EmergingResearch compound

Sunifiram

Ampakine, AMPA-PAM, sub-mg active dose.

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WHAT IS SUNIFIRAM?

Detailed overview

Sunifiram (DM-235) is a piperazine-scaffold ampakine showing ~1000× higher in vivo potency than classical pyrrolidone racetams; active dose is in the sub-milligram range. It acts as an AMPA receptor positive allosteric modulator and as an indirect activator at the NMDA glycine site; activates CaMKII + PKC-α signaling pathways → LTP enhancement. Increases acetylcholine release in cerebral cortex. Bell-shaped dose-response curve. **Excitotoxicity risk** from glutamatergic over-stimulation – avoid high doses + consider NMDA antagonist (e.g. Memantine) co-administration. Tolerance develops within 3-4 days of daily use. Only preclinical data; no human Phase trials.

Mechanism

AMPA-PAM + NMDA-glycine

Half-life

No human data

Legal status

Investigational, not approved

Safety

Side effects, stop signs, contraindications

Side effects · 7

  • Limited human safety data: only preclinical (animal) and anecdotal user reports
  • Rapid tolerance development, often after just 3-4 days of daily use
  • Overstimulation, anxiety, irritability and restlessness from glutamatergic stimulation
  • Headache and cholinergic-type symptoms (e.g. nausea) linked to increased acetylcholine release
  • Sleep disturbance and agitation (stimulant-like effect per anecdotal reports)
  • Theoretical excitotoxicity risk at high doses due to glutamatergic (AMPA/NMDA) overactivation
  • Unknown long-term safety, incomplete toxicity profile

Contraindications · 5

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: safety not established, avoid
  • Epilepsy or lowered seizure threshold: glutamatergic overstimulation may theoretically increase seizure risk
  • Avoid combining with other glutamatergic/stimulant agents and high doses due to excitotoxicity risk
  • Caution in anxiety disorders or sleep problems due to stimulant-like effect
  • Not an approved drug, unauthorised everywhere; experimental research chemical, not recommended without clinical supervision

Related Nootropics

Same therapeutic category

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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.