Fladrafinil (CRL-40,941): Review of Nootropic Benefits & Uses

Updated on May 16, 2023
 by — reviewed by Jason Williams, PhD (Contributor: George Collins / Editor: Yoko Hill)

In this Fladrafinil review, we'll take an in-depth look at this popular nootropic. We'll also go over how Fladrafinil works in the brain, information about the benefits, side effects, and where you can buy it online.

Fladrafinil, also known as CRL-40,941 and Fluorafinil, is a eugeroic drug related to Adrafinil and Modafinil (Provigil). It has dopaminergic, α-adrenergic, and histaminergic activity.

Fladrafinil was initially developed by the French pharmaceutical company Lafon Laboratories in the 1980s as an experimental treatment for narcolepsy. However, it never received approval from the FDA or any other regulatory agency and was never marketed as a drug.

Let's look closely at Fladrafinil, how it works, and its potential nootropic benefits.

Fladrafinil Review Summary

Fladrafinil is a eugeroic smart drug 3-4 times more potent than Adrafinil. It increases dopamine, norepinephrine, and histamine levels in the brain. Fladrafinil improves working memory, focus, attention span, motivation, mood, and overall cognitive function.

It is often used as an alternative to other prescription nootropics like Modafinil (Provigil) or Adderall due to the fact that it is classified as a "grey area" substance and does not require a prescription.

Pros

  • Increased focus and concentration
  • Improved mood and overall sense of well-being
  • Potent motivation boost - Enhanced cognitive function, especially in the areas of memory, learning, and executive function

Cons

  • It's hard to find high-quality Fladrafinil online

What Is Fladrafinil?

fladrafinil featured image

Fladrafinil (Acetamide, 2-[[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]sulfinyl]-N-hydroxy-) is the bis(p-fluoro) ring-substituted derivative of Adrafinil. This means that it has the same effects and mechanisms of action as Adrafinil but with slightly different biochemical properties.

Fladrafinil acts as a selective dopamine reuptake inhibitor (DRI) and also displays a weak affinity for the norepinephrine (NET) and serotonin transporters (SERT).

what is fladrafinil

The clinical pharmacology of Fladrafinil is similar to that of Adrafinil, but Fladrafinil has approximately 3-4 times the potency of Adrafinil due to its extra fluoride molecule.

This results in Fladrafinil reaching maximum concentration in the blood plasma more quickly than Adrafinil does. As such, Fladrafinil has a shorter duration of action.

Fladrafinil is not currently approved for any medical use, so it is classified as a research chemical. It is one of many cognitive enhancers that are available on the market today.

Imagebuy fladrafinil
NameFladrafinil
ClassNootropic
EffectsWakefulness, alertness, focus, lower aggression
Potential Side EffectsHeadache, insomnia, nausea, restlessness, digestive upsets
Half-Life14 - 16 hours
Common Dosage30 - 80 mg daily
Content54 tablets x 40 mg
Price$43.98
Money Back GuaranteeCase-by-case
Rating⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8/5
Best VendorClick Here ›

While it lacks the long history of use and research of some other cognitive enhancers, it nevertheless shows promise as an effective tool for improving mental performance, focus, and alertness.

How Does Fladrafinil Work In The Brain?

Fladrafinil acts as a eugeroic drug, or wakefulness-promoting agent, and is sold online as a cognitive enhancer. The mechanism of action of Fladrafinil has not yet been fully elucidated, but it is believed to act in a similar manner to Adrafinil, which is a prodrug of Modafinil.

Modafinil has been shown to increase levels of Hypocretin in the brain. Hypocretin is a neuropeptide that regulates wakefulness and arousal, so increasing its levels can help support increased alertness, stimulation, and wakefulness (1).

Researchers theorize that Fladrafinil's effects are created by increasing the levels of Hypocretin in the brain and those of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine (2).

This, combined with its ability to inhibit the reuptake of these neurotransmitters, has been shown to result in increased levels of alertness, reduced fatigue, and better overall mental performance (3).

What Is Fladrafinil Used For?

Fladrafinil is not currently approved for any medical use, so its clinical applications are limited. However, it has shown promise as a cognitive enhancer supporting increased focus, wakefulness, and vigilance.

According to anecdotal evidence, Fladrafinil improves mental performance in individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), chronic fatigue syndrome, and narcolepsy. Off-label, biohackers are using Fladrafinil as a potent tool to support increased productivity, focus, and cognition.

Because Fladrafinil is a more potent version of Adrafinil, it is often used as a replacement for this precursor drug.

What Are The Benefits Of Fladrafinil For Cognition?

The people who take Fladrafinil for cognition report similar benefits to that of Adrafinil and Modafinil.

Because Fladrafinil works on the same neurotransmitter systems and mechanisms as Adrafinil and Modafinil, individuals can expect to experience similar effects on their mental performance. These include increased focus, alertness, motivation, productivity, and concentration.

Overview of the benefits of Fladrafinil for cognition:

  • Improved focus and concentration
  • Reduced fatigue and increased energy levels
  • Increased alertness and wakefulness
  • Better overall mental performance, including cognitive ability, memory, and learning capacity
  • Greater productivity at work or school
  • Enhanced performance for athletes and other active individuals
  • Reduced symptoms of ADHD, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and narcolepsy
  • Potential benefits for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's

The effects are even more pronounced when Fladrafinil is taken with a potent choline source, such as Alpha GPC or CDP Choline.

This is because choline helps increase the production of acetylcholine (ACh) in the brain, an important neurotransmitter involved in memory and learning.

Where To Buy Fladrafinil Online?

If you're looking for a place to purchase Fladrafinil, the vendor we recommend is Science.bio, where you can buy Fladrafinil in powder and liquid form.

Their Fladrafinil tablets are the most convenient and easiest way to get your daily dose of this powerful nootropic, and they come in 2 different variants (or strengths):

  • 40 mg / 27 ct / 1080 mg - $25.98 (USD)
  • 40 mg / 54 ct / 2160 mg - $43.98 (USD)

What Do People Say About Fladrafinil On Reddit?

Let's take a look at some of the feedback that people have posted about Fladrafinil on Reddit:

According to zycron:

I love how it instantly jacks you up and gives you a ton of energy. But I think most people would agree that, like modafinil, your mental acuity is what really shines with this stuff.

According to james3:

I'm always on the lookout for new smart drugs, or other ways of getting an edge when it comes to focus. And Fladrafinil has been right at the top of my list. It's definitely a potent, fast-acting focus enhancer that gives me the energy and mental acuity I need to power through any task.

According to timmerm:

I was actually pretty skeptical about taking Fladrafinil because I've tried other 'wakefulness' agents like Adrafinil, Modafinil, etc., and they never really gave me that much of a boost. But I figured I'd give it a shot anyway because it had good feedback on Reddit. And man, was I glad. It worked way better than anything else I've tried, and honestly made me feel like my brain had been supercharged. I'll definitely be buying more in the future.

How Do You Take Fladrafinil For Cognitive Enhancement?

Fladrafinil can be taken in various ways, depending on your personal preferences and needs. For instance, some people choose to take it in tablet form or as a liquid solution. Others prefer to buy the bulk powder version and then measure out their dose using a microscale or digital scale.

When starting out with Fladrafinil, it's recommended that you start with a low dose and gradually increase your dosage over time, as needed. For best results, it's also important to pair Fladrafinil with an effective choline supplement such as Alpha GPC or CDP Choline. This will help boost acetylcholine levels in the brain and further enhance focus, concentration, and mental performance.

At WholisticResearch, we recommend taking Fladrafinil on an empty stomach first thing in the morning or before a big meeting or project. This way, you can take advantage of its powerful cognitive benefits without worrying about disrupting your normal sleep schedule or energy levels throughout the day.

We also recommend that you cycle it on and off regularly to prevent any potential tolerance or side effects from developing. This can be done by taking Fladrafinil for 2 weeks, followed by a 1-week break before starting again.

Whether you're an athlete, student, professional, or entrepreneur, Fladrafinil is a great addition to any nootropic stack and will help you reach your full potential.

The recommended dosage for Fladrafinil can vary depending on several factors, including your age, weight, and personal preferences. However, most people find that taking between 30 mg and 80 mg daily is enough to experience the full benefits of this powerful nootropic.

If you're just starting out with Fladrafinil, we recommend starting with a low dose of around 30 mg and gradually increasing it over time until you find the optimal dosage that works for your needs. You can also split your dose up throughout the day and take it in 2 or 3 separate doses instead of all at once.

What Are The Side Effects Of Fladrafinil?

According to our research, Fladrafinil is generally well-tolerated and doesn't cause any significant side effects. However, some people may experience minor headaches, which is why we recommend stacking Fladrafinil with a high-quality choline supplement.

Additionally, you may experience mild nervousness and jitters when taking Fladrafinil at high doses, especially if you're new to nootropics. These side effects are generally mild and will diminish the longer you take it. If these side effects worsen, we recommend talking to your doctor to discuss alternative nootropic options.

Fladrafinil is a powerful and fast-acting cognitive enhancer that can help you easily power through even the most demanding tasks.

What Nootropics Are Similar To Fladrafinil?

The 3 most common nootropics that are similar to Fladrafinil are: Adrafinil, Modafinil, and Armodafinil.

Adrafinil is a precursor to Modafinil that has similar nootropic effects. Like Fladrafinil, Adrafinil is widely used as a cognitive enhancer and wakefulness agent, helping users stay focused and alert throughout the day. Adrafinil gets broken down in the liver into active Modafinil, which also shares many of the same benefits.

Modafinil is another popular nootropic that is frequently compared to Fladrafinil due to its similar effects. Like Fladrafinil, Modafinil is known for boosting focus and concentration while eliminating mental fatigue and symptoms of chronic sleep deprivation. However, the main difference between these two nootropics is that Fladrafinil tends to be faster-acting with a shorter duration.

Armodafinil is another nootropic that shares many of the same benefits as Fladrafinil. Like Fladrafinil, Armodafinil is used to promote wakefulness and increase mental energy, making it a popular choice for people who need to stay focused and alert for long periods of time. It's the R-enantiomer of Modafinil, meaning that it's slightly more potent than Modafinil and produces a longer-lasting effect.

It's worth noting that both Modafinil and Armodafinil have more clinical research behind them than Fladrafinil, so if you're looking for a more well-researched nootropic with a longer history of use, these may be better choices for you.

What Brain Supplements Can Fladrafinil Be Stacked With?

There are 3 different options that come to mind when it comes to stacking Fladrafinil with other brain supplements.

The first is Alpha GPC, which is a choline supplement that works synergistically with Fladrafinil to boost focus and concentration without causing any side effects.

The second is Citicoline, or CDP Choline, another popular choline supplement that helps increase mental energy and reduce fatigue.

And finally, there's NooCube, a premium nootropic blend with 12 different ingredients known for their cognitive benefits. With a potent synergistic formula, NooCube is a great choice for stacking with Fladrafinil to enhance its effects and maximize your results.

One of the great things about NooCube is that it contains L-Theanine, which acts as a buffer for stimulants like Fladrafinil, helping you avoid the jitters, maintain focus for longer and improve your sleep quality.

So if you're looking for a safe, reliable foundation for stacking Fladrafinil, NooCube is a perfect choice. ​You can get your hands on it right here:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Let's take a closer look at some of the most common questions people have about Fladrafinil.

How Long Does It Take For Fladrafinil To Work?

The effects of Fladrafinil can vary depending on the individual but typically kicks in around 30-60 minutes after ingestion. For best results, taking Fladrafinil in a fasting state about an hour before starting your workday or other mentally demanding tasks is recommended.

How Does Fladrafinil Make You Feel?

Fladrafinil makes you feel energized, focused, and alert. Many users report feeling a sense of calm focus while taking Fladrafinil, which helps them easily power through even the toughest days.

How Does Fladrafinil Compare To Adderall?

Adderall is a prescription medication and amphetamine used to treat ADHD that comes with a long list of side effects. Fladrafinil, on the other hand, is a nootropic that boosts focus and concentration with few negative side effects or risks of addiction.

Does Fladrafinil Show Up On A Drug Test?

Fladrafinil does not show up on a standard drug test. However, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has banned using Fladrafinil in international competitions, so if you're an athlete looking to use Fladrafinil, be sure to check the legality of your medication before a competition.

What's The Half-Life Of Fladrafinil?

The half-life of Fladrafinil is 14-16 hours, so effects typically last between 8-12 hours after taking a dose. It's important to note that the half-life of Fladrafinil may vary depending on individual factors like age, body weight, and how well your body processes it.

Is It Safe To Use Fladrafinil?

Fladrafinil is generally considered safe if you follow the recommended dosage guidelines. While rare, some reported side effects like headaches, insomnia, and nausea can occur in a small percentage of users. If you experience any negative side effects from Fladrafinil, it's best to consult with your doctor before continuing use.

Is Fladrafinil Legal?

Fladrafinil falls into a legal grey area, as it is not approved for human consumption in many countries worldwide. However, online vendors sell Fladrafinil as a research compound and do not require a prescription. So if you're looking to try out Fladrafinil for yourself, be sure to check the legality of your purchase before making any orders.

Conclusion

So what do we know about Fladrafinil?

Fladrafinil is 3-4 times more potent than Adrafinil, making it a powerful nootropic for enhancing mental performance. It is generally considered safe if used responsibly but can cause negative side effects in some users, such as headaches.

Fladrafinil increases focus, energy, and alertness, making it an excellent choice for boosting productivity and getting more out of your day. Whether you're looking to improve your work performance or just need a little extra boost to power through your busy schedule, Fladrafinil is a great option.

Although there are limited scientific studies on the effects of Fladrafinil, many users report positive experiences and recommend it as a safe, reliable way to boost mental performance.

So if you're looking to take your brainpower to the next level, be sure to check out Fladrafinil right here:

Fladrafinil
Fladrafinil (CRL-40,941): Review of Nootropic Benefits & Uses 1

Fladrafinil helps you fight daytime sleepiness and allows you to have focused attention, better memory, and improved cognition without the jitters and mood swings.

Editor's Rating:
4.8
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