Phenylpiracetam
Phenyl group on the piracetam scaffold. Stimulant racetam + dopaminergic modulator, WADA-banned in competition.
Pharmacology
Contents
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
Receptor profile
- α4β2 nicotinic ACh receptorStrong
- Dopamine transporter (DAT)Moderate
- Piracetam-type AMPA / membrane / ion-channelWeak
- Physical stamina / cold toleranceModerate
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
[Efficacy of phenotropil in the rehabilitation of stroke patients].
Koval'chuk VV, Skoromets AA, Koval'chuk IV, Stoianova EG, Vysotskaia ML
[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
Pharmacological effects of fonturacetam (Actitropil) and prospects for its clinical use
Reshetnikova VV et al.
Phenylpiracetam stereoisomer pharmacology – R-enantiomer atypical DAT inhibitor
Zvejniece L et al.
The dopamine reuptake inhibitor MRZ-9547 increases progressive ratio responding in rats.
Sommer S, Danysz W, Russ H, Valastro B, Flik G
FAQ
FAQ
Phenylpiracetam was originally developed in Russia to support cosmonauts' mental and physical performance under demanding conditions. It's used for a quick, stimulant-like boost in alertness and attention, and Russian military and clinical data also point to improved physical stamina, cold tolerance and stress resilience; it's banned by WADA in competitive sports.
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Structure & chemistry
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.