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EmergingResearch compoundReference only

Sunifiram

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

NootropicAmpakineAmpakineMemoryGlutamateAcetylcholineAMPANMDA
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Pharmacology

ClassAmpakine · Memory
Primary targetActivates NMDA glycine site
Targets3 receptor targets
EvidenceReference only
Affected systemsGlutamateAcetylcholineAMPANMDA

Contents

Related comparisons

Sunifiram vs Unifiram

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

Receptor profile

  • NMDA glycine siteModerate
  • CaMKII / PKCαModerate
  • AMPA receptors (indirect)Moderate

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

FAQ

FAQ

Sunifiram is a so-called ampakine compound developed to enhance memory and learning, described as far more potent than traditional racetams like piracetam. It targets a specific brain signaling system to try to boost communication between nerve cells. There is little human data on it, it is largely an experimental compound used within nootropic communities.

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Structure & chemistry

TypeNootropic
FormulaC14H18N2O2
UpdatedJune 19, 2026
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.