Adrafinil: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview: Adrafinil is a type of chemical called a prodrug. This means that your body turns it into another drug, called modafinil. Although adrafinil is sometimes sold online as a nootropic, it is not considered a legal ingredient in the U.S. and its benefits are not well understood. Common side effects include foul-smelling urine, headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, anxiety, back pain, runny or stuffy nose, or an upset stomach. Serious side effects may include severe skin reactions, mental health problems, and chest pain. Talk to your health care provider before taking adrafinil for any reason.

Uses

What is adrafinil used for?

Adrafinil is sometimes marketed as a nootropic to improve memory and thinking skills. But adrafinil is not a legal dietary ingredient in the U.S. and it is associated with serious safety concerns. Note: The FDA has not reviewed adrafinil for safety and effectiveness, and it is not approved by the FDA. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does adrafinil work (mechanism of action)?

Adrafinil is a type of chemical known as a prodrug. When you take adrafinil by mouth, your body turns it into another drug called modafinil. Modafinil is a prescription drug approved in the U.S. for the treatment of specific sleep-related health problems. This medication can cause serious side effects if taken at the wrong dose or by people with certain health problems. Since adrafinil turns into a prescription drug in your body, the FDA does not consider it to be a legal dietary ingredient. Instead, it is considered an unapproved drug that is not allowed to be added to dietary supplements. But products that contain adrafinil may still be available for purchase. Speak to a health care provider before taking adrafinil for any reason.

How should I store adrafinil?

You should store adrafinil according to the product label. Most drugs should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of adrafinil?

The most common side effects of adrafinil are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

• Foul-smelling urine (pee)
• Headache
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Anxiety, nervousness, or irritability
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Back pain
• Dizziness
• Upset stomach or indigestion
• Dry mouth
• Sleep problems

There may be other side effects of adrafinil that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of adrafinil?

While less common, the most serious side effects of adrafinil are described below, along with what to do if they happen. Severe Allergic Reactions. Adrafinil may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking adrafinil and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin calledhives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Severe Skin Reactions. Adrafinil turns into another drug, called modafinil, inside the body. Modafinil can cause severe skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), that can lead to death if not treated. If you get a rash, stop taking adrafinil and call your health care provider right away. Get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a severe skin reaction.

• Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off
• Flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
• Red, painful, watery eyes
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Areas of thickened skin
• Sores that are crusted over

Dizziness and Sleepiness. Adrafinil can make you dizzy or sleepy. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how adrafinil affects you.

Mental Health Symptoms. Adrafinil turns into another drug, called modafinil, inside the body. Modafinil may cause you to have mental health symptoms, especially if you have a history of mental health problems, such as depression, psychosis, or mania. Stop taking adrafinil and call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Seeing, feeling, or hearing things that others do not see or hear, also called hallucinations
• Mania
• New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
• Aggressive behavior
• Other changes in your mental health

Chest Pain. Adrafinil turns into another drug, called modafinil, inside the body. Modafinil can cause chest pain, which can be a symptom of a heart attack. The risk of chest pain may be higher if you have a heart condition called mitral valve prolapse or left ventricular hypertrophy (thick heart walls on the left side of your heart). If you have any of the following symptoms, stop taking adrafinil and get emergency help right away.

• Chest pain or pressure
• Fast or abnormal heartbeat
• Trouble breathing

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use adrafinil?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take adrafinil.

• Adrafinil
• Armodafinil
• Modafinil
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Ask your health care provider if you are not sure what ingredients are present in an adrafinil product.

What should I know about adrafinil before using it?

The FDA considers adrafinil to be an unapproved drug, which means it cannot be legally sold as a dietary supplement. However, adrafinil products may still be available for purchase in many places. These products are not regulated and have not been tested to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Adrafinil turns into a drug called modafinil. Modafinil is a controlled substance in the U.S. because it can be misused or lead to dependence. Store adrafinil in a safe place, out of the reach of children. Adrafinil can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how adrafinil affects you. Adrafinil is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for use by athletes in competitions. Learn more about the WADA Prohibited List here. The FDA has not tested adrafinil products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using adrafinil?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. Also tell them if you have an upcoming surgery planned. Sharing this information will help your health care provider know if this or other supplements are right for you. In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following. Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and psychosis (losing touch with reality)
• Heart problems, including history of a heart attack, mitral valve prolapse, and left ventricular hypertrophy (thick heart walls on the left side of your heart)
• High blood pressure
• Kidney or liver problems
• History of excessive use or misusing drugs or alcohol

Other Medicines and Supplements. Adrafinil may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking adrafinil, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how adrafinil could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if adrafinil passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does adrafinil interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between adrafinil and foods or drinks. It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect adrafinil. The risk of dizziness may increase if you drink alcohol while taking adrafinil. It is likely best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking adrafinil.

Does adrafinil interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking adrafinil.

• A birth control pill, patch, vaginal ring, implant, injection, or intrauterine device (IUD)
• Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others), which is a medicine to suppress your immune system
• Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), which is a blood thinner
• A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease
• Omeprazole (Prilosec, others), which is a medicine to reduce stomach acid
• Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others), which is a medicine to control seizures
• Diazepam (Valium), which is a medicine used for anxiety

Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of adrafinil, and vice versa. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

The interactions between adrafinil and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with adrafinil is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking adrafinil with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much adrafinil?

If you or someone else has used too much adrafinil, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222. Adrafinil cannot be legally sold as a dietary supplement in the U.S. However, it may still be available for purchase online. Adrafinil may cause serious side effects in some people. Speak to a health care provider before taking adrafinil for any reason.