Phenotropil for weight loss: how to take and results

In the drug treatment of obesity, Phenotropil can be used for weight loss, that is, to reduce excess body weight. Although this drug belongs to the psychoactive drugs of the nootropic series, designed to improve the functions of the brain and central nervous system. ATX code - N06BX.

Other trade names: Fonturacetam, Entrop, Carphedon.

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Indications Phenotropil for weight loss

The main indications for the use of Phenotropil include:

• cognitive impairment associated with senile dementia;
• Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases;
• memory impairment and decreased learning ability of various etiologies;
• increased fatigue and decreased stress resistance;
• depression and neurotic conditions;
• multiple sclerosis;
• cerebrovascular disorders and cerebral ischemia;
• obsessive-compulsive mental disorders, mild schizophrenia;
• focal epilepsy;
• alimentary obesity;
• alcoholism.

Because Phenotropil can increase physical endurance and performance, it is popular with bodybuilders. For the same reason, this drug is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency for use by professional athletes.

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Release form

Phenotropil is released in the form of tablets of 0.1 g.

Pharmacodynamics

Like all nootropic drugs of the racetam group, the pharmacodynamics of Phenotropil is due to the active substance, which is a derivative of 2-pyrrolidone, a heterocyclic nitrogen compound.

By activating ionotropic receptors (NMDA and AMPA) of the neurotransmitter L-glutamate on the membranes of pre- and postsynaptic neurons of the brain, the drug promotes an increase in the reuptake of L-glutamate and reduces its excitotoxicity, preventing damage and apoptosis of nerve cells. Thus, Phenotropil promotes an increase in the resistance of brain cells and has a neuroprotective effect.

Phenotropil blocks the production of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which increases the level of acetylcholine in presynaptic depots and the number of N-cholinergic receptors, and this has a positive effect on the activity of transmission of nerve signals in the central nervous system.

In addition, the drug enhances the synthesis of dopamine in the brain, stimulating dopaminergic neuromediation, thereby enhancing cognitive functions of the brain and mood.

In turn, higher levels of dopamine stimulate the release of norepinephrine, which potentiates the conduction of impulses in adrenergic synapses, promoting the breakdown of glycogen (which increases the release of glucose into the blood), as well as the breakdown of fats (which activates thermogenesis). As a result of a cascade of biochemical interactions, metabolic and energy processes in the body are accelerated.

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Pharmacokinetics

Phenotropil is rapidly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, and its maximum concentration in the blood plasma is observed one hour after oral administration; the level of bioavailability of the drug is almost 100% with penetration of the active substance into the tissues of all internal organs (also penetrates the BBB).

Phenotropil is not transformed in the body and does not form metabolites; more than half of the drug is eliminated by the kidneys, the rest - through the intestines. The average half-life is about 4-4.5 hours.

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Dosing and administration

The method of administration of this drug is oral, and the dose of Phenotropil for weight loss in obesity is 1-2 tablets (0.1-0.2 g) once a day. It is recommended to take tablets in the first half of the day. The duration of use depends on the degree of obesity and the patient's condition, but the usual course of taking Phenotropil is 4-5 weeks.

Contraindications

Among the contraindications to the use of this drug, in addition to individual hypersensitivity to its components, the official instructions note: hemorrhagic stroke, Huntington's chorea, severe renal and hepatic insufficiency, childhood and pregnancy. Thus, the use of phenotropil for weight loss during pregnancy is strictly prohibited.

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Side effects Phenotropil for weight loss

The use of this drug to improve brain function, as well as the use of Phenotropil for weight loss can cause side effects in the form of: insomnia, headaches and dizziness, skin hyperemia and hot flashes, increased blood pressure, psychomotor agitation, tremors and muscle cramps, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, urinary and fecal incontinence, loss of appetite.

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Overdose

Overdose of the drug leads to increased side effects and requires symptomatic treatment.

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Interactions with other drugs

Phenotropil for weight loss increases the effect of tranquilizers, psychostimulants of any pharmacological group, drugs with thyroid-stimulating hormones, as well as indirect anticoagulants.

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Storage conditions

Phenotropil should be stored in a dry place, protected from sunlight, at normal room temperature.

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Shelf life

The shelf life is 36 months.

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Reviews

Real reviews of those who have lost weight and the results of using Phenotropil to get rid of excess weight are difficult to distinguish from “comments on the rights of advertising”, so you should not rely on them.

And the doctors' reviews mainly concern the fact that nootropic drugs should not be considered as first-line means for weight loss. They can stir up metabolism and increase fat burning in the body for a very short time, and also (due to side effects) suppress appetite.

But Phenotropil is unsafe for long-term use and can lead to addiction. And there are often cases when after stopping its use, a simply brutal appetite appears. Therefore - to avoid health problems - it is better to consult a doctor whether you should use Phenotropil for weight loss.