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Adrafinil is a non-natural (synthetic) nootropic agent.
Adrafinil acts as a pro-drug (precursor) for modafnil because adrafinil is converted to modafinil in the body.
Both adrafinil and modafinil produce identical effects in humans. Yet the onset of effects produced by adrafinil is slightly delayed in comparison to modafinil because it takes time for it to enzymatically converted to the active agent (modafinil).
Unlike traditional psychostimulants (e.g., Adderall aka mixed amphetamine salts), Modafinil/adrafinil are wakefulness-promoting agents with limited potential for abuse or dependence. Modafinil/adrafinil is used in the treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness, work shift sleep disorder, narcolepsy, depression, and other neuropsychiatric disorders.
Yet Modafinil and adrafinil are increasingly used by healthy subjects to improve productivity and possibly enhance cognitive function.
The Standard Adrafinil Dosage
A typical adrafinil dosage is 600 mg – 1200 mg, though people have reported benefits with doses as low as 200mg. 600 mg of adrafinil corresponds to about 2/8 of a teaspoon or 1.2cc of adrafinil powder.
The typical adrafinil dosage required for therapeutic effects (increased arousal, vigilance, alertness) is greater in comparison to modafinil. Adrafinil is less potent because adrafinil undergoes two metabolic fates in the body. Adrafinil may be converted to modafinil, but it can also be converted to the inactive metabolite modafinilic acid. Both adrafinil and modafinil are eliminated via urinary excretion.
The adrafinil dosage can also be titrated to determine what amount will produce the most benefits without increasing the side effect burden.
Adrafinil should not be taken in the evening due to its propensity to disrupt sleep. Taking adrafinil early in the morning is unlikely to disrupt sleep since about 50% of the active agent (modafinil) will be cleared after 15 hours.