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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 - 476 comments
Marcie Webber
December 5, 2024
What is the required effective dosing or amount of CDP-choline to combine with Aniceratam or Oxiracetam.
David Tomen
December 7, 2024
Start with 300 mg CDP-Choline each time you use these racetams.
Lester Mills
December 2, 2024
I have Aphasia (no other symptoms for AD) about two years…age 66….it starts after Covid….I change my life style….1.81m, blood press. 110/75 pulse 58…I take 25 supplements different times…mostly are natural and vitamins….very safe….on the weekend Only take a few supplements to rest my liver and kidneys. I‘m just starting Aniracetam, surely it works a for me about 5 hrs…I take with lecithin 2 capsules and 2 capsules citicholine and 1 capsule Alpha-GLC…I‘m experiment to extend half-life…and cumulative as possible too. Lecithin is fatty with phosphatidyl choline…then I hope…it helps Aniracetam benefits works longer. Doctors in Switzerland stay in the medical stone age about supplements and don’t thinking further on their protocols. My Neurologist are puzzled that my symptoms are not get worser and my lumbar punch recently shows spinal fluid reduce tau protein and amyloid. I‘m grateful for America has iHerb exports supplements to Switzerland and labs U.S sends me Aniracetram too. I’m very grateful your youtube channel and yours knowledge about Nootropics too…..God Bless America
David…I saw some comments in one clinical trial….maybe Piracetam has a more cumulative effects compared with Aniracetam….though….in short time the Aniracetam is more powerful…..perhaps the combination extends the
David Tomen
December 3, 2024
Lester, the last paragraph of your comment – I’m not aware of any study using the two as a combo. If you have a link to a study then please share.
Lester Mills
December 8, 2024
David, I apologise my last comment was not complete. There‘s preclinical research about binding on glutamate receptors compared piracetam and aniracetam…piracetam binder more glutamate receptors…although weak…to compare with aniracetam…but more receptors (Ref. Ahmed H Ahmed, Robert E Oswald, J Med Chem. 2010 Mar 11;53(5):2197–2203). There was only a comment a forum…perhaps…piracetam of effects cumulative on long time. Then…I‘ll experiment on me this combo 1xcapsule morning aniracetam + 1xcapsule afternoon piracetam per day. In February I‘ll comment how it works
Lance Craig
October 25, 2024
I’m finding it hard to find Aniracetam that is consistently available at the moment. Do recommend another nootropic as a substitute?
David Tomen
October 27, 2024
Lance, there is not alternative to Aniracetam. It has a unique mechanism of action that is not matched by anything else that I know of. The two companies I include above in the “Where to buy” section usually always have Aniracetam in stock.
Simon
October 15, 2024
Hi David,
After taking Aniracetam, I developed the symptoms of lethargy. Why and how to deal with it?
David Tomen
October 17, 2024
Simon, did you use Aniracetam with a choline supplement like CDP-Choline or Alpha GPC?
Simon
October 17, 2024
Yes, I take it with mlp.
David Tomen
October 20, 2024
How many times per day did you use Aniracetam? If it was twice you choline to support its use both times.
Mike
October 7, 2024
Hello David!
I have researched nootropics and created a stack:
8:00 – Aniracetam 750 mg, Noopept 10 mg, Uridine 150 mg, Citicoline 250 mg, Sulbutiamine 400 mg.
12:00 – Aniracetam 750 mg, Uridine 150 mg
19:00 – Picamilon 100 mg
I use Noopept in a minimal dose of 10 mg to control Glutamate.
After covid, I developed social anxiety, possibly agoraphobia and had a panic attack at the dentist. I do not have a confirmed diagnosis from the doctor, I am telling about my feelings.
What do you recommend adding to the stack and improving it?
Perhaps Theanine, Tryptophan, Tyrosine, Bacopa, Ashwagandha?
David Tomen
October 7, 2024
Mike, there is no easy answer to your question. Especially after COVID. What you use depends on your age, and whatever brain health issues you’re dealing with. That’s why I do consultations because we can take a deep dive into what you are dealing with and how you feel. And then develop a stack specifically for you.
James
October 5, 2024
Hi David Is there anything else Insteaf of Alpha GPC to combine with Aniracetam to prevent headaches that won’t affect my sleep. I find Alpha gives me insomnia and also very strange dreams. Would Uridine work. thanks
David Tomen
October 5, 2024
James, my first choice would be CDP-Choline.
Daniel
October 3, 2024
Hi David,
Aniracetam, is proving to be absolutely incredible for me for social anxiety, depression and ADHD (all mild-moderate). Tried lots of different things over the years, many of which all help in ways, but nothing seems to have ever helped like Ani. It’s remarkable.
I’ve realised that I’d love to obtain a prescription for it if possible – mostly for peace of mind while travelling, and also for buying (UK). I asked ChatGPT and it says it’s not straightforward but that there are ways – either internationally or with private doctors. It also recommended reaching out to you as an expert who may happen to have some more information.
I sense that it’s a long shot, but I thought I’d ask – do you know of any cases of prescriptions, and how one might go about attaining one?
Also have you found a tolerance build up with Aniracetam? I haven’t noticed any tolerance yet after dosing every other day or so for a couple of weeks, but I’m curious and anxious not to ‘lose the magic’. I’ve read different reports about tolerance – some saying it becomes their natural state without losing effect, while others say it seems to build tolerance.
Thanks very much for your time.
Kind regards,
Daniel
David Tomen
October 3, 2024
Daniel, I’ve been using Aniracetam twice per day for at least 10 years without a problem. Only the benefits of using this racetam.
I have not idea how you’d get a prescription for Aniracetam unless you were in Russia or one of the other Eastern European countries.
Pavlos
October 1, 2024
Hi David, apart from an adequate choline source, I need to add as well ALCR or Alpha lipoic acid to experience the promised outcome?
David Tomen
October 1, 2024
Pavlos, CDP-Choline 300 mg with 500 mg ALCAR along with Vitamin B1 & B5 works best. So use a BioActive B-Complex earlier in the day to get the needed cofactors B1 & B5.