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Aniracetam (1-p-anisoyl-2-pyrrolidinone) is a fat-soluble ampakine nootropic in the racetam-class of compounds. Aniracetam is up to 10-times more potent than the original racetam, Piracetam.
Aniracetam was patented by Swiss-based pharmaceutical company F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG in the 1978. It is similar in structure to Piracetam. Aniracetam, like all racetam nootropics, has a pyrrolidone nucleus at its core.
Aniracetam is sold as a prescription drug (Ampamet, Draganon, Memodrin, Referan, Sarpul) in Europe. And as a supplement in the United States.
A favorite racetam among the nootropics community. Neurohackers use Aniracetam to boost memory and learning. And to relieve anxiety, depression, stress, and improve sociability.[i]
Aniracetam helps:
- Brain Optimization: Aniracetam significantly improves brain function after traumatic brain injury including stroke (ischemia).[ii] And enhances your brain’s ability to repair damaged cell membranes.
- Neurotransmitters: Aniracetam reduces the desensitization of glutamate (AMPA) receptors in your brain. Which boosts neural signaling by increasing the effectiveness of glutamate. Resulting in better focus and concentration.[iii]
- Brain Energy: Aniracetam improves memory and recall. It releases 200 – 300% more acetylcholine in the brain. Which can increase focus, and clarity of thought.[iv]
Overview
Aniracetam is in the racetam-family of nootropic compounds. It is a fat-soluble ampakine nootropic. AMPA (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic) refers to one of three glutamate receptors in your brain.[v]
The racetam-class of nootropics have a pyrrolidone nucleus at their core. And Aniracetam is a Cholinergic compound, meaning it affects acetylcholine levels in the brain.
Aniracetam is sold as a prescription drug in Europe and some of Asia under the names Ampamet, Draganon, Memodrin, Referan, and Sarpul. It is sold as an over-the-counter, unrestricted compound in the United States. But not as a dietary supplement.
One of the original synthetic nootropic compounds, it is known as a cognitive enhancer. And is known for its anxiolytic, or anti-anxiety effects.
Aniracetam is considered to be up to 10-times more potent than Piracetam. As an ampakine nootropic, it helps increase attention span, alertness and boosts memory.
Ampakines tend to have a stimulant effect. But do not produce the same stimulant side effects as Ritalin or coffee from prolonged use.
Aniracetam vs. Piracetam: What’s the Difference?
Swiss-based pharmaceutical company F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG developed Aniracetam in the late 1970’s as a derivative of Piracetam.
Aniracetam is fat-soluble while Piracetam is water-soluble. Fat-soluble molecules cross the blood-brain barrier more easily than water-soluble molecules.
Aniracetam works faster in the brain after taking it than Piracetam because of its superior bioavailability to the brain. But its effects don’t last as long as Piracetam.
The potency of Aniracetam seems almost counter-intuitive. Because most of an Aniracetam dose is lost in the liver during digestion. Only 0.2% or the original dose is available to the brain.[vi] Piracetam is nearly 100% bioavailable.[vii]
Both Aniracetam and Piracetam are cognitive enhancers. And both have neuroprotective qualities. Both racetams are able to improve learning and memory. And both are able to repair brain damage.
Aniracetam has additional benefits not shared with Piracetam. Aniracetam can reduce anxiety, depression and fear. And increase sociability.[viii] This may indicate its effects on dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain.
How does Aniracetam Work in the Brain?
Aniracetam boosts brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.
- Aniracetam modulates AMPA receptors in the brain. The main metabolite of Aniracetam (70-80%) is N-anisoyl-GABA and is responsible for many of its effects.
2-Pyrrolidinone and p-anisilic acid are additional metabolites of the drug (20-30%), both of which are also active.[ix]
The main function of these metabolites is on the glutamate system in the brain. It reduces the desensitization of glutamate receptors. This causes the neurotransmitter glutamate to become more available in the brain.
More glutamate means better cognition and memory. And neural protection and repair due to brain injury.
- Aniracetam also seems to affect dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain. Leading to improved mood and sociability.
One study published in the European Journal of Pharmacology demonstrated the anti-anxiety effects of Aniracetam. Researchers tracked the brain pathways in mice showing Aniracetam’s mechanism of action.[x] Illustrating the effect on dopamine and serotonin.
How things go bad
Glutamate is an excitatory relative of GABA. While GABA has a calming effect, glutamate stimulates. Glutamate is the most common neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.
But glutamate is actually toxic to neurons. And too much of it in your brain can kill brain cells. Lou Gehrig’s Disease for example, is caused by excess glutamate.
But glutamate is a pivotal neurotransmitter in the brain. It links the brain circuits involved in memory, learning and perception.
↑ Too much glutamate can kill neurons
↓ Too little glutamate can cause problems with memory, learning and perception
↓ Acetylcholine levels decline
All of these changes can happen at any age. And are a product of the food we eat, what we drink, lifestyle habits, the air we breathe and more.
So Aniracetam can help for age-related cognitive decline, as well as a student looking to do better in school. By boosting acetylcholine and controlling glutamate in the brain.
Aniracetam benefits
Aniracetam modulates AMPA receptors which are involved in how glutamate is used in your brain. More of the neurotransmitter glutamate is available. Which means better neural signaling across synapses. Your brain is working optimally despite stress, fatigue and anxiety.
There is anecdotal evidence that Aniracetam boosts communication between left and right brain hemispheres. You become more creative. And are prone to making innovative and resourceful decisions.
Aniracetam combined with choline boosts the production of the crucial neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Improving memory, recall and focus.
Aniracetam is fat-soluble and quickly enters your brain after you take it. Once in your brain, it boosts signal transmission, and protects neurons.
Aniracetam boosts acetylcholine so you should add a good choline source. Try Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline with Aniracetam. And give your brain the choline it needs.
How does Aniracetam feel?
Nootropics users report:
- Aniracetam as a study aid. On its own, Aniracetam seems to increase attention span for many neurohackers. And when combined with caffeine, many report being able to work effortlessly for hours on end.
- Increased auditory perception. If you love music, Aniracetam can take you deeper into your listening experience. Minute details like background guitars, and other auditory effects come alive. Every instrument becomes part of the sound stage.
- Increased visual acuity. The visual effects of Aniracetam feel like your brain is processing a broader spectrum of what’s in your visual range. Nature and your surroundings look more vibrant and beautiful.
- Sociability. Many users report being able to articulate thoughts, and improved speaking ability. Language and your vocabulary seem to flow effortlessly. Thoughts and ideas come with less effort.
You should be able to experience the effects of Aniracetam soon after you take it. It’s fat-soluble so it’s digested and enters your cells quickly. A 750 mg dose of Aniracetam should last for several hours. And unlike other stimulants, there is no “crash” once Aniracetam leaves your system.
Aniracetam Clinical Research
Researchers worked with 276 patients with cognitive disorders. They were given Aniracetam and tested at 3, 6 and 12 months.
Improved emotional states and better motor functionality was observed within 3 months. A boost in cognitive performance was observed within 6 months.
Findings concluded Aniracetam “is a promising option for patients with cognitive deficit” disorders. Improvements held throughout the 12-month study. And there was a favorable effect on emotional stability in patients with dementia.[xi]
Aniracetam as an Antidepressant
A study published in Psychopharmacology in 2001 showed Aniracetam helped stimulate the release of dopamine. The study reported Aniracetam as effective against depression caused by age-related brain dysfunction.[xii]
Aniracetam Improves Learning & Memory
Researchers put rats and mice through six scenarios. From drug-induced memory loss to electric shock avoidance, while administering Aniracetam. The results of all tests conclusively showed Aniracetam improving cognitive function. It didn’t matter what they put these animals through. Learning and memory improved with the use of Aniracetam.[xiii]
Aniracetam Repairs Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
We’re exposed to toxins everywhere we go. And in everything we do during our day. This toxin exposure wreaks havoc in our body, including our brain.
In this study, scientists showed one way to repair damage to synaptic transmission in the brain. They exposed pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats to ethanol and a saccharin-like sweetener. Pups born to these female rats would normally be extremely cognitively impaired. Just like babies born to alcoholic mothers.
In this study, the pups born with fetal alcohol syndrome were treated with Aniracetam 18 and 27 days after birth. Aniracetam completely restored synaptic transmissions in their brains. And reversed any cognitive deficits associated with fetal alcohol syndrome.[xiv]
Aniracetam Dosage
Recommended Aniracetam dosage is 1,500 mg per day. Taken in two 750 mg doses. One Aniracetam dose in the morning, and one in the early afternoon.
A 750 mg dose of Aniracetam taken in the morning will last until noon. And a noon 750 mg dose of Aniracetam should last until about mid-afternoon.
Aniracetam is sold in tablet, capsule and powder form. Tablets and capsules are usually 750 mg each.
Since Aniracetam is a fat-soluble nootropic, you should take it with a meal containing healthy fats. Or with a tablespoon of unrefined coconut oil, or extra virgin olive oil. My preferred healthy fat is a tablespoon of the new organic, non-GMO Performance Lab® MCT Oil.
Aniracetam Side Effects
Aniracetam is non-toxic. So is considered well-tolerated and safe.
Side effects are rare but can include anxiety, fatigue, headaches, nervousness and nausea. Side effects are often a result of unusually high doses of the nootropic.
Headaches from using Aniracetam typically happen when you forget to combine it with a good choline supplement. Headaches are often a symptom of a choline deficit in your brain.
Where to Buy Aniracetam
Aniracetam is sold in tablet, capsule and powder form. Tablets and capsules are usually 750 mg each.
You can buy Aniracetam from Smart Nutrition – Aniracetam in capsules. Or from Science.bio – Aniracetam for tubs of powder.
In Europe and some other countries around the world, Aniracetam is a prescription drug. And sold under the brand names Ampamet, Draganon, Memodrin, Referan, and Sarpul.
Nootropics Expert Recommendation
Aniracetam 1,500 mg per day
I recommend using Aniracetam as a nootropic supplement.
Your body does not make Aniracetam on its own. So to get its benefits you must take it as a supplement.
Aniracetam is especially helpful for those suffering from depression. Studies show it helps stop and reverse the symptoms associated with depression. This nootropic helps boost the activity of dopamine and serotonin in your brain.
Personally, I’ve found Aniracetam to be more effective (and safer) than any prescription anti-depressant I’ve ever tried.
Aniracetam is also particularly useful to students and executives who want to boost cognition, learning and memory. My experience using Aniracetam shows it helps boost study scores, workflow, learning and memory.
Aniracetam also helps improve verbal fluidity and sociability. Words seem to come easily, and vocabulary you didn’t know you had access to come into play.
Music sounds richer and fuller, and your listening experience enters a new level of music appreciation.
You should use Aniracetam with a good choline supplement like Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline. It helps boost neural acetylcholine, so demands the presence of more choline in your brain.
You can safely boost daily intake of Aniracetam to 3,000 mg. if needed.
You can buy Aniracetam from Smart Nutrition – Aniracetam in capsules. Or from Science.bio – Aniracetam for tubs of powder.
And don’t forget that Aniracetam is a fat-soluble nootropic. So must be taken with a healthy fat for best results. My preferred healthy fat is a tablespoon of the new organic, non-GMO Performance Lab® MCT Oil.
Join The Discussion - 478 comments
Steven
April 30, 2021
Hi David, you’ve got a wonderful site here. Thanks for sharing all your knowledge with us.
A little bit of background:
I’ve struggled with depression my whole life (I’m 26), and tried to treat it with different nootropics. It’s better than it was, but there’s still too much for me to simply tolerate its existence.
I started CDP Choline last week, and suddenly felt more assertive, at ease with myself, and in command. But it lowered my mood, and quickly began to give me heavy depression. I started aniracetam about five days ago, and while it’s effects on memory, focus, and brain energy have been wonderful, I still find myself depressed. I’m not sure if it’s the choline (which I’m taking with aniracetam), or if both of them are depressing me. I tried aniracetam by itself one day, and all I got was stressed and a headache.
Maybe the choline dosage is too high? I take 250/300mg with 750mg of aniracetam.
I started vinpocetine yesterday, and that’s helped to lift my mood somewhat. But the depression is definitely there. It seems to ease off 5-6 hours after the consumption of choline / aniracetam.
David Tomen
April 30, 2021
Steven, you got stressed out and a headache from using Aniracetam only because of the way it uses acetylcholine in your brain. If you are going to use it you need to figure out how much of a choline supplement you need for your unique brain.
But so far it sounds like you’ve only experimented with acetylcholine levels. You depression could be cause by not enough dopamine, serotonin, GABA, or glutamine. Or it could be caused by inflammation. Or it could be caused by lack of BDNF.
You have more work to do. Please read this article for a better understanding of what I just said. And what you can try next: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-depression/
Priscila
April 25, 2021
Hi David
HR supplements only stocks a 1,000 mg capsule of aniracetam (@ 120capsules) , whereas nootropicsdepot stocks 750mg (@$60 for 180capsules). The price is more tempting on with hr, but given the dosage difference would you suggest nootropics depot?
David Tomen
April 26, 2021
Priscila, the HR Supplements Aniracetam is 500 mg per capsule. Two capsules make 1,000 mg. You physically can’t fit 1,000 mg into that size of capsule.
Bob
March 16, 2021
Aloha David
I would sure appreciate your thoughts on this Aniracetam – Phenibut question:
I am doing really well with microdosing Phenibut about 2x per week. I have been considering taking Aniracetam along with it and/or on off days too. So I wanted to ask if you have any thoughts on this approach?
Also, please know I am careful with getting enough choline, don’t really have problems with any negative Phenibut side effects, or have any desire to go over my microdose amount. I have an excellent diet, exercise, meditation, etc. too.
As always just huge mahalos for all you are doing for us. I sure hope I can repay you in kind somehow. In the meantime, I will keep paying it forward as well.
David Tomen
March 16, 2021
Bob, there should not be a problem. But there is no data on this. Only thing is try it and see.
Bob
March 16, 2021
More big thanks David for your as usual quick clear replies!
Rifat
March 11, 2021
Hi David
I have been using Aniracetam daily at 1500 mg split into 2 doses for months. It is incredible and it improved my verbal fluidity and mental clarity. I then began taking oxiracetam (1500 mg split into 2 doses) and pramiracetam (600 mg split into 2 doses) and my intelligence became godlike. I have been taking all 3 with alpha-GPC and CDP-choline (Cognizin) with huge success.
However, recently, I am starting to feel like my memory is not that sharp anymore. It is better than the average person but it is foggy compared to the godly level of clarity and information retention that I used to have. I was wondering what your opinion is on cycling off all 3 for 3 weeks and coming back? Would it make a difference?
One must note that I did reduce my Concerta dose on Feb 6th and was totally fine and reduced it further on March 6th and was fine for the first few days until I did a few days with no bacopa and then got back with a smaller dose of bacopa because I felt a little too sedated in the morning. Idk if they would affect it cuz the dose reduction a month ago did nothing.
I watched your Pterostillbene video and read your article and I actually began taking 50 mg (Silibinol) with incredible clarity and calm (I want to target that dopamine system to heal it from the concerta reduction) and I am taking lion’s mane daily now. BUT, the memory problem is still there.
Do you think it has to do with cycling racetams or should I stay and wait it out with the new bacopa and pterostillbene setup as I stay on the low dose of concerta?
David Tomen
March 12, 2021
Rifat, cycling the racetams is very common and what most people do. Try that and see how it works for you.
Ralf
February 28, 2021
Hello David,
Thank you for this great article. I am trying to find a supplier but since i live in europe its very hard. Do you know the brand Team Science Bio and if they offer quality products? Their website looks very professional and they post the batch and a lab report for each products. I am hoping you can give me some feedback since the brand you recommanded asks for 50€ delivery which is absurdly too expensive compared to 28€ for Science Bio‘s delivery prices. Thank you
David Tomen
February 28, 2021
RAlf, Science.bio seems to be a good company. I have an affiliate relationship with them because they test their product.
Ralf
March 1, 2021
Thanks! Since Aniracetam works as anxiolytic, would the surpression of anxiety (social anxiety) cause rebound anxiety when i stop taking it after several months? Also would it mess with my gaba levels or it doesnt work on the gabaergic system at all? Im really careful with these things after my past benzo use.
David Tomen
March 1, 2021
Ralf, you’ll get the benefits of Aniracetam as long as you use it. Don’t expect to experience the same benefits if you stop using Aniracetam.
Aniracetam does not affect GABA levels or the GABA system.
Bilma
January 2, 2021
Hi David, I would like to know please, if Alpha Gpc from the Now brand did not have any effect on me, should I give Aniracetam a try anyway, or do I consider that my acetylcholine values are fine and taking Aniracetam I discard it completely?
— I also have the problem that the Sulbutiamine from “Arcalion” does not have any effect on me even if I cycle it, resting on weekends and taking 400 Mg the other days, you think that even in my case I should take 200 mg every day Although I have no results?
Happy New Year and thank you for your time
David Tomen
January 2, 2021
Bilma, Happy New Year to you too!
Are you saying that you have used Aniracetam with Alpha GPC but didn’t see any results? Or that Alpha GPC did nothing for you on its own? If you used Aniracetam with Alpha GPC and did not experience its benefits then maybe it’s the wrong nootropic for you. Same with Sulbutiamine.
The benefits when using these two nootropics can be subtle. For example, I take Aniracetam before doing a podcast and find that my conversation just flows for an hour. It’s much easier for me to get my message across. Not so much if I don’t use Aniracetam.
But this is the kind of thing that you’d need to be really aware of your body and brain. And subtle changes like conversation flow on a subject you know really well.
Does this answer your question?
Bilma
January 2, 2021
Thanks for answering me David, I was trying to say that I have only tried Alpha GPC without Aniracetam, and because of that I could conclude that Aniracetam would not work for me either, would it be worth trying Aniracetam anyway or would you discard it in my case? (Because Alpha GPC doesn’t work for me)
– The question regarding Sulbutiamine it’s about if i should consume it obligatorily and how much in my case, because there is no other way for vitamin B1 to pass through my Blood Brain Barrier, or in my case would it be okay with the Thiamine present in Life Extension B Complex? (Because sulbutiamine doesn’t work for me)
David Tomen
January 4, 2021
Bilma, Aniracetam boosts the use of acetylcholine in your brain by 200 – 300%. Which is why we need to use a choline supplement with Aniracetam. It’s highly unlikely that you will experience the benefits of this racetam without the extra choline.
But Alpha GPC is not your only option. An equally effective source of choline is CDP-Choline (Citicoline). Unless you had a bad reaction to Aniracetam I suggest getting some CDP-Choline. Each dose would be 300 mg CDP-Choline, 750 mg Aniracetam and a tablespoon of unrefined coconut oil, MCT Oil, or extra virgin olive oil. Aniracetam is fat-soluble and you need the healthy fat to make sure it’s delivered past your digestive system.
And why do you say that “Sulbutiamine doesn’t work for me”? What exactly do you mean by that statement? It’s true that ordinary thiamine, the kind you get in a B-Complex supplement cannot cross the blood-brain barrier. And it’s why we use Sulbutiamine instead.
Bilma
January 10, 2021
Hi David, thanks for your time, I was trying to say that Sulbutiamine (Arcalion) has not given me any effect to combat depression, or to boost cognition, learning or memory, nor to become more awake and alert. I have only been taking it because I thought that although it does not work for me it is one of the 13 Vitamins Essential for the Optimized Brain that you recommend, I would like to know your opinion please if I should continue to spend the money on Sulbutiamine despite what I just told you or What would you do in my place ?, and to continue taking how many milligrams would you recommend in my case ?, (it does not work for me even if I cycle it, resting on weekends)
David Tomen
January 10, 2021
Bilma, if Sulbutiamine offers you no benefit then I do not see any reason to continue using it. Thiamine is a required vitamin for many things including making acetylcholine. But if your thiamine levels are adequate then Sulbutiamine may not provide any benefit.
It sounds like you will need to keep on experimenting with other nootropics to help you get to the bottom of what is causing your depression. Here is an article that may help you: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-depression/
MDMX
December 19, 2020
I recently started taking aniracetam 500 – 600 mg per day, two weeks later I had a renal problem, is it related or coincidence? Aniracetam affect kidneys?
David Tomen
December 20, 2020
MDMX, Aniracetam is eliminated by your kidneys. So no, it’s not likely a coincidence.
Douglas J
December 19, 2020
Hi David
Usually I order my nootropic products from Nootropics Depot, but based on your recommendation, I just placed my first order with HR Supplements for Aniracetam, for which your recommended daily dose is 750 – 1,500 mg. HRS’ product is 500 mg per capsule. Perhaps you could suggest to HRS to create a 750 mg capsule to bring it in-line with your recommendation. If not, I’ll just have to go back to ND to place my order. Just a thought…
David Tomen
December 20, 2020
Douglas, when I encounter this type of dosage issue I just use 1,000 mg for my first dose and 500 mg for my second dose. Seems to work well for me.