Adrafinil vs Adderall

Adrafinil vs Adderall – detailed comparison:

Adrafinil

It is a synthetic nootropic compound that improves wakefulness and alertness while reducing the effects of drowsiness and fatigue.

In addition, it is worth noting that no exact method has yet been defined for the functionality of this nootropic compound. Nevertheless, it is thought that it stimulates the release of glutamate (the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain), therefore, it improves cognitive and perceptive abilities in human beings.

Also, the medication prevents the breakdown of dopamine, a key neurotransmitter that regulates sleep, reduces stress, and improves mood. Furthermore, it is considered that this synthetic nootropic increases the production of hypocretin, a potent neurotransmitter that controls sleep/wake cycles by mediating what we call “arousal.”

This medication was first developed by Louis Lafon Laboratories, a family-owned French pharmaceutical laboratory, in France. Currently, it can legally be purchased in the United States without a doctor’s prescription.

Uses

It is considered to be effective at increasing daytime alertness and wakefulness, as well as it affects the energy levels, reaction time, mood, and motivation. Additionally, sleep apnea (occurs when the upper airway becomes blocked repeatedly during sleep) is ameliorated through the use of this nootropic supplement.

Dosage

The usual recommended dosage varies between 300-1200 mg a day, taken orally. It is a very potent nootropic, hence, it is suggested to give your body time to adjust by starting with a lower dose and to observe how your body reacts.

Note – when administered orally on an empty stomach, the effects of this nootropic can be felt about one-hour afterword.

Side Effects And Precautions

Common side effects may include:

  • insomnia;
  • inner restlessness and agitation;
  • mild headaches;
  • unexplained weight loss;
  • nausea;
  • appetite reduction;
  • increase in liver enzyme counts.

Rare side effects may include:

  • unusual bruising or bleeding;
  • rapidly changing moods;
  • shortness of breath;
  • difficulty urinating;
  • chest pain;
  • increased urination and thirst;
  • black stools;
  • mental depression;
  • blurred vision or other vision problems;
  • a sore throat;
  • confusion;
  • unusual weakness or tiredness;
  • fainting;
  • uncontrolled movements of the tongue, mouth, lips, or face;
  • chills or fever;
  • shaking or trembling;
  • problems with memory.

Drugs Interactions

This nootropic may negatively interact with other drugs, especially:

  • doxepin (Sinequan), Amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon), nortriptyline (Pamelor), or imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil);
  • phenelzine (Nardil), Isocarboxazid (Marplan), selegiline (Eldepryl, rasagiline (Azilect), or tranylcypromine (Parnate);
  • Rifampin (Rimactane, Rifadin, Rifater);
  • Propranolol (Inderal);
  • a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, like – phenelzine (Nardil), isocarboxazid (Marplan),  selegiline (Emsam, Eldepryl), rasagiline (Azilect), or tranylcypromine (Parnate);
  • antidepressants, like – doxepin (Sinequan), amitriptyline (Etrafon, Elavil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), or imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil);
  • seizure medication, like – phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol), or phenobarbital (Solfoton, Luminal);
  • antifungal medications, like – ketoconazole (Nizoral) or itraconazole (Sporanox);
  • a sedative, like – midazolam (Versed), diazepam (Valium), or triazolam (Halcion);
  • Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral, Gengraf);
  • phenytoin (Dilantin), Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol), or phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton).

Adderall

It is a prescription medication that is used to treat narcolepsy and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). It is a combination of two stimulant drugs – amphetamine and dextroamphetamine.

This medication works by increasing the release of important neurotransmitters into the central nervous system. This results in an increased heart rate and blood pressure, higher energy levels, enhanced concentration and attention.

Interestingly, it sits with methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine on the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Schedule II list of substances.

Uses

It is used to relieve symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder by increasing the level of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.

In addition, healthcare providers occasionally prescribe this amphetamine for narcolepsy, a sleep condition whose signs and symptoms include excessive sleepiness and daytime sleep.

Dosage

The medication is an oral medication available in capsule form. The usual recommended dose ranges from 5 – 30 mg a day.

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Side Effects And Precautions

Common side effects may include:

  • agitation;
  • dizziness;
  • irritability;
  • nervousness;
  • stomach pain;
  • anxiety;
  • fear;
  • restlessness;
  • headaches;
  • excitability;
  • tremor;
  • weakness;
  • vomiting;
  • blurred vision;
  • sleep problems (insomnia);
  • diarrhea;
  • unpleasant taste in the mouth;
  • fever;
  • nausea;
  • unexplained weight loss;
  • increased blood pressure;
  • problems having an orgasm;
  • hair loss;
  • constipation;
  • loss of appetite;
  • heart palpitations;
  • loss of interest in sex;
  • impotence;
  • increased heart rate.

Rare side effects may include:

  • psychosis;
  • appetite suppression;
  • abdominal pain;
  • hypertension;
  • panic attacks;
  • sudden cardiac death;
  • kidney disease;
  • fast heartbeat;
  • seizures;
  • stroke;
  • muscle weakness;
  • depression.

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Abuse

Using this amphetamine for non-medical reasons leads to abuse and dependence, and even serious withdrawals. Common overdose signs and symptoms may include:

  • coma;
  • fainting;
  • a rapid breathing;
  • restlessness;
  • stomach pain;
  • tremor;
  • tiredness;
  • seizure (convulsions);
  • feeling light-headed;
  • vomiting;
  • nausea;
  • muscle twitches;
  • aggressiveness;
  • diarrhea;
  • muscle pain;
  • confusion;
  • dark colored urine;
  • hallucinations (the person smells, hears, sees, feels, or tastes things that don’t exist outside);
  • panic attacks (abrupt onset of intense fear);
  • uneven heartbeats.

Drug Interactions

  • tricyclic antidepressants, such as – meperidine and norepinephrine;
  • adrenergic blockers, antihypertensives, antihistamines, phenobarbital, veratrum alkaloids, phenytoin, ephedrine, and ethosuximide;
  • acidifying agents;
  • alkalinizing agents;
  • MAOI antidepressants – do not administer this amphetamine during or within 2 weeks after use of MAOI.

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Bottom Line – Adrafinil vs Adderall

Adrafinil is a synthetic nootropic that acts as a central nervous system stimulant, increasing energy and wakefulness and preventing fatigue. However, it does more than just fighting sleepiness; it has also been shown to enhance motivation, mood, and reaction time.

Adderall (active ingredients – amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) is used for treating narcolepsy and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Amphetamines like this one stimulate the brain by increasing the level of neurotransmitters (chemicals produced by nerves that are released and attached to other nearby nerves) in the brain.

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References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20407560
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091305700001751
https://examine.com/supplements/adrafinil/

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