Phenylpiracetam (Phenotropil)
30-60x more potent than piracetam — developed for cosmonauts, banned by WADA for its cognitive and physical performance effects.
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.
100-200mg as needed
Loading: Not required; acute effects are primary
Can be taken without food
| Form | Type |
|---|---|
| 💊Phenylpiracetam powder or capsules | Recommended |
Very potent - accurate dosing is important. Powder has bitter taste. Capsules are convenient.
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.
Strong stimulant-like cognitive boost
Intense focus and mental clarity
Enhanced stamina and endurance
Effects diminish with daily use
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
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.”
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.”
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.”
Froestl W et al. • Pharmacological Reports (2022)
“Phenylpiracetam demonstrates both cognitive-enhancing and cold-tolerance enhancing effects in clinical trials.”
Malykh AG et al. • Drugs (2019)
“Phenylpiracetam showed cognitive-enhancing and psychostimulant properties superior to piracetam in clinical studies.”
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