Quick Comparison
| Bromantane | NALT | |
|---|---|---|
| Half-Life | 11-12 hours | 2-3 hours |
| Typical Dosage | Standard: 50-100 mg once daily in the morning. Start with 50 mg. Do not exceed 100 mg daily. Can be taken sublingually for faster onset. | Standard: 300-600 mg NALT 1-2 times daily. Alternatively, plain L-Tyrosine at 500-2000 mg daily (better studied but less water-soluble). Best taken on an empty stomach 30 minutes before a stressful task. |
| Administration | Oral or sublingual. Fat-soluble — sublingual administration may bypass some first-pass metabolism. | Oral (capsules, powder). Take on an empty stomach for best absorption. |
| Research Papers | 10 papers | 10 papers |
| Categories |
Mechanism of Action
Bromantane
Bromantane upregulates tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)—the rate-limiting enzyme in catecholamine synthesis—and aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC), the enzymes responsible for converting L-tyrosine to L-DOPA and then to dopamine. This increases neuronal dopamine production capacity rather than depleting vesicular stores like traditional stimulants. The mechanism may involve modulation of transcription factors or enzyme phosphorylation. Bromantane also has anxiolytic properties through enhancement of GABAergic transmission, possibly via GABA-A receptor modulation or increased GABA synthesis. The combination of upregulated dopamine synthesis in mesolimbic and nigrostriatal pathways with GABAergic dampening of anxiety circuits produces sustained motivation, focus, and reduced mental fatigue without the jitteriness or crash typical of dopamine-releasing agents.
NALT
NALT (N-acetyl L-tyrosine) is deacetylated by aryl acylamidase in the gut and liver to release L-Tyrosine. Tyrosine is hydroxylated to L-DOPA by tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) — the rate-limiting step in catecholamine synthesis, requiring tetrahydrobiopterin as cofactor. L-DOPA is decarboxylated by aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) to dopamine; dopamine is converted to norepinephrine by dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH), and norepinephrine to epinephrine by phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT). Under stress or sleep deprivation, catecholamine stores in noradrenergic and dopaminergic neurons deplete rapidly. Supplemental tyrosine provides substrate to maintain synthesis when demand exceeds supply, supporting prefrontal cortex function and working memory.
Risks & Safety
Bromantane
Common
Mild stimulation, restlessness, insomnia if taken late.
Serious
Very limited Western safety data. Most research is from Russian military/sports studies.
Rare
Headache, irritability, increased anxiety in some individuals.
NALT
Common
Mild nausea on empty stomach, headache, heartburn.
Serious
May trigger hypertensive crisis in people taking MAOIs. Avoid with thyroid disorders without medical guidance.
Rare
Insomnia, anxiety, heart palpitations at high doses.
Full Profiles
Bromantane →
A unique Russian-developed compound that is both an adaptogen and a mild stimulant — it enhances dopamine synthesis (upregulating tyrosine hydroxylase) rather than releasing or blocking reuptake of existing dopamine. This makes it fundamentally different from traditional stimulants and gives it a smoother, less addictive profile. Used by Russian athletes until WADA banned it.
NALT →
N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine is a more water-soluble form of the amino acid L-Tyrosine, which is a precursor to dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. It is used to support cognitive performance under stress, sleep deprivation, and high-demand situations where catecholamine stores become depleted. Military and high-performance research has validated tyrosine's benefits under acute stress.