Hydrafinil: Everything You Need To Know (Benefits & Risks)

Updated July 11, 2024 by | Reviewed by William Gallagher, MNeuroSci
(Estimated reading time: 3 minutes)
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Hydrafinil (9-Fluorenol) is the newest, most promising nootropic to hit the market in the last few years.

It is a stimulant that can improve focus, mood, and wakefulness without the jitters or anxiety of caffeine. It won't make you feel like you need to take a nap when the effects wear off.

If you're looking for a safer alternative to Modafinil and Adderall that doesn't have the same addictive properties, Hydrafinil may be worth looking into.

In this post we break down what you need know about Hydrafinil as well as exploring its benefits and risks in more detail.

What Does It Do?

The primary function of Hydrafinil is to promote wakefulness by affecting levels of the neurotransmitter adenosine, which regulates sleep and wakefulness.

It also improves attention and reaction time but without the jitters or anxiety commonly associated with stimulants like caffeine and Adderall.

These effects are similar to those of modafinil, another popular nootropic. The main difference is that Hydrafinil has not been as widely studied or is not yet fully understood by scientists – which makes it a more interesting and promising alternative.

Recent studies have shown that Hydrafinil helped improve the ability to concentrate, increase wakefulness, and even enhance mood – without the side effects of jitters or anxiety. It's more similar in this way to nootropics like Aniracetam and Pramiracetam.

In animal trials, it has been observed that Hydrafinil can protect against cognitive impairments associated with lack of sleep.

According to the FDA, Hydrafinil is a product that:  "enhances wakefulness and alertness without the undesirable side effects of amphetamine-like stimulants.

Effects & Benefits

The effects of Hydrafinil are similar to Modafinil, but more powerful and longer lasting.

It takes more than a single dose to feel its effects – so start with a low dose (100 mg) and work your way up. Here's how you'll feel after taking it:

Hydrafinil has the potential to improve concentration, mood, motivation, and reaction time. It is also reported to help users lose weight by increasing their metabolism and suppressing their appetite.

Unlike caffeine, Modafinil, and other stimulants, Hydrafinil is reported to have little to no side effects.

As a result, it can be taken for long periods of time without the fear of developing an addiction. That being said, the long term effects are unknown – but probably similar to those of known nootropics like Modafinil, Aniracetam and Pramiracetam.

This makes it worth considering as an alternative if you're looking for something less potent than Modafinil but still want the advantage it provides over Adderall.

Side Effects

As mentioned, Hydrafinil has not been extensively studied or is not fully understood by science.

As a result, the long term effects of its use are unknown.

However, it has been reported to be safe and well tolerated in short term studies and many users report no side effects. Some possible side effects include headaches or gastrointestinal distress.

In addition, high dosages can lead to anxiety and insomnia.  Start with a small dose (100 mg) and work up if you experience significant anxiety or insomnia after consumption.

Where to Buy Hydrafinil Online

Hydrafinil is not approved by the FDA and has not been evaluated as a drug by the agency. You can't buy it in stores or through your local pharmacy.

It is available for sale on Amazon but there have been reports of fake products that are actually just caffeine pills disguised as Hydrafinil.

My advice is to stay away from these sites because you don't know what you're getting – which can be dangerous.

What is the Difference Between Hydrafinil and Adrafinil?

Adrafinil is the parent molecule and precursor to Hydrafinil.

It must be metabolized in the body before it turns into an active form. That being said, Adrafinil is said to have a greater adverse effect on the liver compared to hydrafinil.

Conclusion

So is Hydrafinil the next big nootropic to boost your energy, focus and mood?

It's hard to say for sure – but it seems safe and has been proven to work.

If you're looking for a safer alternative to Modafinil that doesn't have the same addictive properties Hydrafinil could be worth taking a look at.

References:

  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6268879/
  • https://www.reddit.com/r/Nootropics/comments/2ev8c4/hydrafinil_report/