Using the smart drug Modafinil (Provigil) on its own produces significant benefits for mental performance, focus, cognitive function and memory.
To increase the potential benefits, some individuals report stacking this cognitive enhancer with nootropic supplements such as Noopept.
Noopept is a Russian-developed synthetic drug that is a peptide analog of Piracetam. It is often categorized with the Racetam nootropic agents, but has a different chemical structure
Both Noopept and Modafinil are popular among individuals interested in cognitive enhancement and boosting their productivity. Noopept is purported to work on learning ability, memory and focus, while Modafinil promotes intense energy, motivational drive, alertness and wakefulness, without the amphetamine-like nervousness usually experienced with stimulants.
Noopept is extremely cost-effective and can be purchased without a prescription in many countries. In some parts of Europe, it is used as a prescription drug for the treatment of cognitive dysfunction and memory impairment.
Modafinil is available only by prescription and can cost up to $500 each month in the USA. Generic Modafinil from online pharmacies is significantly cheaper. If you don’t have a prescription, there is an alternative which is more affordable but also has drawbacks of its own.
Why is it so common to use a Noopept Modafinil stack and what are some considerations to keep in mind when stacking these compounds? In this article, we will discuss the effects of these nootropic drugs and share user reviews on their benefits and side effects.



- Supports memory, focus & mood
- Boosts mental alertness & energy
- Increases BDNF & promotes brain health
Noopept
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Noopept (N-phenylacetyl-l-prolylglycine ethyl ester, Omberacetam) is a cholinergic nootropic, meaning that it produces effects by enhancing the activation of acetylcholine receptors.
This neurotransmitter is involved in concentration and focus, learning and short-term memory as well as information processing.
According to a research review published by scientists from Germany, Noopept is up to 1,000x stronger than Piracetam and can be used in significantly smaller doses with the same degree of effectiveness. One study also found that it has 1.8-fold fewer side effects than Piracetam.
Noopept exhibits mild stimulatory properties and has been shown to increase EEG patterns in the brain that are associated with greater focus and attention. This effect appears to be mediated by NMDA receptors for the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate.
NMDA receptors are also involved in long-term memory formation and storage. They mediate a phenomenon in the brain called Long-Term Potentiation whereby signals between neurons are enhanced.
In addition to its cognitive boosting properties, research shows Noopept also acts in a neuroprotective fashion. It prevents damage to the brain caused by oxidative stress and apoptosis in human neurons.
Rodent studies demonstrated that this nootropic affects Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), two proteins which play important roles in long-term memory.
NGF and BNDF are also involved in the growth and protection of new specialized neurons and synapses. Noopept may support increases in neuroplasticity by upregulating expression of these proteins.
Noopept has been researched for its effects on patients with mild brain trauma as well as cerebrovascular disease. It was was shown to improve scores on a mini-mental state examination (MMSE) test which measures a wide range of cognitive abilities.
User reviews say that Noopept promotes focus, clear-headedness, mental stamina, memory and positive mood. Some people report it also offers a heightened perceptual awareness with regards to colors and music.
Noopept effects are relatively mild in comparison to Modafinil and may become stronger with long-term use. Not everyone sees benefits from taking this nootropic drug and some people find it can cause them to feel anxious, irritated or overly tense.
Stacking Noopept with Modafinil is purported to produce a stronger boost in concentration that lasts a longer period of time.
Modafinil
Modafinil (Provigil, Alertec, Modavigil, Modalert) is a prescription drug approved in the United States for the treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness. Modafinil was formulated to treat patients with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea and other related disorders.
Researchers at Cephalon Laboratories originally developed a drug known as Adrafinil, which is the prodrug to Modafinil. This means Adrafinil is basically an inert substance until it is processed by the liver and converted into Modafinil.
Once it is converted, the benefits of the drug become available to the user. Eventually, Cephalon was able to synthesize Modafinil, directly, and halted production of Adrafinil.
Modafinil is unique in that it offers the user the feeling of wakefulness and being alert without the same frequency of negative side effects of amphetamines. Motivation can be significantly improved without feeling nervous or anxious and mood is often elevated.
It is referred to as a eugeroic agent because it alleviates neurological fatigue and excessive daytime somnolence. Research shows that it can also ameliorate the negative effects of sleep deprivation.
Modafinil is believed to work by affecting dopamine transporters in the brain and by increasing the release of orexin neuropeptides and histamine in the hypothalamus. This increases mental arousal and has been shown to promote cognitive function in areas related to reasoning, memory recall and acuity.
This is sometimes referred to as the strongest nootropic available, although there is debate about whether it qualifies as a nootropic under the original definition of the term. There is no debate about the fact that Modafinil has positive effects for cognition and intellect as a smart drug.
Modafinil requires a prescription in the USA, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada. Residents of the USA are not allowed to import Modafinil, even if they have a prescription for it, whereas residents of the UK, Australia and Canada can import small quantities for personal use if they have a prescription.

- 1000x more potent than Piracetam
- Supports memory, focus and mood
- Boosts mental alertness and energy
Modafinil vs. Adrafinil vs. Armodafinil
Because of the difficulty in getting prescriptions for Modafinil, many users have turned to the original prodrug, Adrafinil (Olmifon), which is legal, does not require a prescription and is easy to obtain.
You should be aware that both Modafinil and Adrafinil have known side effects and should only be taken under the guidance of a qualified medical professional who can monitor your blood.
Particularly with Adrafinil, excessive long-term use can result in an elevation of liver enzymes which can be quite serious. In order to be active in the body, Adrafinil must first go through hepatic metabolism, which can put strain on liver function.
Another related drug is Armodafinil (Nuvigil), which is an enatiopure version of Modafinil and contains only the (R)-(?)-enantiomer of the drug. This is the active form of the drug.
Armodafinil is stronger than Modafinil because it only contains the enantiomer that has biological effects in the body. This version of the drug also has a longer half-life and is reported to have fewer side effects.
Armodafinil is approved in the USA by the FDA for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and shift work sleep disorder. It is also used off-label to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and as an alternative therapy to depression.
Stacking Noopept and Modafinil
The main reason for stacking Modafinil with other nootropic is to achieve a greater increase in mental performance. Taking Modafinil on its own has been shown to improve reasoning, memory and judgment in certain cognitive tasks, but it is foremost a wakefulness agent. When you add Noopept to this stack, some users report improvements in memory, enhanced productivity, creativity and concentration.
Stacking these two potent nootropic is reported to support a state of mental clarity, quickness, heightened wakefulness and memory recall as well as increasing the user’s motivation to begin and complete projects.
Keeping in mind that nootropics, when stacked, often potentiate each other’s effectiveness, doses should be small at first and only be increased if the desired result is not experienced.
If you have been prescribed Modafinil or Armodafinil for a medical reason, consult with your doctor before combining this drug with any other substances. Make sure that Noopept is safe for you to use before deciding to take it.

- Focus longer, clear brain fog & feel more motivated
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Noopept Modafinil Stack
Modafinil tablets come in either 100mg or 200mg doses, most often in blisterpacks.
Unless your doctor suggests otherwise, most users start off with 100mg taken once or twice each day. You should not exceed 200mg per dose.
If substituting Adrafinil dosages of 150mg are used. It can take longer for the effects of Adrafinil to kick in because the liver must first process the drug into Modafinil. This usually occurs within the first hour, but even once it has been converted, the body still must adjust and make use of it. If no results are experienced some users increase the dosage by 50mg, up to 300mg maximum.
Once you are comfortable with the effects of Modafinil or Adrafinil, begin by taking 10mg of Noopept. Even if you have taken Noopept before and found you required 20mg or more per dose, when stacking Noopept with other potent smart drugs, it is wise to begin at the lower dose and quantify your results before increasing your dosage.
Noopept is usually taken in 10mg doses at 2-3 intervals over the course of a day. It can be purchased in the form of bulk powder, a nasal spray or oral capsules.
Some people prefer the capsules for ease of use. Others say that they do not experience benefits when taking it in this form. Sublingual use of the powder or insufflation of a nasal spray may produce different effects in you.
When stacking with Modafinil (or Adrafinil or Armodafinil), users typically take these products in the morning to start the day with a clear, quick, motivated mind. Some may take a second or third noopept dose later in the day depending on their work or school schedule.
Results can be amplified by combining with other nootropic supplements. It is common to use Noopept with a form of choline like Alpha GPC, CDP Choline or Centrophenoxine. This is recommended to ensure there are adequate levels of acetylcholine available in the neurons.
Other agents commonly stacked with these two include Caffeine, L-Theanine, Aniracetam, Piracetam, Sulbutiamine or Magnesium.
Some users report developing a tolerance to the effects of these cognitive enhancers. It may be prudent to take a Noopept Modafinil Stack only occasionally instead of using it every day.
All nootropics and smart drugs pose a risk of possible side effects, particularly if they are overused or taken at high dosages. Consult with a doctor before taking these substances to ensure they are not contraindicated for you.
Read more about the possible side effects of Noopept here and the risks linked to Modafinil use here.
User Reviews
In the section below, you will find user reviews of the Modafinil Noopept stack as well as comparisons of their effects.
You can use the reviews below to give you an idea of how these substances might affect you. Not everyone responds the same way to nootropics and your results may be different.
First thing in the morning, I chugged down a redbull, my usual 20mg of noopept and one 200mg pill of modalert and felt the usual sugar rush. About an hour later as I was in class, the modafinil hit me. I felt a sense of alertness like never before. This is totally amazing, considering on previous nights where I’ve gotten this little sleep I would be soundly snoozing through classes. Had no problems going through an entire day of lessons and even felt good enough to hit the gym at 6pm. Mind-blown. I’ve stayed awake for almost 14 hours and I feel totally awake typing this post.” – nanak72 [2]
Sometimes noopept feels stimulating, as it makes me motivated, but its effect is way more subtle. After taking it every day for about a month, I would say its main effect is on my memory and motivation. I recall things easier and faster and hold information like model numbers in my brain for longer. I also tend to be more sociable.
In summary, both have different effects on cognition but modafinil is more stimulating. If you were trying to replace caffeine or ritalin, modafinil would be a better candidate than noopept. However, if you want to improve your memory and big picture thinking, noopept is a better choice.
Also, side effects are something to consider. I know that modafinil causes my husband to have a back ache and I think it lowers my immune system. Noopept doesn’t seem to hurt my immune system or cause any side effects for me (edit: except insomnia), but some people complain about headaches and short term memory issues. So it may ultimately be side effects that make you choose one over the other.
I think both have their uses, but that noopept, like racetams, are more for gradual long term improvement while modafinil is for complete all day focus.” – BipolarNOS [4]
Noopept was much more subtle unless I megadosed it but I quickly learned that megadosing noopept wasn’t such a good idea (memory problems, brain fog, etc.). Unlike Modafinil, Noopept is actually a prodrug for the endogenous neuropeptide cyclo-l-prolylglycine, but while its supplementation is probably fine at regular doses I suspect it may start having a negative effect if it gets too much out of balance.
In any case Noopept did not feel very stimulating but at regular doses I sometimes felt more clear-headed than usual. It may well have been a placebo effect though. However I don’t think you’re really supposed to “feel” much from something like Noopept or other drugs that are supposed to enhance your memory. Their memory-enhancing impact might be observable though when performing certain tasks that require memory recall such as test-taking and learning in general.” – wolframite [4]
Noopept: It’s a great Noot! Subtle, very subtle. You won’t notice big changes straightaway but given some time you will certainly see the changes, and the ones I have seen/felt are all good.
The key takeout for me is this, Noopept makes you feel better by making you present in the moment, and it does so by almost blocking out the stupid inner monologues, and when those inner monologues disappear you notice everything else around you. I will definitely continue. Noopept combined with Caffeine is great for energy boost. On a random note, after reading Noopept is fat soluble I decided to take it with some peanut butter one day; it worked nicely for me.
Modafinil: I have great respect for this. Modafinil does deliver and delivers well. Only thing I would say is, if you are willing to try it then start with a moderately low dose; 100mg might just be enough. Don’t take it if you don’t need the extra pulling power.
I am not a Neurochemist but from my limited understanding of body and mind this is what I think is happening. Modafinil gives you the mental edge you need to go the extra few hundred miles, it makes the most of what your body has to offer; but your body can provide only what is available. So, if you want to make the most of this fantastic Noot, you have to do somethings for yourself… things such as drinking plenty, taking breaks, eating (even if you have to force yourself), sleep and take care of your body. Being on Modafinil is like pressing the boost button when you’re playing video games, it uses up energy you have gathered very quickly to give you the necessary boost, so if you want to stay in the game you have to replenish before you can press the boost button again. Discovering Modafinil for me has bee like earning a boost button.” – SoulRevolver [5]
- Modafinil combined with Noopept or Aniracetam. Reddit.
- Modafinil + Noopept + Redbull | Great Results!! What can I replace Redbull with? Reddit.
- What else is in your modafinil stack? Reddit.
- Modafinil vs Noopept? Reddit.
- 10 Day Experiment (Noopept and Modafinil)
- Uyanaev AA, Fisenko VP. Studies of long-term noopept and afobazol treatment in rats with learned helplessness neurosis. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2006
- Neznamov GG, Teleshova ES. [A comparative study of noopept and piracetam in the treatment of mild and moderate cognitive impairment in patients with organic brain diseases of vascular and traumatic origin]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2008
- Solntseva EI, Bukanova IuV, Ostrovskaia RU, Gudasheva TA, Voronina TA, SkrebitskiÄ VG. [Effect of the nootropic agents piracetam and GBS-111 on potential-dependent ion channels in the neuronal membrane]. Biull Eksp Biol Med. 1996
- Uyanaev AA, Fisenko VP, Khitrov NK. Effect of noopept and afobazole on the development of neurosis of learned helplessness in rats. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2003
- Neznamov GG, Teleshova ES. Comparative studies of Noopept and piracetam in the treatment of patients with mild cognitive disorders in organic brain diseases of vascular and traumatic origin. Neurosci Behav Physiol. 2009
- Generali JA, Cada DJ. Modafinil: Parkinson disease-related somnolence. Hosp Pharm. 2014
- Kaiser PR, Valko PO, Werth E, Thomann J, Meier J, Stocker R, Bassetti CL, Baumann CR. Modafinil ameliorates excessive daytime sleepiness after traumatic brain injury. Neurology. 2010
- Scoriels L, Jones PB, Sahakian BJ. Modafinil effects on cognition and emotion in schizophrenia and its neurochemical modulation in the brain. Neuropharmacology. 2013
- Gajewski M, Weinhouse G. The Use of Modafinil in the Intensive Care Unit. J Intensive Care Med. 2015
- Cengiz Mete M, Şenormancı Ö, Saraçlı Ö, Atasoy N, Atik L. Compulsive modafinil use in a patient with a history of alcohol use disorder. Gen Hosp Psychiatry. 2015
- Andrade C. Modafinil and armodafinil in schizophrenia. J Clin Psychiatry. 2012
- Davies M, Wilton L, Shakir S. Safety profile of modafinil across a range of prescribing indications, including off-label use, in a primary care setting in England: results of a modified prescription-event monitoring study. Drug Saf. 2013
Article last updated on: March 14th, 2018 by Nootriment