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.
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.
Dosages shown are for research reference only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Half-Life
11-12 hours
Administration
Oral or sublingual. Fat-soluble — sublingual administration may bypass some first-pass metabolism.
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Mechanism of Action
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.
Regulatory Status
Approved as a medication in Russia (Ladasten). Banned by WADA. Available as a research compound in most other countries. Not FDA-approved.
Risks & Safety
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.
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Research Papers
10Published: August 19, 2021
AI Summary
Although now many people take plant adaptogens, the clinical trials on human are limited. The data from the meta-analysis showed that plant adaptogens could provide a number of benefits in the treatment of chronic fatigue, cognitive impairment, and immune protection.
Published: April 15, 2002
AI Summary
In doses of 300-600 mg/kg the drug reduced pain sensitivity threshold and in doses above 600 mg/kg elevated the pain threshold and tactile sensitivity and reaction to knock. Behavioral effects of bromantane in doses of 30 and 600 mg/kg were associated with stimulation of the central dopamine and suppression of muscarinic and nicotinic cholinergi...
Published: September 21, 2012
AI Summary
Or, in short, actoprotectors are synthetic adaptogens with a significant capacity to improve physical performance. A brief summary of the clinico-pharmacological characteristics of the main representatives of this class (bemitil and bromantane) is provided.
Published: November 19, 1999
AI Summary
Abstract too short to summarize.
Published: April 13, 2000
AI Summary
The toxicity of bromantan was evaluated by conventional acute tests (according to Belen'kiĭ) and by the behavioral activity data (according to Irvin). A method of integral graphical representation of the behavioral activity data is suggested, according to which the results are plotted as a "dose trajectory.
Published: February 28, 1995
AI Summary
The thermoprotective properties of bromantane were studied during overheating. Simultaneously with the known effects on heat exchange and sensitivity to high temperatures bromantane caused a decrease in ranges of heat tolerance, increased the rate of SVTK growth as well as altered protein metabolism and antioxidant protection and also affected t...
Published: October 31, 1993
AI Summary
Bromantane leads to decreases in the total and absolute powers of all frequency bands of EEG spectra, changes structural spectra in the cortex and in hippocamp--decreases the relative power of theta-band and increases the relative power of beta 1, 2-activity.
Published: August 21, 2000
AI Summary
The study of EEG and psychophysiological parameters and their correlations in 10 healthy volunteers after single oral administration of bromantan in comparison with placebo revealed favourable influence of the drug on operators' functional state.
Published: January 4, 2001
AI Summary
The results of experimental investigation of the effect of bromantan on the behavioral activity of rats in the open-field test were treated by a combination of the discriminant and dispersion methods. The toxic effect of the drug on the neurogenic (neurologic) mechanisms conducting the behavior is e
Published: April 13, 2000
AI Summary
Bromantan administration markedly increases the stroke and minute blood volume at a reduced heart rate and peripheral resistance in anaesthetized rats, while the systemic arterial pressure exhibits an insignificant short-time increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bromantane used for?
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.
What are the side effects of 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.
How is Bromantane administered?
Bromantane is administered via oral or sublingual. fat-soluble — sublingual administration may bypass some first-pass metabolism..
What is the half-life of Bromantane?
The half-life of Bromantane is 11-12 hours.
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