Citicoline is a nootropic supplement or cognitive enhancer that has become an essential component of most brain-boosting regimens.
This compound has been proven in multiple clinical trials to increase memory performance and even improve general cognition.
While there is much general agreement on the potential benefits of Citicoline, you have probably noticed that depending which source you listen to there are vastly different recommendations for how to take this nootropic.
What is the best Citicoline dosage to use and how can you take it to maximize your results?
Each person will have a different degree of sensitivity as well as different Choline needs based on their diet, so there is not one dosage that is right for everyone. You may need to engage in some trial and error to find out the best way to use this brain booster.
It is always recommended that you speak with your doctor before beginning any new supplements. Your doctor will be able to help determine the best dosage for your needs as well as determine if there may be any negative interactions with any supplements or medications you are currently taking.
In addition, we can learn a lot about the best practices for taking Citicoline powder by reviewing the extensive research and testing already conducted on this supplements. Examining the Citicoline dosage recommendations, the best ways to use this supplement, its side effects, and who should consider using it can help us to gain a more complete picture.



- Supports memory, focus & mental clarity
- Increases levels of acetylcholine neurotransmitter
- Promotes brain cell health & communication
Citicoline Dosage Recommendations
Related Topics
- What is Citicoline?
- Cytidine Diphosphate Choline
- CDP Choline Effects
- User Reviews
- Benefits for the Brain
- Comparison to Alpha GPC
- Risk of Adverse Effects
- Safe Dosage Guidelines
- How to Take
- Stacking with Piracetam
- Buy CDP Choline
- Supplement Ratings
- Ceraxon Citicoline
- Cognizin Citicoline
- Neuroaxon Citicoline
- Somazina Citicoline
- Zynapse Citicoline
Most of the studies that have been performed using Citicoline have used 500 mg up to as much as 2 grams per day as the dosage level.
Furthermore, many of the currently available Citicoline supplements including Somazina, Cognizin and NeurAxon are dosed in 500 mg tablets.
Does this mean that this is the best place to start for your own routine? This amount is more typical of stroke survivors and individuals with serious cognitive decline symptoms.
In point of fact, most experts recommend taking between 250 and 500 mg of Citicoline a maximum of two times a day. Remember that there is some room for personalization and trial and error in this mix.
There are also a number of generic CDP Choline capsules that come in the 250 mg variety, or you can purchase Citicoline powder to have complete control over your dose size.
Another way to determine what dosage you should be using is in terms of a stack ratio. For example, most people will take Citicoline supplements with another kind of brain supplement called a Racetam. Piracetam and Aniracetam are two of the most common nootropics stacked with Citicoline.
Depending on the amount of either of these compounds you are using, you will want to take a different dosage of Citicoline to result in the greatest possible synergy.
If you were to use 1 gram of Aniracetam powder, you would then want to take 250 mg of Citicoline in a 4:1 ratio. For Piracetam dosages which are much weaker, it is more common to use an 8:1 ratio up to a maximum of 500 mg per dosage.
Best Ways To Use A Citicoline Dosage
The best way to use Citicoline is to buy the powdered form instead of the capsules.
The simple reason for this is that it gives you much more control over your dosage level and Citicoline powder tends to be much cheaper than the brand name tablets available.
Just be sure to grab some accurate measuring spoons or an electronic scale so that you know exactly how much you are using and do not take an excessive dosage.
While there have been no serious side effects observed with an overdose of Citicoline, it is must better to stick to the recommended guidelines than to risk possible negative reactions.
Another option is to get an inexpensive capping machine so that you can make your own capsules from the powder at whatever dosage level you like. This will allow you to prepare several weeks work of tablets in advance so that you do not have to measure out the powder every time you want to use it.
Generally, you will want to take your Citicoline either in the morning or early afternoon. It does have the effect of increasing energy in most people, both physical and mental energy. Many users have complained that if they take this supplement in the evening it makes it more difficult for them to sleep.
When mixing the powder, juice is a better option since the taste is somewhat bitter. Citicoline is water soluble so most liquids except for milk make for good options to mix it in.
Citicoline may be taken with a meal or without a meal depending on personal preference. You may want to test both methods and see which is more effective.
Testing split doses may also be worthwhile for some people. Just keep in mind the caution about not using this supplement after the early afternoon.
Side Effects Of Citicoline
Citicoline is very safe and falls under the category of well-tolerated. This means that most recorded side effects are very mild and uncommon.
Most likely, if you do take this supplement, there will be no unwanted effects. On the off chance that you do experience side effects, they will likely be mild headaches, nausea, gastrointestinal distress, diarrhea, insomnia, restlessness, or sometimes (very rarely) chest pain.
Most of these issues can be easily resolved by reducing your dose back down to the recommended level.
If this does not work, then consider taking a short break from the supplement and discontinue use for a few days to a week while the side effects clear up.
Who Should Consider Citicoline Use?
Citicoline is a great nootropic supplement that can benefit many types of people.
The first category who should consider trying it are those that are already taking Nootropic supplements.
The interesting thing is that Citicoline can actually increase the effectiveness of other nootropics to a much greater degree that if you took these compounds independently. This is known as having a synergistic effect.
Students and productivity-conscious individuals will also benefit from this supplement either in a stack or on its own. The increased cognitive benefits along with the relative safety means that Citicoline can give you a much smoother energy boost without the side effects of traditional stimulants like caffeine or amphetamines.
Athletes may also love the improved focus they receive from Citicoline and it is not uncommon to see this compound in a pre-workout stack. This will enable them to work out harder and even possibly recover faster as well as promoting better neuromuscular coordination.
One of the great things about Citicoline is that it offers benefits for a wide range of people, even if you do not have specific goals in mind related to mental performance. This supplement is an excellent brain health booster and should be part of anyone’s daily nutrition regimen.
Citicoline is also well-suited for people who want to prevent aging and improve their memory even later in life. Many middle aged folks are trying Citicoline in an effort to delay the onset of Alzheimer’s and other degenerative diseases.
With so many benefits and such a low risk profile, we could soon see Citicoline dosages as a common part of most multi-vitamins and all-in-one nutritional supplements.
- Alvarez-SabÃn J, Ortega G, Jacas C, Santamarina E, Maisterra O, Ribo M, Molina C, Quintana M, Román GC. Long-term treatment with citicoline may improve poststroke vascular cognitive impairment. Cerebrovasc Dis. 2013
- Topuz BB, Altinbas B, Ilhan T, Yilmaz MS, Erdost H, Saha S, Savci V, Yalcin M. Centrally administered CDP-choline induced cardiovascular responses are mediated by activation of the central phospholipase-prostaglandin signaling cascade. Brain Res. 2014
- López-Coviella I, Agut J, Savci V, Ortiz JA, Wurtman RJ. Evidence that 5'-cytidinediphosphocholine can affect brain phospholipid composition by increasing choline and cytidine plasma levels. J Neurochem. 1995
- Wurtman RJ, Regan M, Ulus I, Yu L. Effect of oral CDP-choline on plasma choline and uridine levels in humans. Biochem Pharmacol. 2000
- Bracken BK, Penetar DM, Rodolico J, Ryan ET, Lukas SE. Eight weeks of citicoline treatment does not perturb sleep/wake cycles in cocaine-dependent adults. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2011
- Parisi V, Manni G, Colacino G, Bucci MG. Cytidine-5'-diphosphocholine (citicoline) improves retinal and cortical responses in patients with glaucoma. Ophthalmology. 1999
- Dávalos A, Secades J. Citicoline preclinical and clinical update 2009-2010. Stroke. 2011
Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment
5 Comments
What is the Pediatric dose of citicoline?
According to http://naturalmedicinejournal.net/pdf/NMJ_JUNE10_LR2.pdf oral doses of up to 1,200 mg per day have been used in children with no side effects. Average doses for Citicoline fall anywhere from 300 mg to 2,000 mg per day in adults. For pediatric use, it would be prudent to stick to the lower end of the spectrum between 300 to 600 mg.
i had suffered from EDH 5 months back and for that i had operated twice…now what dose of citicoline should i have to take
I suggest to everyone go to check a doctor before taking ay supplements ! Citicoline may have the side effect on your TSH level and other hormone , thyroid , etc. Not recommended for women with policystic ovary !!!
I use Citicoline from a doctor recemmended , not from a website ! Citicoline is not and should not be used as a vitamin ! ! ! Citicoline is made from a asusbtance, the substances whoch the brain usually make itself and should be used in peoples with stroke history, and other neurologic conditions of brain !
If you need know everything about citicoline, please find in Wikipedia any info !
Can I take this drug. as a brain tonic and also for my 12 and 5yrs old child and what will be their doses?