Mental skills, such as intelligence, creativity, attention and memory are highly regarded and prized in our modern society. Indeed, the ability to enhance any of these traits, even temporarily, would be a blessing that many people would go to great lengths for. But what if you were to be told that there is, in fact, a way of achieving that; a pill or capsule that can allow for short-term improvement of essential cognitive skills?
The solution lies in a wonderful group of supplements and drugs known as “nootropics”, which have been shown to enhance the ability to concentrate, think and develop memories, in addition to promoting overall mental performance. Over the last few years, nootropics have seen something of a golden age, with an increasing number of people now pursuing the ideals of being more intelligent, attentive, creative and productive.
The first nootropic was created in the laboratory of Dr. Corneliu E. Giurgea in the 1960s, and the term nootropic was coined at that time as well. The word “nootropic” came from two Greek words: nous, meaning “mind”, and trepein, which refers to the act of bending or turning — literally making a word that can be translated as, “to alter the mind”.
Today, nootropics include a large variety of dietary supplements, medicinal herbs and their extracts, as well as chemical drugs. Adrafinil is an example of a highly desirable nootropic drug which allows the user to experience a period of enhanced cognitive function and energy.
What is Adrafinil?
Adrafinil belongs to a type of wakefulness-promoting substances known as eugeroics. It acts as a mild to moderate stimulant, although unlike most traditional stimulants, it does not cause overstimulation or other serious side effects, and it is less likely to be abused.
Adrafinil is a precursor to modafinil, and so the human body converts adrafinil into modafinil after it is metabolized in the liver. Modafinil is available on its own as a prescription drug, which is typically used as a treatment for sufferers of certain sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy and excessive daytime sleepiness.
Modafinil and adrafinil are both used as a nootropic to reduce drowsiness and boost alertness, but since adrafinil can be purchased without a prescription from many nootropics outlets on the Internet, it has become the preferred option for most nootropics users.
Uses and Benefits of Adrafinil
Though the specific mechanisms of action of adrafinil are, as of yet, unclear and require further research before they can be fully understood, it is accepted that adrafinil is both a safe and effective cognitive booster that exhibits a stimulant effect on the central nervous system.
Adrafinil is not currently used to treat any specific disease or disorder, but rather it is often taken as a supplement to increase vigilance, focus and attention, and to reduce fatigue and sleepiness. There are also claims that it helps improve mood, learning and memory, although these effects have not been fully investigated or established in clinical trials.
Should You Use Adrafinil?
There is an increasing number of consumers turning to adrafinil and other nootropics to boost their productivity and resilience to daily stress, be it at work, school or home. While such supplements may provide short-term benefits, they cannot serve as a substitute for a healthy lifestyle.
Although it is generally accepted that adrafinil is a beneficial and harmless nootropic when used as directed, it has not had vast amounts of research conducted on it in regards to its safety as it is rarely used from a professional standpoint compared to the prescription-only modafinil.
If you are in need of a quick-acting stimulant and mental booster on a temporary basis, then adrafinil may be helpful for you. But it is not a suitable supplement for long-term use because of the lack of information on its long-term efficacy and safety.