phenylpiracetam

other

What is it

Phenylpiracetam (also called fonturacetam or carphedon) is a phenylated derivative of piracetam developed in Russia in the early 1980s. The added phenyl group increases blood-brain barrier permeability and adds stimulant-like effects. It is approved as a prescription medication in Russia for cognitive disorders, stress, and fatigue, and is on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) banned list as a stimulant.

How it works

Phenylpiracetam appears to act on multiple neurotransmitter systems. Like other racetams, it modulates AMPA glutamate and cholinergic activity. The added phenyl group also produces effects similar to amphetamine derivatives at much lower potency, including increased dopamine and norepinephrine activity, contributing to its stimulant profile and effects on physical endurance. It is rapidly absorbed orally, crosses the blood-brain barrier readily, and has a half-life of 3-5 hours. Russian clinical studies have used it for stress-related cognitive decline, post-stroke recovery, and fatigue. Western clinical evidence by modern standards is limited.

Evidence for 4 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Stress-related cognitive decline / fatigue (Russian clinical use)

Grade C

Moderate evidence

Russian clinical studies have reported benefits in cognitive function and reduced fatigue in stress-affected adults and post-stroke patients. Western trials are limited.

Physical performance and endurance

Grade D

Mixed evidence

Phenylpiracetam has been used by athletes for physical performance and is banned in competition by WADA based on these effects. Controlled human studies are limited.

Cognitive enhancement in healthy adults

Grade F

Limited evidence

Reports of improved focus, motivation, and energy are widespread among users, but controlled trials in healthy adults are absent. Tolerance develops quickly.

Cold tolerance

Grade F

Limited evidence

Anecdotal reports and some animal studies suggest effects on cold tolerance. Clinical evidence in humans is essentially absent.

2 commercial forms

Phenylpiracetam (standard)

Well absorbed orally; crosses BBB readily

The standard form used in Russian clinical practice and most supplements.

Phenylpiracetam hydrazide

Reportedly more potent

Modified form sometimes sold in nootropic supplements. Less studied than the standard compound.

Dosage

Russian clinical use ranges from 100 to 300 mg per day, typically divided into 1-2 doses. Supplement labels often suggest 100-200 mg per serving. Tolerance to the stimulant effects develops rapidly with daily use, so intermittent dosing (1-2 times per week) is commonly recommended to maintain effects.

When and how to take it

Take only in the morning or early afternoon to avoid sleep disruption. Use intermittently (1-2 times per week) to prevent tolerance buildup. Avoid combining with caffeine or other stimulants. Can be taken with or without food.

Safety

Generally well tolerated at recommended doses in Russian clinical studies. Side effects include insomnia, headache, irritability, increased blood pressure, and stimulation. Tolerance develops quickly to stimulant and cognitive effects, leading some users to escalate doses. Long-term safety data outside of Russian clinical use are limited.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. People with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, anxiety disorders, insomnia, or those taking psychiatric or cardiovascular medications should not use phenylpiracetam. Athletes subject to WADA testing should avoid it. In the US, it is not recognized as a legal supplement ingredient.

Interactions

Phenylpiracetam may interact with other stimulants (caffeine, amphetamines, modafinil), antidepressants (especially MAO inhibitors and SSRIs), antihypertensive medications, and CNS depressants. Combining with other stimulants increases cardiovascular and anxiety risks.

Frequently asked questions

Is phenylpiracetam legal?⌄

It is a prescription medication in Russia and several CIS countries. In the US, it is not approved as a drug or recognized as a supplement. It is banned in competitive sports by WADA.

Will it show up on a drug test?⌄

Yes. Phenylpiracetam is detected by sports anti-doping testing and is on WADA's prohibited list. Athletes should avoid it.

Why does tolerance develop so fast?⌄

The stimulant component of phenylpiracetam acts on dopamine and norepinephrine systems, which adapt rapidly to repeated exposure. Intermittent use (1-2 times per week) is widely recommended to limit tolerance.

Can I combine phenylpiracetam with caffeine?⌄

Combining stimulants increases cardiovascular and anxiety risks. Most users avoid stacking phenylpiracetam with caffeine.

Is phenylpiracetam addictive?⌄

Dependence has not been well documented, but the stimulant effects and rapid tolerance increase potential for escalating use. Caution is warranted.

References

  • Phenylpiracetam (Wikidata) — Wikidata link
  • Phenylpiracetam (PubChem CID 132441) — PubChem link

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Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.