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Posted on Mar 19, 2008, 9 a.m.
By Bill Freeman
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Adrafinil acts to stimulate brain activity only when stimulation is required. Modafinil is a more recent, more potent analogue of Adrafinil, which is used in the treatment of narcolepsy to improve wakefulness in patients with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). Both drugs act on brain Alpha 1 postsynaptic receptors and make them more susceptible to the
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Adrafinil acts to stimulate brain activity only when stimulation is required. Modafinil is a more recent, more potent analogue of Adrafinil, which is used in the treatment of narcolepsy to improve wakefulness in patients with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). Both drugs act on brain Alpha 1 postsynaptic receptors and make them more susceptible to the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, thus increasing alertness and concentration. They do not appear to affect other brain functions.
ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING:
Adrafinil and Modafinil’s anti-aging benefits include: increased and improved alertness and concentration, improved thought clarity and short-term memory, and increased reaction speed including hand-and-eye coordination. A study carried out on dogs revealed that Adrafinil significantly improved their ability to learn tasks. The effectiveness of Adrafinil has not yet been studied on a nonelderly population.
SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Adrafinil can cause an increase in liver enzyme levels, therefore usage should be monitored by a doctor. Other side effects include headaches, stomach pain, minor skin irritations, inner tension and mild agitation or aggression. People with epilepsy, liver or kidney impairment, or those using tranquilizers should avoid Adrafinil and Modafinil.
Individuals taking norepinephrine-stimulating agents such as Yohimbine should be cautious when using adrafinil. Women using either Adrafinil or Modafinil should be aware that the drugs may reduce the effectiveness of contraceptive pills or implants. Therefore an alternative method of contraception should be used during, and for 1 month after, treatment with either drug has ceased. Adrafinil contains an active ingredient which could induce a positive result in anti-doping tests for athletes.
Modafinil is superior to Adrafinil in its action. However most patients will usually experience improvement with Adrafinil. Modafinil is a very recent addition and is considerably more expensive than Adrafinil.
PHARMACOLOGY:
Adrafinil is an alpha-adrenergic agonist and is chemically related to Modafinil. It is given by mouth in doses of 60mg to 1.2g daily. Chemical Name: 2-((Diphenylmethyl) sulfinyl) acetohydroxamic acid.
Molecular Formula: C(15)H(15)NO(3)S Molecular Weight: 289.4
Distribution: Adrafinil is supplied in 300mg tablets under the trade name Olmifon. Modafinil is supplied under the trade name Provigil in 100mg tablets.
