Is Noopept dangerous to take for long periods of time? Noopept is one of several popular nootropic supplements that some people use to help them remain attentive to long periods of work or study.
Noopept (N-Phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester) has been used clinically in Russia for the treatment of certain memory disorders and for age-related cognitive decline.
It is a potent brain antioxidant and is purported to have benefits for synaptic plasticity, memory formation, mood balance, mental clarity and neuronal health.
Although this brain-boosting “smart drug” is thought to be generally safe in most users, there are various possible side effects to be aware of if you are considering using it.
The most commonly-reported Noopept side effects are a headache, insomnia, and mild gastrointestinal upset. However, more serious side effects are possible.
Not everyone who takes noopept power or capsules will experience positive effects and a small number of users say they need to stop taking it due to adverse effects.
This article reviews some of the most common adverse effects that users have reported. While most noopept side effects seem to be mild and pass quickly, others can be serious enough to warrant discontinuation.



- Supports memory, focus & mood
- Boosts mental alertness & energy
- Increases BDNF & promotes brain health
Is Noopept Dangerous?
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
In order for any compound to be classified as a nootropic, it must pose a very low risk of adverse effects and must be generally well tolerated by the majority of users.
Noopept is said to have a good safety record in research studies and is not believed to be toxic or to pose long-lasting healthy risks to the user.
However, some people have reported side effects after taking this nootropic agent. It is impirtant to consider possible adverse effects before beginning to take any nootropic supplement, including Noopept.
Noopept’s scientific name is N-phenylacetyl-l-prolylglycine ethyl ester. It is a prodrug for cycloprolylglycine, which is a natural (endogenous) neuropeptide that exhibits neuroprotective effects and is a positive modulator of AMPA receptors.
Noopept was developed in 1996 by JSC LEKKO Pharmaceuticals in Russia as a significantly more potent derivative or Piracetam. This compound is able to cross the blood-brain barrier and enter the brain, where it appears to influence glutamateric and cholinergic neurotransmission.
Is Noopept dangerous to use as a cognitive enhancer? There has been little double-blind placebo-controlled clinical research on Noopept and most other nootropic drugs.
The primary danger lies in the lack of information about potential long-term health risks or consequences. No human clinical studies have been conducted on its long-term use.
Most of what is understood about how Noopept works and its safety has been based on animal studies and anecdotal experience logs.
However, in the studies that have been completed to date, Noopept seems to be safe for most users. Overall, it has a good safety profile when taken as directed under medical supervision.
It does not show signs of liver toxicity (hepatotoxicity) and is not believed to pose a risk of liver damage. Compared to Piracetam (Nootropil), Noopept demonstrates a favorable safety profile.

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What is Noopept Used For?
Many people around the world use smart drugs like Noopept to increase their mental productivity, ability to focus and memory performance. Most users tolerate this nootropic supplement well and report few adverse side effects.
Based on anecdotal evidence from user reviews, this nootropic aid can improve energy levels, concentration, attention span, mental fluidity and help to prevent distractions when studying or working.
It is said to help users with studying for tests and remembering more in their day-to-day lives. It has also been demonstrated as more effective than Piracetam for this use.
In one study, participants with cognitive impairments were given 20mg per day of oral Noopept tablets for 56 days.
They scored better on the Mini–Mental State Examination (MMSE) examination, which measures memory recall, language processing, attention and calculations as well as ability to understand and follow instructions.
However, most of the research conducted on Noopept has involved elderly people with some form of memory impairment. More research is needed to understand how it works in young, healthy populations.
Some researchers have investigated the effects of Noopept for Alzheimer’s disease, Age-Related Cognitive Decline, Senile Dementia and Cerebrovascular disorders. It is used clinically in Russia and some parts of Eastern Europe but has not been approved for use by the US FDA.
Research in rats shows that this neuroprotective compound increases the expression of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). These two proteins are involved in the growth and development of neurons and synaptic connections.
Common Adverse Effects
Below, we will look at the side effects that some Noopept users have experienced. Not everyone will react the same way to this nootropic agent. Many people report experiencing no adverse effects while some say they need to stop taking it due to negative effects.
Differences in age, weight, health status, method of administration, dosage, use of other drugs or supplements, experience with nootropics and other factors can influence the occurrence of side effects.
Some of the various side effects that have been reported include: [1, 2]
- Tingling sensations (paresthesia) throughout the body;
- Accelerated thought speed (rapid thinking);
- Changes in body temperature;
- Changes in visual perception;
- Changes in sleep patterns;
- Changes in body weight;
- Cognitive impairment;
- Changes in appetite;
- Physical weakness;
Other users report Noopept side effects including: [1, 2]
- Restlessness;
- Nervousness;
- Mood swings;
- Depression;
- Headache;
- Brain fog;
- Irritability;
- Anxiety;
- Low libido;
Some other Noopept user reviews report fatigue, memory impairment, motivation deficits, muscle aches, and generalized loss of arousal.
Not all people will experience the same benefits or side effects when using Noopept. Some people say they do not notice any effects at all, even after using this nootropic drug daily and for 2 weeks or more.
Reactions to this nootropic agent vary significantly. While some people experience a worsening of anxiety when taking it, others report improved mood balance and stress levels. Some say it reduces their desire for sex while others say it has an aphrodisiac effect.

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Is It Safe to Mix Noopept with Alcohol?
There is not enough research to determine whether it is dangerous to combine this nootropic with drinking alcoholic beverages. It is generally recommended to avoid taking it with alcohol or other psychoactive drugs.
Some user reviews state that Noopept is able to inhibit the effects of alcohol, making it possible for them to drink more without feeling as drunk as they normally would. [3]
Users claim that it can affect their tolerance and make it less likely to experience a hangover. There is research in rats showing that it can prevent some of the harmful effects on brain cells associated with excessive alcohol consumption.
However, there is no known direct interaction between Noopept and alcohol metabolism. There is no research evidence that shows that it mitigates the effects of consuming alcohol in humans.
If Noopept does have influence tolerance to alcohol, then it could contribute to excessive drinking, overconsumption or alcohol poisoning.
Be careful about mixing nootropics with alcohol or other substances known to cause psychoactive effects. They may make it harder to evaluate whether you are intoxicated.
Always drink in moderation and do not drive or operate heavy machinery after consuming alcohol. If you do take Noopept while drinking, pay close attention to any new sensations or effects that you experience.
Minimizing Noopept Side Effects
There are several factors that can influence the way that Noopept works in the body and brain.
If you have been experiencing any adverse side effects after beginning to use Noopept, then it might help to consider these factors, and then make dosage adjustments or discontinue use as necessary.
Some factors that can affect Noopept and increase the risks for adverse effects include:
- The quality of the Noopept powder or capsules you take;
- Other supplements you take along with your nootropic stack;
- When and how you administer Noopept;
- How long you have used this smart drug;
- The dosage you use;
It is generally recommended to not use Noopept for more than 56 days consecutively. Cycling off usage for 2 weeks after using it for 8 weeks seems to restore its effectiveness in many users.
Some people report experiencing headaches and brain fog when they take Noopept or the racetam nootropics like Piracetam. If you experience this side effect, taking a choline supplement like Alpha GPC, CDP Choline (Citicoline) or Centrophenoxine may help to improve symptoms.
Some users say that the effects of this nootropic are better when using it sublingually compared to orally. It is also available as a liquid nasal spray, but this form is not as well-researched and is not as widely used.
Consumers should buy Noopept online only from trusted merchants that provide third-party lab Certificated of Authority that demonstrate product quality and purity. Look for vendors that have been business for a long time and have numerous positive user reviews online.
The most common recommended dosage for Noopept is 10-30 milligrams daily. Some users divide their total daily dose into 2-3 smaller doses and take them throughout the day.
In clinical trials, taking 20 mg per day has been reported as safe for most users. It is said to be better-tolerated in users than the original racetam nootropic Piracetam.
While Noopept is sold as a prescription drug in Russia, it has not been approved by the US FDA for used as a drug for the prevention or treatment of any medical conditions.
There is limited human research available to evaluate Noopept’s long-term safety and the potential for drug interactions. The mechanism of action for this nootropic is not yet well-understood.
While preliminary studies and user reviews suggest that Noopept is not dangerous for the majority of people to take, it is important to consult with a doctor before using this substance. Noopept may not be appropriate for everyone and may not promote cognitive enhancement benefits in all users.
- Nootriment. 19 Noopept Side Effects & How You Can Prevent Them. Accessed Feb 3, 2018
- Mental Health Dily Staff. Noopept Side Effects & Adverse Reactions (List). Accessed Feb 3, 2018
- Brain Pro Tips Staff. Noopept Review: Dosage, Side Effects, Anecdotal Experiences, Effects and Half Life. July 6, 2016. Accessed Feb 3, 2018
Article last updated on: July 5th, 2018 by Nootriment