Alpha-gpc Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More
What is this page for?
First and foremost: how Alpha-gpc interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Alpha-gpc is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.
But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Alpha-gpc is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Check Alpha-gpc against your medication
Add one medicationAlpha-gpc Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line
From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Alpha-gpc drug interaction appears low for most people. None of Alpha-gpc's known interactions are rated major or even moderate; every one on record is minor.
The only interaction worth singling out involves scopolamine, a medication used for motion sickness. A small human study found that alpha-GPC partially counteracted the attention and memory dulling caused by injected scopolamine, which suggests the two can work against each other. Whether alpha-GPC would also weaken the motion sickness benefit of the scopolamine patch is not clear, so people relying on that patch may want to keep this in mind. Beyond scopolamine, nothing in the profile rises to the level of a real safety concern.
Although more than a dozen medications appear on Alpha-gpc's interaction list, all are graded minor, and the documented evidence is limited. Much of the concern is theoretical, and even the best-studied example showed only a partial, modest effect in a small study. A long list here reflects caution, not proven harm.
Based on HelloPharmacist’s Alpha-gpc interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.
Drugs that interact with Alpha-gpc
16 medications have a known interaction with Alpha-gpc, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.
Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.
Tell us the medications you take and we’ll check each one against Alpha-gpc using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.
AI summaries are generated from our Alpha-gpc interaction data for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
No drugs match “”.
Atropine, Chlorpheniramine, Hyoscyamine, Phenylephrine, Phenylpropanolamine, ScopolamineAtrohist Plus, Pro Tuss, Ru-tuss, Stahist
Theoretically, alpha-GPC might decrease the effects of scopolamine.
Read the full Alpha-gpc + Atropine, Chlorpheniramine, Hyoscyamine, Phenylephrine, Phenylpropanolamine, Scopolamine interactionAtropine, Hyoscyamine, Phenobarbital, ScopolamineBarbidonna No. 2, Belladonna Phenobarbital
Theoretically, alpha-GPC might decrease the effects of scopolamine.
Read the full Alpha-gpc + Atropine, Hyoscyamine, Phenobarbital, Scopolamine interactionAtropine, Hyoscyamine, ScopolamineColytrol
Theoretically, alpha-GPC might decrease the effects of scopolamine.
Read the full Alpha-gpc + Atropine, Hyoscyamine, Scopolamine interactionAtropine, Hyoscyamine, Scopolamine, PhenobarbitalBarbeloid, Donnatal #2, Donphen
Theoretically, alpha-GPC might decrease the effects of scopolamine.
Read the full Alpha-gpc + Atropine, Hyoscyamine, Scopolamine, Phenobarbital interactionBarbital, Hyoscyamine, Scopolamine, Passiflora, ValeriBarbatose #2
Theoretically, alpha-GPC might decrease the effects of scopolamine.
Read the full Alpha-gpc + Barbital, Hyoscyamine, Scopolamine, Passiflora, Valeri interactionBelladonna Alkaloids, PhenobarbitalBarbidonna, Donnatal
Theoretically, alpha-GPC might decrease the effects of scopolamine.
Read the full Alpha-gpc + Belladonna Alkaloids, Phenobarbital interactionCamphor, Hyoscyamine, Passif, Phenobarbital, Scopolamine, ValerianNevrotose #3
Theoretically, alpha-GPC might decrease the effects of scopolamine.
Read the full Alpha-gpc + Camphor, Hyoscyamine, Passif, Phenobarbital, Scopolamine, Valerian interactionChlorpheniramine, MethscopolamineAllerx
Theoretically, alpha-GPC might decrease the effects of scopolamine.
Read the full Alpha-gpc + Chlorpheniramine, Methscopolamine interactionChlorpheniramine, Methscopolamine, PhenylephrineAH Chew, DA, DA II, Dallergy, Dallergy ER, Dura Vent DA +9 more
Theoretically, alpha-GPC might decrease the effects of scopolamine.
Read the full Alpha-gpc + Chlorpheniramine, Methscopolamine, Phenylephrine interactionChlorpheniramine, Methscopolamine, PhenylpropanolaminePannaz
Theoretically, alpha-GPC might decrease the effects of scopolamine.
Read the full Alpha-gpc + Chlorpheniramine, Methscopolamine, Phenylpropanolamine interactionChlorpheniramine, Methscopolamine, PseudoephedrineMescolor, Rescon-Mx, Xiral
Theoretically, alpha-GPC might decrease the effects of scopolamine.
Read the full Alpha-gpc + Chlorpheniramine, Methscopolamine, Pseudoephedrine interactionDextromethorphan, Methscopolamine, PhenylephrineDA Chewable
Theoretically, alpha-GPC might decrease the effects of scopolamine.
Read the full Alpha-gpc + Dextromethorphan, Methscopolamine, Phenylephrine interactionMethscopolamine BromidePamine
Theoretically, alpha-GPC might decrease the effects of scopolamine.
Read the full Alpha-gpc + Methscopolamine Bromide interactionMethscopolamine, Mivacurium, PhenylephrineDallergy IR
Theoretically, alpha-GPC might decrease the effects of scopolamine.
Read the full Alpha-gpc + Methscopolamine, Mivacurium, Phenylephrine interactionMethscopolamine, PseudoephedrineAllerx D
Theoretically, alpha-GPC might decrease the effects of scopolamine.
Read the full Alpha-gpc + Methscopolamine, Pseudoephedrine interactionScopolamineScopace, Scopolamine Injection, Transderm Scop
Theoretically, alpha-GPC might decrease the effects of scopolamine.
Read the full Alpha-gpc + Scopolamine interaction Scopolamine drug page: uses, dosage & side effectsWhat Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean
Severity — How Serious It Can Be
- Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
- Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
- Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
- No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.
Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented
- Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
- Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
- Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
- Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.
Where This Data Comes From
- Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
- Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Alpha-gpc combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
- Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The kinds of drugs Alpha-gpc affects
Every type of medication (drug category) Alpha-gpc is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.
Scopolamine (Transderm Scop)
Theoretically, alpha-GPC might decrease the effects of scopolamine.
A small clinical study shows that alpha-GPC can partially counteract the attention and memory impairment effects caused by scopolamine given intramuscularly. Whether alpha-GPC can decrease the beneficial anti-motion sickness effects of the scopolamine patch (Transderm Scop) is unclear.
Alpha-gpc: Uses, Safety & Side Effects
Alpha-GPC is a choline-containing compound used mainly for memory, brain health, and as a choline source. There is some evidence it may help cognition in people with dementia, but evidence in healthy people is limited. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before starting it, especially if you take other medicines or have a health condition.

- Part used
- Synthesized compound; also found naturally in soy lecithin and small amounts in foods
- Common forms
- Capsules, tablets, powder, liquid
- Memory and learning support
- Age-related cognitive decline
- Alzheimer's disease and dementia (under study)
- Athletic and physical performance
- Source of choline
Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.
Generally well tolerated in studies, but long-term safety is not fully established.
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
Read the full pregnancy detailInsufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
Read the full breastfeeding detailPregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.
Overview
Alpha-GPC (alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine) is a compound that provides choline, a nutrient your body needs for healthy brain and nerve function. It occurs naturally in small amounts in foods such as soy lecithin, and your body also makes it. As a supplement, it is usually made in a lab.
People take Alpha-GPC most often for brain-related reasons, such as supporting memory, focus, and learning. It has also been studied in people with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Some athletes use it hoping to support physical performance.
It is sold as capsules, tablets, powders, and liquids, often by itself or combined with other ingredients in "nootropic" or brain-health products.
How it works
Alpha-GPC delivers choline to the body, and it appears to be absorbed well. Choline is a building block the body uses to make acetylcholine, a chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) that is important for memory, attention, and learning.
Choline is also used to make parts of cell membranes, including in brain cells. Researchers believe Alpha-GPC may cross into the brain and support these processes, which is why it is studied for cognition.
Most of this is based on laboratory studies, animal research, and theory about how choline works. The exact effects in the human brain at supplement doses are not fully understood.
Does Alpha-gpc work?
How to read these evidence grades
Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.
Possibly Effective Alzheimer disease
Oral alpha-GPC, taken alone or in combination with donepezil, may be beneficial for improving cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer disease.
Also studied for 4 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Brain tumor
It is unclear if oral alpha-GPC is beneficial in patients with brain tumors.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Cognitive function
Although there has been interest in using oral alpha-GPC to improve cognitive function in healthy adults, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of alpha-GPC for this purpose.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Stroke
It is unclear if intramuscular or oral alpha-GPC is beneficial for preventing stroke or improving post-stroke outcomes.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Vascular dementia
It is unclear if intramuscular alpha-GPC is beneficial in patients with vascular dementia.
Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.
Safety & precautions
Alpha-GPC has generally been well tolerated in clinical studies that lasted several months. However, its long-term safety is not fully known, and most studies were done in older adults with health conditions rather than healthy people.
Some research has raised a question about whether high choline intake could relate to cardiovascular risk over time, but this is not settled. People with heart disease or stroke history should be especially careful and talk to a doctor first.
Because there is not enough safety information, pregnant and breastfeeding people should avoid Alpha-GPC unless a doctor specifically recommends it. Children should not use it unless directed by a healthcare provider. If you have any medical condition, are scheduled for surgery, or take other medicines or supplements, check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting.
Side effects
When side effects occur, they are usually mild and may include headache, heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, or upset stomach. Some people report dizziness, skin rash, or feeling nervous or jittery.
Serious side effects appear to be uncommon, but because long-term and large-scale data are limited, not all possible risks are known. Stop taking it and seek medical care if you have signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, swelling, or trouble breathing.
Alpha-gpc: Reported Adverse Effects
Documented safety reports on Alpha-gpc from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.
Orally, alpha-GPC seems to be well tolerated.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Stroke.
Cluster headache Neurologic/CNS
Orally, alpha-GPC has been rarely associated with dizziness, excitation, headache, and insomnia. Alpha-GPC use for at least 2 months has also been associated with an elevated risk of stroke when compared with non-users or those who used alpha-GPC for less than 2 months.
Intramuscularly, alpha-GPC has been rarely associated with confusion, excitation, fainting, headache, and insomnia.
- Barbagallo Sangiorgi G, Barbagallo M, Giordano M, et al. Alpha-glycerophosphocholine in the mental recovery of cerebral ischemic attacks: An Italian multicenter clinical trial. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1994;717:253-69.
- Lee G, Choi S, Chang J, et al. Association of L-a glycerylphosphorylcholine with subsequent stroke risk after 10 Years. JAMA Netw Open 2021;4(11):e2136008.
Diarrhea Gastrointestinal
Orally, alpha-GPC has been rarely associated with diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting.
Intramuscularly, alpha-GPC has been rarely associated with diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting.
Erythema Dermatologic
Orally, some patients can experience skin rash. Intramuscularly, alpha-GPC can cause erythema at the injection site.
- Barbagallo Sangiorgi G, Barbagallo M, Giordano M, et al. Alpha-glycerophosphocholine in the mental recovery of cerebral ischemic attacks: An Italian multicenter clinical trial. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1994;717:253-69.
- Di Perri R, Coppola G, Ambrosio LA, et al. A multicentre trial to the evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine versus cytosine diphosphocholine in patients with vascular dementia. J Int Med Res 1991;19:330-41.
Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center
Dosing
There is no official, standardized dose of Alpha-GPC for any condition. Doses used in research have varied depending on the purpose and the people studied.
The safest approach is to follow the directions on the product label and not exceed them. Because supplement quality and strength can vary between brands, look for products tested by an independent quality program when possible.
Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before starting Alpha-GPC so they can help you decide if it is appropriate and check it against your other medicines and health conditions.
Alpha-gpc & Pregnancy
Alpha-gpc & Breastfeeding
© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center
Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center
References & further reading
The 4 references that drive our Alpha-gpc monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
- Di Perri R, Coppola G, Ambrosio LA, et al. A multicentre trial to the evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine versus cytosine diphosphocholine in patients with vascular dementia. J Int Med Res 1991;19:330-41.
- Barbagallo Sangiorgi G, Barbagallo M, Giordano M, et al. Alpha-glycerophosphocholine in the mental recovery of cerebral ischemic attacks: An Italian multicenter clinical trial. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1994;717:253-69. PubMed
- Canal N, Franceschi M, Alberoni M, et al. Effect of L-alpha-glyceryl-phosphorylcholine on amnesia caused by scopolamine. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol 1991;29:103-7.
- Lee G, Choi S, Chang J, et al. Association of L-a glycerylphosphorylcholine with subsequent stroke risk after 10 Years. JAMA Netw Open 2021;4(11):e2136008.
This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.
Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Brands that make products with Alpha-gpc
343 brands in our database make a supplement containing Alpha-gpc.
Supplement products with Alpha-gpc
1,140 products in our database contain Alpha-gpc. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.
Alpha-gpc: Common Questions
What is Alpha-gpc used for, and does it work?
Does Alpha-gpc interact with prescription medications?
How are Alpha-gpc interactions rated?
Is it safe to take Alpha-gpc with my medications?
Where does this Alpha-gpc interaction information come from?
What is Alpha-gpc used for?
Is Alpha-gpc safe to take?
Can I take Alpha-gpc while pregnant or breastfeeding?
How is Alpha-gpc different from regular choline supplements?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Products that contain Alpha-gpc
A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Alpha-gpc — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.
- Focused-AF by Steel
- Harness Pre-Workout Big Apple by ARN Arms Race Nutrition
- Legend Warheads Sour Watermelon by GHOST
- Stimulation X Caribbean Punch by Swole Labs
- Brain Vitale by Designs for Health
- Bucked Up Pre-Workout Grape Gainz by Bucked Up
- WRN Pre-Workout Fruit Punch by FINAFLEX
- PediaFocus - DF Natural Vanilla Flavor by Designs for Health
- FURY Fun Sweets Cotton Candy Cherry Berry by Core Nutritionals
- LIT Charged Gummy Worm by GNC Beyond Raw
Have a question about Alpha-gpc?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.