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Phenotropil side effects are generally mild and Russian literature on this drug suggests that it has “high safety and efficacy”. [1]
Research studies into the use of Phenotropil for the treatment of cognitive and neurological disorders suggests that it is usually well-tolerated at standard therapeutic dosages.
It can cause disruptions to sleep cycles, changes in mood, gastrointestinal side effects and over-stimulation in some users. Negative effects can be minimized by taking this smart drug in appropriate dosages, using it early in the day and avoiding contraindicated substances.
Phenotropil is also known as 4-phenylpiracetam, Carphedon, Fenotropil or fonturacetam. It is viewed as one of the strongest nootropic agents, said to be 60 times more potent than Piracetam.
Phenotropil was developed in Russia originally to improve mood, stamina and mental capacities in astronauts on extended missions in space orbit conditions. It was shown to improve resistance to prolonged exposure to stress, improve memory and learning, and to have mood-enhancing effects.
In this article, we have documented 11 adverse effects of Phenotropil based on user reviews and research data. Most negative reactions are typically mild and can be prevented by using a choline supplement and taking it responsibly.
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How Phenotropil Works
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Phenotropil (better known as Phenylpiracetam) was developed in Russia and has been used extensively as a prescription drug in Eastern Europe.
It has been used to treat cerebrovascular disorders, anxiety, depression, fatigue, alcoholism as a prophylaxis (preventative agent) to combat stress and in the treatment of a number of different neurological conditions.
Phenotropil has also been used as a performance-enhancing drug in athletes at the Olympics and other sporting competitions. It has been added to the banned substances list maintained by World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) because it can improve stamina, boost energy and increase resilience in cold temperatures.
This drug is available over-the-counter in Russia and has been used extensively in this country as well as elsewhere in the world as an off-label cognitive enhancer. It shows benefits for memory, attention, motivation, mental calm and general thinking.
The active ingredient in this medication is Phenylpiracetam or N-carbamoyl-methyl-4-phenyl-2-pyrrolidone.
It was synthesized by adding a phenyl molecule to Piracetam at position 5 of the 2-Pyrrolidone nucleus. This change gives Phenylpiracetam some distinct characteristics in comparison to Piracetam and other racetam nootropic compounds.
The Phenyl group that Phenotropil possesses results in improved absorption from the intestinal tract after consuming it orally. It is fat soluble (while Piracetam is water soluble) which results in greater bioavailability as well as ability to cross over the blood-brain barrierm.
It is a a significantly stronger analog of Piracetam with psychostimulant effects. Users describe is as promote a clean energy boost without the hyperactivity of other stimulants and with fewer side effects than Adderall.
However, negative effects can still occur and it is important to use this nootropic supplement responsibly to minimize the risk of potential harm.
- Shown to support memory & learning
- Improves attention & alertness
- Boosts productivity & mental focus
Phenotropil Side Effects
According to one Russian article on Phenotropil, “Carefully analyzing the findings, scientists have not yet been able to detect any negative side effects.” [1]
This is not necessarily true as there are some possible side effects from using Phenotropil. But most adverse reactions are mild and dissipate with continued use.
There are no known long-term side effects and no dangerous reactions have been reported in medical case studies.
In three research studies that administered 100 mg of Phenotropil per day for 30 days, responses across a total of 76 patients were evaluated. Only two of the 76 people involved in the trial experienced negative effects.
These were temporary and consisted of impaired sleep, anxiety and excitation. Users continued to take the drug at the same dosage and adverse effects disappeared 3–5 days following onset
Other studies have examined its use in dosages of between 200 to 600 mg per day and have found it to be well-tolerated.
Below is a compilation of 11 side effects reported in user experience logs from Reddit and Longecity as well as from clinical research studies. Not everyone will respond to this nootropic in the same way.
You may experience none, some or all of these adverse effects. You could also experience adverse effects not listed below. Consult with your doctor before taking this medication to determine whether it is safe for you or not.
1. Headaches
The most common side effect reported in user reviews is headaches, which are sometimes severe. Users have described pressure in their head, feelings of tension, a throbbing sensation and in some cases strong migraine-like headaches.
Headaches are the most prevalent negative effect of nootropic drugs in the racetam family. It is thought that they may be linked to the cholinergic mechanisms of racetams.
Phenotropil has been shown to increase acetylcholine activity in the brain. This may result in greater turnover of acetylcholine (TRACh). If there is insufficient choline available to synthesize this neurotransmitter, then the stores of this brain chemical cannot meet the demand.
Research shows that people who have low choline levels in their blood are at a greater risk of experiencing severe cluster headaches. Use of racetam nootropics may mimic a state of low choline by increasing uptake and utilization of this dietary nutrient.
Users report that taking a choline supplement can in many cases reduce or eliminate headaches caused by Phenotropil. Interesting, in some cases high doses of choline can make headaches worse. You may need to titrate or adjust your dosage to determine the right ratio of choline supplements to Phenotropil.
Some sources of this acetylcholine precursor have higher bioavailability than others. CDP Choline and Alpha GPC are the two most commonly used in nootropic stacks because they cross the blood-brain barrier well and have nootropic activity of their own.
Centrophenoxine is another option. This is a synthetic version of DMAE, which is a choline-like molecule that also has benefits for brain aging and health.
2. Anxiety
Some users report experiencing anxiety, nervousness and irrational thinking when taking Phenotropil. It may cause scattered thinking, a lack of focus and distractability users.
This is an atypical response to the effects of Phenotropil; it has been used in the treatment of anxiety as a symptom of neurological disorders. Users have described it as promoting focus, a calm state of mind and increased mental clarity.
One user noted that the anxiogenic effects were ameliorated when taking choline. It may be that low acetylcholine levels contribute to anxiety and brain fog.
3. Excitation
A small number of patients in research studies have reported excitation as a result of taking Phenotropil. This can include a feeling of being over-stimulated, restless, agitated or jittery.
Taking Phenotropil in smaller dosages can reduce this adverse effect. Avoiding the use of other stimulants can also help.
In clinical trials, this side effect has abated after 3-5 days of regular use, suggesting the body may develop a tolerance to the excitation.
4. Appetite Suppression
Some people feel that they lose the desire to eat when taking Phenylpiracetam. This is a common side effect of substances that have stimulant effects.
In Russia, Phenylpiracetam has been indicated to support weight loss diets. In patients who are underweight, it may lead to unwanted weight loss by inhibiting the desire to eat.
5. Stomach Issues
Another common side effect of Phenotropil is gastrointestinal discomfort. User have also reported stomach pain, nausea or diarrhea.
Taking this cognitive enhancer with a meal may minimize stomach-related side effects. If you are using generic phenylpiracetam powder, switching to an oral capsule or tablet may also prevent adverse effects.
6. Insomnia and Disturbed Sleep
Phenylpiracetam can increase activation of the nervous system and boost wakefulness. If taken late in the day, it can make it harder to fall asleep at night or cause insomnia.
Some users say that even taking it in the morning can lead to insomnia that evening.
6. Low Moods & Depression
Some users report feeling depressed, apathetic, low motivation or low energy levels after use of Phenotropil or generic alternatives. In some cases, this may develop shortly after taking your dosage or on the day after using it.
If you experience this side effect on a regular basis, it may be necessary to stop taking the drug. Use of a choline supplement can worsen or improve symptoms, depending on individual factors.
If you have been diagnosed with depression or another mood disorder, consult with your doctor before taking this nootropic. If you experience extreme low moods or depressive states, seek medical attention immediately.
7. Chest Pain
One user reported experiencing “a strange chest pain” when he first started taking generic Phenylpiracetam. He says that this occurred after a few days of use.
He reported that this only occurs when using powdered versions of Phenylpiracetam purchased online from a specific supplier. After switching to Phenotropil, the brand name version of the pharmaceutical agent, he did not experience chest pain or any other side effects.
8. Teeth Grinding
Some users describe mild bruxism when taking Phenotropil. Bruxism is defined as excessive teeth grinding or jaw clenching.
Bruxism can lead to headaches, muscle pain or aches in the jaw, tooth damage and teeth hypersensitivity. While not typically dangerous, this symptom may be unpleasant.
Jaw clenching and teeth grinding may be linked to increased acetylcholine release at the euromuscular junctions. Acetylcholine is involved in mediating signals between the brain and muscles.
If bruxism continues with use or causes unwanted side effects, adjusting your choline dosage may help to alleviate this side effect.
9. Fatigue
A small number of users have indicated that Phenotropil causes them to feel fatigued, particularly after the effects of the drug have worn off.
It is not clear why some people experience an increase in energy and mental alertness while others may feel lethargic or tired. If you experience this symptom, using a lower dosage or avoiding other substances may help to mitigate side effects.
10. Skin Redness
A very rare side effect of this smart drug is skin redness and a flushed feeling. While not reported in medical studies, users could develop hives or a skin rash if they are allergic to this substance.
Other users report feeling that their skin is warm to the touch when taking Phenylpiracetam. This may be attributed to its thermogenic effects.
11. Increased Blood Pressure
In rare cases, it may cause heightened blood pressure or hypertension. If you have been diagnosed with hypertension, coronary artery disease or are currently taking medication to treat blood pressure, do not take this nootropic without first checking with a doctor.
There are other possible side effects that you may encounter, but these are rare and typically only occur with extensive use or larger doses. If these side effects appear, either reduce the dosage or stop taking it for a week,
Most users find that this nootropic is very well tolerated and has greater positive effects than negative ones.
Contraindications
Phenotropil is contraindicated in certain populations. It should not be used by anyone with a history of liver damage or kidney problems, including liver failure or renal failure. If you have been diagnosed with mild liver or kidney impairment or dysfunction, check with a doctor before taking it.
It is also cautioned against for individuals with high blood pressure or anyone taking medication to control their blood pressure. Consult with a doctor before taking if you have a history of cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, coronary artery disease, panic attacks, or psychosis.
Do not use if you are allergic to any of the ingredients found in this drug. It has not been approved for use in children, pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Phenotropil may interact with anxiolytic medications used to treat anxiety as well as drugs that influence dopamine or noradrenaline activity in the brain. Check with a doctor before taking this nootropic agent if you are currently on prescribed medications.
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Phenotropil Benefits
So how does this Racetam work, what are its known benefits and what is the risk of negative side effects?
Phenotropil is though to work by modulating receptors for the neurotransmitters acetylcholine and glutamate. It has been shown to increase densities of NMDA receptors for glutamate in the hippocampus and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the cortex.
Both of these neurotransmitters are involved in memory, learning, reasoning and attention. Research shows that Phenotropil has anti-amnesia effects and can improve performance on learning tasks in animals.
It has been studied in Sprague-Dawley rats for the treatment of sleep disorders. In a patent filed in Europe for using Phenotropil as a sleep aid, it was reported to increase extracellular dopamine levels after administration.
Dopamine pathways are involved in reward signalling, ability to plan towards future goals, attentional control, motor control, and feelings of pleasure.
Phenotropil appears to work by blocking the re-uptake of the monoamine dopamine when it is released by a neuron into the synaptic cleft. It inhibits the action of the dopamine transporter (DAT).
Neurotransmitters are release at nerve terminals called synapses, which are points of communication between two neurons. Typically, the neurotransmitters are rapidly degraded by enzymes or taken back up into neurons after they are released to prevent neurons from being over-activated.
By blocking this re-uptake mechanism, it is possible to increase the amount of time a neurotransmitter has to bind to post-synaptic receptors, thereby increasing their activation.
Enhancing dopaminergic neurotransmission may help to lift mood, increase energy and boost focus. Drugs with Dopamine reuptake inhibitor (DRI) effects are sometimes used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy (excessive daytime fatigue), obesity, binge eating disorder and depression.
Research also shows that Phenotropil can increase GABA-A receptor density in certain parts of the rat brain. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter which works to help us calm down and relax.
The effects of this nootropic agent on GABA receptors are not well understood. However, this ability to increase GABAergic neurotransmission may explain why users feel less hyperactive in response to the psychostimulant effects of the drug. It is described as promoting a balanced state of mind and increased energy without restlessness.
Anecdotal reports of the effects also suggest it has benefits for improving attention span and reducing fatigue or distraction while performing mentally demanding work. Phenotropil is viewed by users as an excellent study aid and productivity booster for these reasons.
Evidence also suggests that this drug improves the overall response of our body to stress. Russian research into this compound is purported to show that it can increase tolerance to pain and physical resistance to cold temperatures.
According to researchers at the Moscow Institute of Psychiatry and Russian Center of Vegetative Pathology, the following effects have been observedL
Users have also said it can help to reduce the negative effects of sleep deprivation, make them feel more motivated to exercise and boost energy and stamina as a pre-workout supplement.
Is Phenotropil Tolerance Possible?
Tolerance is possible with Phenotropil and some users describe is as become less effective with long-term use. If you continue to take high dosages of this nootropic on consecutive days, you may notice a decline in the stimulatory effects.
If you experience tolerance, it is recommended not to take this nootropic drug on an everyday basis. Some users may achieve better results by taking it only on certain occasions when it is needed.
Cross-tolerance can occur with other racetam nootropics as well. You may want to cycle on and off this nootropic supplement or alternate it with using other smart drugs and cognitive enhancement supplements.
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- Olga Fedotova. Phenotropil: Legitimate Leadership. Medi.RU. Remedium. No 36, April 2004.
- Firstova IuIu, Vasil'eva EV, Kovalev GI. [Studying specific effects of nootropic drugs on glutamate receptors in the rat brain]. Eksp Klin Farmakol. 2011
- Savchenko AIu, Zakharova NS, Stepanov IN. [The phenotropil treatment of the consequences of brain organic lesions]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2005
- Samotrueva MA, Tiurenkov IN, TeplyÄ DL, Serezhnikova TK, Berestovitskaia VM, Vasil'eva OS, Luzhnova SA. [Phenotropyl succinate as the means for correction of neuroimmune disturbances under conditions of informational-physical stress]. Ross Fiziol Zh Im I M Sechenova. 2011
- Zvejniece L, Svalbe B, Veinberg G, Grinberga S, Vorona M, Kalvinsh I, Dambrova M. Investigation into stereoselective pharmacological activity of phenotropil. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2011
- Gerasimova MM, Chichanovskaia LV, Slezkina LA. [The clinical and immunological aspects of the effects of phenotropil on consequences of stroke]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2005
Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment
1 Comment
I am looking for a nootropic or stack purely for stimulant and secondary mood.
I have used many different supplements.
I am interested in the most powerful for stmulant and mood enhancement.
I have been prescribed adderall in the past and it worked very well but I am interested in nootropics to see if any can have the effects I’m looking for.
currently I am prescribed Nuvigil at 250 mg a day, I break it in half and it works ok.
So let me know what you suggest.
thank you
Kevin