supplementInjectableNot FDA-approvedPrescription only (US)Noopept is a prescription drug in Russia and some other countries but has no FDA approval and is not a regulated dietary ingredient in the USAll cited evidence for noopept here is from rat studies; no human clinical trial is cited
NoopeptBenefits, Dosage & Interactions
Also known as: GVS-111
Noopept, also known by its chemical name GVS-111, is a synthetic peptide derivative of piracetam, a well-known nootropic compound. It is primarily studied for its potential effects on cognitive function, including memory, learning, and overall brain health. Research on Noopept focuses on cognition and mood.
How much Noopept do people take?
Rat studies used injected or oral doses on the order of 0.5–10 mg/kg body weight; no controlled human dosing data are cited here. Route reported: Oral or intraperitoneal administration in the cited rodent studies. Frequency reported: Repeated daily dosing over days to weeks in the cited rat neurotrophin and HIF-1 studies. These are amounts documented in the cited studies and labels for Noopept — they are reported for reference, not a recommendation. Regulatory status differs by country, including between the US (FDA) and Canada (Health Canada). Confirm any amount with a licensed clinician before you take it.
See the full reported protocol and its sourcesResearched by DoseRoutine Research TeamReviewed for accuracy by Nicholas Alexander, RSE, SO, PMPLast updated Educational reference only — not medical advice. Always confirm dosing and safety decisions with a licensed clinician.
Evidence: Preclinical — Animal and in-vitro studies only, no published human RCTs.
Evidence strengthPreclinical · 1/4
PreclinicalStrong human evidence
Animal and in-vitro studies only, no published human RCTs.
What does the Noopept evidence actually show?
Noopept, also called omberacetam, has been studied for cognitive effects. The cited experiment measured neurotrophic-factor expression in rat brain, not memory improvement in healthy people. A proposed mechanism is not proof of a useful or safe human effect.
Source: Preclinical Noopept study
Browse compound evidence cardsPlasma half-life
Not applicable
Typical timing
in the morning
Default unit
mg
What published protocols report
Ranges documented in the literature, shown for reference. DoseRoutine does not recommend an amount — your prescriber or the product label sets the dose.
- Reported amounts
- Rat studies used injected or oral doses on the order of 0.5–10 mg/kg body weight; no controlled human dosing data are cited here[1][2][3]
Reported for Noopept in the cited sources. Published ranges are not dosing advice.
References & evidence
Documents the Noopept entry is written from. Each number matches an inline marker above.
- [1][The original novel nootropic and neuroprotective agent noopept]Eksperimental'naia i Klinicheskaia Farmakologiia · 2002 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 12596521
- [2]Noopept stimulates the expression of NGF and BDNF in rat hippocampusBulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine · 2008 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 19240853
- [3]Cognitive Enhancer Noopept Activates Transcription Factor HIF-1Doklady Biochemistry and Biophysics · 2020 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 33119829
References & Evidence
Sources on this page that document Noopept dosing, timing and safety.
- [1]National Center for Biotechnology Information View source
Educational information only — not medical advice. Dose ranges vary by person, indication and prescriber.
What is Noopept studied for?
What is Noopept?Sources for this section: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Noopept, also known by its chemical name GVS-111, is a synthetic peptide derivative of piracetam, a well-known nootropic compound. It is primarily studied for its potential effects on cognitive function, including memory, learning, and overall brain health. Noopept was first developed in Russia in the early 1990s and has since gained attention for its purported neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing properties. While often grouped with racetams, Noopept's molecular structure and mechanism of action differ, suggesting it may exert its effects through distinct pathways. Research into Noopept typically involves animal models and some human studies, primarily conducted in Russia. It is generally available as an over-the-counter supplement in many regions, but its regulatory status varies by country. Individuals considering Noopept should be aware that research is ongoing, and comprehensive long-term human safety data is still being accumulated (PubChem, Examine.com).
What does the research say about Noopept?
Tap a section to expand.
The mechanism of action of Noopept is complex and thought to involve multiple pathways in the brain. Unlike some other nootropics that directly modulate neurotransmitter systems, Noopept is believed to work through more indirect means. One primary proposed mechanism involves the upregulation of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) expression in the hippocampus. BDNF and NGF are crucial neurotrophins that play vital roles in neuronal survival, growth, differentiation, and synaptic plasticity, all of which are fundamental for learning and memory (Examine.com). Noopept has also been observed to modulate acetylcholine pathways. Specifically, some research suggests it may enhance the efficiency of acetylcholine release and binding in certain brain regions, contributing to improved cognitive function. Acetylcholine is a key neurotransmitter involved in memory, attention, and learning (PubChem). Furthermore, Noopept may influence AMPA receptors, a type of glutamate receptor, which are important for excitatory synaptic transmission and plasticity. By modulating these receptors, Noopept could potentially facilitate neuronal communication. Some studies also indicate that Noopept possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may contribute to its neuroprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in brain tissue. These multifaceted actions differentiate Noopept from compounds with more singular mechanisms, highlighting its broad potential influence on brain health and function (Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior).
Source for this section: Sources for How does Noopept work?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Noopept has been investigated for several potential benefits, primarily centered around cognitive enhancement and neuroprotection.
* **Memory and Learning:** Numerous studies, particularly in animal models, suggest that Noopept may improve both short-term and long-term memory formation and recall. It has been shown to facilitate learning processes and enhance memory consolidation, especially in conditions of cognitive impairment. Human studies, predominantly from Russia, have reported improvements in memory and attention in individuals with mild cognitive decline (Examine.com, MedlinePlus).
* **Neuroprotection:** A significant area of research for Noopept is its potential neuroprotective effects. It has been shown to protect neurons against various stressors, including oxidative damage, excitotoxicity, and ischemia. This neuroprotective action is often attributed to its ability to modulate BDNF and NGF levels, which support neuronal health and resilience. These properties suggest a potential role in mitigating neurodegenerative processes (PubChem).
* **Reduced Anxiety and Improved Mood:** Some anecdotal reports and limited research suggest that Noopept may have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties and could contribute to mood improvement. This is thought to be an indirect effect of its actions on brain plasticity and adaptive processes, rather than a direct modulation of mood-related neurotransmitters (Research in Psychiatry).
* **Enhanced Sensory Perception:** A less frequently discussed but reported benefit is enhanced sensory perception, including improvements in vision and hearing. While the exact mechanism for this is not fully understood, it is hypothesized to be related to overall improvements in brain function and information processing (Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior).
It is important to note that while these benefits are promising, much of the supporting evidence comes from preclinical studies or human trials with specific populations, and further large-scale, placebo-controlled human trials are needed to fully confirm these effects in the general population.
The evidence for Noopept's efficacy primarily stems from Russian research, including animal studies and some human clinical trials. A significant body of preclinical research in rodents has demonstrated Noopept's ability to enhance memory, learning, and neuroprotection. Studies using models of cognitive impairment, such as those induced by cerebral ischemia or lesions, have shown Noopept to improve cognitive performance and reduce neuronal damage (Examine.com).
Human clinical trials, though fewer in number and largely conducted in Russia, have also indicated potential benefits. For instance, a commonly cited study involved patients with mild cognitive impairment of vascular or post-traumatic origin. Participants receiving Noopept showed improvements in cognitive function, including memory, attention, and executive functions, compared to baseline and placebo groups (Research in Psychiatry). This and similar studies contribute to the understanding of Noopept's potential utility in clinical settings.
However, it is crucial to recognize that the methodology and reporting standards of some of these older studies may differ from contemporary Western clinical trials, which often follow more rigorous double-blind, placebo-controlled designs. Therefore, while the existing evidence is suggestive, it is not yet considered conclusive by international standards for widespread medical recommendation. Regulatory bodies like the FDA in the United States have not approved Noopept as a drug, classifying it as a dietary supplement. Ongoing research aims to further elucidate its mechanisms and confirm its benefits across diverse populations (PubChem, NIH ODS).
Noopept is generally considered to have a favorable safety profile based on available research and user experiences, particularly at commonly studied dosages. However, like any compound, it is not without potential side effects. The most frequently reported adverse effects are usually mild and transient.
Commonly reported side effects include:
* Headaches: This is one of the most common complaints, often attributed to increased brain activity or choline depletion. Some users report that combining Noopept with a choline source may mitigate this.
* Irritability or anxiousness: While some individuals report anxiolytic effects, others may experience increased agitation or anxiety, possibly due to individual neurochemical responses.
* Insomnia: Due to its stimulant-like properties for some individuals, taking Noopept late in the day may interfere with sleep patterns.
* Nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort: Less commonly, some users may experience mild stomach upset.
* Fatigue or brain fog: Paradoxically, some individuals report feeling tired or experiencing a lack of mental clarity, especially if the dosage is not optimal for them.
More serious side effects are rare but theoretically possible, especially with higher dosages or in susceptible individuals. Long-term safety data in humans is still developing, and individuals should monitor their response carefully. This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Individuals should exercise caution when considering Noopept, particularly given the variable regulatory status and ongoing research. While generally considered safe for many, certain populations or conditions warrant specific warnings.
* **Individual Sensitivity:** Responses to Noopept can vary significantly among individuals. Some may experience desired effects, while others may notice little to no effect or adverse reactions. It is important to start with a very low dose to assess individual tolerance.
* **Pre-existing Conditions:** Individuals with pre-existing neurological disorders, psychiatric conditions (such as severe anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia), cardiovascular issues, or kidney/liver impairment should consult a healthcare professional before use. The impact of Noopept on these conditions is not fully understood.
* **Drug Interactions:** As with any supplement, Noopept may interact with prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or other supplements. Individuals taking medications for cognitive function, mental health, or cardiovascular conditions should seek medical advice.
* **Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:** There is insufficient data on the safety of Noopept during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Therefore, it is advised to avoid use in these populations.
* **Lack of Long-Term Human Data:** While studies suggest a good safety profile in the short term, comprehensive long-term human safety trials are still limited. Potential effects of prolonged use are not fully established.
* **Quality and Purity:** The supplement market can have issues with product quality and purity. Consumers should choose reputable suppliers that provide third-party testing for their products to ensure they are getting pure Noopept without contaminants.
This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Specific contraindications for Noopept are not extensively documented in large-scale clinical trials. However, based on its proposed mechanisms and general pharmacological principles, certain conditions or circumstances would likely preclude its safe use.
* **Hypersensitivity:** Individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to Noopept or any of its excipients should not use the compound.
* **Severe Renal or Hepatic Impairment:** Given that most compounds are metabolized by the liver and/or excreted by the kidneys, individuals with severe compromise of these organs may have impaired clearance of Noopept, potentially leading to accumulation and increased risk of adverse effects. Specific studies on Noopept in these populations are limited, but caution is advised.
* **Epilepsy or Seizure Disorders:** While some nootropics have been explored for neuroprotective effects, their impact on seizure threshold can vary. In the absence of clear data, individuals with diagnosed epilepsy or a history of seizure disorders should avoid Noopept, as it could theoretically alter seizure activity.
* **Acute Stroke or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI):** The use of cognitive enhancers in the acute phase following conditions like stroke or severe TBI requires careful medical supervision and is generally not recommended without specific clinical guidance, as the brain's response to interventions can be unpredictable during acute injury and recovery.
* **Severe Psychiatric Disorders:** Individuals with diagnosed severe psychiatric conditions, particularly those involving psychosis or severe mood instability, should avoid Noopept unless specifically directed and monitored by a psychiatrist. The potential for exacerbating symptoms or interacting with psychotropic medications is a concern.
This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
While specific, well-documented drug-drug interactions for Noopept are not extensively established in clinical literature, a cautious approach is warranted when combining it with other substances.
* **Other Nootropics or Cognitive Enhancers:** Combining Noopept with other nootropic compounds, especially those with similar mechanisms of action (e.g., other racetams, cholinergic agents), could theoretically lead to an amplification of effects or an increased risk of side effects. For instance, combining with other substances that modulate acetylcholine could lead to excessive cholinergic activity or depletion if not carefully managed. It's generally recommended to introduce one new compound at a time to accurately assess its individual effects.
* **Central Nervous System Stimulants:** Noopept is occasionally reported to have mild stimulant-like effects in some individuals. Combining it with prescribed stimulants (e.g., for ADHD), caffeine, or other recreational stimulants could potentially increase the risk of overstimulation, anxiety, insomnia, or cardiovascular strain.
* **Sedatives or Depressants:** Conversely, if Noopept has an activating effect on an individual, combining it with sedatives, anxiolytics (like benzodiazepines), or alcohol might lead to unpredictable interactions, potentially counteracting the effects of the depressant or causing an unusual response.
* **Anticoagulants/Antiplatelets:** Although not a known direct interaction, considering Noopept's potential for systemic effects, it's prudent to exercise caution if taking blood thinners, as the overall impact on clotting mechanisms is not fully studied.
* **Psychiatric Medications:** Individuals on antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, or anxiolytics should absolutely consult a healthcare provider. The brain's neurochemistry is delicately balanced by these medications, and adding Noopept could disrupt this balance, potentially leading to adverse effects or reduced efficacy of the prescribed treatment.
This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Noopept is known to have a relatively short half-life, typically around 1 hour, meaning its active components are cleared from the body fairly quickly. This short half-life typically leads to a recommendation for dividing the total daily amount into multiple smaller doses throughout the day to maintain consistent effects, if desired. For some users, effects may appear rapidly after administration.
Regarding the time of day, Noopept is commonly taken in the morning to align with daily activities and cognitive demands. Taking it with food or on an empty stomach appears to have little impact on absorption for many individuals, making it flexible in this regard. However, some users report better tolerance when taken with a meal. Due to its potential for an activating effect in some people, taking Noopept late in the afternoon or evening is generally avoided to prevent interference with sleep. Individual responses to Noopept can vary significantly, therefore, personal experimentation with timing and dosage, under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional, is essential to determine the most effective and well-tolerated regimen.
Source for this section: Sources for When should you take Noopept?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Put it into practice
Reading about Noopept is the first step — DoseRoutine helps you act on it. These free tools turn what you just learned into a routine.
What interacts with Noopept?
| Interacts with | Severity | Type | What happens | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any glp1 + supplement | Note | Category ruleConfidence: theoretical | GLP-1 medications slow stomach emptying, changing how/when oral supplements absorb; rapid weight loss raises the importance of protein and micronutrients.Source pending | Time oral supplements when nausea is lowest; prioritize protein and micronutrients; discuss with your provider. |
| Any supplement + medication | Note | Category ruleConfidence: theoretical | Some supplements change how the body processes medications (absorption, liver enzymes, or additive effects).Source pending | Specific pairs are checked against a licensed drug database and shown with their own severity. Always confirm with your provider or pharmacist. |
Frequently asked questions about Noopept
Noopept's legality varies by country. In many places, including the United States, it is sold as a dietary supplement and is not regulated as a pharmaceutical drug. However, in countries like Russia, it is a prescription medication. Always check local laws and regulations before acquiring or using Noopept.
The onset of Noopept's effects can vary. Some users report feeling effects within minutes to an hour of ingestion, particularly for acute cognitive effects. For more subtle neuroprotective or long-term memory benefits, effects may be gradual and become apparent over several weeks of consistent use (Examine.com).
There is limited official documentation on severe withdrawal symptoms associated with Noopept. However, if an individual has been taking Noopept regularly, especially at higher-than-recommended amounts, abrupt cessation could theoretically lead to a return of baseline cognitive function or, in rare cases, mild rebound effects like increased irritability or fatigue. Gradually tapering the amount is often recommended to minimize potential discontinuation effects.
Noopept is not generally considered to be physically addictive. Unlike certain prescription medications or illicit substances, it does not typically induce classical symptoms of physical dependence or compulsive drug-seeking behavior. However, psychological dependence on any compound perceived to enhance performance is possible.
While specific studies on acute toxicity in humans are limited, taking amounts significantly higher than commonly studied doses could increase the risk and severity of side effects such as headaches, irritability, anxiety, or insomnia. In rare cases, it might lead to more pronounced or unusual adverse reactions. Always adhere to recommended amounts and consult a healthcare professional if you suspect an overdose. (PubChem)
As a supplement, Noopept can overlap with other supplements, prescription medicines, hormones and peptides. Because Noopept is usually taken in the morning, most avoidable conflicts come from what else lands in that same window. Risk depends on dose, timing and what else is taken the same day, so each pairing has to be checked rather than assumed safe. The free checker at https://doseroutine.com/interaction-checker covers Noopept with no sign-up.
Noopept is typically taken in the morning. Amounts for this supplement vary by protocol, formulation and individual response, so follow the dose your clinician or the product label specifies.
Whether Noopept fits alongside testosterone replacement therapy depends on the protocol — dose, ester and ancillaries such as HCG or anastrozole — and on current bloodwork. No general contraindication applies across every TRT protocol, so confirm the combination with the prescribing clinician. See the free TRT interaction reference: https://doseroutine.com/trt-supplement-interactions
"Peptides" is not one category — healing peptides, GLP-1 agonists, growth-hormone secretagogues and melanocortins each behave differently next to Noopept. Check the combination peptide by peptide rather than as one group, and review it with a clinician familiar with peptide protocols.
Published frequency for Noopept varies by protocol and formulation, so the label or prescription is what sets it. It is typically taken in the morning. Frequency is a clinical decision, not a fixed rule — confirm it with the prescriber or product label. Comparison of apps that keep a schedule like this: https://doseroutine.com/best-dose-tracking-apps
The effect of a missed dose of Noopept depends on the protocol and formulation you are on. Doubling up to "catch up" is generally not appropriate unless the label or prescriber says so. Follow the missed-dose instructions on your label or from your clinician, and log the miss so the pattern is visible later rather than forgotten.
For Noopept the useful record is the dose, the time it was actually taken, and what else was taken in the same window. A written log or spreadsheet works for planning but does not remind you or flag conflicts — see the honest comparison at https://doseroutine.com/vs/spreadsheet and the wider roundup at https://doseroutine.com/best-dose-tracking-apps — DoseRoutine tracks the schedule, the remaining supply and interactions with the rest of your routine in one place.
Noopept, also called omberacetam, has been studied for cognitive effects. The cited experiment measured neurotrophic-factor expression in rat brain, not memory improvement in healthy people. A proposed mechanism is not proof of a useful or safe human effect.
No. Changes in NGF or BDNF in an animal experiment do not establish improved cognition, an effective human dose, or long-term safety. Treat claims about memory enhancement as uncertain unless supported by well-designed human trials.
Rat studies used injected or oral doses on the order of 0.5–10 mg/kg body weight; no controlled human dosing data are cited here. Route reported: Oral or intraperitoneal administration in the cited rodent studies. Frequency reported: Repeated daily dosing over days to weeks in the cited rat neurotrophin and HIF-1 studies. These are amounts documented in the cited studies and labels for Noopept — they are reported for reference, not a recommendation. Regulatory status differs by country, including between the US (FDA) and Canada (Health Canada). Confirm any amount with a licensed clinician before you take it.
Which studies looked at Noopept?
Peer-reviewed research indexed in PubMed. Each entry links to the original record.
- 1.The original novel nootropic and neuroprotective agent noopept(opens PubMed in a new tab)Eksp Klin Farmakol · 2002 · PMID 12596521 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12596521/
- 2.Clinical and electroencephalographic characteristic of noopept in patients with mild cognitive impairment of posttraumatic and vascular origin(opens PubMed in a new tab)Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova · 2008 · PMID 19008801 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19008801/
Sources cited on this page
Specific documents referenced by the numbered markers above. Each number matches the marker in the text.
- PubChem CID 180496(opens in a new tab)National Center for Biotechnology Information · pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/180496
Verify at
Publisher search links for Noopept. These are places to check the information — they are not citations, so they are not numbered.
- Examine.com(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Examine.com · publisher search
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements(publisher search, opens in a new tab)National Institutes of Health · publisher search
- PubMed literature search(publisher search, opens in a new tab)National Library of Medicine · publisher search
- DailyMed labeling archive(publisher search, opens in a new tab)U.S. National Library of Medicine · publisher search
- Wikipedia entry(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Wikipedia · publisher search
DoseRoutine compiles summaries from publicly available scientific and regulatory references. Always verify important decisions with a licensed clinician. How we source and review this information.
What is the short answer on Noopept?
Plain-text summary, safe to quote verbatim:
Noopept, also known by its chemical name GVS-111, is a synthetic peptide derivative of piracetam, a well-known nootropic compound. It is primarily studied for its potential effects on cognitive function, including memory, learning, and overall brain health. Research on Noopept focuses on cognition and mood.
Source: DoseRoutine — https://doseroutine.com/library/noopept
Noopept cheat sheet
DoseRoutine cheat sheet · Supplement
Noopept
Noopept, also known by its chemical name GVS-111, is a synthetic peptide derivative of piracetam, a well-known nootropic compound. It is primarily studied for its potential effects on cognitive function, including memory, learning, and overall brain health.
Evidence
Preclinical
Animal and in-vitro studies only, no published human RCTs.
Studied range
Rat studies used injected or oral doses on the order of 0.5–10 mg/kg body weight; no controlled human dosing data are cited here
Route
Oral or intraperitoneal administration in the cited rodent studies
Frequency studied
Repeated daily dosing over days to weeks in the cited rat neurotrophin and HIF-1 studies
Timing
in the morning
Not FDA-approvedPrescription only (US)Noopept is a prescription drug in Russia and some other countries but has no FDA approval and is not a regulated dietary ingredient in the USAll cited evidence for noopept here is from rat studies; no human clinical trial is citedBrain
Studied ranges, not dosing advice. Not medical advice — talk to a clinician. doseroutine.com/library/noopept
Cite this page
Using this in an article, AI answer, or research note? Please attribute:
DoseRoutine. (2026). Noopept — Overview, Benefits & Side Effects. Retrieved from https://doseroutine.com/library/noopept
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