Fonturacetam: Everything You Need To Know (Benefits & Side Effects)

Updated March 13, 2024 by | Reviewed by William Gallagher, MNeuroSci
(Estimated reading time: 5 minutes)

Fonturacetam is a nootropic drug that’s been shown to improve memory in patients who have suffered brain injuries.

It works by stimulating receptors in the brain that make memories more easily accessible.

This article will go through the benefits and side effects of this nootropic compound, so you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s right for you.

What is Fonturacetam?

Fonturacetam (also known as C12H14N2O2 or Phenotropil) is a nootropic drug that works by stimulating receptors in the brain.

These receptors are called glutamate receptors, and there are two types – AMPA and NDMA. When activated, they help improve the ability to form memories.

As a result, Fonturacetam has been shown to have many benefits including improving memory in patients who have suffered brain injuries. This is one of the main reasons it’s used as a nootropic drug.

What are the benefits of Fonturacetam?

Fonturacetam has been shown to improve memory and learning and memory, cognition in patients who have suffered brain injuries by stimulating receptors in the brain.

Many different studies have found improved verbal memory, visual recognition memory, working memory, attention, and concentration. Memory is defined as the ability to recognize information and that which is stored in long term memory is recall.

Fonturacetam has also been shown to improve working memory by increasing the activity of glutamate receptors in the brain. Working memory is the ability to focus attention and improve cognitive performance.

Many cognitive tests have shown that Fonturacetam improves working memory in patients who have suffered brain injuries.

Fonturacetam has also been shown to help improve attention and concentration by increasing the activity of glutamate receptors in the brain. Attention is the ability to stay focused on a single task such as studying for a test, reading, or writing an essay.

How does Fonturacetam work - Mechanism of Action

Fonturacetam works by stimulating receptors in the brain that allow memories to more easily be formed and stored in long-term memory. The receptors are called glutamate receptors, AMPA and NDMA.

Glutamate is a neurotransmitter and the main way memories are formed, stored and can be recalled. Memory is also known as cognition. The receptors are able to tell that something needs to be stored in long-term memory, so they let glutamate into the brain. This causes a chemical reaction that makes new memories form.

The glutamate receptors are divided into two types – AMPA and NDMA (N-methyl D-aspartate). Both are similar in structure, but they use different signaling pathways to pass on information.

AMPA receptors activate quickly, but have little effect after activation because there is not enough time for them to send a signal for multiple rounds of transmitter release before they deactivate. This quick activation is why they are called “excitatory” receptors.

NDMA receptors have a longer activation time and consequently a strong signal once activated. This mechanism is why they’re called “inhibitory” receptors. They stop glutamate from activating or deactivating, and prevent it from activating other NMDA receptors which then prevents the activation of AMPA receptors.

This is done by inhibiting the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) enzyme and thus preventing other signaling pathways that would activate AMPA, including the formation of cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate).

The resulting delay in signal transmission in the AMPA receptors improves concentration and working memory by preventing the activation of other pathways.

This is done by inhibiting calcium channels and making sure that the release of neurotransmitters is slow to give the brain time to form new memories, as well as increasing overall activity in glutamate neurons which helps improve working memory.

The resulting delay in signal transmission in the AMPA receptors improves concentration and working memory by preventing the activation of other pathways.

This is done by inhibiting calcium channels and making sure that the release of neurotransmitters is slow to give the brain time to form new memories, as well as increasing overall activity in glutamate neurons which helps improve working memory.

What are the side effects?

Fonturacetam can cause side effects that are more serious such as:

Seizures (convulsions) – This is one of the most concerning side effects associated with using nootropics because it can be life threatening. However, this has only occurred in two cases out of hundreds of thousands of patients who have taken this drug.

Seizures may be a sign that dosage has been too high or that there’s another underlying problem like increased glutamate activity in the brain or cardiovascular problems.

If you experience seizures, seek medical attention immediately. You may need to dramatically lower down on the dosage or take another medication like Valproate to help reduce glutamate activity in the brain.

Insomnia – Insomnia is a common side effect that occurs when you take stimulants like caffeine or Ritalin. It doesn’t usually last long and it’s thought that it may be more likely to occur if doses of 300 mg/day are used.

Memory loss – Some users have reported that they’ve experienced difficulty recalling memories, with some claiming they can’t remember things they once knew if they haven’t learnt them again recently.

Dizziness – Dizziness is a common side effect and typically improves after a few days of taking this drug. If it doesn’t, it may be a sign that the dosage is too high.

Nervousness – Users may experience increased levels of nervousness after increasing or taking higher doses. Some users report anxiety attacks while others feel more anxious than usual. Decreasing the dosage should resolve these issues within a few days.

Headaches – Most users report experiencing headaches after starting to take this drug for concentration, but they do eventually subside after a few days or weeks of continued use. Headaches may be caused by an influx of oxygen in the brain and/or buildup of glutamate.

Nausea – Nausea is another common side effect that many users experience when taking this drug. It’s thought that taking the drug with food can help, but it will eventually pass after a few days.

Weight loss – Some users report losing weight while taking this drug but others gain weight. It’s thought that over-stimulating your metabolism increases the likelihood of weight loss, although it’s not something that happens to everyone and is more likely to occur if you eat on a regular basis. Generally speaking, AMPA modulators increase leptin secretion which causes increased fat loss and appetite suppression.

Rashes – A rash or skin irritation is a side effect that never goes away completely and is caused by drug interactions. If you’re experiencing rashes, you should consider lowering the dosage.

Where Can You Buy It Online?

You can purchase this smart drug online from nootropic vendors like Science.bio.

I’ve included an AMPA modulator in my stack and I can personally attest to the fact that this is an effective cognitive enhancer for improving focus and concentration.

I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a safe and natural alternative to Adderall.

Be sure to purchase from a reputable vendor like Science.bio as there are many counterfeit products available on the internet, sold by scammers who want to steal your personal information.