Phenylpiracetam and Noopept are two of the most potent nootropic agents that are commonly used for cognitive enhancers, but which is more powerful?
Both are smart drugs that were initially developed in Russia as stronger alternatives to the original nootropic drug Piracetam.
In research studies, Noopept is described as having 1000x greater potency that Piracetam while Phenylpiracetam is described as being 50-60 times stronger.
This reflects the dosage required to observe therapeutic effects and does not necessarily mean that Noopept is better than Phenylpiracetam. Users express different preferences depending on their goals and individual responses to these brain boosters.
Both are purported to have benefits for memory, concentration, mood and alertness. Phenylpiracetam is described as being a stronger stimulant while Noopept exhibits greater anxiolytic effects.
Users generally say that Phenylpiracetam is stronger and produces more intense motivation, but can cause tolerance and is more likely to cause side effects. Noopept has a subtler effect for increasing attention and mental clarity and is suitable for daily use.
Some nootropic users report stacking Phenylpiracetam with Noopept to promote synergistic effects. While there are no research studies into this practice, user reviews describe positive effects.



- Supports memory, focus & mood
- Boosts mental alertness & energy
- Increases BDNF & promotes brain health
Comparing Noopept vs Phenylpiracetam
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Smart drug users often juxtapose these two nootropic drugs alongside each other in a selection process.
Both are known to be many times more potent than their other racetam relatives. Both are seen as promoting a greater boost in mental energy and focus compared to that experienced with other racetams.
There are some commonalities in the way these nootropics works, but there also important distinctions to be made. Knowing the differences and the similarities, you can better choose to use Phenylpiracetam or Noopept for specific tasks, occasions and effects.
Phenylpiracetam (sometimes referred to as Phenotropil or Carphedon) is approximately 60 times more potent than Piracetam.
It was developed by Russian scientists to improve mood, behavior control and mental capacity in cosmonauts on extended space missions. Research shows it can increase pain tolerance, resistance to cold and improve brain cell metabolism.
According to the cosmonaut Alexander Serebrov who used it on a 197-day mission in space, it helps to equalize the body, calms it and prevents irritability and impulsiveness in situations that cause high nervous tension.
Phenylpiracetam has althetic-performance enhancing effects and has been banned by WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) as well as the IOC (International Olympics Committee) for use by competitive athletes.
The chemical structure of Phenylpiracetam is Piracetam (Nootropil) with a Phenyl group molecule attached in the pyrrolidone nucleus. This produces defining differences in the effects on the central nervous system and on cognitive functioning and means that it crosses the blood-brain barrier more effectively.
Phenylpiracetam provides the user with both a cognitive and physical boost. Besides improving your ability to concentrate on a task, enhance learning and problem-solving, it also improves fatigue, motivation and wakefulness.
As with most nootropics, the exact mechanism of action remains unknown but there is some evidence indicating Phenylpiracetam works on several neurotransmitter and receptor sites including Acetylcholine, GABA, NDMA Glutamate receptors and Dopamine D1 receptors.
The effects of this smart drug are often more noticeable and pronounced than other racetams. Cognitive effects are coupled with increased motor function to give the user a stimulant-like effect that is much cleaner than amphetamines.
Noopept (sometimes called Neuropept or Omberacetam) is more than 1,000 times more potent than Piracetam. It is a dipeptide conjugate of piracetam with similar effects and benefits for the user at a significantly lower dosage.
Noopept (N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester) is prescribed in Russia for cognitive dysfunction and conditions affecting memory. It has been studied in the treatment of mild cognitive impairment, stroke recovery, cerebrovascular diseases, and traumatic brain injury.
There is limited human research available on this effects of this compound. It has been shown to exhibit neuroprotective effects and to improve memory and learning in animal models, but more research is needed into its clinical use.
Like Phenylpiracetam, it appears to increase acetylcholine and glutamate activity in the brain which may promote focus enhancement, improved memory formation and increased working memory capacity.
Research also shows that this nootropic agent increases Nerve Growth Factor and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor expression, which can support neuroplasticity or the development of new connections between neurons.
In addition to its cognitive effects, many users describe mood enhancement and a reduction in stress and nervousness when taking Noopept powder or capsules. Some say that it helps them to feel more confidence and reduces social anxiety.
Not everyone responds positively or strongly to the effects of this smart drug. Some users find it does not produce noticeable effects while other say that it can cause them to feel anxious, fatigued or impairs mental clarity.
In those who experience positive results, users say that they can take low dosages daily to enhance cognition and that it does not cause tolerance or serious adverse effects. One advantage of bulk Noopept powder is that it is very affordable because low doses are required to experience effects.

- 1000x more potent than Piracetam
- Supports memory, focus and mood
- Boosts mental alertness and energy
Should you Combine Noopept and Phenylpiracetam?
Some users report taking a Phenylpiracetam Noopept Stack to increase mental focus, attention, energy and support greater cognitive function.
It is not recommended to take these nootropics in a stack unless you have first has experience with using them individually.
Combining Phenylpiracetam with Noopept may produce greater focus, mental stamina, motivation and make it easier to work intensely for long periods of time. The two are said to be synergistic, meaning that a lower dosage is required for each when mixing them together.
User reviews say that this combination increases their energy and has a stimulant effect, without causing over-excitation or hyperactivity linked to other commonly used stimulant drugs. However, it is not recommended to use these nootropics together on an on-going basis.
Tolerance is an issue with Phenylpiracetam, sometimes building after just 2-3 consecutive days of usage. Tolerance occurs when you become less sensitive to the effects of a compound with continued use.
Because of this, Phenylpiracetam is viewed as a better choice for situations where you need a one-day or one-night burst of mental and physical energy. It is not recommended for consistent long-term use and is usually cycled or taken on an occasional basis.
Noopept, on the other hand, can be used in longer cycles and is described by user reviews as being appropriate for regular use. It has a cumulative effect over time. Many users report peak optimization after 1-2 weeks of use.
Some users will take this in a 56-day on cycle followed by 4 days off. Research studies have not been conducted to determine the ideal dosage schedule for this nootropic, so available information is based on anecdotal experiences.
Noopept is reported to improve ability to concentration and pay attention for long periods of time. In research trials involving patients with organic brain disorders of a vascular origin, it was shown to have a mild psychostimulatory and anxiolytic effect as well as improving neurosis-like symptoms.
While users say that it can help them feel more clear-headed and alert, it lacks the significant increase in motivation, mental activation and goal-directed behavior that is produced with Phenylpiracetam. Stacking these agents together may therefore have benefits for productivity and mental stamina, without causing the user to feel excessively stimulated.
User Reviews and Comparisons
In the section below, we have collected a number of user reviews posted on Reddit that describe the effects of stacking these two nootropics together as well as comparing their user experiences.
If you have taken Noopept or Phenylpiracetam, please share your review in the comments section below to give our readers more information on how they affect you and your personal opinions.
Not everyone will respond to these nootropic agents in the same way. You may have a different experience than those described below.
Phenylpiracetam:One thing I have to say about this stuff is it is NOT fun to take too much of. I took about two white scoopers full and about 100mg of caffeine and I was EXTREMELY OVERSTIMULATED and couldn’t do anything but sit there and try to make my heart rate go down. I finally had to take a scooper of phenibut to calm myself down cause I was having a panic attack. THIS S*** IS REALLY POTENT. DONT MIX WITH OTHER STIMS UNLESS YOU KNOW YOU CAN HANDLE. Cause good god, i thought i was having an overdose or something. I think this stuff would be useful to take by itself if i needed to get alot of s*** done because it does make my thoughts connect much quicker like the noopept, but it also makes me extremely stimulated.” – Anonymous [3]
Noopept seems like the everyday, go-to. I do notice an increase in my cognition (ability to recall numbers and formulas) although it doesn’t help with motivation at all. Its good, but significantly less potent in its effect that Phenylpiracetam.” – Turtlingmonkey [4]
With Noopept, it just seems to slightly increase my alertness for about an hour but that’s about it. It also amplifies the effects of caffeine so I can’t enjoy my coffee when I take Noopept.
Needless to say, I much prefer Phenylpiracetam over Noopept. The only downside with Phenyl is that the tolerance develops very quickly.” – Turtlingmonkey [4]

- Focus longer, clear brain fog & feel more motivated
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Dosage and Side Effects
With both Phenylpiracetam and Noopept, it is important to know that high reported potency does not necessarily mean that they produce effects which are that much more profound than other racetams, or even each other.
Potency ratings refer to the effective dosage required. While users of Piracetam can take between 1,200 to 9,600 mg per day to experience positive effects, the dosage range for Noopept is 10 to 40 mg per day and for Phenylpiracetam it is 100 to 600 mg per day.
Find out more about the best dosages to use with Phenylpiracetam here. Most users experience benefits at a dosage of between 100-200 mg per day.
Noopept is usually taken at 2-3 separate intervals during the day to accommodate for its short half-life. Learn more about recommended dosages of Noopept in this article.
If using a Noopept Phenylpiracetam stack, you should take both of these nootropics in lower dosages. They have the ability to potentiate each others effects meaning that a smaller amount is required.
Both of these nootropic supplements have the potential to cause insomnia and sleep disruptions if taken late in the day. It is recommended to use your last dosage in the early afternoon.
Phenylpiracetam is fat-soluble and should be taken with a meal that contains a good source of healthy fats. Noopept is alcohol soluble and will not form a solution if mixed in water.
Some users find that taking Noopept sublingually produces greater benefits than using it orally. Sublingual dosages are placed under the tongue and absorbed through the mucous membrane there directly into the bloodstream.
It is recommended to use these nootropics with a source of Choline. Choline is a nutrient that the body requires as a precursor to acetylcholine. You should opt for a choline supplement with a high degree of bio-availability such as Alpha GPC or CDP Choline.
In addition to offering nootropic benefits of their own, choline supplements can alleviate headaches caused by Phenylpiracetam or Noopept which may occur due to increased acetylcholine system activity.
Typical side effects linked to use of these compounds include headaches, changes in mood, insomnia, decreased appetite, nervousness, nausea or over-excitation. Some users experience a worsening of brain fog when taking nootropics which may be eliminated by the use of choline.
Research into Noopept suggests it is generally well tolerated. According to the authors of one study, “In most cases, undesirable effects on treatment with Noopept were transient and of insignificant severity.”
Phenylpiracetam has shown a tendency towards users developing a tolerance very quickly and should only be used on an as-needed basis. Some users of both Phenylpiracetam and Noopept report anxiety or increased nervousness. If this persists, consider using a smaller dosage or stop taking them.
You can find out more about Phenylpiracetam side effects in this article and Noopept side effects in this article.
Conclusion
Phenylpiracetam and Noopept are both useful smart drugs with special considerations for their individual uses. While both are purported to support mental function and cognitive enhancement, they are not similar enough to be compared side to side and to choose one or the other.
Phenylpiracetam can be a great aid for an occasional all-nighter when you need to work or study for an extended period while also maintaining a high mental acuity. Noopept can be a good addition to a regular nootropic stack to promote focus, attention and mood plus neuroprotective benefits.
Both are limited by a lack of available clinical research, but both of these nootropic drugs have been used in Russia and are available as over-the-counter medications in pharmacies.
Using a Phenylpiracetam and Noopept stack may have additive benefits for occasional high-intensity work sessions.
- Phenylpiracetam + Noopept? Reddit.
- Mixing phenylpiracetam and noopept? Reddit.
- My experiences with phenibut, noopept and phenylpiracetam so far. Reddit.
- Phenylpiracetam vs. Noopept? Which one is "stronger"? Reddit.
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Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment