WHAT IS A STACK

Most people who utilize nootropic supplements for cognitive enhancement choose 2 or more compounds that they combine to increase the effects of each through synergy. This is called “stacking.” In a case like this you end up with a situation where the whole is greater than the sum of it’s parts. Some of the simplest possible nootropic combos are very simple formulas like l-theanine (the slightly sedating, focusing compound found in green tea) and caffeine anhydrous. Green tea contains both caffeine and l-theanine. According to multiple studies, test subjects performed better on a combination of caffeine and theanine than they did on caffeine or theanine alone. However, the optimal ratio is not that which is found in nature in green tea so supplementing would be necessary to reach the proper quotient. In this article we explore the benefits of the noopept and piracetam stack

Another one of the most basic stack ideas, after one has attempted the most “natural” of the nootropic stacks, the caffeine/theanine combo is piracetam and some choline source. Piracetam, one of the oldest of the nootropic supplements and safest, most tested cognitive enhancers, is encouraged to be taken with a choline source. Piracetam (and the other racetams for that fact) are cholinergic so they increase the production of acetylcholine (the learning, memory and movement neurotransmitter).

Choline is a nutrient that is vital to the brain and body but most people are already deficient somewhat in choline so the upmodulation of acetylcholine production could lead to negative side effects like headache or brain fog without sufficient choline supplementation. Think of the racetam as over-clocking your engine, the choline would be the grease that keeps the gears from grinding. So the second most common and basic stack, behind the theanine/caffeine stack would be a basic racetam and a choline source.

STACKING WITH NOOPEPT

Piracetam is one of the oldest and most trusted of the classical racetams, but a new contender is gaining popularity amongst the cognitive enhancing set. The sole human trials results seem to suggest that (when taken at the optimum dosage range) noopept and piracetam’s efficacy are on par. In that same human trial also suggested remarkably effective neuro-regenerative effects, that far outperformed Piracetam.

Noopept is similar to piracetam in many ways despite being a peptide without a 2-oxo-pyrollidinone backbone meaning it’s not actually a racetam. Despite not being a racetam it works in very similar manner to piracetam, via glutamergic and cholinergic mechanisms. In addition to it’s cholinergic activity however, noopept has also results in a build up effect due to a metabolite, the endogenous cycloprolyglycine.

Noopept is an analogue of the endogenous neuropeptide cycloprolylglycine and has a mild psychostimulant meaning, not directly acting on peripheral or central nervous system, so no rapid heart beat, insomnia or other side effects of traditional stimulants that act on wakefulness or other excitatory pathways. Paradoxically, noopept is, like aniracetam, found to be anxiolytic in some though there is only evidence for this in healthy rodents and humans with cognitive decline. The decrease in anxiety could be correlated to return of faculties in the human cases. Two studies show an improvement in rodent model of depression after administration of noopept as well, once again these were healthy rats, but these findings have neither been fully evaluated nor should they necessarily be extrapolated to assume parity in humans though there is some anecdotal evidence of a placifying, calming and mood lifting effect in some nootropic users who supplement with the optimum dose (10 – 30mg).

Despite being a structural analogue of piracetam (it’s a di-peptide version of piracetam without the 2-oxo-pyrillidine backbone). Some of the perceived benefits over plain piracetam are noopept’s ability to Increase NGF (nerve growth factor) and BDNF mRNA (brain-derived neuro-trophic factor/mitochondrial RNA) Concentrations as well as it’s lower dosage. A downside could be the fact that it’s most effect after 3-5 days of use when it’s metabolites build up in the system. Comparing serum and normal levels of noopept shows that it has high blood brain barrier permeability which may in part account for it’s lower therapeutic range and optimal dose.

More evidence that suggests the metabolites and increase in cycloprolyglycine play an important part in noopept’s mechanism of action is the fact that it was more effective over 56 days in improving the MMSE scores when compared to Piracetam. Also, it was shown to be highly effective in improving post-trauma patients while piracetam did not. However, altogether when analyzing MMSE, BPRS, and CCSE scores no significant statistical difference in efficacy is found. Other subtle differences, such as it’s positive effect on immunology make a stronger case for the case of trying noopept with piracetam rather than one or the other alone.

SUPPLEMENT SAFETY

It’s always best to try just one substance first alone to test it and then the other after establishing your baseline (current level of mood, focus, attention, productivity, etc.). One great way to do so is by using sites like Quantified Self or apps to facilitate cognitive tracking. Once you tracked your baseline against each individual compound then track the performance with the two together. Don’t forget that 90% of Americans are deficient in choline and since both of them are high potency cholinergics (stimulate production of the learning and memory neurotransmitter, acetylcholine) but need choline as a precursor.

Be careful to stay in the safe range with noopept. It is newer and less studied than the classical nootropics and some users have reported headaches, brain fog or mild depression with mega-doses and overdoses as well as potential irritability and anorectic side effects. Likelihood of brain fog or headache is decreased when supplementing with a high quality choline source. Choline bitartrate is a cheaper alternative, but has no stand alone nootropic properties itself. Citicoline or Alpha GPC are better choices depending on your needs. Citicoline for instance has dopaminergic action as well and GPC can support exercise and work out routines. Remember to always check with your personal care practitioner before changing diet, exercise regimen or undergoing any new supplementation routine especially if you are currently under a physician’s care for any existing medical conditions or are already taking any over the counter or prescribed medications.