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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
Cathy Mulholland
January 17, 2022
Hi David, Thank you for all your great information, it’s been helping me for several years now in many areas. I’ve been using aniracetam for a couple of years. It’s been of help with keeping depression at bay, it’s never been a problem. Currently, I have a few weeks supply, after having been out of it for a month. Do you know where it’s available now? I’ve looked and looked and can’t seem to find it available anywhere. Thank you for all your help! Cathy
David Tomen
January 18, 2022
Cathy, I found one seller on eBay who has a small stock of powder available. I suggest you grab it while you can.
Marcie
January 15, 2022
Is aniracetam can be used long term non stop or needs a break?
David Tomen
January 16, 2022
Marcie, some insist that you need to cycle Aniracetam to experience its benefits. I’ve been using it daily for years without cycling with no problem.
Jonathan
January 11, 2022
Hello David,
Please could you provide any guidance regarding breastfeeding and aniracetam.
I have a friend who I feel would benefit from taking aniracetam, and she’s keen to try it. However, she is also a breastfeeding mom, and she intends to keep doing so for as long as possible.
Is there any literature or resources you might cite for us to use as guidelines for forming a safe protocol?
My partner currently takes 500mg aniracetam, along with a capsule that combines 300mg of alpha gpc and 150mg or uridine. I was thinking that might be a place to start her off.
Any experiential “advice” or “guidance” you might be able to personally provide, would be gratefully recieved and treated purely as a hypothetical that you would not be responsible for.
Many thanks in advance for your time
David Tomen
January 11, 2022
Jonathan, the best I can do is offer a clinical study done with rat mothers who were the human equivalent of alcoholics. And exposed their pups to ethanol who suffered the consequences. Aniracetam reversed the damage in the babies caused by alcohol exposure. https://www.nature.com/articles/1301496
Jonathan
January 12, 2022
Thank you. Can you forsee any obvious issues with uridine, alpha gpc and aniracetam being combined?
I was thinking one option might be to see if she can pump enough milk so she doesn’t feed during the 2-3 hr window that its more present in her system. This would just be a precaution but might be a sensible one.
Or to start her off with an even lower dose at 250mg. Have you heard of any other mothers successfully choosing to incorporate nootropics into their regimen?
Jonathnan
January 12, 2022
Given that Ritalin is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers (which is quite surprising), I would have thought a Conservative approach would be fine. It’s just tough finding non fear monger responses online for non pharma supported modalities.
David Tomen
January 12, 2022
Jonathan, I do not have any evidence other than what I provided for Aniracetam that this is safe for breastfeeding mothers or their child. That is not to say that is isn’t and common sense tells us that reasonable doses are likely safe. But I cannot support that claim.
I suggest a simple Google search for keywords phrases such as “is uridine safe for breastfeeding moms?” and variations on that theme. You will likely end up on sites devoted to young mothers which is what you need. Not some guy like me. 🙂
Aleksander
January 4, 2022
Greetings David! My Girlfriend experience lack of motivation, anxiety, bad thoughts after using aniracetam in dosages 750-1000mg in one daily dose. She also takes 250mg of cognizin and tablespoon of MCT with aniracetam. It this too much for her 60kg weight? What would be your recommendation?
Thank you for everything you do! I keep my fingers crossed for you to break the 100 suplements barrier. Have a great day!
David Tomen
January 5, 2022
Aleksander, those side effects are usually associated with unusually high doses of Aniracetam. So, for your girlfriend that may be too high a dose. Try cutting it in half and see if that solves the problem.
Robert
December 21, 2021
Unfortunately Science Bio is closing due to new regulations, and there closing permanently as stated in they’re website. Which company do you recommend for Aniracetam or any other similar product ?
David Tomen
December 23, 2021
Robert, yes Science.bio is closing and I have not yet found an alternative. But I will let you and the community know just as soon as I do.
In the meantime, I highly recommend buying whatever Science.bio sells that you cannot get anywhere else before they close their doors for good.
Aleksander
December 20, 2021
Dear David!
I experience fatigue/strong brain fog when I take Noopept or Aniracetam, I thought it was the problem with my choline source (I’ve used over 2g of choline bitartrate) today my cognizin arrived, I took 1g of bitartrate along with 250mg of cognizin, and then I took 750mg of aniracetam + tablespoon of MCT. Should I take cognizin for extended perioid of time to let it build up in my system and then use anything than uses choline in the brain to work? What would be your recommendation David? Should I change something or stop using any racetams and noopept. Big thanks Merry Christmas!
PS I bought everything from nootropic depot, I saw many happy clients of them.
David Tomen
December 20, 2021
Aleksander, I suggest dropping the use the choline bitartrate because it is not helping your use of Aniracetam or Noopept. You need a choline source like Cognizin which quickly crosses the blood-brain barrier and helps provide the acetylcholine that those two nootropics boost the use of.
Lauren
December 10, 2021
Hi David,
HR supplements no longer has aniracetam and says that at this time they are no longer carrying it. Do you know of another reputable company to buy from? Or a comparable supplement to use?
Thanks,
Lauren
David Tomen
December 10, 2021
Lauren, that is news to me and really bad news as well. You can get Aniracetam powder here: https://bit.ly/3EKRq0p
gove
November 25, 2021
Hi David,
This is gove, i want to try racetams.can you please suggest me to start racetams supplementing.i used modafinil before, it was good.Now i want to try racetams,which one to begin and what can go as stack.Thank for your advice in Advance.
David Tomen
November 28, 2021
Gove, this article should help you decide which racetam to try: https://nootropicsexpert.com/the-top-7-racetams-which-one-is-best/. Then click through to the individual review of the racetam you are considering which will tell you how to take it and with what.