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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 - 467 comments
Robert
September 30, 2022
Hello Mr Tomen
I come to you regarding a specific situation I have about how Aniracetam, MLP, Sulbutiamine affect my energy status and mood. They all kind of like accelerate my Glutamate system provoking that all the good effects last shortly and then I become tired and cranky. Ive encountered that a bottle of complex with: Magnesium300mg, Gaba500mg, Taurine450mg, Ltheanine200mg and Relora 150mg, half dose of that in the morning and 1/2 dose of that in the afternoon puts into place everything (+mood) and I even get an energy boost. I do use other nootropics as ALCAR, GPC, DHA, multi, including Wellbutrin&Adderall. Do you think im overthrowing my glutamate/gaba system using this types of nootropics ? Ive come to experience that this GABA based complex is what my brain suits and needs the most. But do you think is this the problem? Should I supplement with L glutamine, Ashwagandha also ? The only way ive been able to use those nootropics on top is lowering their dosage plus that GABA based complex.
I hope is not too overwhelming this comment.
TYSM
David Tomen
October 1, 2022
Robert, I highly doubt glutamate is your problem. If you choose to use L-Glutamine during the day then I would drop GABA and save that dose for before bed.
But if you are using Wellbutrin and Adderall why are you not supporting dopamine and norepinephrine?
Robert
October 10, 2022
Thankyou for your opinion, Ive made some adjustments. Added L-tyrosine to my meds and it has been a great change. My brain just turns on. Regarding Aniracetam, Ive noticed that it increases my heart rate to 80-90, I dont like that because then i feel like my heart suffers. What can I do ? Should I supplement with LithiumOrotate to counteract the NE action ? Another question. Do you trust nootropicsource [dot] com as a Aniracetam vendor?
David Tomen
October 10, 2022
Robert, Aniracetam affects glutamate which may account for your slight increase in blood pressure. You can try Lithium Orotate and see if it helps. Are you using a choline supplement with Aniracetam? Because if not that could also help your issue with this racetam. You need 300 mg CDP-Choline or Alpha GPC each time you use Aniracetam to support its effects on acetylcholine.
I have never heard of nootropicssource so cannot comment.
Gavin
September 19, 2022
Hello David. I want to buy aniracetam, phenylpiracetam and piracetam online but it looks like these nootropics have been out of stock for a very long time (a bit too long because I was starting to wonder if it will take years to get these things) on basically all the main vendors like nootropics depot, pure nootropics, peak nootropics and euro nootropics, I suppose people like these nootropics 🙂 I hope I can still order these and I need to get them shipped to the UK. Do you have any advice you can give please?
David Tomen
September 20, 2022
Gavin, I have found a source for these racetams and I’m working on getting access to them for this community. So please stay tuned.
Gavin
January 22, 2023
Thank you.
Tom S
September 3, 2022
Hello David,
I’m fairly new to nootropics but became interested in them as I’ve been diagnosed with treatment resistant major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. I’m 66 and have been searching for relief for 50 years but seeing as I’ve been unable to find any medications that help, I’ve started to look to something more natural in nature. I might add that I’ve been on Adderall for nearly a decade and started to wean myself off of it with the help of my PCP, so I may be experiencing some rebound with my depression and anxiety as a result. I’ve come to believe that I have a dopamine shortage but it seems all the attention is given to serotonin when it comes to anti-depressants.
I received your last newsletter linking to the nootropics you use and why, and came upon Aniracetam of which you stated as being one of the best anti-depressants you’ve ever used. Naturally this peaked my interest, only to find that you can’t even find a supplier anymore so I guess I’ll have to give that idea up.
I’ve been using a magnesium supplement 400 mg. per day as it was suggested by a doctor for anxiety. I also started using Ashwaganda KSM-66 supplement for all of the benefits it supposedly can provide but can’t say either has made much difference that I can tell.
I’m about ready to order some L-Tyrosine 500 mg. capsules and L-Tryptophan 500 mg. capsules because of the benefits I’ve read about on your website.
With the information I’ve given you, would you have any other suggestions for depression and anxiety or any comments on what I’m currently taking?
Thanks and happy belated birthday!
David Tomen
September 3, 2022
Thanks Tom. If your depression is caused by a neurotransmitter dysfunction then you need to figure out which one is causing the problem. Go through them one at a time and see if any one of them provides relief. This article explains how: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-anxiety/
But if your depression is caused by low BDNF then increasing BDNF will help: https://nootropicsexpert.com/13-nootropics-to-boost-bdnf/
If it’s caused by inflammation then reducing inflammation may help. See the section on inflammation here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-supplements-for-brain-fog/
And if it’s caused by low sex hormones then increasing testosterone should do it: https://nootropicsexpert.com/sex-hormones-and-your-brain/
Gabriel Machado
August 23, 2022
Is that okay to stack aniracetam with magnesium, L-theanine and NAC? Plus a good source of choline.
David Tomen
August 23, 2022
Yes
Toni
August 3, 2022
pure nootropics no longer sells this. Do you have another recommendation re where to buy?
David Tomen
August 3, 2022
Toni, Pure Nootropics says on their site that IF you have purchased Aniracetam from them before they may be able to help if you sign into your account with them.
If that does not work then the only other suggestion I have is do a search for “where to buy Aniracetam” and see if anyone else currently carries it. Unfortunately, I do not have a relationship with any other company to sells Aniracetam right now so cannot vouch for any company you may find that sells it.
Louis
July 31, 2022
Which one is better Aniracetam or Modafinil? I looking to improve my cognitive, physical and sociability .
Regards
David Tomen
August 2, 2022
Louis, this is the mechanism of action for Modafinil. https://nootropicsexpert.com/do-brain-enhancing-drugs-work-know-the-risks/#modafinil-provigil
Compare that to the mechanism of action for aniracetam in this review.
Patricia Britton
July 19, 2022
I have been taking carbatrol (time release carbamazepine) for 22 years as an anticonvulsant for partial complex seizures that developed in menopause. I am a Thorne supplement user including nicotinamide Riboside and pregnenolone…I wish to add Aniracetam to the mix but cannot find its impact on the above…it seems to be a good add but I am always careful regarding seizure potential…Can you stir me to some good literature or research on the topic?
David Tomen
July 20, 2022
Patricia, the best and most thorough research on Aniracetam is in the above article. I know because I did the research. 🙂
There has not been any clinical studies done on combining those drugs and hormones with Aniracetam. At least none published or translated into English.
Carbamazepine is a sodium channel blocker, affects serotonin somehow, and possibly a calcium channel blocker. Aniracetam does not touch any of those systems.
Ian
July 17, 2022
Hi David,
Because of a prevalence of ALS in my family, I’m particularly concerned about glutamate excitotoxicity. I’m really enjoying Aniracetam but I do notice that even if I take it in the morning, it’s working well into the night, even when I go to bed. Should I be concerned that I am inducing glutamate excitotoxicity by taking Aniracetam? From what I’ve ready, ALS could be an issue of glutamate excitotoxicity burning out NMDA receptors so I started taking Huperzine A, which has delivered great day-to-day results as well. I also take a choline in the form of Soy Lecithin and am considering adding L-glutamine. I’m 43. Any thoughts here? Keep up the great work.
Thanks,
Ian
David Tomen
July 18, 2022
Ian, Huperzine-A prevents glutamate toxicity. Aniracetam however supports the use of glutamate so may not be the best option for you.
Just be careful with Hup-A because is has a 10 – 12 hour half-life. Which means it takes an entire day for it to leave your system. Huperzine-A should be used every 2nd day rather than every day. Or it will eventually build up in your system which can have toxic consequences.
Noopept may be a better option for you. At least compare to Aniracetam.
And Lithium Orotate is another supplement that works great to prevent glutamate toxicity.