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Omberacetam (Noopept, N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester, GVS-111) is a nootropic drug that exhibits neuroprotective and memory enhancing benefits.
It is a prodrug for cycloprolylglycine, which is an endogenously-occurring neuropeptide. Like the racetam nootropics, it appears to enhance cholinergic neurotransmission, promote synaptic plasticity and increase the expression of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor.
Omberacetam also exhibits an anxiolytic effect and was found in one human study to improve mood, fatigue, irritability, wakefulness, anxiety and apathy.
Comparative research shows it is up to 1000 times more potent than Piracetam and has a wider range of effects. It appears to be more effective for enhancing memory consolidation and retrieval in animal studies.
There is limited data available on the use of Omberacetam in human research subjects. It is widely used as a nootropic cognitive enhancer by individuals who do not have a prescription for this drug.
While some users report benefits, other experience adverse effects when taking this smart drug. It has resulted in brain fog, tiredness, headache, mood instability and over-excitation for some individuals.
Mental Energy
Memory
Brain Health- Supports memory, focus & mood
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Omberacetam Review
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
Omberacetam was first synthesized in 1996 in Russia by JSC LEKKO Pharmaceuticals.
It is a dipeptide analogue of Piracetam and has some similarities in the way it works. This nootropic is more commonly known by its Russian trade name Noopept.
Is Omberacetam a racetam? While this nootropic agent is described as a derivative of Piracetam, it is not accurate to call it a racetam because it does not have a pyrrolidone core.
All racetam molecules have a 2-Pyrrolidone nucleus. The molecular structure of omberacetam (N-phenyl-acetyl-L-prolyl-glycyl ethyl ester) contains a phenylacetyl group bound to a peptide chain of the amino acids glycine and proline.
Proline does contain a carboxylic acid group bound to a pyrrolidine ring and Noopept is sometimes referred to as a member of the ” substituted pyrrolidines” class of compounds.
While its chemical structure is distinct from the racetam family, it does share some of the same effects for memory, neuroprotection from toxins, anti-oxidant activity and increasing alertness and mental energy.
Omberacetam is a cycloprolylglycine prodrug, which means that it gets metabolized into this neuropeptitde following administration.
While Noopept may have direct pharmacological activity itself, most of the effects of this nootropic are believed to result from activity of its primary metabolite cycloprolylglycine.
Research in rats shows that an injection of 5mg/kg of omberacetam results in a 2.5x increase in cycloprolylglycine levels within the brain.
This nootropic is rapidly metabolized and eliminated from the body. In rats, it has an elimination half-life of 16 minutes and is no longer detectable in plasma after 25 minutes.
However, its pharmacological effects have been observed for up to 70 minutes after ingestion. This means that its effects are significantly attributable to its metabolites.
While administration of cycloprolylglycine can mimic many of the effects of omberacetam, it does not replicate all of the effects. There may be direct actions of this nootropic agent or there may be other metabolites involved.
Effects & Mechanisms
There is limited human research into the effects of Omberacetam. Most of the research available on this cognitive enhancer comes from in vitro or cell culture studies and animal trials.
In animal studies, it is described as having cholinomimetic effects. This means that it promotes increased activity of the cholinergic neurons.
Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter involved in working memory, focus, attention, arousal, motivation, behavior control and muscle movement.
Noopept has also been observed to enhance levels of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus. These are proteins involved in the growth, maintenance and repair of neurons.
These proteins are important for neuroplasticity and play a role in Long-Term Potentiation, which is the process by which long-term memory is stored.
One rat trial showed that the anti-amnesic effects improved when administered over 9 consecutive days. Another study found that the increase in in NGF and BDNF in the hippocampus was maintained over 28 days of the same dosage. This suggests the potential for long-term benefits with continuous use.
Studies involving Omberacetam in animal models of depression have found positive results. One study showed that administration of this nootropic supplement for 21 days resulted in a reduction of learned helplessness behavior in rats.
It is believed to have anxiolytic effects, which means it may improve resistance to anxiety. It has been shown to increase inhibitory neurotransmission in the hippocampus.
This nootropic has also been observed to inhibit neurotoxicity caused by excess glutamate and calcium as well as exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
In animal models of Alzheimer’s disease, it has been shown to restore cognitive functioning and prevent the accumulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Cellular studies also show a protective effect against amyloid plaques which are implicated in the development of Alzheimer’s.
Noopept has been clinically assessed for its effectiveness in treating cognitive deficiency linked to cerebrovascular disorder and brain trauma. Preliminary published results in humans have been positive, but more research is needed to determine efficacy.
While this smart drug may have benefits for people with forms of cognitive impairment or after suffering traumatic brain injury, it is unclear how it affects cognitive function in healthy individuals.
- 1000x more potent than Piracetam
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Comparison to Piracetam
In comparison to Piracetam, Omberacetam is reported to be 1000 times more potent and to promote a wider range of benefits.
However, there is vastly more research available into the benefits and effects of taking Piracetam.
One study examined the effects of these two nootropics on electroencephalograms (EEG) in rats. Study subjects were given a subcutaneous injection of either 400mg/kg or 0.2mg/kg Noopept.
The results showed that Piracetam increased alpha and beta brain wave activity in the left frontal cortex and increased alpha brain waves in the right cortex and hippocampus. There was a 10 minute latency to the effects and a 40 minute duration.
Noopept increased alpha and beta brain activity in all three areas with a 30 minute latency and a 40 minute duration of effects.
This study also showed that the effects of both of these nootropics were mediated by NMDA and AMPA receptors and were inhibited when glutamate agonists were administered.
One human comparative clinical trial examined the effects of omberacetam and piracetam on 37 patients with cognitive impairment of a vascular origin and 16 patients with post-traumatic brain damage.
Patients were given either 20mg per day of Omberacetam (2 x 10 mg doses) or 1200 mg per day of Piracetam split into three dosages of 400 mg each.
Those given Omberacetam reported reductions in irritability, improve sleep patterns, reduced fatigue and daytime drowsiness. Individuals reported less weakness, apathy, listlessness and better energy levels.
After the third week of use, there were improvements in symptoms related to mood, anxiety and depression. Some users reported adverse effects including headaches and excess stimulation, but these began to normalize after 3 weeks of use.
Starting in the second week of the treatment, patients also experienced improvements in concentration, short-term memory, and long-term memory. The researchers concluded that there was a significant reduction in symptomatology and cognitive deficits.
Piracetam was found to produce many of the same effects, but to be more variable and less consistent. The therapeutic effect also took a longer amount of time to be observed and there was less profound anxiolytic activity.
In patients with organic emotionally labile (asthenic) disorder of vascular origin, there was no statistical difference between the nootropic actions of 20mg Omberacetam and 1,200mg Piracetam.
However, there was a higher rate of undesirable effects in Piracetam users. According to the researchers, Omberacetam haa a benefit over Piracetam due to a better profile of effects, greater therapeutic efficacy and increased safety.
Experiences
User experiences with Omberacetam posted online describe a range of different and sometimes conflicting effects.
A number of users report that it enhances their cognitive processing, mental energy, ability to think clearly and to focus for long periods of time.
Other users have reported a decline in mental stamina, poor focus, brain fog, increased brain chatter and difficulty with complex information.
Some users say it helps them to remember more, recall information faster and feel more alert and vigilant. Others report fatigue and reduced motivation.
Many users cite a benefit for mood, depression and anxiety with a mild euphoric effect. Some say that it makes them feel over-stimulated, anxious or irritated.
A common experience cited in user reviews is that of increased visual and auditory perception. Users say that visual sensations are more vivid and hearing may be improved with increased enjoyment of music.
While experiential data is useful for understanding how this smart drug affects actual users, double-blind placebo controlled studies are required to validate any of these claims.
Legal Status
Omberacetam is sold as a prescription drug in Russia and certain neighboring countries. It is not used therapeutically in any other countries.
In the United States, Omberacetam is not a controlled substance and has not been assigned to any drug schedule. This means it does not require a prescription to buy and there are no restrictions on its possession, use or importation for personal use.
However, it has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat or prevent any medical conditions. As such, it cannot be promoted or marketed by drug companies in the country. These restrictions apply to companies that sell this nootropic agent and not to consumers who want to buy it.
In Canada, it has not been issued a Drug Identification Number (DIN) which means it is not approved to be marketed in the country. It cannot be imported for commercial sale or distribution.
Because Noopept is not a scheduled substance, it is legal to consume, purchase and possess for personal use. It can be purchased online and shipped to Canada in small quantities.
In Australia, it is not a scheduled substance and does not require a prescription to purchase. However, it has not been approved for sale by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
Because it is not a Schedule 4 substance (unlike Piracetam), it can be imported for personal use in low quantities. Such shipments are generally allowed into the country by border officials.
In the United Kingdom, Aniracetam was previously unscheduled and available to buy without a prescription. Currently, it qualifies under the Psychoactive Substance Act which became law on May 26th, 2016.
This law has very broad language and applies to any psychoactive drug that affects mental functioning or emotional state. Under this act, it is illegal to manufacture, supply or import Omberacetam.
While it is legal to possess Noopept tablets, there is no legal way for UK residents to acquire this drug. It may be possible under the law to import it if you have a prescription from a doctor, but it may be difficult to find a doctor familiar with nootropics willing to prescribe it.
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How to Take
Noopept is sold in 10mg tablets and comes in a 50-tablet blister pack in Russia. In other countries, it is sold in the form of bulk powder or 10 mg capsules.
Some companies sell a Noopept complex which contains this synthetic nootropic drug along with other ingredients.
In one human research trial, it was administered at a dosage of 10 mg taken twice daily. Nootropic users typically report taking it in a dosage range of 5 – 40 mg per day.
Higher dosages increase the risk of adverse effects. New users are advised to start at the lowest possible dose and only increase gradually if desired effects are not achieved.
Omberacetam is typically taken orally, but some individuals report using it sublingually. While this has not been studied in research trials, sublingual use is purported to increase bioavailability.
Omberacetam is water soluble and can be taken with or without a meal. If you experience nausea or gastrointestinal side effects following use, taking it with food may reduce these effects.
Due to the potential for stimulating effects, do not take this nootropic late in the evening. If using before bedtime, it may result in disturbed sleep, vivid dreams or insomnia.
It has been used in one study for up to 56 days at a time. Due to the potential for forming a tolerance to the effects, it is suggested to cycle this nootropic agent regularly.
If taking Noopept with other racetams, it is recommended to adjust the dosage downwards due to potential cross-tolerance. This includes stacking it with Aniracetam, Piracetam, Oxiracetam, Phenylpiracetam, Nefiracetam or Coluracetam.
It may be stacked with other nootropic supplements. Omberacetam is commonly combined with a choline source, such as Alpha GPC or CDP Choline. This is purported to enhance its cholinergic mechanisms of action.
Side Effects
There is insufficient research available to determine whether Omberacetam is safe for short-term or long-term use.
In one human study, 10 mg of Noopept was given to patients with mild cognitive disorders twice per day for 56 consecutive days. This study reported that the drug was well-tolerated.
Furthermore, there was a 1.8x reduction in side effects reported compared to individuals taking 1,200 mg per day of Piracetam.
While this result is suggestive of a good safety profile, the study was small and cannot be used to make any conclusive determinations about side effect frequency.
Based on user reviews, many people take it in small dosages without experiencing adverse effects. However, some people do experience negative effects including:
- Headache
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Irritation/Agitation
- Over-Stimulation (Over-Excitedness)
- Nervousness
- Stomach Pain
- Nausea
- Dizziness or Lightheadedness
- Asthenia
- Low Appetite
- Changes in Libido
- Heart Palpitations
- Tachycardia
- Orthostatic Abnormalities
- Muscle Hypotonia
- Insomnia
- Depression/Changes in Mood
- Fatigue
- Muscle Weakness
- Unfocused Thoughts/Brain Fog
- Temperature Changes
- Tingling in the Extremities
- Tinnitus
- Emotional Blunting
- Low Motivation
- Increased Blood Pressure
- Increased Sweating
In high dosages, it has been reported to interfere with memory performance and cause confusion, lack of mental clarity, headache, agitation and increased body movement.
It does not appear that Omberacetam poses a risk for addiction or withdrawal symptoms. Some users report developing a tolerance to the effects, which may result in larger dosages being used to achieve the same benefits.
To mitigate risks, it is best to use Omberacetam conservatively and not take more than the minimum effective dosage.
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Article last updated on: July 17th, 2018 by Nootriment