Hydrafinil
Wakefulness-promoting research chemical (9-fluorenol) from Cephalon's next-generation modafinil program. Weak, selective DAT inhibitor; preclinical data only, reference-only.
Pharmacology
Contents
WHAT IS HYDRAFINIL?
Detailed overview
Hydrafinil (9-fluorenol) is a eugeroic research chemical from the fluorene family, identified by Cephalon during its search for a next-generation modafinil successor. It acts as a weak, relatively selective dopamine reuptake inhibitor and, in sleep-deprived mice, promoted wakefulness at doses roughly 39% more potent than modafinil per weight. Human clinical data are essentially absent, so it remains an unapproved research chemical sold in a legal grey area. This entry is educational and reference-only, reflecting the thin, mostly preclinical evidence base.
Mechanism
Weak DAT inhibitor (DRI)
Half-life
Not characterized in humans
Onset
Not characterized (dose early in day)
Legal status
Unapproved research chemical
Evidence
Preclinical only (reference-only)
Receptor profile
- Dopamine transporter (DAT)Weak
- Wake-promoting (modafinil-like) circuitsWeak
Safety
Side effects, stop signs, contraindications
Side effects · 5
- Headache (anecdotal, limited data)
- Nausea
- Insomnia, sleep disruption from late or excessive dosing
- Anxiety, restlessness (anecdotal, dopaminergic)
- Unknown long-term safety (no human safety studies)
Contraindications · 5
- No human safety data: avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Cardiovascular disease (theoretical dopaminergic/stimulant load, unstudied)
- Psychiatric conditions (anxiety, psychosis history): dopaminergic caution
- Combining with other stimulants or wakefulness agents (additive load)
- Competitive athletes: uncertain WADA status (S6 catch-all risk)
Related Nootropics
Same therapeutic category
Studies
Related research and clinical findings
Wake promoting agents: search for next generation modafinil, lessons learned: part III
Dunn D, et al.
Wake-promoting agents: search for next generation modafinil: part I
Dunn D, et al.
Wake-promoting agents: search for next generation modafinil: part II
Dunn D, et al.
Wake-promoting agents: search for next generation modafinil: part IV
Louvet P, et al.
FAQ
FAQ
Wakefulness-promoting research chemical (9-fluorenol) from Cephalon's next-generation modafinil program. Weak, selective DAT inhibitor; preclinical data only, reference-only.
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Structure & chemistry
The information here is strictly for educational and scientific purposes. It does not replace medical advice or clinical consultation, and it does not encourage illegal substance or pharmaceutical use. Data is sourced. When in doubt, consult your doctor.