Noopept
A synthetic dipeptide, active at very low doses, developed in Russia and structurally distinct from the racetams though often grouped with them. Human evidence is limited to Russian clinical studies in cognitive impairment; use in healthy adults is largely anecdotal.
01 Overview
Noopept is a proline-containing dipeptide designed as a more potent, orally active nootropic. It is prescribed in Russia and some neighbouring countries for mild cognitive impairment and post-concussion complaints, but is not approved in Western markets.
Its most-cited human trials are small and Russian-language, reporting improvement in cognitive and affective symptoms in impaired patients. Effective doses are in the low milligram range, far below the racetams, and it is often described as having a subtle rather than stimulating character.
02 Mechanism
May increase BDNF and NGF expression and modulate AMPA/cholinergic signalling; a metabolite resembling endogenous cycloprolylglycine is thought to contribute.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical | 10–30 mg/day | Oral | Usually 10 mg two to three times daily; active at far lower doses than racetams. |
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cognitive support in impairmentRussian trials report improved memory and attention in mild cognitive disorders. | Small, in patients | Observational | |
| Mild anxiolytic / mood effectSome users and studies report reduced irritability and anxiety. | Small | Anecdotal |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HeadacheOccasional headache, sometimes attributed to cholinergic demand. | Mild | Uncommon | Anecdotal | |
| IrritabilityOccasional restlessness at higher doses. | Mild | Uncommon | Anecdotal |