Phenylpiracetam
Piracetam with a phenyl group attached, making it roughly 30-60x more potent and adding significant psychostimulatory effects. Originally developed in Russia for cosmonauts to enhance physical and mental performance under extreme conditions. Banned by WADA due to its performance-enhancing properties. Provides strong focus, motivation, and cold tolerance.
Dosage
Standard: 100-200 mg once or twice daily. Start low — it is substantially more potent than other racetams. Tolerance develops quickly; best used intermittently rather than daily.
Dosages shown are for research reference only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
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Mechanism of Action
Phenylpiracetam modulates AMPA and NMDA glutamate receptors like other racetams through positive allosteric modulation. The phenyl group confers additional affinity for dopamine (DAT) and norepinephrine (NET) transporters, acting as a weak reuptake inhibitor and increasing synaptic catecholamine availability — providing stimulatory and motivational effects. It binds to α4β2 and α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors as a positive allosteric modulator, enhancing cholinergic transmission in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. The phenyl moiety improves blood-brain barrier penetration via increased lipophilicity and potentially P-glycoprotein substrate properties. Downstream effects include enhanced CREB phosphorylation and BDNF expression. The combination of glutamatergic, dopaminergic, noradrenergic, and cholinergic modulation produces synergistic cognitive enhancement.
Regulatory Status
Prescription medication in Russia (Phenotropil/Nanotropil). Banned by WADA for athletic competition. Available as a research compound in most other countries.
Risks & Safety
Common
Insomnia, irritability, headache, overstimulation. Rapid tolerance development with daily use.
Serious
No serious adverse effects documented at standard doses.
Rare
Increased blood pressure, anxiety in sensitive individuals.
Compare Phenylpiracetam With
Research Papers
10Published: September 21, 2017
AI Summary
S-phenylpiracetam treatment significantly decreased body weight gain and fat mass increase in the obese Zucker rats and in the WD-fed mice. Our findings suggest that selective DAT inhibitors, such as S-phenylpiracetam, could be potentially useful for treating obesity in patients with metabolic syndrome with fewer adverse health consequences comp...
Published: August 24, 2023
AI Summary
Several are authorized DS ingredients in the United States resulting in significant global variability as to what qualifies as a legal nootropic. Synergistic combinations, excessive dosing, or recently researched pharmacology may justify listing certain nootropics as doping agents or warrant additional attention in future regulations.
Published: June 12, 2022
AI Summary
For example, β-substituted GABA derivatives are found in numerous neurological drugs, such as baclofen, phenibut, tolibut, pregabalin, phenylpiracetam, brivaracetam, and rolipram, to mention just a few.
Published: September 12, 2024
AI Summary
The paper presents the results of an analysis of experimental and clinical studies, which indicate the prospects for the use of PP in cerebral ischemia, neurodegenerative pathologies, epilepsy, asthenia, and mental disorders.
Published: October 10, 2020
AI Summary
Since growing evidence suggests that dysfunction of the dopaminergic system is associated with persistent neuroinflammation, the aim of this study was to determine whether R-PhP, an inhibitor of DAT, has neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects in male mice.
Published: February 11, 2010
AI Summary
Pramiracetam reportedly improved cognitive deficits associated with traumatic brain injuries. Based on calculations of the efficacy rates, our assessments indicate notable improvements in clinical outcomes with some of these agents.
Published: June 15, 2021
AI Summary
To identify the presence of unapproved pharmaceutical drugs in over-the-counter dietary supplements marketed to improve memory and cognitive function.
Published: April 2, 2014
AI Summary
In rats with chronic alloxan-induced hyperglycemia, pramiracetam and phenylpiracetam (but not piracetam) had a strong antiaggregant effect that was mediated by various mechanisms of platelet aggregation modulation. The effect of pramiracetam is mainly realized via the inhibition of thromboxane A2 me
Published: March 31, 1983
AI Summary
The central neurotropic effects of 4-phenylpyracetam, a new phenyl analog of pyracetam, were studied and compared with the effects of pyracetam, morpholene and 4-phenylpyrrolidone. 4-Phenylpyracetam was found to activate the operant behavior more powerfully, to remove psychodepressant effects of diazepam, to inhibit post-rotational nystagmus, an...
Published: April 22, 2015
AI Summary
According to mitoprotective activity (prevention of opening of mitochondrial cyclosporin-A-sensitive pores and restoration of mitochondrial transmembrane potential), the maximum potential was observed for citicoline and phenylpiracetam, and the minimum--for pentoxifylline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Phenylpiracetam used for?
Piracetam with a phenyl group attached, making it roughly 30-60x more potent and adding significant psychostimulatory effects. Originally developed in Russia for cosmonauts to enhance physical and mental performance under extreme conditions. Banned by WADA due to its performance-enhancing properties. Provides strong focus, motivation, and cold tolerance.
What are the side effects of Phenylpiracetam?
Common: Insomnia, irritability, headache, overstimulation. Rapid tolerance development with daily use. Serious: No serious adverse effects documented at standard doses. Rare: Increased blood pressure, anxiety in sensitive individuals.
How is Phenylpiracetam administered?
Phenylpiracetam is administered via oral (capsules, powder). well-absorbed orally..
What is the half-life of Phenylpiracetam?
The half-life of Phenylpiracetam is 3-5 hours.
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