Citicoline

Best for

Boost overall cognitive performance

Studies contradict · 600–4000 mg/day · 2 meta-analyses , n=2.3k

26 papers · 3 claims · 59 outcomes scored · 3 positive

Outcomes

What citicoline actually does, by outcome

Each row is one outcome with effect size, evidence base, the dose that worked in trials, and time to first effect. Magnitude tiers come from native-unit MCID where available, Cohen's d otherwise.

Outcome Effect size Evidence Dose Weeks Rank

Boost overall cognitive performance Studies contradict

Broad gains in memory, speed, and mental sharpness at once.

2 meta-analyses n=2.3k 600–4000 mg —

28039682·36678257

large

2 meta-analyses n=2.3k Meta-analyzed

600–4000 mg

—

Strengthen your memory Faint early signal

Names, conversations, faces, and details stick instead of dissolving.

4 meta-analyses n=194 500–2000 mg 2–12 wk

30457668·15846601·33978188·33613880

small

4 meta-analyses n=194 Meta-analyzed

500–2000 mg

2–12 wk

—

Sharpen focus and mental stamina Faint early signal

Concentrate longer, resist distraction, and stay mentally sharp through demanding tasks.

4 meta-analyses n=147 500–2000 mg 8–12 wk

15846601·21769048·26658924·33978188

small

4 meta-analyses n=147 Meta-analyzed

500–2000 mg

8–12 wk

—

Outcome	Effect	Evidence	Dose	Weeks	Rank
Boost overall cognitive performance Studies contradict	large	2 meta-analyses n=2.3k Meta-analyzed	600–4000 mg	—	—
Strengthen your memory Faint early signal	small	4 meta-analyses n=194 Meta-analyzed	500–2000 mg	2–12 wk	—
Sharpen focus and mental stamina Faint early signal	small	4 meta-analyses n=147 Meta-analyzed	500–2000 mg	8–12 wk	—

Buy well

Recommended Citicoline products

Real products that dose Citicoline where the research does, in a clean formulation, from brands we've audited. We only list ones we'd stand behind.

Chosen for adequate Citicoline dosing vs. the studied range, a clean formulation (grade A–C), and independent brand-quality audits. Not sponsored.

Risk profile

Adverse events and known drug interactions

Safety events

serious cardiovascular adverse events severe

headache mild

vomiting mild

increased flatulence mild

increased burping mild

increased appetite mild

weight gain mild

mild adverse events (unspecified) mild

Drug interactions

Alteplase major additive

Haloperidol major increases effect

Levodopa moderate additive

Calcium Channel Blockers moderate additive

Urokinase moderate additive

Dizocilpine (MK-801) moderate additive

Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor moderate additive

Neomycin moderate decreases concentration

Antipsychotics moderate decreases effect

Donepezil moderate additive

Co-studied with

Supplements that share evidence with citicoline

Sources

Generated August 14, 2026

Citicoline

What citicoline actually does, by outcome

Recommended Citicoline products

Adverse events and known drug interactions

Supplements that share evidence with citicoline

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Recommended Citicoline products

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Focus & memory: evidence map across 45 supplements

Caffeine

Coffee

Creatine

Ginkgo

Guarana