Modafinil vs Noopept: Comparison

In this article we will look at two popular nootropics; Modafinil and Noopept. Both of these substances have similar benefits but they also differ in some ways. This is what we’ll discuss in this article. We’ll go over the differences, similarities and how exactly these smart drugs work.

What is Modafinil?

Modafinil is a prescription medication used to treat people who feel overly sleepy during the day due to a sleep disorder.

Its effect on the brain is a nootropic, meaning it increases the brain’s cognitive function. It is usually prescribed to sufferers of narcolepsy; however, it is also an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, as well as the general sleepiness from working too late or too long.

Modafinil was discovered to enhance the production of numerous critical neurotransmitters in the brain, including histamine, dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, in a significant way. It has a massive impact on people’s ability to stay awake and alert for long periods of time.

Modafinil’s use has definitely expanded as it is now used to treat memory loss due to dementia, ADHD, jet lag, and weariness induced by lengthy work hours or diseases as it progressively became known for its mood-brightening and memory-enhancing properties, as well as its waking effects.

Today it is used by students, entrepreneurs, and business owners who are looking for a boost in focus and productivity.

Benefits of Modafinil:

• Sharp Memory
• Long-lasting improved memory (12 hours)
• Better cognitive functions
• Heightened productivity
• Increased Focus

Modafinil Side Effects

Potential side effects you may experience are: headaches, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, nervousness, heartburn, or changes in sexual function. These side effects are usually mild and go away after a week or two. Some people may experience withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop taking Provigil.

What is Noopept?

Noopept is a nootropic that acts similarly to racetam-class drugs in that it is an ampakine. Although, Noopept is up to 1000 times more powerful than Piracetam, the original racetam.

JSC LEKKO Pharmaceuticals, a Russian pharmaceutical business, received a patent for Noopept in 1996. According to research, Noopept functions differently from other nootropics in the racetam family but has similar benefits.

Noopept lacks a 2-oxo-pyrrolidine core, hence it is not regarded as a real “racetam”.

Noopept is protected by patents in the USA and Russia. In Russia and other former Soviet Union member states, it is available only on prescription. However, in the United States, Noopept is sold as a supplement.

It’s effects on the brain is that Noopept stimulates and enhances alpha brain wave activity when taken. Your brain is more effective at storing knowledge, recalling it, and generally functioning when this function is enhanced.

Furthermore, the hippocampus’s tonic inhibition level rising is another reaction. This has an impact on sensations of wellbeing, reduced stress, decreased anxiety and depression.
Benefits of Noopept:

• Increased dopamine content, thus a happier mood.
• Improved cognitive function.
• Clears your thoughts by removing brain fog.
• Curbs anxiety and depression.
• Reduction of stress.
• An increment of focus and concentration.
• It improves memory and learning.

Noopept Side Effects

When used as a nootropic supplement, N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester has the potential to have certain negative side effects. Noopept has not been subjected to comprehensive research, hence there is a lack of information regarding its frequency or effects on human users.

Some of the potential side effects are: brain fog. confusion. drowsiness. lack of focus. anxiety. fatigue. irritabillity  and seizures.

Noopept Vs Modafinil: Comparison

Similarities

The similarities you will find in these substances are primarily what they are used for. Both Modafinil and Noopept are used to increase cognitive functions, focus, productivity and improve memory. However, the way they improve cognitive functions is vastly different.

Differences between Modafinil and Noopept

Modafinil and Noopept duration

Modafinil is a drug that promotes wakefulness, most user feel it’s effects for 8-10 hours and It’s half life is between 12-15 hours. Whereas, Noopept lasts for between one and two hours for most user and it’s half life is only 5-10 minutes.

Noopept mechanism of action

Noopept’s Proposed mechanism of actions based on preclinical studies include: increasing acetylcholine signaling, increasing the expression of BDNF and NGF, protecting from glutamate toxicity, and increasing inhibitory neurotransmission in the brain.

Modafinil mechanism of action

Modafinil acts as an atypical, selective, and weak dopamine reuptake inhibitor modafinil indirectly triggers the release of histamine and orexin neuropeptides from the tuberomammillary nucleus, which may all help to increase arousal.

Noopept and Modafinil Dosing

Noopept’s recommended dosage for an adult is usually 10-30 mg, and that depends on your weight. Start with the 10mg dose and increase it gradually. Noopept is sold both as pills and in powder form. pills retail in different sizes, so check the dosage before taking it.

Modafinil’s recommended dosage for an adult is between 50-200mg, also depending on weight and tolerance. Start with 50mg and increase it gradually. Modafinil is sold in pills, usually 200mg per pill. You can break these up and divide in to smaller doses.

Is Modafinil better than Noopept?

The short answer to this is no. The longer answer is it depends. Noopept can be beneficial for people looking for an increase in productivity and memory. The effects of Noopept are often described as “subtle”. Users may experience feeling less brain fog, increase of productivity and focus. Keep in mind these effects are subtle so do not take more than the recommended dosage, as this may only increase the side effects.

Modafinil on the other hand has a more noticeable effect when taken. It’s effects are comparable to a weak stimulant and can be beneficial for when you need to be able to concentrate for long periods of time. Users may experience feel an increase of productivity and focus, sometimes so intense that you find yourself working non stop for hours. Do not take more than the recommended dosage as this may increase side effects.

All in all, it’s really up to personal preference which one to choose. If you’re looking for something that’s short acting then Noopept might be for you. If you want something that’ll keep you energized throughout the day then Modafinil may be better suited.