Quick Comparison
| Bromantane | Oxiracetam | |
|---|---|---|
| Half-Life | 11-12 hours | 8-10 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: 800-2400 mg daily in 2 divided doses. Many users find 1600 mg daily (800 mg twice) to be the sweet spot. |
| Administration | Oral or sublingual. Fat-soluble — sublingual administration may bypass some first-pass metabolism. | Oral (powder, capsules). Water-soluble, no need to take with fat. |
| 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.
Oxiracetam
Oxiracetam enhances glutamatergic neurotransmission through positive allosteric modulation of AMPA receptors, increasing the amplitude and duration of excitatory postsynaptic potentials. It increases the release of excitatory neurotransmitters glutamate and D-aspartic acid from hippocampal presynaptic terminals, acting as a glutamate analog. Oxiracetam stimulates protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms, particularly PKC-α and PKC-γ, which phosphorylate substrates involved in memory consolidation, long-term potentiation (LTP), and synaptic plasticity. PKC activation enhances NMDA receptor function and AMPA receptor trafficking to the synapse. Its mild stimulatory effect derives from cholinergic system enhancement via increased acetylcholine release and nicotinic α7 receptor potentiation in the cortex.
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.
Oxiracetam
Common
Headache, insomnia if taken too late in the day, mild stimulation.
Serious
No serious adverse effects documented.
Rare
Nervousness, nausea, diarrhea.
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.
Oxiracetam →
A water-soluble racetam considered one of the best for logical thinking, analytical tasks, and technical learning. Often described as the 'logic racetam' because it excels at enhancing left-brain cognitive functions rather than creativity. It provides mild stimulation without the anxiety that stronger stimulants can cause.