Phenylpiracetam is a potent, fast-acting racetam nootropic. It enhances cognitive abilities, boosts physical strength, stamina, energy, and reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety. It is banned by the Olympics Anti-Doping committee to the participating athletes due to being a stimulant.
Overview
What is Phenylpiracetam?
Phenylpiracetam (also known, and sold under the brand name Phenotropil) is one of the most effective, most efficient and most potent racetam nootropics which is widely used, and have been available on the market for many years. With the safe and effective use, many regards Phenylpiracetam a “lifesaver” and “faithful companion” in times of need. Quite dramatic descriptions.
Although it is a new nootropic in comparison to classic racetams such as Piracetam, over the past few years, it gained popularity due to its practical use.
Phenylpiracetam – as the name indicates, is a derivative of piracetam, with the phenyl addition. Which is why it shares so many properties with piracetam. However, it seems to be much more powerful. It is anywhere between 30 to 60 times more potent, and therefore effective, in its action.
Phenylpiracetam (Phenotropil, Carphedon) is a scarcely studied piracetam derivative. It’s notable for its stimulatory subjective effects. It appears on the list of banned substances for Olympic sports. In-vitro experiments suggest phenylpiracetam binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. In animal models phenylpiracetam seems to increase NMDA and nicotinic acetylcholine receptor density, which may suggest it has potential as a cognitive enhancer.[204] Similarly, in animal experiments phenylpiracetam seems to exert anti-depressant effects. [111] No studies have been done to show phenylpiracetam improves cognitive performance in otherwise healthy individuals. Phenylpiracetam seems to be the most stimulatory piracetam derivative.
Reddit’s Begginer Guide
Piracetam vs Phenylpiracetam
Phenylpiracetam is the same chemical structure of Piracetam, but with the addition of a large phenyl grouping off the 4 position of the pyrrolidone ring that all racetams share. Phenylpiracetam has very low water solubility but is slightly lipid soluble. The LogP of Phenylpiracetam is .16, and its solubility in water is 1-2mg/ml at 25 Celsius. The melting point of phenylpiracetam is 149-152 Celsius. Phenylpiracetam also has a stereocenter, meaning it can come in both R and L enantiomers. All phenylpiracetam available is racemic, or a 50/50 mixture of both enantiomers.
For the sake of illustration, and to paint the idea well, look at the two following picture. First comes the piracetam skeletal formula, or chemical structure:
Second is Phenylpiracetam skeletal formula, in which you see Piracetam above the red line, and under the line is the phenyl addition, making it into phenylpiracetam:
The phenyl addition on its own:
phenyl-phenylpiracetam
Phenylpiracetam is quite popular for its neuroprotective properties which are the dominant feature of many racetam nootropics. But in comparison to piracetam, its neuroprotective attributes are more effective.
It is also psychostimulatory, in other words, it is a stimulant. For that reason, Phenylpiracetam enhances physical performance, which is the primary reason behind its increased consumption among athletes.
Due to these attributes, Phenylpiracetam has become a favorite amongst other nootropics, and its sales have also increased over the past few years due to the positive response it keeps receiving.
Phenylpiracetam Benefits
- Improves Cognitive Function, Memory, and Attention
- Reduces Anxiety and Depression
- Boosts Energy and Increases Physical Mobility
- Enhances Physical Performance
- Additional Benefits of Phenylpiracetam
Supporting research:
Improves Cognitive Function, Memory, and Attention
In studies of subjects with cognitive impairment, phenylpiracetam improves cognitive function and enhances overall memory impressively after a month of treatment. The study’s abstract notes:
“Ninety-nine patients with encephalopathy developed in the remote period after acute lesions of cerebral blood circulation, brain traumas and cerebral gliomas surgery have been studied. Phenotropil was used in a dosage of 200 mg per day during one month.
A CT survey revealed that in a stable state of brain changes phenotropil exerted the mostly pronounced influence on movement disturbances: decreased an extent of pareses in limb and face muscles, improved motor coordination, higher brain functions, memory, attention, counting.” [1]
Reduces Anxiety and Depression
In the same study, one of the revelations in the state of brain changes that Phenylpiracetam caused were:
- Higher mobility and daily activity
- Lower and less feelings of discomfort
- Lower anxiety
- Reduction depression
“Patients exhibited higher mobility and daily activity, along with lower discomfort, anxiety and depression. EEG study showed more intensive alpha- and beta-rhythms, a decrease of paroxysmal activity and slow waves as well as a general tendency to its normalization.” [2]
Boosts Energy and Increases Physical Mobility
A study patient with chronic fatigue syndrome finds that a one-month treatment of phenylpiracetam reduces fatigue notably.
The study included 1170 patients with brain ischemia, aged 45-65 years, treated with phenotropil in dose 100 mg during 2 and 3 months. Clinical examination and MFI-20 subscales were administered.
The results of the study:
“The high incidence of asthenic syndrome was observed across all MFI-20 subscales. The decrease in asthenic syndrome severity was significant already in the end of the first month of treatment with phenotropil. Such dynamics maintained to the end of the second and third month of treatment. More than 2-fold decrease in the severity of asthenia symptoms was achieved in all subgroups 3 months after treatment. More rapid and apparent decrease in asthenic syndrome was observed in younger patients.” [3]
Furthermore, a notable increasing of movement and physical activity is seen in this study, though it is conducted on rodents. The abstract of the study reads:
“Exploratory behavior, locomotor activity, and anxiety in inbred mice of C57BL/6 and BALB/c strains subchronically treated with placebo or various types of nootropic (cognition enhancing) drugs (piracetam, phenotropil, noopept, semax, pantogam, nooglutil) have been evaluated using the exploratory cross-maze test. It was found that BALB/c mice in comparison to C57BL/6 mice are characterized by greater anxiety and lower efficiency of exploratory behavior in the previously unfamiliar environment. All tested drugs clearly improved the exploratory behavior in BALB/c mice only. In BALB/c mice, piracetam, phenotropil, noopept, and semax also reduced anxiety, while phenotropil additionally increased locomotor activity. Thus, the nootropic drugs displayed clear positive modulation of spontaneous orientation in the mice strain with initially low exploratory efficiency (BALB/c) in the cross-maze test. Some drugs (pantogam, nooglutil) exhibited only nootropic properties, while the other drugs exhibited both nootropic effects on the exploratory activity and produced modulation of the anxiety level (piracetam, fenotropil, noopept, semax) and locomotor activity (fenotropil).” [4]
Enhances Physical Performance
Here is another very interesting rodent study in which Phenylpiracetam was found to increase the speed and distance traveled during an open-race test. Some of the highlights of that study:
“After a single administration, it increased locomotor and antidepressant activity in the open‐field and forced swimming tests, respectively, as well as enhanced memory in the PAR test. Racemic phenotropil and S‐phenotropil also stimulated locomotor activity and induced some antidepressant effect after acute administration.”
It’s quite an interesting, and extensive study. You may find the study here: [5]
Additional Benefits
Anecdotal reports claim It was used by Russian soldiers and astronauts to achieve high physical strength and mental abilities. Although it makes sense and I do believe it personally, those studies are very hard to find due to having taken place a very long time ago, and in another period of time, and another language (Russian).
Phenylpiracetam Mechanism of Action
Phenylpiracetam is a piracetam which comes with a phenyl group attached to it. It has similar functions and potency as that of piracetam, which is its parent molecule. However, the addition of the phenyl group has increased its effectiveness in many ways which have led to the increased usage and exposure of Phenylpiracetam in the market.
Furthermore, it easily crosses the blood-brain barrier. Thus it has CNS effects. Most users compare its impact to that of Adderall and modafinil. It is more potent than other racetams and has a high bioavailability, making it a great first line agent to take in case if you are having an exhaustive day ahead.
Its half-life is about 3-5 hours.
No mechanism is in the documentation for the action it produces and the way it processes them and makes them work. However, it has energy and performance boosting properties, and it has a close resemblance to phenyl-ethylamine, which has stimulatory effects. Phenylpiracetam has a close affinity with neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine transporters.
Phenylpiracetam Dosage
The general Phenylpiracetam dose is usually 100 to 200 mg per dose, and can be taken in up to 2 to 3 doses per day at max. Although I wouldn’t go that far myself. The higher end is often for specific conditions and are less frequent than the lower end dosage.
Personally, I prefer taking one 200 mg dose, once only. The effects are much more present and pleasing at that dosage. I feel like anything more than 200mg would be too stimulatory for me, especially given that I often take it along with other nootropics as part of a stack.
Its also important to note that Phenylpiracetam tolerance builds up quickly. Therefore, minimize your use to when you need it rather than making it a part of a daily stack. Once to twice per week is a good practice.
A little bit more science from Examine.com about recommended dosage, active amounts, and other details:
Phenylpiracetam is taken at a dosage of 100-200mg acutely, and this dose is taken 2-3 times per day (totalling a daily range of 200-600mg). The lower range seems effective, but the optimal dosage is not yet known.
The R-isomer appears to be more active on the common usages of phenylpiracetam (stimulation and cognition) than does the S-isomer, and while the racemic mixture (commonly sold version) is effective for cognitive decline it is not certain if it works for nootropic purposes in youth.
Phenylpiracetam Side Effects
The major issues and side effects that appear with Phenylpiracetam are the same that occur with other racetams.
The most common side effect of Phenylpiracetam is a headache. which is due to the choline reserves depletion. Using a choline source such as Alpha-GPC or Citicoline would quickly resolve the issue.
Due to that, I try to always pair Phenylpiracetam and a choline source together instead of waiting to see whether or not I am going to have a headache. That, plus I wouldn’t mind the potentiating boost of the additional choline.
Rarely reported side effects are related to the GI tract, such as digestion issues, and constipation.
Phenylpiracetam Review
Nootropics Depot
“This is a great product, don’t get me wrong. Personally, however, my tolerance built up almost instantaneously. First use was wonderful, worked exactly as advertised. Took it a second time 2 days later. Still felt the effects, but was noticeably diminished. Waited a week before taking it again and felt like that first use. Decided to take it the very next day and felt it somewhat, but hardly. Abstained for a week and decided to take 2 in the morning. The effects were comparable to the first time. Took the same dose 3 days later and didn’t notice the effects at all. Waited a week before taking it again, took two again and felt the effects like the previous week but it wore off rather quickly. Since then I’ve only taken it once a week in the latter part of the day when I work a double at my job. This product definitely works, but in my opinion should be used very sparingly. I acknowledge the fact that I tend to develop tolerance to most substances quickly, so if you consider yourself to have that same trait this review would likely apply to you.“
“Phenylpiracetam without a doubt works, and quite well at that. This was my introduction to the racetam family. I’m eager to try the others now, but wanted to start with one that provided an energy boost. I definitely picked the right one. Within an hour after use you will feel the effects, and they last around 5 hours for me. Sometimes I would take 2-3 capsules instead of 1, and it never made me feel jittery or anxious like too much caffeine would. Highly recommend this product if you are looking for a clean boost in energy and motivation. Works well along side caffeine in my opinion as well.“
“This is a great product, don’t get me wrong. Personally, however, my tolerance built up almost instantaneously. First use was wonderful, worked exactly as advertised. Took it a second time 2 days later. Still felt the effects, but was noticeably diminished. Waited a week before taking it again and felt like that first use. Decided to take it the very next day and felt it somewhat, but hardly. Abstained for a week and decided to take 2 in the morning. The effects were comparable to the first time. Took the same dose 3 days later and didn’t notice the effects at all. Waited a week before taking it again, took two again and felt the effects like the previous week but it wore off rather quickly. Since then I’ve only taken it once a week in the latter part of the day when I work a double at my job. This product definitely works, but in my opinion should be used very sparingly. I acknowledge the fact that I tend to develop tolerance to most substances quickly, so if you consider yourself to have that same trait this review would likely apply to you.“
Conclusion
Phenylpiracetam has attained the attention and popularity among the nootropic users for its powerful, dynamic impacts and effects. It is a potent activator of the CNS activities. Its ability to increase the energy and physical performance have made it a favorite for many in the field of study and sports as well. As time passes, these highly active ingredients are only going to gain more attention.
Further Readings
Phenylpiracetam is one of a nootropic-family type called racetams. Some of which are:
Other nootropics that might be of interest: