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Compound

Citicoline (CDP-Choline)

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Citicoline (CDP-Choline). Phospholipid precursor with cytidine bonus — supports membranes and dopamine.

How it works. Splits to choline + cytidine (→ uridine in humans); supports phosphatidylcholine synthesis.

What the research supports. 2 graded claims. Strongest: Improves attention and memory in older adults (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: 250–500 mg.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. Serious: Discontinue and seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent, or include difficulty breathing.

Stacking. Pairs well with Omega-3 (EPA/DHA), Alpha-GPC or CDP-choline.

Forms. 1 forms. Pick one to open its profile.

Key studies. 9 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Citicoline (CDP-Choline). Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Citicoline (CDP-Choline). Phospholipid precursor with cytidine bonus — supports membranes and dopamine.

Molecular structureC14H26N4O11P2 · 488.32 g/mol

What it is

Phospholipid precursor with cytidine bonus — supports membranes and dopamine.

Food sources

Endogenously produced or biosynthesized moleculeStandardized pharmaceutical- or food-grade supplementCombined with cofactors that improve absorption or activity

Goals

Brain & CognitivePost-Drug Use Recovery

How it works

Splits to choline + cytidine (→ uridine in humans); supports phosphatidylcholine synthesis.

Pathways

  • Membrane phospholipid synthesis
  • Dopamine receptor density

Effects

  • +attention and memory in older adults supports
  • +Adjunct in cocaine use disorder (limited) supports

What the research supports

Improves attention and memory in older adultsmoderate
Adjunct in cocaine use disorder (limited)limited

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
250–500 mg
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodOptional
Best formMost evidence is based on the capsule or softgel form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Citicoline (CDP-Choline) is generally well-tolerated at evidence-based doses
  • Mild GI discomfort (nausea, loose stools, or bloating) possible at higher intakes
  • Headache or transient fatigue reported by a small fraction of users

Serious

  • Discontinue and seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent, or include difficulty breathing

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose Citicoline (CDP-Choline) use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)Membrane fluidity and neuronal signaling support.
  • Alpha-GPC or CDP-cholineProvides choline substrate for acetylcholine synthesis.

Key studies

9 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Citicoline (CDP-Choline) — Improves attention and memory in older adults ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Citicoline (CDP-Choline) and "Improves attention and memory in older adults". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Citicoline (CDP-Choline) — Adjunct in cocaine use disorder ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Citicoline (CDP-Choline) and "Adjunct in cocaine use disorder". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Citicoline (CDP-Choline) — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Citicoline (CDP-Choline) and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

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