What is Noopept?

Noopept (n-phenylacetyl-l-prolylglycine ethyl ester), known as GVS-111, is an ampakine nootropic that functions similarly to drugs in the racetam class. However, it is not regarded as a true racetam because it does not contain a 2-oxo-pyrrolidine core. 

Although it has functions similar to Piracetam in some regards, such as neuroprotective and anxiolytic (reduce anxiety), enhancing cognitive agility, and preventing cognitive decline, Noopept is still considered 1000 times more potent than Piracetam.[1] 

Just like other nootropics, Noopept has primary cognitive benefits. Noopept was designed, in essence, to improve learning capacity, boost creativity, slow cognitive decline, and even enhance your mood.

A study on rats discovered that the intake of Noopept can stimulate Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus. [2] Another clinical trial also established that the use of Noopept increases Alpha and Beta brain waves in all brain areas.[3] 

Additionally, Noopept is known to ease the mind into a calmer state and reduce anxiety and mental stress. A mouse model study confirmed that Noopept influences Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) activity in the hippocampus, thus creating a calming state of mind.[4]

Noopept can also be of massive health benefits to people who are faced with neurological disorders that cause cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer's disease. This was proven in a clinical study where a 7-day treatment of a rodent proved the effectiveness of the smart drug.[5]

Even though there are not many human studies on Noopept, and some studies suggest that the drug has a half-life; thus, long-term use may not be beneficial, the positive effects are still testified about by users.[6]

Noopept is available in tablet, powder, and capsule form.

Effects 

● Brain optimization

● Boosts brain waves

● Neuroprotection

● Boost memory and cognition

● Improves emotional balance

● Reduces stress

● Helps neurological disorders

● Improved verbal fluidity

● Increased focus and concentration

● Eases anxiety

Dosage

Noopept dosing can be tricky because it is available in tablets, powder, and capsules. It is an exceedingly potent nootropic, and its potency skyrockets tenfold when administered sublingually, i.e., under the tongue.[7]

The recommended dosage of Noopept is between 10 and 30mg, which should be taken once daily until you cycle for up to 56 days. After completing the cycle, take a break before resuming if you still need more dosage. 

If you use it sublingually, 3–10 mg daily is the best. Higher than that, and it could be overwhelming.

When taking Noopept, it is better to start at a smaller dose, and if you wish to increase it, make sure it is used multiple times in small doses. 

No matter how much you need, you should not exceed 40 mg daily because it is incredibly potent and absorbs fast. If you exceed this, you may experience some side effects.

If the standard dose leaves you with side effects, reduce your dosage and work your way up depending on how it works. 

It is advised to wait at least five hours before bedtime to avoid experiencing insomnia.

Although mostly water-soluble, Noopept doesn't readily dissolve in liquids like juice or water. Therefore, taking it alongside a meal that contains healthy fats may be beneficial; or with a spoonful of cold-pressed, extra virgin coconut or olive oil; or another healthy fat with a comparable structure for rapid absorption.

Stacking

Stacking Noopept with other nootropics is possible and can give the best results if used appropriately.[8] 

Choline with Noopept is a great option. This combination works well because Noopept makes you more sensitive to the benefits of choline since choline aids in creating acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter vital for mental clarity and brain health. In stacking Noopept with Choline, combining 10mg Noopept with 300g Choline is advised. Lower your dosage if you are also using other nootropics.

The combination of Noopept with racetams can provide you with powerful results. This is mainly because they work in different parts of the brain, thus giving your brain enough stimulation for cognitive improvements. Go easy on the dosage. Whatever racetams you choose, make sure you start with small doses. 

For concentration and focus, you can combine Piracetam and Alpha GPC with Noopept. While Alpha GPC choline supplement works to prevent headaches caused by taking nootropics, Piracetam targets the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.[9]

If you know your natural nootropics well, you can stack them with Noopept. Your combination should focus more on the individual functions they perform to ensure you have overall improved mental clarity and enhanced cognition.

You can consider stacking natural nootropics such as ashwagandha, Bacopa Monnieri, and pine bark extract with Noopept. 

Overall, it would be best to speak with your physician before stacking other nootropics with Noopept to get an adequate prescription for what you need. 

Risks & Side effects

The side effects of nootropics are usually not serious. They typically occur due to the wrong dosage. Some side effects you can encounter are headaches, brain fog, jitters, anxiety, confusion, drowsiness, lack of focus, seizures, irritability, fatigue, stomach upset, insomnia, and overstimulation.  

Headaches from Noopept are more common when it is not used with a suitable choline supplement. A choline deficiency in your brain frequently manifests as headaches.

Legality

Noopept may be regulated depending on your territory, state, or country.[10] In the US, you can purchase, sell, and distribute Noopept locally and from other countries without any restrictions, even though it has not been tested or approved by the FDA.

In the UK, however, it is already illegal to purchase, resell or distribute it as it has, alongside other nootropics, been banned as of 2016.[11] In Europe, restrictions vary from country to country, with restrictions in some and others.

Finally, in Canada, the restriction on Nootropics is limited to imports for sales and distribution. This is mainly because the drug does not have a Drug Identification Number and is not registered with the Canadian FDA. You can, however, import it for personal use since it is not a scheduled or controlled drug. 

References

[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12596521/ 

[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19240853/

[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21414388/ 

[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25573367/ 

Noopept Reviews (10)