 1970s. In the body, it is metabolized in the liver to modafinil, the active drug used in many countries (including the US) to treat narcolepsy and other sleep disorders. Adrafinil is unregulated in the US and sold as a supplement, while modafinil is a prescription medication.

How it works

Adrafinil itself is largely inactive; its effects come from its hepatic metabolism to modafinil. Modafinil's exact mechanism is not fully understood but involves weak dopamine transporter inhibition (increasing extracellular dopamine), enhancement of histaminergic activity, and modulation of orexin/hypocretin systems that regulate wakefulness. The net effect is wakefulness and reduced fatigue without the typical adrenergic stimulation of classical stimulants. Because adrafinil must be metabolized to modafinil, its onset is slower (1-3 hours) than direct modafinil use, and the dose required is approximately 2-3 times higher. Plasma elimination half-life of modafinil is about 12-15 hours, producing a long duration of action. Adrafinil also produces metabolites that can be hepatotoxic with prolonged use.

Evidence for 4 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Wakefulness / reduced fatigue (modafinil clinical use)

Grade A

Strong evidence

Modafinil (the active metabolite) is well-established for treating narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea. Many randomized controlled trials support its efficacy.

Fatigue in medical conditions (cancer, MS, depression)

Grade B

Good evidence

Modafinil has shown benefits for fatigue in multiple sclerosis, depression, and certain cancers in clinical trials. Adrafinil is rarely used in these settings due to availability of modafinil directly.

Cognitive enhancement in healthy adults

Grade C

Moderate evidence

Studies of modafinil in healthy adults have shown modest improvements in attention, working memory, and decision making, particularly under conditions of sleep deprivation. Effects in fully rested individuals are more limited.

ADHD

Grade C

Moderate evidence

Modafinil has been studied off-label for ADHD with mixed results. Not FDA-approved for this indication.

1 commercial form

Adrafinil powder / capsules

Converted to modafinil in the liver; slower onset

Sold as a research chemical or supplement in some jurisdictions. Quality and purity vary.

Dosage

Doses range from 300 to 1200 mg per day, typically as a single morning dose. Higher doses provide longer effects but increase liver enzyme elevation risk. Tolerance is uncommon, but escalating doses are sometimes reported.

When and how to take it

Take in the morning to avoid sleep disturbance; effects can last 8-12 hours or more. Onset is delayed 1-3 hours due to hepatic conversion. Take with water; food does not significantly affect absorption. Avoid evening doses. Periodic liver function tests are recommended for regular users.

Safety

Side effects include headache, insomnia (especially if taken later in the day), nausea, dry mouth, irritability, and elevated liver enzymes. Long-term high-dose use can cause hepatotoxicity, and periodic liver function monitoring is recommended. Adrafinil is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. People with liver disease, cardiovascular disease, severe hypertension, history of psychosis, anxiety disorders, or substance use disorders should avoid adrafinil. Use of hormonal contraception requires additional non-hormonal contraceptive measures. Athletes subject to WADA testing should not use it.

Interactions

Adrafinil/modafinil induces several liver enzymes (CYP1A2, CYP3A4) and inhibits others (CYP2C19), affecting metabolism of many drugs. It may reduce effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives and many other medications. Interactions with antidepressants, antipsychotics, and seizure medications are possible. Combination with other stimulants increases cardiovascular risk.

Frequently asked questions

How is adrafinil different from modafinil?⌄

Adrafinil is a prodrug that converts to modafinil in the liver. It is less efficient, requires higher doses, and adds liver enzyme burden. Modafinil is the prescription form used clinically.

Is adrafinil legal?⌄

Adrafinil is unregulated in the US and sold as a supplement, while modafinil is prescription-only. Many other countries restrict both. It is banned in competitive sports by WADA.

Will adrafinil hurt my liver?⌄

Long-term and high-dose use can elevate liver enzymes. Periodic liver function tests are recommended for regular users. People with liver disease should avoid adrafinil.

How quickly does adrafinil work?⌄

Effects typically begin 1-3 hours after dosing due to the time needed for hepatic conversion to modafinil. Effects can last 8-12 hours or longer.

Will adrafinil affect my birth control pill?⌄

Yes. Modafinil (and therefore adrafinil) induces liver enzymes that metabolize hormonal contraceptives, reducing their effectiveness. Use additional non-hormonal contraception.

References

  • Adrafinil (Wikidata) — Wikidata link
  • Adrafinil (PubChem CID 3033226) — PubChem link
  • Adrafinil (ChEBI 135200) — ChEBI link

Track Adrafinil with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

Coming to App Store

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.