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Adrafinil Facts

Stimulant; Eugeroic; Benzhydryl; Dopamine reuptake inhibitor

Description

Adrafinil (2-benzhydrylsulfinyl-N-hydroxyacetamide) is a synthetic eugeroic of the benzhydrylsulfinylacetamide class. It is a prodrug of modafinil — it converts to modafinil in the liver, the form that actually acts in the brain. Modafinil blocks dopamine reuptake, raising dopamine levels and promoting wakefulness.[1]

Subjective effects include sustained wakefulness, cognitive clarity, mood elevation, and increased motivation. The experience is one of quiet alertness — a gradual, clean arousal without the jittery push or euphoria of amphetamine-class stimulants.[2]

Dependence liability is minimal and acute toxicity is low.[2][3] The dominant chronic concern is the liver — adrafinil requires extra hepatic processing compared to modafinil, and one case of persistent involuntary facial movements after chronic use has been documented.[4]

Dose and durationby route · individual sensitivity varies

Oral(mg)
Threshold< 100 mgLight150 – 250 mgCommon250 – 400 mgStrong400 – 600 mgHeavy600+ mg

Starts in 1 – 2 hoursLasts 6 – 12 hoursAfter-effects 2 – 6 hours

Body and dependence

Acute toxicity
Low
Chronic toxicity
Moderate
Physical dependence
Negligible
Psychological dependence
Low
Withdrawal
None recorded
Compulsive redosing
Low

Tolerance

Builds
Slow
Fully resets after
10.5 days
Carries over to
modafinil; armodafinil; benzhydryl class nootropics

Effectslikely at a common dose

Body
Stimulation; Wakefulness; +8 possible, including Insomnia, Headache, Nausea
Thinking
none likely · 7 possible
Feeling
none likely · 2 possible, including Anxiety
Self
none likely · 1 possible
Awareness
Sustained attention (vicara); +1 possible

Who shouldn't take it

Absolute
Hepatic impairment; Known hypersensitivity to modafinil or armodafinil; Pregnancy and breastfeeding; Pediatric use
Relative
Cardiovascular disease; History of psychosis or mania; Concurrent hormonal contraceptive use

Combinations60 recorded

Lethal (1)
Ibogaine
Dangerous (31)
Amphetamines; Benzodiazepines, Barbiturates; Clonidine, Guanfacine; Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine; GHB, GBL; Local anesthetics; MAOIs; MDMA, Amphetamines; MDMA, MDA; NDRIs (Wellbutrin); NRIs; Opioids; SNRIs; SSRIs; Stimulants; Anticholinergics; Antipsychotics; Buspirone; Caffeine; Dopamine agonists; DXM; Gabapentin, Pregabalin; GHB, Baclofen; Ketamine, DXM, PCP; and 7 more, see full page
Caution (25)
See full page: psychedex.org/substances/adrafinil
Not graded (3)
Not listed never means safe.

Seek help immediately if

No emergency profile is recorded for this substance. Not recorded never means no risk.

988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineFireside Project: 62-FIRESIDE

Version r1 · Not medical advice

References

  1. [1]
    ^Volkow ND, Fowler JS, Logan J, et al. (2009) Effects of modafinil on dopamine and dopamine transporters in the male human brain: clinical implications. — JAMA doi:10.1001/jama.2009.351
  2. [2]
    ^abHersey M, Tanda G (2024) Modafinil, an atypical CNS stimulant? — Advances in pharmacology (San Diego, Calif.) doi:10.1016/bs.apha.2023.10.006
  3. [3]
    ^(2024) ChemicalBook: Adrafinil (CAS 63547-13-7) Physical Properties Link
  4. [4]
    ^Thobois S, Xie J, Mollion H, Benatru I, Broussolle E (2004) Adrafinil-induced orofacial dyskinesia. — Movement Disorders doi:10.1002/mds.20154
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