Phenylpiracetam
Phenylpiracetam (Phenotropil)
A potent racetam with stimulant properties that enhances physical performance, cold tolerance, and cognitive function.
Phenylpiracetam is a modified version of piracetam with a phenyl group attached, making it 30-60 times more potent. Developed in Russia for cosmonauts, it's known for enhancing both cognitive and physical performance, increasing cold tolerance, and providing stimulant-like effects. It's banned by WADA as a performance-enhancing drug. Tolerance develops quickly, so it's best used occasionally.
Mechanisms of Action
Catecholamine Modulation
Affects dopamine and norepinephrine
AMPA Modulation
Enhances glutamatergic transmission
Cold Tolerance
Improves tolerance to cold
Recommended Dose
100-200mg as needed
Loading: Not required; acute effects are primary
Optimal Timing
- Morning (lasts 4-6 hours)
- Before demanding mental/physical tasks
- On empty stomach for faster onset
Can be taken without food
Best Form
Phenylpiracetam powder or capsules
Very potent - accurate dosing is important. Powder has bitter taste. Capsules are convenient.
Duration
Minimum: 1 weeks
Optimal: 4 weeks
Cycling: Use 2-3x per week maximum; tolerance develops quickly with daily use
Note: Strong stimulant - avoid afternoon/evening. Best used 2-3x per week max to prevent tolerance.
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Mental Energy
Strong stimulant-like cognitive boost
Focus & Concentration
Intense focus and mental clarity
Physical Performance
Enhanced stamina and endurance
Rapid Tolerance
Effects diminish with daily use
BANNED by WADA - do not use if subject to drug testing
Who Should NOT Take This
- Heart conditions
- High blood pressure
- Anxiety disorders
Drug Interactions
Additive stimulant effects; use caution
Possible Side Effects
Tip: Take only in morning; avoid afternoon doses
Tip: Take with choline source
Tip: Reduce dose or frequency
Warnings
- WADA banned substance
- Tolerance develops rapidly with daily use
- Strong stimulant - not for those sensitive to stimulants
- Not FDA-approved in US
Top studies from 6+ peer-reviewed papers
Devlikamova FI et al. • Zhurnal nevrologii i psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova (2025)
“Fonturacetam effectively reduces the level of asthenic syndrome after a month of therapy.”
Key Findings:
- The meta-analysis included 549 patients (mean age 45.9 years, 95% CI: 38.1-53.7).
- In all studies, the level of asthenia according to the MFI-20 scale was significantly reduced after a course of fonturacetam (one month course, assessment on the thirtieth day from the beginning of treatment), by an average of 16.3 points (95% CI: 8.85-23.85 points) (p<0.0001).
- During treatment with fonturacetam, the frequency of side effects averaged 5.5%.
Gromova OA et al. • Zhurnal nevrologii i psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova (2024)
“The adaptogenic properties and mitochondrial protective effect of PP are considered, assessments of the possible effect of PP on neurotransmitter systems, regulation of carbohydrate and fat metabolism with the prospects for the use of PP in patients with metabolic syndrome.”
Key Findings:
- Phenylpiracetam (PP) is a nootropic drug with additional pharmacological effects, including anxiolytic, antiasthenic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory and anticonvulsant effects.
- The paper presents the results of an analysis of experimental and clinical studies, which indicate the prospects for the use of PP in cerebral ischemia, neurodegenerative pathologies, epilepsy, asthenia, and mental disorders.
- The adaptogenic properties and mitochondrial protective effect of PP are considered, assessments of the possible effect of PP on neurotransmitter systems, regulation of carbohydrate and fat metabolism with the prospects for the use of PP in patients with metabolic syndrome.
Titova NV et al. • Zhurnal nevrologii i psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova (2023)
“We discuss the rationale that for treatment of asthenic conditions accompanied by cognitive dysfunction it is justified to use combination therapy - fonturacetam and a preparation containing nicotinoyl-GABA and Ginkgo Biloba.”
Key Findings:
- Fatigue can also be classified by neuromuscular and/or cognitive and mental fatigue.
- The article discusses the neuroanatomical basis and focuses on the neurocognitive theory of pathological fatigue.
- In addition the relationship between mental stress, fatigue and cognitive impairments such as subjective cognitive impairment (SCI) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are also discussed.
- We discuss the rationale that for treatment of asthenic conditions accompanied by cognitive dysfunction it is justified to use combination therapy - fonturacetam and a preparation containing nicotinoyl-GABA and Ginkgo Biloba.
Froestl W et al. • Pharmacological Reports (2022)
“Phenylpiracetam demonstrates both cognitive-enhancing and cold-tolerance enhancing effects in clinical trials.”
Key Findings:
- Enhanced cognitive performance and psychomotor function in controlled trials
- Unique cold-resistance and physical endurance properties among racetams
- Banned by WADA due to performance-enhancing effects
Malykh AG et al. • Drugs (2019)
“Phenylpiracetam showed cognitive-enhancing and psychostimulant properties superior to piracetam in clinical studies.”
Key Findings:
- Improved cognitive function in patients recovering from stroke and TBI
- Psychostimulant properties useful for fatigue and asthenia
- 30-60x more potent than piracetam on a per-dose basis
Study Type Distribution
Goals This Supplement Supports
Related Goals
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement.