Phenylpiracetam is one of the most powerful racetam nootropics, said to be 50-60 times more potent than Piracetam.
It is a phenylated analog of Piracetam, shown to promote cognitive function in patients with certain forms of impairment. It has also been found to improve anxiety and depression symptoms, enhance physical performance and to exhibit psychostimulatory effects.
Phenylpiracetam is used as a prescription and over-the-counter drug in Russia to help patients deal with stress, in stroke recovery (cerebral ischemia) and for the treatment of diseases affecting bloodflow to the brain.
It is famous for having been banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as an athletic performance enhancer and for having resulted in the suspension of several athletes at the Olympic Games. It is banned because it can improve the body’s resistance to cold weather.
Russian cosmonauts were also given this nootropic agent prior to long space missions to help support mental attention, alertness, focus, acuity and mood balance.
Users typically say that Phenylpiracetam helps them to feel more energetic, motivated, and boosting mood, concentration and productivity. Continue reading to learn about the nootropic benefits, how it works, dosages, side effects and stacking information.
What Is Phenylpiracetam?
Phenylpiracetam (Phenotropil, Fenotropil, Carphedon, Fonturacetam, N-carbamoylmethyl-4-phenyl-2-pyrrolidone) is a racetam nootropic with positive effects on cognition, behavior, energy metabolism and stress modulation.
It is sold in Russia under the brand names Phenotropil and Carphedon. It is used for the treatment of medical conditions including cerebrovascular disorder, mood disorders, as a prophylaxis for stress and other conditions.
This cognitive enhancer was developed at the Institute of Biomedical Problems in the Russian Academy of Sciences under the direction of psychopharmacologist Valentina Ivanovna Akhapkina.
Researchers were looking for a safe medication to give to Soviet Cosmonauts that improved their ability to work and prevent stress under the conditions of long orbital missions.
Descriptions of Phenylpiracetam were first published in Russia in 1983. The article described “a new phenyl analog of pyracetam” and its “central neurotropic effects.”
According to the researchers, this new analog was found to have greater effects on learning, depression, memory loss and more compared to Piracetam, which was the first nootropic drug ever developed.
Phenylpiracetam is described by user experience logs as producing a stimulant effect which is “clean” and does not cause as many side effects compared to psychoactive drugs like Adderall. Phenylpiracetam side effects are also purported to be safer than those you might encounter when taking an amphetamine-based smart drug like Adderall.
While there have been a small number of human research trials published on this nootropic drug, most of the information available on its benefits come from user reviews and experience logs. Not everyone will respond in the same way to this product and some users may experience negative effects that outweigh the potential benefits.
Chemical Structure of Phenylpiracetam
Phenylpiracetam is a modified version of Piracetam, the original Nootropic. It has the same chemical structure, except for an additional phyenyl group on the 2-oxopyrrolidine ring.
In chemistry, a phenyl group is a ring of atoms with the chemical formula C6H5. It is a six-sided cyclic group which consists of a benzene group minus one hydrogen, which leaves open one carbon bond.
Many of the effects of these nootropics are the same, but the added Phenyl group makes Phenylpiracetam more fat-soluble while Piracetam is water-soluble. This change makes it rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and gives it higher bioavailability.
Phenylpiracetam also has greater ability to transcend the blood-brain barrier and different binding activity than Piracetam. It exhibits a number of specific effects, such as inhibition of selective dopamine transporters, anticonvulsant effects and ability to block the re-uptake of norepinephrine.
As a result of these changes, Phenylpiracetam has central nervous system stimulant effects and can be used to enhance energy and physical performance. However, in high doses it acts as a psychodepressant, which means that it inhibits firing of neurons.
These changes afford Phenylpiracetam some unique nootropic effects, such as increased mental stamina, improved mood and resistance to stress, enhanced focus, immune system modulation and greater neuroprotection compare to Piracetam.
Phenylpiracetam exists in two enatiomers: R-Phenylpiracetam and S-Phenylpiracetam. The R-enatiomer exhibits a wider range of effects and at lower dosages, but there are some areas in which the S-enatiomer may be more appropriate for clinical use.
Most vendors sell it in a racemic mixture, containing equal amounts of both R- and S-Phenylpiracetam. One vendor reported that the cost of synthesizing enatiopure R-Phenylpiracetam was prohibitively high and would make it not economical to buy, even factoring in lower required dosages.
Nootropic Benefits
Many users report that Phenylpiracetam is their favorite Racetam nootropic for both its cognitive and its physical effects. It is also anecdotally reported to work significantly faster than other racetams.
User reviews descrive benefits from taking Phenylpiracetam including improved learning capacity, focus, concentration, and energy. It is commonly used as a nootropic supplement to remove “brain fog” and help individuals feel clear-headed, alert and greater mental drive.
In research studies, it has been show to improve performance in attention-switching tasks and problem solving skills in patients suffering from asthenia. Phenylpiracetam is also able to reduce the effects of sleep deprivation for many users.
It has been shown to increase tolerance to cold, increase locomotor activity, improve quality of life in patients with certain brain disorders and even inhibit motion sickness. In Russia, it is used for a wide range of clinical indications.
Below are 12 potential benefits from taking Phenylpiracetam capsules or powder:
1. Cognitive Performance
Many users take Phenylpiracetam to improve their general cognitive performance and make it easier to perform mentally demanding tasks. It has not been studied clinically in healthy adults for this purposes, so the majority of the evidence for cognitive enhancement effects comes from anecdotal reports.
It has been shown to improve cognition in patients with different forms of brain dysfunction. Research shows that this nootropic agent can improve cognitive performance in people who have impairments due to encephalopathy.
A Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) is used in many studies to assess general cognition. The examination consists of a 30-point questionnaire intended to measure attention, memory recall, ability to perform calculations and ability to follow simple commands.
In one study of phenylpiracetam given to patients with brain infarction, MMSE results showed a significant improvement in perception, mental alertness, counting, memory and speech functions after a thirty-day treatment period.
This study also used Piracetam as a comparative treatment. While those given Piracetam did improve on certain measures, the improvements were greater in patients taking Phenylpiracetam.
2. Depression
Phenylpiracetam has been shown to act as a selective dopamine transporter (DAT) inhibitor. It blocks the re-uptake of this neurotransmitter, resulting in greater activation of dopamine receptors in the brain.
This has potential mood enhancing effects and this mechanism is being investigated for its role in the treatment of depression. Users also describe experiencing a mood-lifting effect when taking Phenylpiracetam.
In multiple studies, Phenylpiracetam has been shown to improve depression and asthenia in patients with some form of cognitive disorder. Asthenia is defined as an abnormal feeling of physical weakness or lack of energy.
In one study of patients with brain traumas and cerebral gliomas, Phenotropil was administered at a dosage of 200 mg per day for one month. The patients reported experiencing greater daily activity, mobility, and less depression. EEG data also found alpha- and beta-brain wave patterns normalized.
According to one meta-review of the effects, “Anxiety improved and depression declined substantially, and that resulted in less discomfort and better ability to execute everyday activities.”
3. Energy
Phenylpiracetam has been observed to increase norepinephrine (noradrenaline) levels by blocking its reuptake in the brain. Norepinephrine is a catecholamine hormone that acts as a stimulant for the nervous system.
Higher levels of norepinephrine correlate with increased vigilance, arousal, alertness and attention. It plays a role in regulating the fight-or-flight stress response and in activating the body and mind.
Excessive stimulation of norepinephrine receptors can cause anxiety, restlessness, elevated heart rate and other side effects. Phenylpiracetam appears to promote greater energy levels without causing over-excitation linked to many stimulant drugs in use today.
In one large-scale clinical study involving 1170 patients with brain ischemia, use of phenylpiracetam produced significant improvements in symptoms of fatigue syndrome.
Many users say this nootropic enhances wakefulness and makes them feel more energized, but without jitters or restlessness when taken appropriately.
4. Anxiety
Phenylpiracetam was initially developed at the Russian Academy of Sciences to reduce stress in cosmonauts on long missions in space.
According to the pilot Aleksandr Serebrov, he was given Phenylpiracetam on a 197-day working mission to the Mir space station. He described this nootropic drug as having a calming effect, “completely excluding impulsiveness and irritability inevitable in the stressful conditions of space flight.”
Research shows that Phenylpiracetam can improve anxiety symptoms in patients diagnosed with encephalopathy. In one study on patients with organic brain lesions, it was shown to promote “lower discomfort, anxiety and depression.”
One study showed that Phenotropil treatment over 12 weeks in patients with cardiovascular diseases also improved anxiety disorders. Patients were diagnosed with co-morbid mild neurotic, somatoform, stress-induced and depressive disorders.
After 12 weeks, patients were evaluated on psychometric scales and for adverse effects. Phenotropil produced an anxiolytic effect, but the effect decreased after 4-8 weeks of treatment. The drug was reported to be tolerated satisfactorily.
Animal studies have also demonstrated anti-anxiety effects with reduced fear responses when introduced to new environments.
More research is needed to understand the anxiolytic effects of this drug. One animal study showed that it increased the density of increase the density of GABA-A (BDZ) receptors in certain parts of the brain.
5. Memory
Phenylpiracetam is often prescribed to individuals with age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s Disease or other conditions causing memory loss.
It has not been studied for its effects on memory in healthy individuals. The research currently available is based on animal studies and individuals suffering from some form of cognitive deficit.
In research studies, it has been shown to reverse the amnesic effects of scopolamine. Scopolamine is a cholinolytic drug used to induce memory impairment in animals. It works by blocking the actions of acetylcholine in the brain.
Phenotropil was shown to reverse the effects of scoplomaine in mice, suggesting it increases acetylchoine activity in part of the brain responsible for memory formation.
It was also shown to increase densities of NMDA receptors for the neurotransmitter glutamate. These receptors play a role in mediating long-term potentiation which is the process by which long-term memories are encoded or stored in your brain.
6. Athletic Performance
Athletes and bodybuilders will often take Phenylpiracetam as a pre-workout performance enhancer. It is said to improve energy, stamina, pain tolerance and reflex control.
Because of its efficacy in enhancing athletic abilities, it has been banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for use in athletic competitions. It was banned due to the stimulant properties of the drug.
At the 2006 Winter Olympics, it was reported that a silver medal skier had tested positive for this performance-enhancing substance and was stripped of her medal by the IOC. She was also banned from the sport for two years.
In 2008, a Russian athlete Roman Usov tested positive for Phenylpiracetam in his urine and was banned from competing at the Beijing Olympics.
While the ergogenic (physical-performance enhancing) benefits have not been studied in publicly available research trials, there are animal studies showing a benefit.
In one rodent study, it was found to significantly increase locomotor activity on an open field test. This effect was seen in both S-Phenylpiracetam and R-Phenylpiracetam, but was more profound and occurred at smaller doses with the R-enatiomer. The study also showed that R-Phenylpiracetam affected motor coordination and muscle strength.
7. Vision Health
In one study, Phenylpiracetam was given to patients with glaucoma of the unstable open-angle type. Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that can result in impaired vision or blindness.
It is associated with increased intraocular pressure which can lead to damage to the optic nerve, optical neuropathy and apoptosis (premature cell death) of ganglia cells.
Phenylpiracetam was given to these patients as a neuroprotective agent to prevent or delay ganglial cell death. In the study, it was found that glaucoma symptoms stabilized in 80% of the patients taking Phenylpiracetam during a six-month follow up.
Impairment in visual acuity decreased and patients did not experience as many blind spots or “islands of loss”. This means that this nootropic agent was able to slow or reduce the decline in vision loss among glaucoma patients.
This is a preliminary result and requires additional clinical studies to confirm the initial results. The study also lacked a placebo control.
Anecdotally, users report that taking Phenylpiracetam improved the vividness and depth of colors. It can increase sensitivity to visual stimuli and can make colors seem brighter.
8. Weight Loss
Phenylpiracetam (like other stimulants) has a mild appetite suppression effect. If used for long periods of time, researchers report that it has an “anorexic effect”, which is to say that it can reduce food intake.
Some users report not having desire to eat when taking this nootropic substance. While this can be hamrful for individuals who are underweight and need to gain weight, it suggests benefits for those who need to lose weight.
In Russia, one of the indications for Phenotropil capsules is for obesity and weight loss. By blocking hunger signals, it may help users to maintain a calorie deficit and feel fewer cravings for food.
In one rat study, it was found that, treatment with S-phenylpiracetam inhibited weight gain associated with a Western diet and in obese Zucker rats. The researchers also found positive improvements in metabolic measures including blood glucose levels, leptin concentration and hyperglycemia.
More research is needed to evaluate the effects of Phenylpiracetam on weight loss in humans. But the researchers of this study concluded, “S-phenylpiracetam, could be potentially useful for treating obesity in patients with metabolic syndrome with fewer adverse health consequences compared to other anorectic agents.”
9. Immune Function
Research in rats also shows that Phenylpiracetam has an immune-boosting effect. In one study, it was found to exhibit psychoimmunomodulatory effects in animals under immune stress.
In this study, 25 mg/kg of Phenotropil was given intraperitoneally for 5 days to wister rats undergoing LPS-induced immune stress. Administration of lipopolysaccharides is one of the common methods used in research studies as a model of immunological challenges.
The results showed that in rats with hyperactivated immune system, Phenotropil was able to prevent the anxiety and fear response, improve immunoreactivity and increase locomotion (movement) and exploratory behavior.
Another study showed that a similar protocol of Phenotropil had immune-restorative properties under a situation of immunosuppression and immune system stimulation as measured by level of cytokines IL-1, IL-4, and IL-6.
10. Thyroid Function
The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland, which is responsible for secreting hormones that regulate metabolic rate and protein synthesis. Excess thyroid activity (hyperthyroidism) is a condition in which the thyroid produces too much thyroxine, causing an excssive rate of metabolism, weight loss, changes in heartbeat, anxiety and irritable mood.
Research in rats showed that Phenylpiracetam was able to improve symptoms in an animal model of experimentally-induced hyperthyroidism.
According to the authors of this study, it was “capable of restoring the cellular and humoral immunoreactivity and improve psychoemotonal state of animals by eliminating disturbances in the behavior reactions that appear as a result of the induced hyperthyroidism.”
11. Epilepsy and Seizures
Phenylpiracetam has shown anti-convulsant mechanisms in research studies, which may help in the management of Epilepsy and Seizure disorders.
It is prescribed in Russia as an Anti-epileptic drug (AEPs) and may work by improving neurological communication between brain cells.
In one study of 31 patients diagnosed with epilepsy, subjects received 100 mg of Phenotropil per day for two months alongside standard antiepileptic drugs. Those taking Phenotropil with AEPs saw a significant decrease in seizures and positive changes in EEG measures compared to a comparison group taking only AEPs.
12. Neuroprotective
Racetams are purported to have neuroprotective effects, which means that they can prevent or reduce some forms of damage to brain cells.
Phenylpiracetam has been used as a neuroprotective agent in the treatment and recovery of stroke patients. In a large clinical study involving 400 patients who had experienced an ischemic stroke, 400 mg daily dosages were administered for one year.
Half of the participants were given the treatment and half were used as a control group. Neurological function and daily activity were measured using the Barthel, Lindmark, Scandinavian scales and Merton and Sutton scale.
Those taking Phenylpiracetam saw a significant improvement in daily living activities and in the restoration of neurological function.
Phenotropil is also indicated in Russia for the prevention of cerebral hypoxia – a condition marked by a deficiency of oxygen reaching brain tissue. If cells do not receive enough oxygen, it can induce neuronal cell death via apoptosis.
How Does It Work?
There is less data available on the mechanisms of action involved in mediating Phenylpiracetam’s effects compared to other members of the racetam class. Most of the research was conducted in Russia and either not published or only available in the original language.
Some of the data into Phenylpiracetam’s mechanisms of action is conflicting. While we have a number of theories into how it works, more research is needed to make any conclusive determinations.
Research suggests cholinergic, GABAergic, glutamatergic effects. It has also been observed to increase extracelluar noradrenaline and dopamine levels levels and to improve EEG profiles.
In rat studies involving the amnesic drug scopolamine, it was shown to reverse decreases in NMDA receptors in the hippocampus, nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the cortex and D3-dopamine receptors in the striatum.
Suggested Use
Phenylpiracetam is commonly used to increase energy, productivity and performance in athletes, students and businesspersons. It has been used to help individuals remain awake and alert while studying as well as boosting motivation and mental drive when engaging in demanding work.
Users also take it to help prevent feeling stressed or anxious before stressful situations. It is sometimes used in pre-workout supplement stacks to support endurance, greater workout intensity and neuromotor impulses.
As a nootropic supplement, it is typically used in dosages of 100 or 200 mg per day, although some users have reported benefits at 50 mg per day.
Dosages are typically repeated 1-3 times daily to accommodate for the ~4 hour half-life of the drug. The last dosage is usually taken in the early afternoon to prevent insomnia.
If you have been prescribed phenylpiracetam by a doctor for medical reasons, follow dosage guidelines provided to you. In clinical uses, doses of up to 600 mg (200 mg x 3 per day) have been used for up to one month in the treatment of ischemic stroke.
Most studies have used a 30-day or 60-day treatment period, but some have administered the drug for a full year. It is anecdotally reported to cause a fast tolerance build-up, so you may experience the effects of Phenylpiracetam begin to diminish after several days of consecutive use.
To compensate for this, it is recommended either to cycle on and off this cognitive enhancer or to only use it on certain occasions.
Phenylpiracetam can be taken in bulk powder form, in generic capsules or in brand-name Phenotropil tablets. Capsules typically provide 100 or 200 mg of active ingredient per serving size.
If using Phenylpiracetam powder, it is strongly recommended to buy a digital scale to measure out your dosages precisely. Taking too much can increase your risk of side effects and is more likely when using it in powder form.
This nootropic is slightly fat-soluble and will not form a solution with water. It can be mixed into smoothies, milk, or other beverages that contain lipids (fats). It is recommended to consume this nootropic with a meal or fat source such as olive oil, fish oil or MCT oil.
Stacks and Cycles of Phenylpiracetam
Phenylpiracetam is commonly stacked with other nootropics and smart drugs including Noopept, Modafinil, Adrafinil, Adderall, Sulbutiamine and more. Some users prefer to cycle this nootropic agent due to the potential for developing a tolerance.
According to one source, there is no benefit to stacking Phenylpiracetam with Piracetam since they are essentially the same compound. This source suggests a Phenylpiracetam Noopept stack instead for its potential synergistic effects.
One of the most common stacks to use is a Phenylpiracetam Choline stack, which will ensure adequate availability of choline in the brain to produce the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
Some of the hypothesized mechanisms of action for this drug involve increasing cholinergic neurotransmission. This may heighten demand for acetylcholine at nerve terminals. It has been proposed that depletion of acetylcholine stores could impair cognitive function when taking racetam nootropics and result in headaches.
If you find that you are experiencing headaches, changes in mood, poor focus or brain fog when taking Phenylpiracetam, addition of a choline source may alleviate these symptoms. Choline can be found in some foods including eggs, meat, poultry and fish.
Choline supplements are also available and may have nootropic benefits of their own. Alpha GPC and CDP Choline are two examples of choline sources that have high oral bioavailability and good penetration of the blood-brain barrier.
Adverse Effects
Phenylpiracetam is reported to be well-tolerated in research studies, when taken under medical supervision at appropriate dosages. The most commonly reported adverse effects include headaches, anxiety and excitation.
Other less common adverse effects include mood disruptions, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, vivid dreams, restlessness, irritability or agitation, muscle tremors, nausea, stomach problems, appetite suppression, skin rash, a flushed sensation, muscle tension and jaw clenching.
Some users experience insomnia and impaired sleep quality if they take this nootropic late at night. It is advised to use it early in the day to minimize potential side effects on sleep patterns.
One user reported experiencing suicidal thoughts after taking a dosage. Do not use this nootropic if you have a history of mood disorders or suicidal thoughts, unless directed to do so by a medical professional.
Use of Phenylpiracetam may make the intoxicating effects of alcohol stronger. These substances should not be combined. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery when using this nootropic supplement.
At high dosages, serious adverse effects are possible. While no reports of overdose are publicly available, the stimulant effects suggest potential for toxicity if used at excessive doses.
Consult with your doctor before taking this compound. It is not appropriate for pregnant or nursing women, children, individuals with kidney or liver dysfunction, people diagnosed with hypersension, coronary artery disease, panic attacks or psychotic states.
It is not believed to be addictive or to cause withdrawal symptoms, but some users find that they develop a tolerance to the effects with continued use. More research is needed to evaluate the long-term effects and safety of this smart drug.
