Noopept — Research, Dosing & Price Guide

Noopept (N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester, GVS-111) is a synthetic dipeptide-derived nootropic developed in Russia that is estimated to be 1,000 times more potent than piracetam by weight. It enhances memory, learning, and neuroprotection through BDNF and NGF upregulation, AMPA receptor modulation, and antioxidant effects. It is one of the most widely used and well-studied nootropic compounds globally.

Noopept is rapidly metabolized to cyclo-prolylglycine, its active metabolite, which modulates AMPA and NMDA glutamate receptors to enhance excitatory neurotransmission and long-term potentiation (LTP) — the molecular substrate of learning and memory. It increases BDNF and NGF expression in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, promoting synaptic plasticity and neuronal survival. Additionally, Noopept has antioxidant properties, reducing lipid peroxidation and scavenging reactive oxygen species in neuronal tissue. It also modulates acetylcholine signaling, improving cholinergic neurotransmission. Unlike piracetam, Noopept has an additional anxiolytic component, likely through modulation of inhibitory GABA circuits.

• Ostrovskaya et al. (2007) in Experimental Neurology demonstrated Noopept's neuroprotective effects against amyloid-beta toxicity in neuronal cell cultures
• Russian Phase III clinical trials showed Noopept improved cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment and post-traumatic brain injury
• Research in the Journal of Biomedical Science (2012) confirmed BDNF and NGF upregulation in rat hippocampus after chronic Noopept administration
• Preclinical studies show Noopept reduces learned helplessness (depression model) and anxiety-like behaviors in rodents
• Gudasheva et al. (2006) in the European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry described the rational design of Noopept from dipeptide analogs of piracetam
• A study in Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine showed Noopept improved memory retrieval and consolidation in scopolamine-induced amnesia models

• Oral: 10–30 mg, 2–3 times daily (standard Russian prescribing protocol)
• Sublingual: 10–20 mg under the tongue for faster absorption and higher bioavailability
• Intranasal: 5–10 mg for rapid onset cognitive effects
• Start at 10 mg twice daily and increase based on response
• Take with a fat source for improved oral absorption
• Cycle: 1.5–3 months on, 1 month off (per Russian clinical guidelines)
• Effects are noticeable within 30–60 minutes orally; near-immediate sublingually

Known Side Effects

• Headache — the most commonly reported side effect, often attributed to increased cholinergic demand; may be mitigated by supplementing with a choline source (alpha-GPC)
• Irritability — reported at higher doses, likely related to excessive glutamatergic stimulation
• Insomnia — if dosed too late in the day
• Brain fog paradox — some users report worsened cognition at doses exceeding 30 mg, suggesting a U-shaped dose-response curve
• GI discomfort — mild nausea or stomach upset, usually with oral dosing on an empty stomach

Safety Profile

Noopept has been through formal clinical trials in Russia and is approved there as a nootropic medication (Noopept tablets, 10 mg). Its safety profile is well-characterized with minimal adverse events at recommended doses. It does not produce dependence, tolerance, or withdrawal. The LD50 in rodents is extremely high relative to the effective dose, indicating a wide therapeutic index. Caution is advised in individuals with hypertension, as some reports suggest mild blood pressure elevation. It should not be combined with other potent glutamate modulators without caution. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are contraindications due to lack of safety data.

Within 30–60 minutes: Subtle increase in mental clarity and focus. Colors may appear slightly more vivid. Verbal fluency improves. Days 1–3: Cognitive enhancement becomes more consistent. Improved ability to concentrate on demanding tasks, better recall of recently learned information. Week 1–2: Cumulative neurotrophin effects emerge — memory consolidation improves, learning new material feels easier. Many users report improved dream recall. Weeks 3–8: Peak nootropic effects. Users describe enhanced mental stamina, improved problem-solving, and greater capacity for sustained intellectual work. After cessation, benefits persist for 3–7 days before gradually fading.

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