Russian Nootropics have a certain mystical appeal that draws people in. Everyone wants to know what’s going on with Russian Nootropics, as if they are better than Nootropics made in other countries (this is mostly true.) In my mind I imagine a super genius named Boris cooking up the best brain supplements in a lab unshackled by the limiting restrictions of the FDA and other governing bodies. In this lab he has access to cutting edge equipment and he does as he pleases. His whole life and professional career revolve around synthesizing the best Nootropic compounds in the world.

Fantasies aside, it is true that the Russians have created some interesting compounds for very specific purposes. In this post I’m going to list some of the most popular Russian Nootropics and provide a brief description of their usage.

All Nootropics on this list can be purchased from Russian companies like Rupharma.

Noopept

Most of you have no doubt heard of Noopept. It’s perhaps one of the more well known Nootropics and just so happens to be Russian. Noopept was inspired by Piracetam and has a few crossover effects including its ability to modulate the Acetylcholine response. Noopept increases the expression of BDNF and NGF in animal models. Brain Derived Neurotrophic factor and Neuro Growth Factor are proteins responsible for the survival of cells and neurons in the brain. Both BDNF and NGF contribute to neuroplasticity and the brains ability to regrow and repair damaged neurons and cells. In neurological diseases like Huntingtons there is an observable decrease in BDNF suggesting Noopept could play a role in reversing some symptoms related to brain related diseases.

Nootropil

Yes, good ol’ Piracetam. Piracetam in other countries is often sold under the brand name Nootropil. Piracetam has a number of interesting things going on. Piracetam increases oxygen uptake in the brain and modulates the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine, effecting memory and cognition in a positive way. Piracetam allows individuals to quickly recover from hypoxic (low oxygen) environments. Personally, I find Piracetam is extremely anxiolytic. In certain studies the anxiolytic response is a primary effect of Piracetam usage. ¹ Overall Piracetam has a lot of potential to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and facilitate the learning and memory consolidation process. For this reason I always recommend Piracetam as a solid nootropic for studying and high anxiety individuals.

Semax

Semax is another classic Russian Nootropic. It’s considered a vital and essential medicine.² Semax improves the expression of BDNF and greatly improves the stress response. It’s been shown to improve behavioral markers in the chronically stressed, improve memory, and improve circulation. Individuals praise Semax for its Nootropic properties and some consider it their favorite Nootropic. Individuals report a wide range of benefits including marked improvements in overall focus, reduced anxiety, and positive mood boosting benefits.

Phenotropil

Phenylpiracetam (sold under the brand name Phenotropil) is a potent racetam developed in Russia as part of the Russian Cosmonauts medical kit. The compound was specifically developed for the cosmonauts to help them cope with the stresses of space flight. Phenotropil greatly improves the stress response, reduces anxiety, and enhances physical endurance. Phenotropil is unique as it largely functions as a stimulant yet does not produce anxious symptoms as observed in traditional amphetamine based compounds. When asked about using Phenylpiracetam in space, Cosmonaut Aleksandr Serebrov reported that “The drug acts as the equalizer of the whole organism, ‘combs’ it, completely excluding impulsiveness and irritability inevitable in the stressful conditions of space flight”

Phenylpiracetam is one of my favorite Nootropics.

Picamilon

Picamilon is an anxiolytic compound made up of GABA and Niacin (Vitamin B3.) This combination allows the compound to cross the blood brain barrier. Crossing the blood brain barrier for GABA alone represents an impossible task. This unique synthesis of the 2 compounds delivers a calming response and produces moderate anti anxiety effects. In terms of effectiveness, it’s stronger than L-Theanine but not quite as strong as Phenibut. Picamilon is a great compound to smooth out the anxiety producing effects of common stimulants.

Phenibut

Phenibut is another classic Russian nootropic well known and heavily used (and abused) in the Nootropics community. Phenibut is structurally similar to the neurotransmitter GABA and exerts influence on GABA b receptors. At low doses Phenibut can be stimulating while higher doses tend to sedate the nervous system. Phenibut is perhaps the most effective anxiolytic on this list but be warned – there are consequences to abusing the compound. Rebound anxiety is a common side effect of using Phenibut especially at high doses.

Bromantane (Ladasten)

Bromantane is used in a clinical environment to treat Asthenia, a condition characterized by weakness and general lethargy. Bromantane has psychostimulant and anxiolytic properties. Bromantane is often used as a performance enhancing compound due to its positive effects on both the physical and mental systems. As a stimulant it is unique in that the compound does not deplete the body of energy but rather strengthens it. Effects from Bromantane usage are seen long after the compound is no longer being used. ³

Etifoxine (Stresam)

Etifoxine is a novel anti anxiety compound. It produces similar results comparable to standard Benzodiazepine compounds like Lorazepam ⁴ without producing any of the negative side effects. Etifoxine does not cause dependency and cessation of the compound does not cause withdrawal symptoms. The compound works by modulating neurosteroids in the brain which have an indirect effect on levels of GABA. Modulating GABA in this manner produces an anxiolytic response. Read my full review of Etifoxine here.

Cereton

Cereton (Alpha-GPC) is a powerful source of Choline for the brain. It’s a precursor to the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine and has notable effects on cognition and memory. Studies show supplemental Alpha-GPC improves cognition especially in the elderly and can improve cognitive function in brain related traumas such as stroke and cerebral ischema attacks. ⁵ The compound has also demonstrated therapeutic effects in Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients. Many Nootropic users will combine Alpha-GPC with racetams to minimize side effects like headaches.

Mexidol

Mexidol (Emoxypin) is Russian synthesized compound reported to have antioxidant and anxiolytic properties. Mexidol increases the cerebral circulation in the brain and also increases Dopamine levels. Mexidol has also been demonstrated to increase the binding capabilities of certain proteins to both GABA and Benzodiazepine receptor sites. ⁶

Vinpotropile

Vinpotropile is a combination of Piracetam and Vinpocetine. Both compounds have demonstrated improvements to cerebral blood flow and have shown improvements to overall cognitive function. Vinpocetine enhances the utilization of glucose in the brain leading to enhanced mental energy and stamina.