Flmodafinil (CRL-40,940): Nootropic Benefits, Uses, & Side Effects


An abstract representation of Flmodafinil's nootropic benefits and potential side effects on neural connections.

Flmodafinil (CRL-40,940) is a potent derivative of modafinil with enhanced wakefulness-promoting properties and cognitive benefits.

Flmodafinil contains two additional fluorine atoms in its chemical structure, giving it higher potency and greater bioavailability in the brain compared to its parent compound.

Flmodafinil functions primarily as a dopamine reuptake inhibitor, increasing dopamine levels to promote alertness, enhance focus, and improve cognitive performance while treating conditions like narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder.

What is Flmodafinil?

Flmodafinil (also known as CRL-40,940, lauflumide and bisfluoromodafinil) is a powerful nootropic compound that functions as a central nervous system stimulant with wakefulness-promoting properties. Flmodafinil is structurally similar to modafinil but contains two additional fluorine atoms in its synthetic structure, which gives it longer lasting effects, higher potency, and greater bioavailability in the brain.

CRL-40,940 serves as the laboratory designation for flmodafinil, representing the same chemical compound used in research settings. Flmodafinil received this systematic identifier (CRL-40,940) during its development, which scientists and researchers commonly use when referring to the substance in scientific literature and chemical databases.

However, the addition of two fluorine atoms makes much of a difference in the properties of flmodafinil, such as its pharmacokinetics (how it’s absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted) and pharmacodynamics (how it affects the body) compared to modafinil. This is why modafinil seems to have less potency than flmodafinil when used to treat disorders like narcolepsy.

Through laboratory research use, studies show flmodafinil is a central nervous system stimulant (CNS). It is also commonly used to treat obstructive sleep apnea, shift work sleep disorder, and narcolepsy. Additionally, it can be used to treat sleepiness caused by lack of rest and helps improve cognitive performance.

Those who know modafinil (the known CRL-40,940 origin) will understand the benefits flmodafinil has for people having a hard time keeping the energy needed to get through a long shift or intense study crunch.

However, it’s important to know flmodafinil has not yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for human consumption, due to it still being a research chemical.

Despite this, Flmodafinil is still a popular nootropic used to promote wakefulness and alertness in individuals suffering from sleep disorders such as narcolepsy.(1) It is also known to reduce brain fog and increase dopamine levels in the brain for increased motivation and productivity.

Although flmodafinil (bisfluoromodafinil) is primarily used for treating sleep disorders (such as narcolepsy) flmodafinil also has off-label uses for depression and ADHD.

Additionally, flmodafinil’s side effects tend to be mild. They are outweighed by its unique advantages, therapeutic benefits, and effects as a dopamine reuptake inhibitor.

Pros

  • Promising properties as a eugeroic or wakefulness-promoting agent
  • Potential to boost cognitive performance and remove brain fog
  • Effective treatment for sleep apnea, shift work sleep disorder, and narcolepsy
  • Increases dopamine levels in the brain
  • Higher bioavailability, yielding stronger effects at smaller doses

Cons

  • May cause sleep deprivation due to wakefulness properties
  • Not suitable for long-term use

Mechanism of Action

Flmodafinil (CRL-40,940 powder) is a powerful nootropic and eugeroic that influences the brain in several ways.(2) Bisfluoromodafinil primarily increases dopamine levels and enhances alertness by working as a dopamine reuptake inhibitor.

While flmodafinil (CRL-40,940) acts primarily as a dopamine reuptake inhibitor, it should not be confused with CRL-40,941 (fladrafinil), which is a separate but related modafinil derivative that shares some structural similarities but possesses distinct pharmacological properties and effects.

This process ensures that there are higher dopamine levels available in your brain.

Flmodafinil has been shown to moderately increase dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine (DA) is a neurotransmitter responsible for transmitting signals between nerve cells.(3)

By increasing dopamine levels in the brain, CRL-40,940 improves cognitive function and boosts the brain’s ability to focus.(4)

However, it’s important to remember this about flmodafinil – although it can help improve cognitive performance,(5) it should not replace healthy lifestyle habits like good nutrition and regular exercise.

Understanding Flmodafinil’s Half-Life

Flmodafinil has a half-life of approximately 12-15 hours, which means the compound takes 12-15 hours for half of the active substance to be eliminated from the bloodstream. This extended half-life has important implications for dosing and usage:

  • Duration of Effects: Peak effects occur 2-4 hours after dosing and remain significant for 8-10 hours
  • Drug Accumulation: Taking multiple doses within 15 hours can lead to compound accumulation
  • Optimal Timing: Morning dosing (before 10 AM) ensures drug levels decrease sufficiently by bedtime
  • Sleep Impact: The long half-life means even morning doses may affect sleep if taken too late
  • Steady State: Regular daily dosing reaches steady state after approximately 3-4 days

For optimal results, align dosing with your natural circadian rhythm and daily schedule while respecting the compound’s extended half-life.

Nootropic Benefits of Flmodafinil

Flmodafinil offers numerous nootropic benefits that make it popular among wellness enthusiasts, including enhanced memory retention, improved focus, reduced fatigue, and increased alertness. Flmodafinil primarily promotes wakefulness, which serves people with sleep disorders and individuals needing sustained productivity during long work hours, while also functioning as a potential off-label treatment for ADHD and depression due to its dopamine-enhancing properties.

Let’s have a closer look at these potential benefits to get a broader understanding of how we can use flmodafinil in our daily lives.

Enhances Memory Retention and Learning Capacity

Flmodafinil acts as an effective nootropic that improves memory function. It aids in the consolidation of information from short-term to long-term memory.

Furthermore, flmodafinil powder has been found to increase the brain’s plasticity. This means it can help your brain adapt and change more efficiently, leading to improved cognitive function.

Additionally, a study that has been out since 2015 on modafinil (CRL-40,940’s original chemical) has proven its positive effects on cognitive performance.(6) With this in mind, modafinil has fewer fluorine atoms than flmodafinil, meaning flmodafinil will have a higher potency and stronger effect when used to enhance cognitive function.

Boosts Focus and Concentration Levels

Another popular benefit of this powerful nootropic compound is its ability to enhance focus and concentration levels. Flmodafinil stimulates the increase of dopamine levels in the brain, which plays a key role in attention and focus.

L-Theanine, another potent nootropic often combined with flmodafinil, has also been shown to improve attention span when taken regularly.(7) This is one of the best nootropic stacks for students and night-shift workers to use.

Promotes Mental Energy and Reduces Fatigue

Flmodafinil (CRL-40,940 powder) provides a significant boost in cognitive performance. Using flmodafinil helps combat feelings of fatigue by promoting wakefulness and alertness. This powerful eugeroic is especially beneficial for narcoleptics who struggle with excessive daytime sleepiness. Flmodafinil is also useful for people who experience cognitive impairment due to lack of sleep.

Moreover, unlike traditional stimulants that can cause jitters or crashes, flmodafinil offers sustained energy, increased focus, and concentration, all without these common side effects.

This is the answer all people who do not get enough sleep during the night need.

Off-Label ADHD Treatment and Antidepressant

Flmodafinil is a derivative of modafinil, and therefore this medicine may also be used to treat ADHD. A lot of people use it off-label for this purpose, due to its unique advantages and effects on the dopamine levels in the brain.

Nootropics like flmodafinil CRL-40,940 can help with these ADHD symptoms by increasing dopamine levels in the brain and working as an antidepressant whilst also boosting cognitive performance. When Flmodafinil is used in conjunction with mindfulness practices, it has the potential to play a powerful role in managing ADHD.

Uses of Flmodafinil

Flmodafinil powder is a drug with multiple off-label uses, from treating sleep disorders to enhancing cognitive performance and maintaining alertness. 

Let’s delve into these potential applications.

  1. Treating Sleep Disorders: Flmodafinil is a savior for people suffering from excessive sleepiness, especially those with obstructive sleep apnea. Thanks to the ability flmodafinil has to impact your dopamine reuptake inhibitor, it helps regulate your sleep patterns and keeps you awake during daytime hours.
  2. Enhancing Cognitive Performance: This nootropic research chemical has become increasingly popular among students for its cognitive-enhancing effects. It helps improve concentration, memory recall, and overall academic performance.
  3. Maintaining Alertness During Long Work Hours: Professional people often have a higher energy need in order to work long hours. Here’s where flmodafinil comes into play. Flmodafinil promotes alertness and reduces fatigue, helping professionals maintain cognitive performance and wakefullness throughout their workday.

Where to Buy Flmodafinil

Although CRL-40,940 is a research chemical that is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration yet, flmodafinil can still be purchased without a prescription in the U.S.

The drug modafinil may be easier to locate via online retailers, but because lauflumide is a derivative modafinil chemical, it is still easily available for purchase online.

Flmodafinil powder can be purchased from Science.bio, which operates as a research chemical supplier offering high-quality, third-party tested reference materials through their website. Science.bio provides effective flmodafinil for study or work purposes, though buyers should verify the legality in their jurisdiction since flmodafinil remains unregulated in the US but may have different legal status elsewhere.

Note: Remember to read the terms and conditions of sale on every site that sells medical research chemicals used to treat specific conditions. This ensures you get the best deal on products purchased from a supplier, without missing any fine print about its effects.

Flmodafinil Dosage

Flmodafinil has a recommended dosage range of 50-200 mg per day, with beginners advised to start at 50 mg and experienced users taking up to 200 mg based on individual response. The effects of flmodafinil last up to 12 hours after ingestion, which makes morning administration optimal for preventing sleep disruption while maintaining cognitive enhancement throughout the day.

The recommended flmodafinil dosage varies based on specific use cases:

  • For studying/cognitive enhancement: Start with 50-100mg taken early morning
  • For shift work: 100-150mg taken 1 hour before shift start
  • For sleep disorders: 150-200mg taken upon waking
  • For beginners: Start with 50mg to assess tolerance
  • For experienced users: Up to 200mg based on individual response

It’s shown to have a positive effect when used to treat people who are sleep deprived and need to feel the energy that this wakefulness promoting drug offers.

Important timing considerations:

  • Take the first dose on an empty stomach for optimal absorption
  • Allow 1-2 hours before eating for maximum effectiveness
  • Avoid taking after 2 PM to prevent sleep disruption
  • For split doses, take the second dose no later than early afternoon

Side Effects of Flmodafinil

Flmodafinil produces positive effects including enhanced wakefulness, improved cognitive function, and increased focus, while its side effects typically remain short-lived and manageable. Flmodafinil users may experience headaches, nausea, anxiety, or insomnia, though these adverse reactions generally subside as the body adjusts to the compound, making the overall benefit-to-risk profile favorable for most individuals.

With that in mind, there are 3 potential side effects flmodafinil users may encounter:

  1. Headaches: A common side effect when using flmodafinil. It’s recommended to maintain hydration and take the compound at a low dose initially.
  2. Nausea: Some users report feeling nauseous after taking flmodafinil. This usually subsides as your body gets used to the substance.
  3. Anxiety: Due to the effects on dopamine receptors, overuse could lead to excessively high dopamine levels in the brain. This could lead to anxiety, agitation, and restlessness.
  4. Insomnia: As a eugeroic or wakefulness-enhancing agent, flmodafinil may cause sleep disturbances if taken too close to bedtime. This may not be the best option for individuals with sleep-onset disorders.

Note: Allergic responses are possible when using this smart drug, even among healthy people. CRL-40,940 (lauflumide) is still a research chemical and people need to use it responsibly and follow medical advice. Those who have experienced a skin rash taking modafinil may need to use an alternative wakefulness promoting agent or use products like natural nootropics.

Additionally, the long-term safety of flmodafinil is known to be unclear due to limited clinical trials. While structurally similar to modafinil, which has been widely studied and deemed safe for use in managing sleep disorders like narcolepsy, flmodafinil’s unique chemical structure (CRL-40,940) could potentially elicit different responses in the body.

The nootropic flmodafinil does not have all the same side effects modafinil has (such as a decrease in appetite or dry mouth) and it may be safer than well-known prescription drugs to increase motivation. It’s also a more potent option for individuals wanting to treat narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder.

Although it has fewer side effects, a certain amount of caution should still be used as the effects may vary.

Remember, to seek emergency medical help if you experience severe side effects following a dose of modafinil derivative, flmodafinil.

Summary 

Flmodafinil and modafinil are both fascinating products in the world of nootropics. The difference between the two is that flmodafinil (lauflumide) is a derivative of modafinil with two additional fluorine atoms.

Although flmodafinil has a higher potency than modafinil, making it last longer, users need to make sure flmodafinil is used responsibly. The effects of flmodafinil are different from modafinil, and it is still being used for research purposes.

However, CRL-40,490 is an effective modafinil replacement for those needing a more potent wakefullness promoting nootropic with fewer side effects.

Given the limited long-term safety data available for Flmodafinil, correct usage is key.

Remember, it’s vital to consult with a healthcare provider before adding a new nootropic to your daily routine.

FAQs

How long does flmodafinil take to work?

The onset of flmodafinil is typically within 1-2 hours of ingestion, with peak effects usually felt 2-4 hours post-dose. However, individual response may vary.

What is the elimination half-life of flmodafinil?

The half-life of flmodafinil is approximately 12-15 hours. This means that the drug’s concentration in your body will decrease by half every 12-15 hours. Overall, flmodafinil has a longer half-life than many other wakefulness promoting agent products on the market.

Should you cycle flmodafinil?

Yes, it is recommended to cycle flmodafinil to prevent tolerance buildup. A common cycle includes 5 days on, and 2 days off. However, always consult with a healthcare provider for personal advice on how to use your cognitive enhancers.

Can I stack flmodafinil with other nootropics?

Yes, flmodafinil can be stacked with other cognitive enhancers. However, it is essential to carefully research each stack and understand the potential interactions and side effects.

How should I store flmodafinil?

Flmodafinil should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. It should also be kept out of reach of children.

Is flmodafinil legal to purchase and use?

The legality of flmodafinil varies by country. In the U.S., it is unregulated, so it’s legal to purchase for personal use. Always check your local regulations.


Sources, Studies, and Scientific Research
  1. Luca, Gianina et al. “Lauflumide (NLS-4) Is a New Potent Wake-Promoting Compound.” Frontiers in neuroscience vol. 12 519. 15 Aug. 2018, doi:10.3389/fnins.2018.00519
  2. Napoletano, Flavia et al. “The Psychonauts’ World of Cognitive Enhancers.” Frontiers in psychiatry vol. 11 546796. 11 Sep. 2020, doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2020.546796
  3. Klein, Marianne O et al. “Dopamine: Functions, Signaling, and Association with Neurological Diseases.” Cellular and molecular neurobiology vol. 39,1 (2019): 31-59. doi:10.1007/s10571-018-0632-3
  4. Nieoullon, André. “Dopamine and the regulation of cognition and attention.” Progress in neurobiology vol. 67,1 (2002): 53-83. doi:10.1016/s0301-0082(02)00011-4
  5. Dowling, Geraldine et al. “Outsmarted by nootropics? An investigation into the thermal degradation of modafinil, modafinic acid, adrafinil, CRL-40,940 and CRL-40,941 in the GC injector: formation of 1,1,2,2-tetraphenylethane and its tetra fluoro analog.” Drug testing and analysis vol. 9,3 (2017): 518-528. doi:10.1002/dta.2142
  6. Battleday, R M, and A-K Brem. “Modafinil for cognitive neuroenhancement in healthy non-sleep-deprived subjects: A systematic review.” European neuropsychopharmacology : the journal of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology vol. 25,11 (2015): 1865-81. doi:10.1016/j.euroneuro.2015.07.028
  7. Baba, Yoshitake et al. “Effects of l-Theanine on Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged and Older Subjects: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study.” Journal of medicinal food vol. 24,4 (2021): 333-341. doi:10.1089/jmf.2020.4803

Jacob Kovacs is a cognitive neuroscientist and author at WholisticResearch, specializing in nootropics and neuroactive peptides. His expertise in neuroscience and psychopharmacology bridges cognitive science with drug development. Kovacs’ work focuses on enhancing cognitive functions and brain health through innovative, efficient neuroactive compounds that overcome traditional pharmacokinetic challenges. His contributions are pivotal in advancing the understanding and treatment of neurological diseases.

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