Adrafinil is a stimulant related to the drug modafinil (Provigil). It's found in some supplements called nootropics, which are marketed for memory or attention.
Adrafinil has effects similar to modafinil, which is a prescription drug that is used to treat narcolepsy.
People use adrafinil for aging, athletic performance, mental alertness, obesity, opioid withdrawal, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. It might also be unsafe.
Adrafinil is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Is It Effective?
There is interest in using adrafinil for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: Adrafinil is possibly unsafe. It might lead to serious heart or psychiatric-related side effects. It may also be addictive.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Adrafinil is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth while pregnant or breast-feeding. It might cause a miscarriage or lead to developmental problems for the infant. Avoid use.
Heart conditions: Adrafinil is a stimulant that might cause irregular heartbeat or increase blood pressure. This might worsen existing heart conditions. People with heart conditions should avoid use.
Elderly people: Elderly people might be more likely to experience serious side effects from adrafinil.
High blood pressure: People with high blood pressure should avoid adrafinil. It might increase blood pressure even more.
Liver disease: Adrafinil is processed in the liver. People with liver disease might be unable to process it properly. This might increase the risk for side effects.
A mental disorder marked by hallucinations and delusion (psychosis): Adrafinil might make existing psychosis worse. Avoid use.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Adrafinil might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Adrafinil might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Adrafinil might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Adrafinil might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Adrafinil might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications for depression (MAOIs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Adrafinil has effects similar to the drug modafinil. Taking modafinil with MAOIs has led to serious side effects.
Some common MAOIs include phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Zelapar), and tranylcypromine (Parnate).
Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Adrafinil might increase blood pressure. Taking adrafinil might reduce the effects of blood pressure medications. Monitor your blood pressure closely.
Medications that decrease break down of other medications in the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibitors)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Adrafinil is changed and broken down by the liver. Some drugs decrease how quickly the liver changes and breaks down adrafinil. This could change the effects and side effects of adrafinil.
Modafinil (Provigil)
Interaction Rating=Major Do not take this combination.
Adrafinil has effects similar to the drug modafinil. Taking adrafinil with modafinil might increase the effects and side effects of modafinil.
Stimulant drugs
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Stimulant drugs speed up the nervous system. By speeding up the nervous system, stimulant medications can make you feel jittery and speed up your heartbeat. Adrafinil might also speed up the nervous system. Taking adrafinil along with stimulant drugs might increase the risk for serious heart or psychiatric effects.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Adrafinil has effects similar to the drug modafinil. Taking modafinil with warfarin might change the effects and side effects of warfarin. You warfarin dose might need to be changed.
Herbs and supplements with stimulant properties: Adrafinil might have stimulant effects. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might increase the chance of side effects, including rapid heartbeat and high blood pressure. Examples of supplements with this effect include 1,3-DMAA, bitter orange, caffeine-containing products, DMHA, and ephedra.
There are no known interactions with foods.
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of adrafinil might be. It might also be unsafe. Speak with your healthcare provider before use.
2-benzhydrylsulfinyl-N-hydroxyacetamide, 2-((Diphenylmethyl)Sulfinyl)-N-Hydroxyacetamide, Adrafinilum, Benzhydryl Sulfinyl Acetyl Hydroxamic Acid, CRL-40028, Olmifon.
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