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Noopept is a nootropic compound that is said to support memory performance, improve anxiousness and promote neuroplasticity.
This “smart drug” has effects that are similar to Piracetam, however, it is said to be more than one thousand times as potent. It is also said to be significant faster-acting that Piracetam.
Noopept is used for various purposes including enhancing memory and recall, increasing learning capacity, supporting attention span and concentration and focus.
This nootropic agent has been studied for its possible benefits in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. [1] There is limited human research into its effects, although it is used medicinally in Russia and other parts of the world.
Users say that noopept works faster than many other racetam nootropics, but that it has a shorter duration of effects. Oral noopept tablets have a biological half-life of 30-60 minutes.
However, this does not mean that it only works for 30-60 minutes. Pharmacokinetic research suggests that many of its effects are mediated by its metabolites which persist in the brain for a longer period of time.
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Brain Health- Supports memory, focus & mood
- Boosts mental alertness & energy
- Increases BDNF & promotes brain health
How Long Does Noopept Take To Work?
Related Topics
- What is Noopept?
- User Reviews
- Reported Benefits
- How it Works
- Negative Side Effects
- Typical Experiences
- Recommended Dosage
- Best Way to Take
- Stacking with Choline
- Recommended Nootropic Stacks
- Purchasing Guide
- Bulk Noopept Powder
- Buy Noopept Capsules
- Is Noopept Legal?
- Comparison to Piracetam
- Comparison to Aniracetam
- Comparison to Oxiracetam
- Comparison to Pramiracetam
How does Noopept powder work, and how long does it take to notice effects after taking it?
Noopept is often called a “racetam” drug but is not technically a member of the racetam family. However, like racetams, Noopept is purported to promote a boost in cognitive performance with supplementation.
By modulating acetylcholine and glutamate receptors inside the brain, Noopept is said to facilitate neurotransmission related to memory, attention and cognition.
This nootropic has been shown to affect AMPA (?-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid) and NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors in the CNS (central nervous system). [2] These receptors are involved in long-term potentiation, which is the phenomenon by which memories are encoded in the brain.
Research shows that noopept increases the expression of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and nerve growth factor (NGF). These are two proteins that are implicated in the development of new neuronal synapses or connections as well as the maintenance and repair of neurons.
Noopept is often described as enhancing the brain’s neuroplasticity. This means that it is believed to help the brain form and maintain new neuronal connections, supporting learning capacity and adaptability.
Compared to many other nootropics, noopept is said to be more neuroprotective. It exerts a potent antioxidant effect, helping to scavenge free radical molecules inside the brain.
This has been proposed as a way to reduce oxidative stress that brain cells are regularly exposed to. Oxidative damage is believed to contribute to brain disorders such as Age-Related Memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, senile dementia and certain other forms of cognitive impairment.
However, more research is needed to determine whether Noopept is able to prevent or ameliorate these conditions. While preliminary research in animal models suggests positive effects, there have only been a few clinical studies involving humans taking Noopept.
It is used as a prescription drug in Russia but has not been approved for medicinal use in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration.
Onset of Noopept’s Effects
How long after taking Noopept powder or capsules do users report noticing effects?
Noopept is known to have a fast onset of effects in most users and some say they experience benefits within 30 minutes. However, others say it takes two or more hours to begin working.
Based on experience logs, users often report feeling more alert and perceiving colors as more vivid when Noopept first kicks in. Others describe a mood-lifting effect and a reduction of muscle tension.
According to anecdotal sources, taking this nootropic orally (swallowing by mouth) results in a longer kick-in time compared to sublingual or nasal administration.
Pills and powered forms of this nootropic remain the most popular. However, some users have switched to nasal sprays that are intended for insufflation.
Administering noopept under the tongue or intranasally results in direct absorption into the bloodstream and bypasses the gastrointestinal tract.
According to one source, it reaches the bloodstream within 5 minutes following nasal application and the effects can be felt within 15 minutes.
Not only does this method make the nootropic work faster, it may also increase the bioavailability by reducing the likelihood of degradation in the stomach or intestines.
However, sublingual and intranasal use of noopept has not been well-studied. There is no research available describing the pharmacokinetics of these methods of administration in humans.
While the initial onset of effects may be between 15 – 60 minutes, the full therapeutic benefits of Noopept may not be realized without longer term administration. Research studies typically use this substance for periods of up to two months before evaluating efficacy.
- 1000x more potent than Piracetam
- Supports memory, focus and mood
- Boosts mental alertness and energy
Duration and Half-Life
Noopept is known to have a short half-life of just 16 minutes in rat models. In human, the half-life is believed to be between 30-60 minutes, but more research is needed to know definitively. [3]
The half-life of a substance is not necessarily indicative of dhow long the biological effects last. It is a measurement of how long it takes for the substance to be metabolized in the body. At the time indicated by the half-life, only half of the administered amount remains active in the body.
In comparison, Piracetam (original racetam drug) has a half-life of approximately 5 hours in humans. Pramiracetam is reported to have a half-life of approximately 6 hours.
Some users believe that because Noopept has a biological half-life of 30-60 minutes, its physiological and neurological effects will only last 30-60 minutes. This is not the case.
Once noopept is administered, it is converted or metabolized into another substance called cycloprolylglycine. This is an endogenous neuropeptide that occurs naturally in the brain and that influences neurotransmission in different parts of the brain.
Noopept is sometimes described as a cycloprolylglycine pro-drug, which suggests that many of its effects are mediated by its major active metabolite as opposed to being directly mediated by the drug itself.
Even though only half of the amount of Noopept administered will be detectable in plasma samples after 30-60 minutes, the effects of its metabolites will persist for a longer duration of time.
Based on some research studies and anecdotal evidence from user reviews, the effects of Noopept may be felt for up to 4 hours following oral administration. However, different users will experience different effects, and some may not notice any effects at all.
Because of its 4-hour duration of effects, this nootropic should not be taken in the evening as it can lead to insomnia and difficulty falling asleep at night.
Noopept is said to exhibit mild psychostimulatory effects. However, its effect is not as pronounced it is not noticeable like other CNS stimulants – like methamphetamine, Adderall, or cocaine, for instance.
How to Use Noopept Long-Term
How much Noopept powder should a new user take daily and what are the effects of long-term usage? The typical dosage used in research studies is 20 mg, but there have not been any studies conducted to determine the optimal dose.
According to online sources, it is best to begin using Noopept in low total daily dosages of 5 – 10 milligrams (mg), divided into 2-3 smaller doses taken throughout the day. [4]
If required, gradually increase the total daily Noopept dosage up to 120 mg. It is not recommended to take more than 40 mg of Noopept in any single dose.
Note that some users state that it takes up to a week of daily use to begin noticing effects. Full effects may take up to two months to develop in some individuals.
Because Noopept has a short physiological half-life, it is recommended to take it in several smaller doses throughout the day. This helps to elongate the acute effects of this smart drug.
It is important to start taking this nootropic at a small dosage to gauge your individual tolerance. Only increase your initial dosage protocol if you do not notice any side effects after one week’s usage. Then, titrate upwards in small amounts gradually over time.
Noopept powder is water-soluble, meaning it dissolves in water. You can mix the powder in water, juice or other liquids or take it sublingually (under the tongue) in its powder form.
If using the powder, it is important to purchase an electronic digital scale to measure the correct dosage. Microspoons are available but are less reliable than scales.
Noopept capsules are also available for those who prefer the convenience of pills. The powder has a bitter taste that some users find to be unpleasant. Capsules tend to cost more than the powder and may have a slightly longer onset time.
Are there any long-term benefits associated with taking Noopept regularly? According to Examine, Noopept should be taken in total daily dosages between 10-30 mg, for up to 8 weeks consecutively.
After using Noopept for 56 days, it is recommended to discontinue usage for at least a week or two to reset tolerance and increase sensitivity to effects.
Like some other nootropics, Noopept is said to have diminishing effects in some users over time. By cycling off usage for a week or more, tolerance may be reset.
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What To Do If It’s Not Working?
Noopept does not work reliably for all people who uses it. Some people will respond to this nootropic supplements more strongly than others do.
While the majority of user reviews cite benefits, some users claim negative effects. Some say that this nootropic increases their learning capacity, brightens their mood and makes them feel less anxious. Others say it causes no noticeable effects at standard dosages.
Some users report that Noopept is their favorite nootropic and is more effective than the racetams. Others say that it can impair mental clarity or make them feel tired or depressed. [5]
Differences in health status, biochemistry, supplementation regimens and many other factors can influence how long it takes for Noopept to work in the body and whether it works or not.
If you have been using Noopept routinely at appropriate dosages for at least a month and notice no positive effects, then you might consider trying a different nootropic agent – like Piracetam, Pramiracetam, Phenylpiracetam, Aniracetam, Oxiracetam, Adrafinil, or various others.
Another option is to stack Noopept with other substances like those listed above. Some people also report that while oral supplementation was ineffective for them, use of this nootropic sublingually or via nasal spray did work.
Use of a choline supplement may theoretically influence Noopept’s mechanism of action in the brain. Using a source of choline like Alpha GPC or Choline Bitartrate is generally recommended with racetam nootropics to ensure there is adequate acetylcholine to facilitate cholinergic neurotransmission inside the CNS.
There is also ongoing debate as to whether nootropics can enhance brain function in people who have not suffered brain trauma or memory loss.
Most Noopept research has involved patients or animals affected by some form of cognitive impairment. More research is needed in double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials to establish any reliable benefits in healthy adults.
Until this research is conducted, there is only anecdotal evidence and user reviews to consider.
What If Noopept Stops Working?
Some users who begin taking nootropic supplements like Noopept report that it works very well for the first two weeks but becomes less effective as time passes.
If you develop a tolerance, do not increase your dosage to achieve desired effects. This will only worsen your tolerance and cause you to become less sensitive to the effects, as well as increasing the risk of side effects.
Although some research suggests that taking nootropics produces most benefits in the long term, online sources state that the effects of Noopept seem to begin diminishing after 50-60 days.
It is not recommended to take this nootropic smart drug for more than 8 weeks before cycling off for at least a week.
If you do not cycle off Noopept periodically, you may develop tolerance to its effects and fail to notice them anymore. However, not all users report tolerance.
In most users that do develop tolerance, a one- to two-week break restores its partial or full effectiveness.
Before you decide to take Noopept as a nootropic aid, it is recommended to discuss this compound with your doctor first. Your doctor can help you decide whether it is appropriate for you or not.
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- Nootriment Staff. How Long Does Aniracetam Take to Work? [Duration of Effects]. Accessed Feb 20, 2018
- Noopept Half Life and Duration/Onset of Effects. Accessed Feb 20, 2017
- Examine. Noopept. Accessed Feb 20, 2018
- How To Take Noopept And How Long Does It Take To Work? October 17, 2017. Accessed Feb 20, 2018
- How Long Does Noopept Take To Work? October 10, 2017. Accessed Feb 20, 2018
- Nasal Administration of Noopept: Safety and Efficacy. Nootropix.
Article last updated on: July 5th, 2018 by Nootriment