Noopept
Noopept (GVS-111)
Noopept (N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester, GVS-111) is a synthetic nootropic peptide developed in Russia that is structurally related to the racetam family but is estimated to be 1000x more potent than piracetam by weight. It is primarily used to enhance memory consolidation, cognitive processing speed, and neuroprotection, and is prescribed in Russia and some post-Soviet countries for cognitive decline and cerebrovascular insufficiency.
Mechanism of Action
Noopept is hydrolyzed in the gut to cycloprolylglycine (CPG), an endogenous neuropeptide that modulates AMPA and NMDA glutamate receptors, enhancing synaptic plasticity and long-term potentiation. It also upregulates BDNF and NGF expression in the hippocampus and cortex, supporting neuronal survival and growth. Additionally, Noopept exhibits anxiolytic properties via interaction with inhibitory GABA receptors and reduces oxidative stress through antioxidant mechanisms.
Evidence by Health Goal(12 goals)
Dosing Protocols
With meals, morning and early afternoon to avoid sleep disruption
Cycle: 56 days on, 4 weeks off
Most common starting dose is 10mg twice daily. Do not exceed 30mg per dose or 60mg per day. Cycling is recommended to prevent tolerance and maintain efficacy.
Morning on empty stomach; hold powder under tongue for 60-90 seconds
Cycle: 56 days on, 4 weeks off
Sublingual administration increases bioavailability significantly compared to oral. Lower doses are effective due to bypassing first-pass metabolism. Powder form required; mild bitter taste expected.
Safety & Side Effects
Noopept has a generally favorable short-term safety profile at recommended doses (10-30mg), with most adverse effects being mild and dose-dependent; however, long-term safety data in humans is limited and it is not approved by the FDA. It is a prescription drug in Russia and some Eastern European countries, and is sold as an unregulated research compound or supplement in the US, UK, and EU, meaning quality control and purity can vary significantly by vendor.
Possible Side Effects
- !Headache, particularly at higher doses due to increased cholinergic and glutamatergic activity
- !Irritability or mood fluctuations during initial use or at high doses
- !Brain fog or mental fatigue upon discontinuation after prolonged use
- !Insomnia or sleep disruption if taken too late in the day
- !Nausea or mild gastrointestinal discomfort, especially on an empty stomach
- !Increased anxiety or psychomotor agitation in sensitive individuals
- !Dizziness or lightheadedness at higher doses
Interactions
- -May potentiate stimulant effects of caffeine and amphetamine-class compounds, increasing risk of anxiety and cardiovascular stress
- -Additive cognitive and mood effects possible when combined with racetams (piracetam, aniracetam) - monitor for overstimulation
- -Choline supplementation (Alpha-GPC, CDP-Choline) is commonly recommended to prevent headaches from increased acetylcholine demand
- -May enhance CNS depressant effects of alcohol and benzodiazepines - avoid combination
- -Theoretical interaction with anticoagulants due to possible platelet aggregation modulation - use caution with warfarin or aspirin therapy
Cost & Where to Buy
Noopept is inexpensive due to the very low effective dose (10-30mg). Powder form from reputable nootropic vendors costs approximately $10-20 per gram, which provides 33-100 daily doses. Capsule form from established brands runs slightly higher. Price varies based on vendor quality, third-party testing, and country of purchase.
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