Why does tolerance develop so fast?

Due to dopaminergic + noradrenergic reuptake inhibition, similar mechanism to classic stimulants. Receptor downregulation within 5-7 days of daily use.

Is the WADA ban full or in-competition only?

Banned in-competition (S6 stimulants). Out-of-competition status varies by federation, safer for athletes to avoid entirely.

Can it be combined with Modafinil?

Clinically uncommon and not recommended, overlapping stimulant mechanisms, tachycardia + insomnia risk. Use one or the other.

Difference between (R)- vs (S)-enantiomer?

The commercial racemic mixture is 50/50 (R/S). The (R)-enantiomer is the atypical DAT inhibitor driving stimulant and motivational effects (Zvejniece 2017). The (S)-enantiomer's main action is anti-obesity (weight loss in rodents); no humanized product exists.

PreclinicalResearch compound

Phenylpiracetam

Name: Phenylpiracetam
Creator: MolekulaX

Phenyl group on the piracetam scaffold. Stimulant racetam + dopaminergic modulator, WADA-banned in competition.

WHAT IS PHENYLPIRACETAM?

Detailed overview

Phenylpiracetam (Phenotropil, Carphedon) is a phenyl-modified piracetam analogue, developed in Russia originally to support cognitive and physical performance under stress (cosmonaut program). A stimulant-class nootropic with dopaminergic + noradrenergic modulation and AMPA positive allosteric modulation. WADA-banned (S6 stimulants) in competition. Rx in Russia; research chemical in EU/USA.

Mechanism

Stimulant racetam + DAT modulator

Half-life

3-5 hours

Onset

30-60 min

Legal status

Russia Rx, WADA banned

Safety

Side effects, stop signs, contraindications

Side effects · 6

Insomnia and disrupted sleep, especially with afternoon dosing (stimulant nature)
Headache, often from choline depletion (racetam component, eased by a choline source)
Irritability and anxiety, jitteriness (dopaminergic/noradrenergic stimulation)
Rapid heartbeat and palpitations, mild blood pressure rise
Rapid tolerance with daily use, diminishing effect
Appetite suppression and mild gastrointestinal discomfort

Contraindications · 6

Pregnancy and breastfeeding, avoid due to insufficient safety data
Strictly avoid with MAO inhibitors (risk of hypertensive crisis)
Additive tachycardia and blood pressure rise with other stimulants (caffeine, amphetamines)
Avoid with unstable cardiac disease, arrhythmia, severe hypertension
Active anxiety disorder and insomnia, the stimulant nature may worsen them
Prohibited for competitive athletes (WADA S6 stimulant category)

Related Nootropics

Same therapeutic category

Studies

Related research and clinical findings

Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2010;110(12 Pt 2):38-40.

[Efficacy of phenotropil in the rehabilitation of stroke patients].

Koval'chuk VV, Skoromets AA, Koval'chuk IV, Stoianova EG, Vysotskaia ML

PMID: 21626817Open

Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2014;114(12):104-111.

[Treatment of asthenic syndrome in patients with chronic brain ischemia: results of the non-interventional observational program TRIUMPH].

Fedin AI, Solov'eva EI, Mironova OP, Fedotova AV

PMID: 25726789Open

Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2024;124(8):28-37.

Pharmacological effects of fonturacetam (Actitropil) and prospects for its clinical use

Reshetnikova VV et al.

PMID: 39269293Open

Pharmacol Res. 2017;124:122-130.

Phenylpiracetam stereoisomer pharmacology – R-enantiomer atypical DAT inhibitor

Zvejniece L et al.

PMID: 28743458Open

Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2014;17(12):2045-56.

The dopamine reuptake inhibitor MRZ-9547 increases progressive ratio responding in rats.

Sommer S, Danysz W, Russ H, Valastro B, Flik G

PMID: 24964269Open

Have a question about Phenylpiracetam?

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MolekulaX Editorial Team·Source-verified · PubMed · FDA · EMA

Updated: June 19, 2026

The information here is strictly for educational and scientific purposes. It does not replace medical advice or clinical consultation, and it does not encourage illegal substance or pharmaceutical use. Data is sourced. When in doubt, consult your doctor.