MK-677 vs Noopept
Well Studied vs Moderate Research
monitor Mechanism-based · 51% Both MK-677 and Noopept can raise blood pressure. Monitor BP regularly and consider adding cardiovascular support (cardarine, telmisartan, or similar).
Molecular Data
MK-677 Noopept
Weight 624.77 Da 318.37 Da
Half-life ~24 hours ~30 minutes (oral), active metabolite cycloprolylglycine persists longer
Type Non-peptide ghrelin receptor agonist Dipeptide derivative (C17H22N2O4)
Key Benefits
MK-677
01 97% increase in 24-hour growth hormone secretion
02 40-72% elevation in IGF-1 levels
03 Enhanced sleep quality with improved REM patterns
04 Preferential lean tissue gains of 1.1-2.7kg over 8-12 months
05 15% basal metabolic rate increase within 2 weeks
06 Oral administration (no injections required)
Noopept
01 Enhanced memory formation and consolidation through upregulation of BDNF and NGF
02 Neuroprotective effects against oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, and amyloid-beta toxicity
03 Improved learning capacity and information retrieval via AMPA/NMDA receptor modulation
04 Ultra-low effective dose (10-30 mg) compared to classical racetams, reducing pill burden and cost
05 Anxiolytic properties observed at standard nootropic doses without sedation
06 Fast onset of subjective effects despite the short parent compound half-life, due to active metabolite persistence
Side Effects
MK-677
Appetite stimulation (>50% of users)
Water retention (30-40%)
Lethargy (20-30%)
Fasting glucose elevation (5-15mg/dL)
Note on testosterone suppression: at doses up to 20 mg daily, MK-677 is unlikely to cause significant testosterone suppression on its own. Above 20 mg daily, the likelihood of suppression and other side effects (insulin resistance, water retention, lethargy) increases. The case report documenting 85.7% testosterone suppression involved co-administration with LGD-4033, a SARM known to be profoundly suppressive, making the SARM the likely primary driver of that suppression.
Noopept
Headache (most common side effect, typically caused by insufficient choline intake -- co-supplementation with Alpha-GPC or CDP-Choline usually resolves this)
Irritability and restlessness, particularly at doses exceeding 30 mg/day
Insomnia if taken too late in the day
Mild gastrointestinal discomfort when taken on an empty stomach
Contraindications
Heart disease or congestive heart failure
Diabetes or pre-diabetes
Active cancer
Severe cardiovascular disease
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Known hypersensitivity to Noopept or related compounds
Severe hepatic impairment (metabolized by the liver)
Severe renal impairment
Pregnancy and breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
Hypertension that is poorly controlled (due to potential mild pressor effects)
Research Evidence
MK-677 Noopept
Status Well Studied Moderate Research
References 7 studies 4 studies
Latest July 2024 —
FDA Approved No No
This comparison is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.