Table of Contents
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 - 467 comments
Jenna
August 16, 2021
Hello David. I got in contact with you a while ago, and I would like to know if I should take aniracetam. I’ve been having scary symptoms that don’t feel real since I got an antipsychotic called Droperidol. A drug which was taken off the market and brought back some how. I got a very bad reaction to it and it’s been over a year since I felt normal. The drug messes with dopamine receptors and I was wondering if this is something I should take. I have done tons of research on how to get my life back but things haven’t helped. Thank you!
David Tomen
August 18, 2021
Jenna, are you still using that drug? Aniracetam is one way to support dopamine receptors. The other is NAC which has been shown to revive even unresponsive dopamine receptors.
Jenna
August 18, 2021
Thank you for getting back! The answer is no, I am not taking the drug. I was only given the drug once last year during my ER visit. I was given it for pain and the never told me name of the drug and they just gave it to me once. I do have NAC, and I am considering of taking it. Ever since then I got inflammation mostly everywhere in my body.
Is there any hope for me to get my life back? Some doctors told me that damage to the brain is permanent but my boyfriend told me nothing is permanent. I’m grateful for your response.
David Tomen
August 20, 2021
Jenna, your brain has an amazing ability to heal itself as long as you provide the tools it needs to get the job done. Mainstream medicine does not understand that what may appear to be a permanent problem to them can be healed or fixed with natural nootropic supplements.
You have to good suggestions to get you started. Another thing you can do is boost BDNF which also helps repair brain damage. Check out this article for how to do that: https://nootropicsexpert.com/13-nootropics-to-boost-bdnf/
Christopher Drennen
August 14, 2021
HI, this message is about my stack in general, but my main concern presently is Aniractem with Citicoline. Pardon me if it is lot to digest all at once.
I am still relatively new to this, so I am learning by trial and error how to choose and fine tune my supplements and dosages. For quite a while I was taking a basic stack:
–DMAE 450mg, Bacopa 1000mg, Rhodiola 500mg, Lion’s Mane 1200mg (powder), Phosphatidyl Serine 400mg, Theanine (variable, with coffee), Ashwaganda 400mg.
This seemed to be working OK without any substantial problems. Recently upon reading your various commentaries, I have been experimenting and changing a few things:
I quit DMAE, quit Ashwaganda (thyroid trouble), added Taurine 1000mg, ALCAR 500mg, Phosphatidyl Choline 1200mg, CoQ10 200mg w/ PQQ 10mg, Omega 3 4080mg with EPA 1200mg and DHA 900mg, Mucina 1000mg, plus GABA 1000mg and Typtophan 1000mg later in the evening.
I think I might be over-doing it. The things that I am most concerned about right now are ANIRACETAM and CITICOLINE.. I started taking Aniracetam 500mg and I felt very fatigued for 3 days. There is a chance that this was coincidental because I have other problems (hypothyroid plus recurring depression). I then added Citicoline because you said it was necessary for the Aniracetam to work. I then experienced chest pain, trouble sleeping, and a generally crappy feeling so I quit both the Aniracetam and Citicoline for the time being.
I am thinking of taking Alpha GPC instead of Citicoline. I have also ordered some Sulbutiamine and Vinpocetine in case I want to try substituting and/or supplementing any of the other things.
I am open to quitting or replacing any or all of these things if I need to. I understand that some of them may interfere with thyroid, blood pressure, blood sugar and whatever else. So I need to be careful.
Just wanted to get your thoughts on all this. Does any of this seem like a bad idea to you? What hould I consider replacing? Sorry this was a long and compicated message.
David Tomen
August 15, 2021
Christopher, it sounds like you are on the right track and using the right approach while experimenting with these supplements. But you are correct that some of your dosages are too high.
ALCAR 500 mg 2 or 3-times per day. Phosphatidylcholine (PC) 500 mg 2 or 3-times per day. Mucuna Pruriens depends on the percentage of the extract. I think you’ll have more success with L-Tyrosine 500 mg 2 or 3-times per day.
GABA 500 – 1,000 mg before bed. L-Tryptophan 500 mg before bed.
You may find more success using PS 400 mg 3-times per day rather than PC. Lion’s Mane definitely for Nerve Growth Factor. And I prefer Alpha GPC to CDP-Choline but your mileage may vary.
Christopher Drennen
August 15, 2021
David,
Thank you very much — once again you helped me a lot. I am still unclear about whether I should try Aniracetam again, or another racetam, or nothing. And would it be OK to try adding Sulbutiamine and Vinpocetine to the mix?
David Tomen
August 16, 2021
Christopher, it depends on what you are trying to achieve. If you are new to all this then I suggest sticking with the natural nootropics we already talked about. You’ll be amazed how well they work if you follow dosage recommendations including amounts and number of doses per day.
Aniracetam, Sulbutiamine and Vinpocetine are all great nootropics each providing their own benefit. But you don’t “need” them to have a successful stack.
Christopher Drennen
August 16, 2021
Thanks. I think I have a better idea what is going on. I am going to drop the Aniracetam and PC and start taking Alpha GPC. Also drop the Pine Bark and replace it with Vinpocetine. Plus I’m going to try adding Sulbutiamine on a trial basis. Then I ought to be done with building my stack. A lot of work this has been! LOL. You are right in saying that my original stack was good enough in the first place. Just wanted to get it as perfect as possible. I sure have learned a lot from this site.
Malik
August 10, 2021
Hello David! If I take St. John wort with aniracetam , will aniracetam will lose its effectiveness. Is that true?
David Tomen
August 11, 2021
Malik, pretty much everything is contraindicated with St. John’s wort. Aniracetam affects acetylcholine more than anything. But why would you use it if SJW is working for you?
Malik
August 13, 2021
Hello David! I take SJW for anxiety , but I only feel little bit relaxed , so that’s why I am also using aniracetam . Before this , I took universal notropic from mind lab pro, but after few days I didnt feel anything . Thanks
David Tomen
August 15, 2021
Malik, it could be that your anxiety is caused by something that St. John’s wort is not the best option if that’s your reaction to it.
Aelxa
July 26, 2021
Hello David,
I am looking at both Huperzine A and Aniracetam.
I am assuming they can not be taken at the same time as both can increase Choline in the brain, or not?
Can they be used on different days, Huperzine A on Day one and Aniracetam on Day Two? Or should only one or the other be used at all?
Could you help clarify this for me, Thanks so much.
David Tomen
July 26, 2021
Aelxa, Huperzine-A and Aniracetam are two very different supplements. They both affect acetylcholine but their similarity ends there. Because Huperzine-A is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor which forces acetylcholine to be used again rather than discarded.
Aniracetam modulates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors by boosting a specific electrical potential. It saturates the brain with 200 – 300% more acetylcholine which is why you need to take it with a choline supplement. Something like Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline.
I think you’ll have the most benefit by using Aniracetam twice per day for at least 5 days per week (with a choline supplement). And include Huperzine-A every 3rd day.
Malik
July 17, 2021
Hello David! I am taking aniracetam. Can I take universal notropic from mind lab pro? Is they contradict each other?
David Tomen
July 21, 2021
Malik, Aniracetam works great with Mind Lab Pro and it’s what I use. But you need to add 300 mg Alpha GPC for best results. There is some Citicoline in MLP but not enough for Aniracetam for most people.
Malik
July 8, 2021
Hi David! I am using aniracetam for two days . I am feeling drowsy or sleepy whole day . How can I fix this . I am using HR supplement aniracetam. First day I took two capsule at same time 500mg each , next day I took one capsule only . I am taking aniracetam with alpha gpc (from double wood). How can I fix this side effects of drowsy or sleepy? Thanks a lot
David Tomen
July 9, 2021
Malik, the side effect of sleepiness usually comes from using too much Aniracetam or forgetting to take it with a choline supplement. You are using Alpha GPC so the only thing I can suggest is reducing your Aniracetam dose. If reducing your dose does not work then Aniracetam is the wrong supplement for you.
Rose
June 30, 2021
Hi David,
Thank you soo much for all your wonderful work!
Could you please tell me – where can I get Aniracetam that would ship to AUSTRALIA?
I have tried – iherb, HR, Nootropics Depot, Science Bio – and non of them ship to Australia….
Would you have any idea how I could source it, as I feel that I really need it.
Thank you!
Cheers,
Rose
David Tomen
June 30, 2021
Rose, you’ll need to find out why no one ships Aniracetam to Australia. Check with your Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) (https://www.tga.gov.au/) and find out how they have scheduled it. That will likely provide your answer.
Ana
July 7, 2021
Hi David,
Been trying to order Aniracetam here in Australia but they no longer sell it since 2016. Is there a substitute i can take?
Thanks
Ana
David Tomen
July 8, 2021
Ana, there is no direct substitute for Aniracetam because it is a synthetic derivative of GABA like the other racetams. But it does modulate AMPA receptors in your brain as well as raise levels of dopamine and serotonin. The closest natural nootropic herb that does something similar to that is Rhodiola Rosea (https://nootropicsexpert.com/rhodiola-rosea/).
Rose
July 11, 2021
Thank you for reply!
I think I found one – NutraVita – Aniracetam
This company seems to ship to Australia…
from what you could see – does this look like a decent brand?
I am not sure what to look for, it says its 100% natural – is there anything else I need to think of when I order supplements like this?
Thanks again, much appreciate your time and wisdom!
David Tomen
July 11, 2021
Rose, you need to ask the company about their testing program and if they can supply a Certificate of Analysis for what you intend to buy. They claim to use 3rd party testing on the About page. You just need to ask them to back that claim.
Rose
July 16, 2021
hi David,
Thank you so much for your time and wisdom,
I emailed “NutriVita” and they sent me a copy of the “Certificate of Analysis”
So I have the certificate but I don’t know what to look for….
What are the key factors I should look at – to judge whether this product is good or not?
It says on the certificate – heavy metals – not more that 10ppm
and residual solvents – Ethanol MNT 5000ppm and Methylbenzene MNT 890ppm
What else should I be looking at?
Thanks heaps!!!!
David Tomen
July 21, 2021
Rose, you want to know if it is really Aniracetam in that capsule for starters. And then find out when it comes to heavy metals how much of each are we able to tolerate without levels being toxic. You’ll need to Google that one.
Vicky
May 5, 2021
Hi love your site and all the info thanks. I’ve been type 1 diabetic for 33 years and suffered depression sporadically. I think I’m running on half serotonin and possible half dopamine with an ineffective conversion from typtophan. This is what I’ve gathered from studies about diabetes and depression. I’ve been looking for something specific to boost the serotonin gaba, dopamine and acetocholine. The best I’ve come across is Awaken Alchemy Gold but no stock in UK. Wondered if you can recommend anything to pick me up a bit? It’s a shame we can’t tailor make our own nootrophics blend. Seems like that could be a great business venture!
David Tomen
May 5, 2021
Vicky, that is the best way for you to tailor something that works for you. This is what you use:
serotonin – L-Tryptophan (if you don’t convert it well then try doubling or tripling your dose)
GABA – PharmaGABA
dopamine – L-Tyrosine
acetylcholine – Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline
I suggest you try one at a time. If there is no problem then add the next one. If no problem then add the next one, etc.
You will likely be taking L-Tyrosine and Alpha GPC during the day and twice a day. And using L-Tryptophan and GABA before bed.
Malik
July 10, 2021
Hi David! I am taking aniracetam for social anxiety. What other notropic is best for social anxiety .thanks a lot
David Tomen
July 11, 2021
Malik, it depends on what is causing your social anxiety. You can see more options for it in this article: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-social-anxiety/
Don’t forget that Aniracetam needs Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline each time you use it.