Phenylpiracetam is widely believed to have first been created in Russia in the early 1990s, but Soviet journals from 1983 held information regarding it under the name of “Carphedron”. Pharmacological studies have shown that Phenylpiracetam stimulates certain neuronal receptors in the Central Nervous System (CNS) that are involved in memory and thought processes, such as the acetylcholine transmitters, GABA receptors, and NDMA receptors. Phenylpiracetam has also shown to increase dopamine receptors (D1, D2, and D3) activity.
As the name suggests this molecule is a phenylated derivative of piracetam that is reported to be 20-60 times more potent than piracetam on a gram for gram basis. One study comparing the two reported phenylpiracetam to be more neuroprotective, anti-amnesic and more stimulating that piracetam.
Phenylpiracetam is a racemic mixture of R and S enantiomers. Research suggests the R form to be superior to the S. It’s somewhat a moot point as there is no commercially available source of enantiomerically pure phenylpiracetam.
Phenylpiracetam is a water-soluble nootropic of the racetam chemical class purported to be 30 to 60 times more potent than Piracetam, and on of the strongest Racetams to date. Phenylpiracetam not only improves cognitive functions and thought processes, but has also shown usefulness in physical conditioning through helping increase stamina as well as improve one’s tolerance to cold.
The drug can have a pronounced stimulatory effect on motor responses and improve physical performance. Phenylpiracetam has previously been used by athletes, and is now included in the WADA list of prohibited during sports.
The mechanism of pharmacological action of Phenylpiracetam is not reliably known. There is evidence that it has direct affinity for nicotinic cholinergic receptors, and may also increase the concentration of NMDA-glutamate receptors (although not directly associated to them). After oral administration, rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, distributed in various organs and tissues, readily crosses the blood-brain barrier. The absolute bioavailability of the drug, when administered, was up to 100%. Maximum blood levels achieved after 1 hour. Phenylpiracetam not metabolized in the body is excreted unchanged, about 40% is excreted in the urine, 60% – in the bile. The half-life for Phenylpiracetam is approximately 3-5 hours. Toxicity is relatively low. Declared by the manufacturer a wide range of indications for the use phenylpiracetam, but no significant results of clinical trials that would confirm the effectiveness of the drug, in scientific journals practically been published.
Phenylpiracetam Benefits and Effects
In studies, phenylpiracetam has shown the following effects.
- Improve memory, attention-switching, and problem-solving skills in patients with asthenia.
- Increase locomotor and antidepressant activity and improve memory in rats.
- Shown to prevent and reduce the effects of Amnesia.
- Ability to suppress the anxiety and fear response in rats with induced immune stress.
- Reported to reduce the effects of sleep deprivation for the duration of its effects by many users.
- Reduces the effects of cold on our body by increasing ones tolerance to it.
Phenylpiracetam For Studying And Learning
The benefits of phenylpiracetam are especially useful for studying and learning. It’s stimulating nature is great for an otherwise sleep deprived cram session, pretest focus aid, or just a general cognitive study enhancer. It’s effects on memory allow for complete retention enhancement. Motivation and mood enhancement allow for general better study as well. And finally, it’s ability to reduce the effects of stress and anxiety should allow for better studying under pressure.
Phenylpiracetam For Athletes
Phenylpiracetam is also great for working out and enhancing athletic performance. It reduces the negative effects from stress on your body, which is invaluable for an athlete, increasing stamina, recovery, and endurance. This increased tolerance to stress also includes increasing your body’s tolerance to cold.
Phenylpiracetam also provides an energy similar to that of an amphetamine. That is, clean and focused energy because of the added phenyl group. Clean, focused, motivated energy without caffeine jitters is ideal in a compound to help optimize your performance during workouts or competitions. There also is not much of a crash, even when compared to caffeine.
Professional athletes should note that phenylpiracetam is on the World Anti-Doping’s banned substance list and should decide on phenylpiracetam supplementation accordingly.
Phenylpiracetam Dosage and Suggested Usage
According to data obtained as a result of one of the studies, Phenylpiracetam can have a positive impact on the degree of recovery of patients after suffering a stroke. In a study of 200 patients for one year after a stroke received three courses of the drug at a dose of 400 mg / day (mean duration of one course – 30 days). According to the results of treatment, the degree of restoration of disturbed neurological function and adaption in the observed patients was higher than in the control group. The recommended Phenylpiracetam dosage is usually 200 mg per day, taken in two 100 mg doses, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. It is sold in both tablet and powder form, generally of 100 mg each.
It is suggested to take a choline supplement with phenylpiracetam as with other racetams. Best choice for choline supplement include Alpha GPC and/or CDP choline (citicoline). See section on choline for further information.
Short Term and Long Term Effects
The stimulatory effect of any nootropic drug very rarely goes to the body without any consequences. Permanent artificial stimulation of receptors in the composition of chemical compounds such as stimulant drugs may lead to depletion of a different nature – a nervous, emotional exhaustion. Perhaps something similar effect is observed during chronic administration of drugs, antidepressants, as well acting on receptors in the brain – not for nothing at the end of the course of treatment is required to reduce the dosage gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Irritability, sleep disturbances and insomnia, fatigue, lethargy, inability to experience strong emotions or, on the contrary, mood swings, increased emotionality – just some of the potential consequences of long-term use of Phenotropil provided there is no need in this preparation.
Phenylpiracetam Side Effects
CNS: insomnia (while taking the drug after 15 hours). Some patients in the first 3 days of receipt – psychomotor agitation, flushing of the skin, a feeling of warmth, increased blood pressure.