Posted by AndrewB on June 18, 2000, at 14:35:37
In reply to Adrafinil - to JohnL or anyone, posted by Angela5 on June 17, 2000, at 15:05:37
Angela,
There are many significant differences between adrafinil and amphetamines like ritalin and adderall. Indeed, adrafinil is in different classes with a different mode of action. Adrafinil is an alpha 1 andrenergic receptor agonist that is able affect increased upregulation of the alpha 1 receptor over the long term. Amphetamines are dopamine and norepinephrine releasers (put simply).
Adrafinil was designed to take away daytime sleepiness such as is experienced by narcoleptics. Others uses for it have developed since then. For example, those with energy and cognition problems often find relief with adrafinil. What is more adrafinil is unlike amphetamines in that it accomplishes this increased arousal without the : potential for addiction/tolerance/abuse, interference with sleep, loss of effect or ‘poop out’ with repeated dosing, or a roller coaster ride of energy surges and crashes.
Adrafinil isn’t written up as being effective for ADD. Amphetamines are probably effective for ADD through their dopaminergic action, something that adrafinil does not have. Jonathan sounds off an important warning. Alpha 2 agonists like clonidine have been effective for treating ADD symptoms. The alpha 1 and 2 receptors seem to (often) act with mutual antagonism towards one anothers’ actions. If this receptor relationship exists concerning ADD symptoms expression then the alpha 1 agonist adrafinil (or Prodigal) may make ADD symptoms worse.
AndrewB
poster:AndrewB
thread:37644
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000610/msgs/37702.html