Adrafinil

Adrafinil

Adrafinil (also known as CRL-40028 and marketed under the trade name Olmifon) is a central nervous system stimulant used to treat symptoms of excessive sleepiness and inattention. The compound is also utilized off-label by those aiming to combat fatigue, including night-shift workers or individuals requiring extended periods of wakefulness.

Pharmacology

Adrafinil functions as a prodrug, meaning its pharmacological benefits are not active until the substance is metabolized within the body. The primary metabolic product of adrafinil is modafinil, which has almost equivalent therapeutic properties. When consumed orally on an empty stomach, adrafinil's effects generally become noticeable within 45–60 minutes. It's pivotal to acknowledge that while modafinil acts quickly, adrafinil requires a longer onset due to the time needed for the conversion to its active metabolite.

Regulation

In the United States, adrafinil lacks approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and therefore remains unregulated, allowing it to be bought, sold, and possessed without restrictions. However, in European regions like France, adrafinil was previously available under the trade name Olmifon. This changed in September 2011, when France's regulatory equivalent of the FDA revisited its stance on the drug and decided to rescind its marketing authorization.

History

Adrafinil's discovery traces back to the late 1970s, thanks to the efforts of researchers at the French pharmaceutical firm Group Lafon. In 1986, France witnessed the introduction of adrafinil as an experimental remedy for narcolepsy. Later on, Lafon pivoted their research focus towards modafinil – adrafinil's primary metabolite. Unlike its predecessor, modafinil presented heightened selective alpha-1 adrenergic activity, reducing many side effects commonly associated with adrafinil, such as stomach pain, anxiety, skin irritations, and elevated liver enzymes with long-term consumption. These potential liver-related side effects highlight the necessity of consistent liver monitoring for individuals taking adrafinil for extended durations.

Group Lafon's successor, Cephalon, made the decision to discontinue the Olmifon brand as of September 2011.

Safety and Side Effects

Adrafinil's long-term consumption poses a risk of elevated liver enzymes, thereby underscoring the significance of periodic liver monitoring. Other potential side effects can include stomach pain, anxiety, and skin irritations.

See Also

• Modafinil
• Central nervous system stimulants
• Narcolepsy

References

Adrafinil Resources
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