Adrafinil

A prodrug of modafinil — converts in the liver to modafinil but is unscheduled in many jurisdictions where modafinil requires a prescription.

Why it matters

Adrafinil is metabolised to modafinil after oral administration. The effects are essentially the same as modafinil itself but with delayed onset and the metabolic load of the liver conversion. The unscheduled status in the US has driven adrafinil into the nootropic supplement market.

In practice

Typical doses are 300–600mg, taken in the morning. Long-term high-dose use raises liver enzymes; monitoring is sensible for chronic users.

Common confusion

Adrafinil and modafinil are sometimes presented as different drugs. Pharmacologically they are the same active compound at the receptor; the difference is regulatory and pharmacokinetic.

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