We use essential cookies (authentication, your saved goals/stack) by default. With your permission we’ll also enable privacy-respecting analytics (Vercel Web Analytics, anonymous load-time metrics) and error-replay diagnostics (Sentry — DOM snapshots only when an error fires) so we can fix bugs faster. Learn more about cookies
Phenylpiracetam (Phenotropil)
30-60x more potent than piracetam — developed for cosmonauts, banned by WADA for its cognitive and physical performance effects.
Research compound — not a dietary supplement
Phenylpiracetam is a research compound, not a regulated dietary supplement. It is sold for research or off-label use. The evidence below is largely preclinical (animal and in-vitro) or early-stage, so no evidence score is assigned. This page is provided for transparency and education — it is not a recommendation to use. Consult a qualified healthcare provider, and be aware that purity, dosing, and legal status vary by jurisdiction.
What the evidence says
Most Phenylpiracetam studies are mechanism or observational rather than RCTs that measure a clinical effect — keep findings provisional.
Most evidence is from high-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 2010–2025 with a typical study size of 549 participants.
Based on 6 studies · 1 meta-analysis · 1 RCT · 549 total participants
Confidence
Moderate confidenceWhat the studies found
By outcome
Evidence is mostly Russian-language clinical and animal studies on asthenia and stroke recovery; Western placebo-controlled trials for healthy-user cognitive enhancement are essentially absent, keeping it Emerging.
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.
Affects dopamine and norepinephrine
Enhances glutamatergic transmission
Improves tolerance to cold
How Phenylpiracetam works — from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta — pathways are being refined and expanded.
BANNED by WADA - do not use if subject to drug testing
Additive stimulant effects; use caution
Tip: Take only in morning; avoid afternoon doses
Tip: Take with choline source
Tip: Reduce dose or frequency
Phenylpiracetam has an evidence score of 4/10 — emerging evidence based on 6 indexed studies, including 1 meta-analysis. 30-60x more potent than piracetam — developed for cosmonauts, banned by WADA for its cognitive and physical performance effects. Representative study: PMID 40047835.
The commonly studied dose of Phenylpiracetam is 100-200mg as needed. Research points to an estimated optimal dose around 200mg, with a minimum effective dose near 100mg. Individual response varies — start low and adjust.
The best time to take Phenylpiracetam is in the morning. Taking it with food is preferred. Phenylpiracetam (Phenotropil) is a phenyl-substituted piracetam derivative with psychostimulatory, anxiolytic, and nootropic properties.
Phenylpiracetam is generally safe at recommended doses, with a few precautions worth noting. The most commonly reported side effects are insomnia, headache, irritability. Use caution if any of these apply to you: Heart conditions; High blood pressure; Anxiety disorders.
Caffeine
Likely helpsBlocks adenosine receptors to boost alertness, reaction time, and endurance — one of the most proven ergogenic aids.
Citicoline
Probably helpsDual precursor to acetylcholine and phosphatidylcholine — enhances memory, focus, and brain cell membrane repair.
Alpha-GPC
Likely helpsCrosses the blood-brain barrier to fuel acetylcholine synthesis — supports focus, memory, and power output in athletes.
Huperzine A
Likely helpsAcetylcholinesterase inhibitor from club moss, studied mainly for Alzheimer's and dementia; cognitive evidence is mixed and limited by trial quality.
Explore: Best supplements for Focus, Memory & MoodBest supplements for Athletic Performance
Reviewed by Dr. Baher Al Hakim · Last reviewed May 2026 · evidence from 6 studies · how we score · editorial policy
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.
Tap node to isolate • Pinch to zoom • Tap edge for research