Noopept Versus Piracetam
January 23, 2024
Piracetam and Noopept are among the leading nootropics, which is a category of supplements thought to provide performance-boosting and cognitive functioning benefits.
Both nootropics are synthetic, which means they are produced in a laboratory to extract specific ingredients or compounds–many of which are also found in natural stimulants such as plants and roots. Just like Piracetam, Noopept isn’t a stimulant but is rather a supplement believed to enhance the way we think and help to manage stress or anxiety.
However, if you feel ready to buy Noopept but are unclear on the variances or want to ensure your nootropic stack provides the outcomes you expect, it’s important to understand how these options compare.
Are Piracetam and Noopept Similar Nootropics?
As we’ve indicated, there are some comparables between these two supplements, primarily that both are associated with the same effects, depending on the user, their biological chemistry, and whether they are already a regular nootropic user.
Each product is intended to improve brain health and help with confidence while augmenting memory function and assisting with focus and concentration. Both products are also most commonly produced in the form of tablets, which means you don’t snort Noopept–you take it as a pill.
The biggest difference is in the supplement’s potency, with Noopept thought to be significantly more powerful, meaning a much smaller dosage will achieve the same outcomes. As a rough indication, 1,000 milligrams of Piracetam is equivalent to around fifteen to twenty milligrams of Noopept–a significant contrast and something often of interest to nootropic users or first-time supplement users who would prefer the smallest possible dosage to start with.
How Do Noopept and Piracetam Work?
Each of these products is water soluble, so while most often produced as a pill, you can purchase nasal sprays or soluble tablets that you take by placing the nootropic under your tongue until it dissolves. From there, the mechanism by which each supplement works is very different:
- Piracetam is thought to improve how we produce acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter used by our brains. The concept is that by affecting receptors in the brain, Piracetam can stimulate those areas responsible for focus and mental energy.
- Noopept instead elevates something called the BDNF, or brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Studies reflect that people with higher BDNF levels naturally experience greater focus, less anxiety, and better memory function.
While many nootropic users may be more interested in the results and potential side effects of a supplement, knowing how these products work can be meaningful. For example, there is the potential for Noopept to deliver long-term improvements by increasing the density and health of neurons rather than being a supplement that will remain effective only for the duration of usage. More research is needed to analyze this potential decision-making factor further.
Which Is Safer: Piracetam or Noopept?
Safety is always a key consideration, and studies completed have indicated that neither product poses a health risk or safety hazard when taken in responsible doses and for durations according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and doctor’s guidance. These nootropics are generally considered safe for most people. However, those with underlying medical conditions or already taking prescribed medications should check with their physician before adding a supplement to their regime.
For the small number of people who do experience sensitivity to a nootropic, this normally involves sleep disorders, headaches, dizziness, and digestive issues. While there isn’t a large difference between Noopept and Piracetam in terms of side effects, the contrasts in dosages, potency, and mechanisms of these supplements are more prominent.
Legal Disclaimer
Noopept is not approved by the US FDA for clinical use as an unapproved new drug. It is also a controlled substance in some of Europe. Noopept can be legally bought OTC without prescription in Russia and some CIS countries. According to the Department of Health and Aged Care of Australia, Omberacetam (also commonly known as Noopept) is a nootropic molecule that demonstrates a wide spectrum of cognition improving effects and neuroprotective properties.
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