Piracetam
Out of the many nootropic drugs currently available, Piracetam remains one of the most popular.It is one of the most researched and safest nootropics, and has been proven to improve multiple measures of cognitive performance in healthy individuals with very few side effects.
Read on to learn more about Piracetam including its benefits, side effects, and dosing information. Check out the FAQ section if you have any specific questions about piracetam.
Have a specific question about Piracetam? Check out the FAQ section at the bottom of this page.
What is Piracetam?
Piracetam is among the very first nootropic “smart drugs”. Its discovery dates all the way back to 1964. Research was led by Dr. Corneliu E. Girugrea and upon his discovery of Piracetam, he coined the term “nootropic” to describe its properties.
Piracetam was launched clinically in the early 1970’s under the name “Nootropil” and is currently used in many European countries. Since the invention of Piracetam, other pharmaceutical companies began their own research.
An entire family of “racetam” drugs has since been born. Some nootropics in the “racetam” category include aniracetam, oxiracetam, pramiracetam, and nefiracetam. Though all the “racetam” drugs have somewhat similar mechanisms of action, others are much more potent. Piracetam is regarded as the least potent of the family.
Benefits of Piracetam
- Helps reverse the effects of aging on the brain, helps prevent cognitive disorders. [1][2][3]
- Treats cognitive impairment brought on by alcoholism. [4]
- Improves memory. [5]
- Treats a wide range of cognitive disorders including dementia, alzheimers, schizophrenia, vertigo, cortical myoclonus, dyslexia, and sickle cell anemia.[6]
- Increases activity in the corpus callosum, resulting in increased communication between the brain’s two hemispheres. [7]
- Increases blood flow and oxygen consumption to the brain. [8]
Medical Uses
Piracetam is widely used throughout Europe, Asia, and South America as a prescription medication. It is most commonly used to treat a wide variety of mental illnesses such as Alzheimer’s, senile dementia, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and cerebral trauma.
It has also been used to treat other conditions including alcoholism, vasospastic disorders, symptoms of strokes, and ischemia.
Using Piracetam
Piracetam is an extremely common nootropic which is often recommended for beginners due to its safety and lack of side effects. It is a staple of many nootropic regimens and is good for anyone who wants to experience the benefits nootropics can provide.
How to take Piracetam
Piracetam can be taken either with food or on an empty stomach, although it is recommended to take it after eating. Staying hydrated while taking piracetam is also important.
If you would like to start taking Piracetam, you have two basic ways to take it; either in capsules or in a bulk powder form. Bulk powder Piracetam is generally cheaper, but less convenient. Most people don’t like the taste of Piracetam powder, however it dissolves is water and the taste is hidden well by just about any type of flavored beverages. In addition with the purchase of a capping machine, the powder can easily be packed into homemade capsules.
How much cheaper is Piracetam in bulk powder as opposed to capsules? On Amazon.com we can see that 500 grams of bulk powder Piracetam costs $54.95 while only 48 grams of Piracetam capsules costs $23.44. This means that Piracetam powder costs $0.10 per gram while capsules cost $0.48 per gram.
Bottom line? Unless you are willing to pay a large premium for convenience, bulk powder Piracetam is a much better deal.
Dosing Piracetam
Common knowledge suggests that a good dose of Piracetam is between 800 mg – 1600 mg taken two or three times a day. This is the most commonly taken dose, and many people experience good results from it.
One recent study suggests that the optimal dose may actually be much higher, however. In this study, a single dose of either 2.9G, 4.8G, 9.6G, or a placebo were given to volunteers. Different measures of cognitive function where then measured using EEG potential maps. The study found that the cognitive measures were highest after the 4.8G dose. This implies a U-shaped return. Too little piracetam won’t help you a lot, and too much piracetam won’t help you a lot either.
Another study found the optimal dose to be even higher. Like the first study, this one examined the effects of a single dose at either 2.4G, 4.8G, 9.6G, or a placebo. What is interesting is that this found that cognitive function improved the most at the 9.6G dose. The first study found 4.8G as the optimal dose.
When deciding how much Piracetam to take, it is important to keep in mind that the optimal dose will differ for everyone. The best approach is to start with a low dose and slowly increase it until the desired benefits are experienced.
How Piracetam Works
Piracetam is a positive allosteric modulator, meaning it regulates certain enzymes and proteins by binding to an effector. In this case, piracetam binds to the AMPA receptor. [9] It then acts on ion channels or ion carriers to increase neuron excitability. This also explains its low toxicity and lack of inhibitory effects. [10]
Piracetam also increases the functionality of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine via ACh receptors. This explains why people taking piracetam use up choline at an abnormally fast rate. Taking choline with piracetam produces a synergistic effect since piracetam now has more “fuel” to carry out some of its functions. [12] Piracetam also has an effect on NMDA glutamate receptors and increases cell membrane permeability. [11]
Safety and Side Effects of Piracetam
Piracetam is regarded as an extremely safe drug. Serious dangers and chance of overdose are non-existent. Even though there can be side-effects, they are very mild and considered rare. [13] Some general side effects can include anxiety, insomnia, headaches, and nervousness. Headaches can be countered by making sure you take more choline in your diet or by taking choline supplements.
Where to Buy Piracetam
Piracetam is completely legal for over the counter purchasing in the US and Canada. However a prescription is necessary in many European and Asian countries. It is nearly impossible to find Piracetam at brick and mortar pharmacies or drugstores, despite it being legal. The easiest way to acquire Piracetam is to purchase it online. There are many vendors which sell piracetam online; below are our favorites:
Amazon.com | ($.08 g, $.48 g) – Amazon is a professional and reliable vendor which sells piracetam in both bulk powder and cap your own pills will save you lots of money in the long run.
World Class Nutrition – World Class Nutrition sells a wide range of dietary supplements and nootropics. While they recently ceased to provide piracetam in bulk powder form, they do still offer piracetam capsules. WCN’s prices on capsules are much better than Amazons. Here 120 capsules of 800 mg are offered at $13.99, or $0.146 per gram. This is less than half as expensive as at Amazon.
Should I Take Piracetam?
Piracetam is one of the oldest, most time tested, and most reliable nootropics available.
I have never taken a nootropic before. Where should I start?
Piracetam has gained a reputation for being the “Beginner’s Drug” when it comes to nootropics. Many of its effects, such as improving cerebral blood flow, benefit all areas of cognitive function. Also, because people have been taking it for over 40 years, there’s a wealth of information available to use as research. If you are a beginner, I recommend you read our Beginner Nootropic Regimen.
Do you want to keep your brain healthy and lower your chances of getting Alzheimer’s?
You won’t have to look much further than Piracetam. When combined with Choline and Uridine, you have an excellent mental health and general cognition regimen. All these nootropics revolve around the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine (ACh). They work synergistically to keep levels of ACh at a healthy level.
The “Cholinergenic Hypothesis” proposes that Alzheimer’s disease is in part caused by low levels of and poorly functioning ACh neurotransmitters. Currently, 10% of people over the age of 65 suffer from Alzheimer’s. Those aren’t chances that I am winning to take. No one knows the exact chance of getting Alzheimer’s if you take piracetam, but the fact remains. Taking piracetam will lower your chances of suffering from Alzheimer’s
I have never taken a nootropic before. Where should I start?
Piracetam has gained a reputation for being the “Beginner’s Drug” when it comes to nootropics. Many of its effects, such as improving cerebral blood flow, benefit all areas of cognitive function. Also, because people have been taking it for over 40 years, there’s a wealth of information available to use as research. If you are a beginner, I recommend you read our Beginner Nootropic Regimen.
Do you want to keep your brain healthy and lower your chances of getting Alzheimer’s?
You won’t have to look much further than Piracetam. When combined with Choline and Uridine, you have an excellent mental health and general cognition regimen. All these nootropics revolve around the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine (ACh). They work synergistically to keep levels of ACh at a healthy level.
The “Cholinergenic Hypothesis” proposes that Alzheimer’s disease is in part caused by low levels of and poorly functioning ACh neurotransmitters. Currently, 10% of people over the age of 65 suffer from Alzheimer’s. Those aren’t chances that I am winning to take. No one knows the exact chance of getting Alzheimer’s if you take piracetam, but the fact remains. Taking piracetam will lower your chances of suffering from Alzheimer’s
How long does it take before I will feel the effects of Piracetam?
This is completely dependent on the person. Some people report feeling effects after their first use while other people take piracetam for weeks before feeling an effect. If you don’t feel any different after one month it is best to abandon piracetam and try a different nootropic. Nootropics such as aniracetam, oxiracetam, and pramiracetam are more likely to produce noticeable effects according to anecdotal evidence. If piracetam isn’t working due to poorly functioning adrenals, you should find a substitute outside of the “racetam” family.
What nootropics have a synergistic effect with Piracetam?
First of all, if you are taking a “racetam” nootropic you will most likely need to be taking a choline supplement. Use of piracetam causes your brain to use up choline at an abnormally fast rate. Many people who take piracetam without choline experience chronic headaches. To make sure your choline levels remain normal, take a choline supplement.
Many people also take uridine because it has a synergistic relationship with choline. Taking these two supplements together can increase your brain’s synthesis of phosphatidylcholine(PC) by up to 45%.This layer of PC is critical for your cells ability to function properly. When choline levels in your brain are at low levels, your brain begins to take from this PC layer. Uridine is also converted to CDP-Choline in your brain supplementing the piracetam even more.
Taking two “racetam” nootropics, such as aniracetam along with piracetam may also produce a synergistic effect. Because piracetam and oxiracetam are water-soluble, while aniracetam and pramiracetam are fat-soluble, mixing a water-soluble “racetam” with a fat soluble “racetam” may produce synergistic effects.
How does Piracetam differ from the other ‘racetams?
Even though all of the “racetam” nootropics effect the functionality of the neurotransmitter ACh, none of them work exactly the same way. The first important thing to take note of is that piracetam and oxiracetam are water-soluble, while pramiracetam and aniracetam are fat-soluble. This means they are processed by your body in different ways. If a fat-soluble racetam does not work, it is best to try a water soluble one next.
Studies have shown that piracetam increase blood flow to the brain and communication between the brain’s left and right hemisphere. There are no such studies showing that any other racetam drugs perform these functions.
Piracetam is also regarded as the least potent of the racetam family. By this I mean two things.
1. People experience more noticeable effects while taking aniracetam, oxiracetam, or pramiracetam when compared to piracetam. As I have said, it can take weeks for people to experience results when taking piracetam, most people get results the first time they take a different racetam.
2. The recommended dosage for piracetam is much higher when compared to the other racetam drugs. This implies piracetam is not as potent. In other words, you need more to accomplish the same results.
Can I take Piracetam with other ‘racetams such as Aniracetam?
Yes. I would recommend starting with lower then recommended dosages. I would also suggest you mix a fat-soluble racetam with a water-soluble racetam. Piracetam and oxiracetam are water-soluble. Pramiracetam and aniracetam are fat-soluble.
Should I take Choline supplements with Piracetam?
While some people get enough Choline in their diets, others will need to supplement in order to avoid the side effect of mild headaches. If you experience these headaches you should supplement with Choline.
Many people take a ratio of 2:1 with regards to piracetam : choline. This means if you are taking three 800mg doses of piracetam, you should take 3 400mg doses of choline. You don’t have to take these doses at the exact same time. It is fine to take three doses of piracetam and one, large dose of choline at the beginning of the day. Other people have suggested a 3:1 ratio or a 1:1 ratio. If you are getting headaches at a 2:1 ratio you may want to upgrade to a 1:1 ratio. If you already get lots of choline in your diet (more then 800-100mgs), you may want to downgrade to a 3:1 ratio.
How long does a single dose of Piracetam last?
The half-life of piracetam is 4-5 hours. This means it loses half of its effect in that amount of time. In other words, you will probably peak after two hours of use, feel half the effects in 4-5 hours, and feel no effects in 8-10 hours. Most people space out their piracetam doses every 8 hours.
I’ve started taking Piracetam and haven’t noticed anything, what’s wrong?
Some people report taking piracetam for weeks without ever feeling an effect. Others even say that they feel “foggier” while on the piracetam. In other words, they believe it has the opposite effect on them. But why is this?
Recently, a link has been discovered that links many piracetam non-responders together. A study conducted on rats revealed that when their adrenal glands were removed, the piracetam had no effect. This means that people with improperly working adrenal glands likely won’t get much benefit from piracetam.
The most common condition piracetam non-responders suffer from is called “adrenal fatigue” Adrenal fatigue occurs when someone’s adrenal glands function below normal levels. Some symptoms associated with this condition include:
- Feeling tired even after getting an adequate level of sleep
- Finding it extremely difficult to get out of bed in the morning
- Having more energy late in the day (after 5pm) then you did the rest of the day
- Constantly craving sweets
Luckily, there is a simple test you can perform on yourself to determine if your adrenal gland is functioning properly.
1. Get a flashlight.
2. Stand near a mirror in a closed room with no lights on. Complete darkness is required.
3. Shine the flashlight on your eyes from the side, not directly into them.
4. Your pupils should become smaller.
5. Over the next 90 seconds, take note as to whether your pupils remain small or fluctuate in size.
If you have healthy adrenals, your pupils should remain small. If you have adrenal efficiency, your pupils will get small but will begin to fluctuate after 30 seconds. Here is a video showing pupil fluctuation and another one walking you through the test. If you are still unsure whether you suffer from improper adrenals, take this adrenal questionnaire.
So what can you do if you suffer from poorly functioning adrenal glands? Studies have shown that corticosteroid supplementation along with aldosterone will allow piracetam to function properly. You can purchase these supplements here. People have also reported pregnenolone has helped them. Pregnenolone is a supplement that is eventually turned to aldosterone by your body. Fludrocortisone (Florinef) makes for an excellent corticosterone replacement.
Constantly being sleep deprived and suffering from chronic stress can cause your adrenal glands to function below normal levels. If you feel as though piracetam is losing its effect, perform the eye pupil test to determine if your adrenal glands are being affected.
If you do not want to use those additional supplements, it is best to look for a nootropic outside of the “racetam” family.
Is it possible to overdose on Piracetam?
There has never been a reported overdose related to piracetam. It is much easier to overdose on a drug such as Advil than it is to overdose on piracetam.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while on Piracetam?
There is little research examining the combined effects of alcohol and piracetam. However, one study was conducted on rabbits. The rabbits were subjected to piracetam and ethanol for prolonged periods. The study revealed that single administrations of piracetam and alcohol combined did not change the effects of either supplement. Prolonged use lessened the effects of alcohol.
Anecdotal evidence has mixed results. Some people say that taking piracetam allows them to drink more alcohol while other say they get drunker more quickly. However, most people say the hangovers the next day are much worse when taking piracetam. To be completely safe, it is best not to consume piracetam and alcohol together.
Does Piracetam make a good study drug?
If you are looking for a supplement to take before a prolonged study session piracetam will probably not help you much. It may take weeks of use before you even feel an effect. Piracetam is most effective when taken daily. If you are looking for a nootropic to take occasionally or only when you need to study all day, I would recommend a stronger racetam such as pramiracetam.
How much smarter will Piracetam make me?
This all depends on the person. Many people report a noticeable feeling while others do not. Piracetam is designed to give you an edge, it won’t turn you into a genius. If you are expecting a miracle drug, such as in the movie Limitless, then you will be disappointed.
How can I tell if Piracetam is working for me?
The best way to track you progress is through brain games. At Luminosity you can find games to test memory, attention, problem solving, and mental speed. Playing these games once a week and recording the results is a great way to track your progress. Especially if you aren’t feeling a very noticeable effect.
Playing these types of games regularly can actually improve your cognitive abilities as well. Combining the use of nootropics with brain games can produce an even greater effect than taking nootropics by themself.
Can I take Piracetam every day?
Yes, piracetam is safe to take every day and is most effective this way.
What are some good alternatives to Piracetam?
If you are looking from something that produces a more noticeable feeling I would suggest aniracetam, oxiracetam, or pramiracetam.
If you can’t take a racetam nootropic due to adrenal problems, a caffeine,L-Theanine combination has shown to be very effective at improving cognitive abilities.
Cited Sources
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