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]
Table of Contents
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 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 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.
[i] Malykh A.G., Sadaie M.R. “Piracetam and piracetam-like drugs: from basic science to novel clinical applications to CNS disorders.” Drugs. 2010 Feb 12;70(3):287-312. (source)
[ii] Gabryel B., Chalimoniuk M., Małecki A., Strosznajder J. “Effect of aniracetam on phosphatidylinositol transfer protein alpha in cytosolic and plasma membrane fractions of astrocytes subjected to simulated ischemia in vitro.” Pharmacological Reports 2005 Sep-Oct;57(5):664-9. (source)
[iii] Isaacson J.S., Nicoll R. A. “Aniracetam reduces glutamate receptor desensitization and slows the decay of fast excitatory synaptic currents in the hippocampus” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in the United States of America vol. 88, pp. 10936-10940, December 1991 (source)
[iv] Zhao X., Kuryatov A., Lindstrom J.M., Yeh J.Z., Narahashi T. “Nootropic drug modulation of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in rat cortical neurons.” Molecular Pharmacology 2001 Apr;59(4):674-83. (source)
[v] Purves D., Augustine G.J., Fitzpatrick D., et al., editors. “Glutamate Receptors” Neuroscience. 2nd edition. Sunderland (MA): Sinauer Associates; 2001. (source)
[vi] Roncan G. “Human Pharmacokinetics of Aniracetam” Springer – Drug Investigation June 1993, Volume 5, Supplement 1, pp 68-72 (source)
[vii] Gouliaev A.H., Senning A., “Piracetam and other structurally related nootropics” Brain Research Reviews 19 (1994) 180-222 (source)
[viii] Nakamura K. “Aniracetam: Its Novel Therapeutic Potential in Cerebral Dysfunctional Disorders Based on Recent Pharmacological Discoveries” CNS Drug Reviews 2002 Neva Press, Branford, Connecticut Vol. 8, No. 1, pp. 70–89 (source)
[ix] Testa B., Mayer J.M. (1 August 2003). Hydrolysis in Drug and Prodrug Metabolism. John Wiley & Sons. pp. 109–. ISBN 978-3-906390-25-3.
[x] Nakamura K., Kurasawa M. “Anxiolytic effects of aniracetam in three different mouse models of anxiety and the underlying mechanism.” European Journal of Pharmacology 2001 May 18;420(1):33-43. (source)
[xi] Koliaki C.C., Messini C., Tsolaki M. “Clinical Efficacy of Aniracetam, Either as Monotherapy or Combined with Cholinesterase Inhibitors, in Patients with Cognitive Impairment: A Comparative Open Study” CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics Volume 18, Issue 4, pages 302–312, April 2012 (source)
[xii] Nakamura K, Tanaka Y. “Antidepressant-like effects of aniracetam in aged rats and its mode of action.” Psychopharmacology (Berlin). 2001 Nov;158(2):205-12. (source)
[xiii] Cumin R., Bandle E.F., Gamzu E., Haefely W.E. “Effects of the novel compound aniracetam (Ro 13-5057) upon impaired learning and memory in rodents.” Psychopharmacology (Berlin) 1982;78(2):104-11. (source)
[xiv] Wijayawardhane .1, Shonesy B.C., Vaglenova J., Vaithianathan T., Carpenter M., Breese C.R., Dityatev A., Suppiramaniam V. “Postnatal aniracetam treatment improves prenatal ethanol induced attenuation of AMPA receptor-mediated synaptic transmission.” Neurobiology of Disease 2007 Jun;26(3):696-706. (source)
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Dear David,
first of all, thank you some much for this webpage info.
I was wondering if 300mg aniracetam, 10mg pqq, 300mg A-GPC, 10mcg Huperzine A daily is a sustainable stack to use long term? Is there any side effects coming from the combination of those listed above? I also take 4000Iu vitamin d and 10g of turmeric powder and black pepper and 2 krill oil softgels with breakfast.
Best regards
DAKA, it’s unlikely you’ll get the full benefit of Aniracetam at only 300 mg. The recommended dosage is 750 mg Aniracetam twice per day. With 300 mg Alpha GPC each time you use it.
Huperzine A should only be used every 2nd or 3rd day because it has a 24 hour half-life. Using it everyday means it builds up in your body because your system doesn’t have a chance to excrete it.
And I’d double-check your dosage of Turmeric because 10 grams per day seems high according to my research.
Thank you for this site. Well organized, informative, and interesting.
If I were to test out Aniracetam, I read you mention to also include choline into the mix. I read your Choline guide but left unsure which form to go with. I am inclined to go with the Alpha-GPC since that is what you resort to to manage the onset of a headache. However, I was not sure that was one piece to the overall pattern. Should I be constantly supplementing with choline and then resort to Alpha-GPC to manage an oncoming headache? Or do I simply go to a choline/alpha-GPC supplement on occasion, such as when a headache is coming on?
Thank you again for the time and effort you have put into this site.
Adam, the key to getting the bull benefit of Aniracetam and to avoid side effects which can include a headache is to use 300 mg Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline each time you dose Aniracetam.
Cool, good to know.
I went ahead and bought some Aniracetem paired with some choline from that HP supplements you referred us to above.
My packaga just arrived. I checked the contents and found
The Choline Complex I bought includes 150 mg of Alpha-GPC, 125 Mg of Citicoline, and 125 mg DMAE L-Bitartate for each capsule. Did I buy an inapporpriate/inadequate supplement for the purposes of pairing with Aniracetam?
Should i just take 2 capsules at a time?
Adam, that should work. Most need around 300 mg of either Alpha GPC or Citicoline with each dose of Aniracetam. So this is close enough.
If you find you get a racetam-headache just take another capsule of the choline complex.
Not sure why they include DMAE because it isn’t an acetylcholine precursor. It may force more choline to be available in your system which may help.
Cool, I am sure I will start with 2 though to ensure no headache and then re-up with a different product.
Perhaps, though, the dosage was selected because each capsule of the Aniracetam was only 500 mg, not the recommended 750 mg?
Could be. Best is to test it.
Hi David,
Would it make sense to stack aniracetam with Qualia Focus?
Thanks for this site..excellent resource!
Mike, Aniracetam should be a good addition. You may need to increase your Alpha GPC dose by another 300 mg.
Do you have any previous material I could research to understand that recommendation? If not, more simply, by “need” do you mean there’s a risk of soem type of side effect without the additional Alpha GPC?
Thanks much for the response!
Mike, Aniracetam potentiates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors by 200 – 300% (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11259610/). Which means if you don’t have enough acetylcholine in your brain you’ll likely end up with a racetam-headache. I don’t know if the amount in Qualia is sufficient for use with Aniracetam. This will take some testing by you.
And as for risk, Aniracetam is one of the safest nootropics around.
Hi David,
Thank you for the in depth review and recommendations. I seek your advice. I have been an alcoholic for almost 20 years. I started it to suppress my anxiety, but you know the cycle, next day was always more worse and more alcohol was required. So by now, my GABA receptors are done. I have been using Propranolol to control it to some extent. And recently I have ordered aniracetam and centrophenoxine, I hope they will help. But, I just want to ask if there is anything to help with the alcoholism? Any help will be appreciated.. I just want to get out of this. As without alcohol, I function great behind a desk, but make me talk, and I am doomed..
Start with L-Glutamine which has been found to help: https://nootropicsexpert.com/l-glutamine/. And NAC: https://nootropicsexpert.com/n-acetyl-l-cysteine/.
Alsp, during my research I found that those dealing with any type of a addiction often have problems with dopamine and the dopamine pathway. Sometimes the “wiring” is off. And sometimes it’s problems with transporters, receptors and/or synapses. Or not enough dopamine. The easiest way to raise dopamine is with L-Tyrosine.
Once you restore health to this pathway cravings are less. And sometime vanish altogether. This can be done with nootropics but it take experimenting and patience. Because your brain needs to heal.
If you find the L-Tyrosine helps, try putting together a stack based on my ADD protocol. You’ll find that here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/
Thank you very much for the suggestions David. I will try those and let you know how it goes. Thanks again 🙂
Alcoholism is very much related to Benzodiazepine Withdrawal which I experienced.
Glutamate toxicity seems to happen for some reason, maybe because GABA – B reception is damaged.
So Do Not if possible use Xanax unless its very much an emergency.
Mindfulness and Psychological help is imperative. Oddly Mindless Meditation helped (relaxing thoughts and muscles)
Getting that in check and lowering anything inflammatory (sugar, gluten, high salt) – i found a heavy meal made me worse.
Unfortunately everyone dose respond differently.
Greeting David and thanks for all your good advice. Can Aniracetam be taken along with antidepressants. I take Zoloft and Welbutrin.
Thanks in advance.
Michael, there are over 400 drug interactions listed for Aniracetam further down on this page: https://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB04599. Check near the end of that list to see if either are on there.
Will this help me with coming off of Adderall and Vyvanse , they really did a number on me . I’m hoping it could help repair my dopamine receptors
Malik, Aniracetam seems to sensitize dopamine receptors which will help. But for repair I suggest N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC) (N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC)) and something like Ashwagandha for axons, dendrites and synapses. And Lion’s Mane Mushroom for neurogenesis.
Hi David,
Is it safe to use Aniracetam in combination with Efexor? I am tapering off of Efexor 75 mg and currently use around 15 mg. In the article you write that Aniracetam affects serotonin in the brain, and I know Efexor is a reuptake inhibitor of serotonin. Are there any risks with respect to too high levels of serotonin when I combine Aniracetam with Efexor?
Thanks!
Arend, I’m not aware of any contraindications between the two. Aniracetam seems to ‘modulate’ serotonin levels rather than raise them because it’s effective as an anxiolytic. I don’t think Aniracetam ‘increases’ serotonin.
Hi David,
Whats your opinion about stacking racetams with cbd?
Thanks!
Mary Kate, there is no direct contraindication between the racetams and CBD. I use Aniracetam and CBD Oil before bed. So I don’t take them at the same time. But have not had any problems.
Uh oh! Thanks for the heads up. I definitely don’t want to cause harm while I’m experimenting to feel better! I guess my research leaves much to be desired.
My doc added Bupropion for apathy when I wasn’t experiencing relief after trying L-Tyrosine and Mucuna. It has helped but I’ll remove it since it can harm me.
In your opinion is it better to drop the Bupropion and add Aniracetam and Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline along with the L-Tyrosine and Mucuna?
Rhonda, I can’t advise you to use or not use a prescription drug because I’m not qualified to do so. Personally, I’d rather use natural supplements when possible to heal and support my brain. Which I have for the last 12 years.
If you choose to use Aniracetam and Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline along with the L-Tyrosine and Mucuna it will help to use a high quality B-Complex supplement with it because you need the B-Vitamins as cofactors for all of them to provide their benefit. As well as magnesium glycinate or l-threonate.
Thanks David. From your personal experience do you believe that L-Tyrosine, Mucuna and Aniracetam would be a good combination to help with apathy? I’d rather use natural when possible but I was in such a dark hole at the time that continued experimentation became overwhelming. If I can get off the RX I’d prefer to. I’m definitely not asking for medical advice. I can easily add a B and I currently take Mag Glycinate.
Rhonda, this combo may help you. The only way to know is to try it using recommended dosages and give it a chance. You may not get “instant” results like you would from some prescription meds. But stay with for a couple of months and see if it works for you.
David I use Escitalopram for 12 years. I’ve read much on alpha gpc and NAC. I know you disclaim medical advice, could you summarize these 2 would be safe, especially the gpc? Thank you Otto
Otto, Escitalopram is an SSRI and works on serotonin. Alpha GPC is an acetylcholine precursor. And NAC is a glutathione precursor. Completely different systems in your brain. So there’s no direct contraindication that I’m aware of.
Hi David,
Many thanks for all you share!! I have been reading your articles and experimenting for a while now to improve cognition, motivation, social anxiety and apathy.
I’m taking GABA, L-Tyrosine, Mucuna and DIM. I’m post menopausal and as my hormones change depression gets worse, so I started Sertraline 100mg but it didn’t touch the apathy I was experience, so my doc added 100 mg Bupropion.
I still lack motivation so I’m wondering if adding aneracetam & choline would be safe with my current meds/supplements.
Rhonda, you need to be careful with what you’re using now first. Because Bupropion is a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). And Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Which means that these two drugs force more dopamine and serotonin to be available in the extracellular space in your brain.
When you start boosting dopamine with L-Tyrosine and Mucuna, at a minimum Bupropion is going to potentiate the action of those nootropics. And you can easily end up in the danger zone of excess dopamine and/or norepinephrine. Which can potentially cause a heart attack.
Aniracetam and Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline would normally be a great addition for boosting motivation. But Aniracetam also affects dopamine receptors. By adding them you’re entering unknown territory here because we don’t know what can happen.
My intention is not to scare you. But to make you aware that nootropics are powerful and their use needs to be respected. Or you can end up with unexpected consequences.
Do the neuroprotective effects only occur during aniracetam’s “effective” period? Or is there ongoing protection even after the effects of aniracetam wears off?
Richard, most of the neuroprotective benefit of Aniracetam is while you’re using it. You’ll have some lasting benefit because Aniracetam helps restore specific parts of physical brain health.
But your brain is a highly complex, dynamic organ that is constantly changing and in constant need of nutrients and oxygen to keep it healthy and working optimally. It requires ‘ongoing upkeep’ and Aniracetam assists in that regard. So don’t expect the positive changes Aniracetam brought to last much longer than a few days at most.
Fasoracetam – can you offer some quick thoughts on this racetam; it is sometimes said to have similar effects to aniracetam.
Is investigating fasoracetam worth the time, or are there clear safety concerns that would make you avoid it entirely?
Apparently some mutants hyper respond to fasoracetam. Some community members voiced an interest in identifying the alleles responsible for this hyper-reaction.
Ralph, I chose not to include Fasoracetam in my racetam reviews because I can’t find enough research supporting its use. What little research that is available has been done with animals and not humans. There are far better options in my opinion that make is unnecessary to mess around with an unproven drug like Fasoracetam.
Hello, David. Great article! I have tried Aniracetam a little over two years ago. It wasn’t quite the experience I expected, but a lot has changed and I’m willing to give it another chance. I understand it’s effects on the AMPA receptors but wanted some more in depth info on how it impacts serotonin and dopamine. Does it increase these neurotransmitters, or does it release them like say a stimulant would? Does it act on any serotonin receptors or dopamine receptors like D2 or D3? According to my raw data, which I know can be hit or miss, I could benefit from increasing/activating DRD2 receptors. I also have a polymorphism in the serotonin transporter (SLC6A4) which means I have a poor response to SSRIs. Coincidentally, I have a poor response to methylfolate and folinic acid and of course cheap, synthetic folic acid. So I can’t tell if I need more or less serotonin, or just need to antagonize the bad receptors. I don’t mean to ramble, just want to see if you can share some knowledge in this area. I will be trying it regardless, from nootropics depot. I’ll make sure to take it with fat and I have CDP choline to take with as well. Do you think it stacks well with fish oil? I’d appreciate your advice!
Johnny, my research shows that Aniracetam activates dopamine D2 & D3 receptors. Another animal study showed it affected nicotinic acetylcholine, 5-HT2A and dopamine D2 receptors. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11412837/
Aniracetam is fat-soluble so needs something like unrefined coconut or MCT Oil to help it through cell membranes. Fish oil won’t do it. And I encourage you to switch from “fish oil” to something that is more effective for your brain. Please see my review for DHA and why you should use it instead here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/dha/
David, thank you so much for providing this amazing website!!
You recommend that the best place to purchase Aniracetam is from HR Supplements. I went to their website and they are currently out of stock. Also, the lowest dose they sell is 1,000 mg and I want to start at a lower dose. Would you please recommend an alternative website or brand for Aniracetam?
Sandi, HR Supplements are the only company I trust these days to offer a quality, tested product. So you’ve got two options.
1. Order their Aniracetam powder and make your own 500 mg capsules. You should be able to find a capsule filling machine on Amazon or one of the other supplement sites for $20 – 30. And a bag of 1,000 empty 00 capsules for around $15. Filling your own capsules is cheaper and you know exactly what’s going into that capsule. Including zero “other ingredients”.
2nd option may be Nootropics Depot. Not sure of their testing capabilities lately. But you should be able to find out on their website with a little searching.
Would it not be possible to just buy the Hr supplements one at 1000mg and split the capules into two 500mg dosages? Nootropics depots lowest dosage is 500mg, but they are charging $60 for 180 capsules vs HR @ $19.99 for 120 1000MG caps.
Jonathan, HR Supplements Aniracetam is 500 mg per capsule. Two capsules is 1,000 mg. I just checked the bottle beside my desk.
hello david i had a question
if im taking mind labs as the major/main part of my stack and i add aniracetam would i still require another choline producer or would the (ps) that helps produce choline in mind labs be enough?
Jay, Aniracetam is a huge influence on how your brain uses acetylcholine. And you need a direct precursor like Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline to produce this extra acetylcholine. The amount of Citicoline in Mind Lab Pro is not high enough when using this racetam. And PS won’t do it.
Hey i have two questions.
If im taking mind lab as a major/main part of my stack which has (ps) that helps with choline production. If i add Aniracetam would i still need to add another Choline supplement like CDP Choline?
Also I’m reading mixed reviews about the Aniracetam from NutriVitaShop, would you recommend them?
They’re cheap so I’m worried about the quality.
Jay, to get the full benefit of Aniracetam you need to add an acetylcholine precursor. Something like 300 mg Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline with each Aniracetam dose. See the review above on why this is so important. Even the Citicoline in Mind Lab Pro is not enough to provide the acetylcholine that Aniracetam demands.
You bring up a great point about supplement quality. That’s why I recommend HR Supplements near the end of the above review. Because they test their product and even provide a QR code on the bottle label so you can download the Certificate of Analysis for that bottle of Aniracetam.
Thanks for your content David.
Curious, what are your thoughts on taking aniracetam sublingually? Is there a benefit to it?
Thanks,
Rob
Rob, I can’t imagine there would be any benefit. It’d be difficult to use it sublingually especially when you need to use it at the recommended dosage for full effect.
Hello david,
How are you ,
First of all thank you for this important information that can help people improve health and try to solve health problems, bless you!
My name is Tomer, 37, and I’d love to hear your opinion:
Following a steroid injection made to me in the editor due to headaches that I suffered in an extended period, which subsequently caused me severe problems with cognitive functioning: long-term memory and especially short-term memory, difficulty in speaking sharply and fluently, and the concentration is also particularly important.
In addition to this, I had chronic pain in the same area.
For the past two years I have been using FOHOW’s “Linzi” mushrooms that have helped me with the cognitive issue but after a long time decides to stop them because they make me aggravated by a headache and I’m sure they are “clean and natural”
I felt like I was “addicted” to it.
In any case, nowadays trying to find a replacement, the condition today is 30% cervical headache
And 70% the cognitive issue.
Currently takes:
Sam Island 200 mg * 1 (taking 3 years)
Ivbacrinol 100 mg * 1 (2 months)
Vitamin B-100 * 1 Complex (2 months)
Vitamin C 500mg * 1 (two months)
Omega 3 Crushed Sage Oil (2 months)
acetyl l-carnitine 500 mg / day (2 weeks)
I take 3 capsules of MIND LEB PRO. (2 weeks)
Turmeric 1 * PHYTOSOME 500 mg (2 months)
The effect of supplements is positive but still the improvement is not enough for me especially on the cognitive issue of concentration and decision making.
Chronic fatigue also exists, but not in severe form.
I added that the supplements taken contribute to pain relief as well, which is why I’m more focused.
(The type of pain is dull to the scalp).
I would love to hear your opinion:
1. If there are other effective natural supplements that you recommend taking
For improved cognitive especially and possibly contributing to pain.
2. Which extension from the PIRACETAM family do you think is most suitable and assisted me in the situation.
And is it safe to take long-term (in recommended doses), where to buy it
Thanks in advance for your help.
Tomer.
Tomer, it’s likely you’re getting pain relief from the Omega-3s and Turmeric because they are anti-inflammatory. Without know more the best I can offer is choosing 1 – 2 nootropics from each category on this page: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics/. That should assist cognition. For additional pain relief I suggest using the search function top right. Search for the keyword “anti-inflammatory” and see what else turns up.
How does one stack piracetam along with aniracetam to gain maximum benefits and being on the safer side?
As we know piracetam takes some time to show its affects but aniracetam has an immediate effect.
How would you advise to stack both for deriving a long-term benefit and also for short sprints of work at random days.
Avinash, take a look at this section of my review first: https://nootropicsexpert.com/aniracetam/#aniracetam-vs-piracetam-whats-the-difference.
Aniracetam seems to work much faster than Piracetam which makes it a better choice for “short sprints of work”. You may not get the benefit of Piracetam in time for it to make any difference in your work. You’ll need to experiment with this on your own and see what works best for you.
If I was personally doing it I’d dose both at the same time and twice daily just because it’s easier to keep track of. Knowing that one racetam is fat-soluble while the other is not. And both require extra acetylcholine to experience the benefit of that nootropic.
Hey David,
Could I take aniracetam, oxciracetam or noopept on Concerta(mph) would there be dangerous interactions?
Thanks
Eamonn, I use Aniracetam and sometimes Noopept with Ritalin with great success. As long as you follow dosage instructions you should be fine.