Sarcosine (N-methylglycine)
Cognitive · NMDA co-agonist / glycine transporter inhibitor
Tier B-
Bottom line
Read Off Label grades Sarcosine (N-methylglycine) as B- (6.2/10) based on weak-moderate evidence, low-moderate benefit magnitude, and a low-risk safety profile.
An NMDA-receptor co-agonist that works by blocking glycine reuptake (GlyT1 inhibition) to boost glutamatergic signaling.
Studied, labeled, or reported-use context: Oral, typically 500-2000 mg/day — Supplement; not individualized guidance.
What the evidence says
An NMDA-receptor co-agonist that works by blocking glycine reuptake (GlyT1 inhibition) to boost glutamatergic signaling. Small add-on RCTs show benefit for the negative symptoms of schizophrenia and for major depression (Lane and Strzelecki groups). It is sold OTC as a nootropic for mood and cognition, but there is no controlled trial of cognitive enhancement in healthy users — the evidence base is psychiatric-adjunct, not nootropic. Cheap and well tolerated; distinct from plain glycine.
Mechanism
Inhibits glycine transporter-1 (GlyT1), raising synaptic glycine to enhance NMDA-receptor signaling; also a one-carbon metabolite of glycine involved in methylation
Studied, labeled, or reported dose & route
Oral, typically 500-2000 mg/day
This records doses and routes described in studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use. It is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety; context changes with indication, formulation, health history, monitoring, and other medicines.
Citations
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Common questions
- What does the evidence show about Sarcosine (N-methylglycine)'s effects?
- Read Off Label rates the evidence for Sarcosine (N-methylglycine) as Weak-Moderate and the benefit magnitude as low-moderate, producing an overall grade of B- (6.2/10). An NMDA-receptor co-agonist that works by blocking glycine reuptake (GlyT1 inhibition) to boost glutamatergic signaling.
- What safety findings are reported for Sarcosine (N-methylglycine)?
- Sarcosine (N-methylglycine) has a low risk profile in the database. Low (generally well tolerated, mild GI; theoretical caution as an NMDA modulator in psychosis) Legal status: Supplement (sold as a nootropic; also a research adjunct in psychiatry).
- What doses or routes are reported for Sarcosine (N-methylglycine)?
- Oral, typically 500-2000 mg/day This is context from studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use; it is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety.
- How does Sarcosine (N-methylglycine) work?
- Inhibits glycine transporter-1 (GlyT1), raising synaptic glycine to enhance NMDA-receptor signaling; also a one-carbon metabolite of glycine involved in methylation
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.