Table of Contents
Oxiracetam (4-Hydroxy-2-oxopyrrolidine-N-acetamide or ISF-2522) is a water-soluble Ampakine nootropic in the racetam-class of compounds. Oxiracetam is considerably more potent than the original racetam, Piracetam.[i]
Oxiracetam was the 3rd racetam nootropic and developed in the 1970’s. It is chemically derived from Piracetam (2-oxo-1-pyrrolidinoacetamide) where the main difference is the addition of a hydroxyl group. Oxiracetam, similar to other racetam nootropics, has a pyrrolidone nucleus at its core.
Oxiracetam modulates AMPA-sensitive glutamate receptors, and increases neurotransmitter release.[ii]
A favorite racetam among the nootropics community. Neurohackers use Oxiracetam to boost memory and learning, support brain health and for its mild stimulant properties.
Oxiracetam helps:
- Brain Optimization: Oxiracetam significantly improves cognition and memory, sensory perception and reflexes. Focus and concentration get a boost. And recall is easier.
- Neurotransmitters: Oxiracetam enhances choline-acetyltransferase (ChAT) in your brain.[iii] ChAT is the enzyme responsible for acetylcholine (ACh). ACh is the neurotransmitter critical for encoding new memories, reasoning, concentration, cognition and neuroplasticity.
- Brain Energy: Oxiracetam modulates AMPA-receptors in your brain. Ampakines provide a stimulant-effect by influencing glutamate receptors. Without any of the side effects associated with stimulants.[iv] Oxiracetam also seems to boost ATP synthesis in brain cells.[v]
Overview
Oxiracetam (4-Hydroxy-2-oxopyrrolidine-N-acetamide or ISF-2522) is in the racetam-family of nootropic compounds. It is a water-soluble ampakine nootropic. AMPA (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic) refers to one of three glutamate receptors in your brain.[vi]
![Oxiracetam](https://nootropicsexpert.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Oxiracetam-271x300.jpg)
The racetam-class of nootropics have a pyrrolidone nucleus at their core. But Oxiracetam also has an hydroxyl group. And Oxiracetam is a Cholinergic compound, meaning it affects acetylcholine levels in your brain.
Oxiracetam is sold as an over-the-counter, unrestricted compound in much of the world including the United States.
One of the older synthetic nootropic compounds, it is known as a cognitive enhancer. And for its stimulatory effects.
Oxiracetam is considered to be more potent than Piracetam. As an ampakine nootropic, it helps increase attention span, alertness and boosts memory. Including the ability to form long-term memories even if taken after the initial memory formation.[vii]
Ampakines tend to have a stimulant effect. But do not produce the same stimulant side effects as Ritalin or coffee from prolonged use.
Oxiracetam vs. Piracetam: What’s the Difference?
Oxiracetam was developed in the 1977 as a derivative of Piracetam.
Oxiracetam and Piracetam are both water-soluble. The half-life and nootropic benefits are similar.
![Piracetam-vs-Oxiracetam](https://nootropicsexpert.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Piracetam-vs-Oxiracetam-300x175.jpg)
The potency of Oxiracetam seems to be about 5-times that of Piracetam. So it’ll take less to get the same nootropic effect.
Both Oxiracetam 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.
Oxiracetam has additional benefits not shared with Piracetam. Oxiracetam provides more of a stimulatory effect than Piracetam. Some even compare it to Modafinil.
Many prefer Oxiracetam over Piracetam. But if you’re a first-time user of Oxiracetam, start with a lower dose and see how you react to it. And make sure you stack it with a good choline source to avoid the racetam-headache and irritability sometimes associated with racetams.
How does Oxiracetam Work in the Brain?
Oxiracetam boosts brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.
- Oxiracetam boosts memory and cognition. Oxiracetam modulates AMPA receptors in the brain. These receptors work like control channels, overseeing and regulating synaptic transmission. Oxiracetam also increases the density of binding sites for neurotransmitters on AMPA receptors.[viii]
The result of these actions is a stimulant-effect without any of the negative side effects associated with stimulants. And there is clinical evidence that this stimulant action has an effect on memory and cognition.
One double-blind, placebo controlled trial was done with 65 patients diagnosed with primary degenerative dementia. Patients were given 800 mg of Oxiracetam twice daily for 12 weeks, or a placebo. Subjects were tested before the trial, and after 6 and 12 weeks of treatment.
The researchers found a significant difference in favor of Oxiracetam based on a ‘quality of life scale’, and several neurological tests for memory.[ix]
Oxiracetam also seems to prevent an imbalance of acetylcholine activity when NMDA receptors are malfunctioning.[x] AMPA and NMDA receptors work together for the flow of glutamate necessary for learning and memory. Including Long-Term Potentiation that is associated with neuroplasticity that allows long-term memories to form.
- Oxiracetam boosts the availability of acetylcholine (ACh) in the brain. Leading to improved short-term and long-term memory. And eliminating ‘brain fog’. Oxiracetam does this by boosting the sensitivity of ACh receptors.
Oxiracetam enhances protein kinase C (PKC) which affects M1 acetylcholine receptors. Oxiracetam even demonstrates the ability to repair these receptors when damaged.[xi] More ACh results in better learning and memory.
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 your central nervous system.
Glutamate is a pivotal neurotransmitter in the brain. It links the brain circuits involved in memory, learning and perception.
↓ Too little glutamate can cause problems with memory, learning and perception
↓ AMPA and NMDA receptors wear out or die
↓ Acetylcholine levels decline
↓ Cholinergic neurons wear or die out
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 Oxiracetam 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 your brain.
Oxiracetam benefits
Clinical studies have looked at using Oxiracetam to treat Alzheimer’s, ADHD, dementia, concussions and other brain disorders. Many of these trials demonstrated Oxiracetam’s ability to improve learning, spatial learning performance, memory, recall and quality of life scores.
Oxiracetam works similar to other racetams by targeting the neurotransmitters acetylcholine (ACh) and glutamate. ACh has a significant impact on memory formation and recall. And glutamate plays a role in memory formation, motivation and attention.
Oxiracetam encourages the use of acetylcholine in your brain. So when using Oxiracetam you must ensure you have adequate choline levels available to make acetylcholine. Most neurohackers stack Oxiracetam with a choline supplement like Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline.
Oxiracetam is used to boost short and long-term memory, eliminate brain fog, improve attention and focus, and the ability to learn.
How does Oxiracetam feel?
Nootropics users report that Oxiracetam clears brain fog, improves focus and motivation. Especially when learning new material or working through a tedious task.
You should see a significant improvement in recall. Reading may be easier giving you the ability to get through more pages faster and retain the information for later.
And some report an improvement in mood which could be the result of more acetylcholine available for use in the brain.
Oxiracetam does have a stimulant-effect so try not to take it too late in the day as it may interfere with a good night’s sleep.
You should be able to experience the effects of Oxiracetam soon after you take it. It’s water-soluble so it’s digested and enters your cells quickly. And unlike other stimulants, there is no “crash” once Oxiracetam leaves your system.
Oxiracetam Clinical Research
Researchers worked with 96 patients diagnosed with dementia for 12 months. Patients were treated with 1600 mg per day of Oxiracetam or a placebo. And were assessed at 2, 6 and 12 months of the trial.
The patients treated with Oxiracetam showed a significant improvement in reaction time and cognition. The placebo group experienced a worsening of conditions. The study authors concluded that Oxiracetam favorably acts on the symptoms of dementia. And can improve information processing, reaction times and attention.[xii]
Oxiracetam helps Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major public health issue affecting 1.7 million Americans each year.[xiii] TBI can be caused by sports injuries, work accidents, car and motorcycle accidents, falls, and your wife hitting you over the head with a frying pan.
Many survivors end up with long-term or even permanent neurocognitive dysfunction. Affecting cognition, motor function (movement) and personality. These disabilities are estimated to cost $9.2 billion in lifetime medical costs and $51.2 billion in productivity losses.[xiv]
In a brain subjected to TBI there is glutamate toxicity, free-radical injury to brain cells, electrolyte imbalances, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, apoptosis (cell death) and stroke.[xv]
In one study done with 30 Wistar rats, researchers looked at the role Oxiracetam could have on TBI. The animals were randomly divided into 3 groups. Rats in the treatment group were given 100 mg/kg of Oxiracetam for 21 days. Neurologic impairment scores were measured on days 1, 4, 7, 14 and 21.
The researchers found the treatment group had significantly less brain impairment after 7, 14 and 21 days. And concluded that Oxiracetam shows promise in decreasing neural injury caused by TBI. Increasing learning ability, memory and space cognition.[xvi]
Oxiracetam Improves Cognition and Memory
Researchers worked with 43 patients to evaluate the effects of Oxiracetam on ‘organic brain syndrome’ (OBS). OBS is brain dysfunction that is not attributable to a specific disease like Alzheimer’s or dementia.
This double-blind, placebo-controlled study had one group of patients taking 800 mg of Oxiracetam twice a day for 8 weeks, and the other group took a placebo.
In OBS patients with mild to moderate cognitive impairment, Oxiracetam improved cognition, logic and attention. The placebo group experienced no change in cognitive impairment.[xvii]
Another study with memory impaired rats showed that Oxiracetam restored acetylcholine receptors. Restoring learning and memory as a result.[xviii]
Oxiracetam Recommended Dosage
Recommended Oxiracetam dosage is 750 – 1,500 mg per day. Divided in two equal doses. One Oxiracetam dose in the morning, and one in the early afternoon.
Oxiracetam is sold in tablet, capsule and powder form. Tablets and capsules are usually 750 mg each.
Since Oxiracetam boosts the efficiency of acetylcholine in your brain, you should stack it with a good choline source like Alpha GPC or CDP Choline.
Oxiracetam Side Effects
Oxiracetam 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 Oxiracetam 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 Oxiracetam
Oxiracetam is sold in tablet, capsule and powder form. Tablets and capsules are usually 750 mg each.
I have tried and recommend: Science.bio-Oxiracetam who sell Oxiracetam as a “research” compound. It is sold to be used in an academic laboratory research setting. They go on to state “nothing we sell is intended for nor is it manufactured for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes in humans.”
Nootropics Expert Recommendation
Oxiracetam 750 – 1,500 mg per day
I recommend using Oxiracetam as a nootropic supplement.
Your body does not make Oxiracetam on its own. So to get its benefits you must take it as a supplement.
Oxiracetam is especially helpful for those suffering from lack of energy, brain fog and the inability to focus. Oxiracetam influences AMPA and NMDA receptors in your brain. Improving the efficiency of the neurotransmitter glutamate. This excitatory brain chemical is responsible for sending signals between neuron in the brain. And plays a critical role in learning and forming memories.
Oxiracetam is also particularly useful to students and executives who want to boost cognition, learning and memory. It boosts the efficiency of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) in your brain. ACh is critical for encoding new memories, reasoning, concentration, cognition and growth of new synapses (neuroplasticity).
Oxiracetam 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.
You should stack Oxiracetam 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 Oxiracetam to 2,800 mg if needed.
I have tried and recommend: Science.bio-Oxiracetam.
Join The Discussion - 69 comments
Annette
June 6, 2022
Hello,
First, I want to thank you for such an informative website. Last year I was able to purchase a bottle of Oxiracetam from one of your recommended vendor due to their high quality and purity. But, that site no longer sells it or any type of racetams. Sciencebio.com is out of business. Do you know of any other vendors that sell high quality racetams?
David Tomen
June 7, 2022
Annette, this company now carries several of the racetams: https://bit.ly/3aMzybi
Alexa
April 22, 2022
Hi David!
According to this study: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/009130579190421W
Oxiracetam + Nicotine have synergistic effect right?
David Tomen
April 22, 2022
Alexa, they do appear to have a synergistic effect.
Benjamin White
March 31, 2022
Hi David! I have strong brain fog after using things like PRL-8-53, Oxiracetam, Aniracetam, Noopept. I try to take 900mg Alpha GPC or 600mg Cognizin each day + 500mg B5 and sulbutiamine. I even tried to take half of the dose. Is it possible that all racetams will not work for me? Or should I try more? I didn’t tried Phenyl, Piracetam, Colour, Prami, Nefira and fasoracetam. What is your opinion? Thank you David!
David Tomen
March 31, 2022
Benjamin, I do not recommend using anymore than one racetam at a time. But it may also be that racetams are not for you.
If you are dealing with brain fog no matter what the cause this article may give you some ideas to try: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-supplements-for-brain-fog/
Borys
January 14, 2022
Greetings David! I have a very common question about fatigue/sleepiness after using Aniracetam or Noopept I experience those symptoms as quick as 10-30min after taking. On your other articles I’ve read that it may happen because of too much acetylcholine or too little acetylcholine or too little choline in the brain i will copy your comments down below. I experience this fatigue when taking 250mg of cognizin + B5 125mg. Once I tried to go with 500mg Cognizin + B5 250mg + 750mg Aniracetam and fatigue + brain fog kicked in after like 20 minutes. I also take all witamins/mineral in proper dosages to support neurotransmitters :(. Should I try something like acetylocholinesterase inhibition to don’t feel sleepy with racetams? Or add 300mg Alpha GPC to my 500mg cognizin dosage? I don’t think I have too much acetylcholine, As far as I can remember I’ve always been slow/sluggish/I forgot my wallet person 🙂 What could you recommend me so I would don’t have to throw away my Aniracetam and Noopept 🙁
Thank you!
“If you don’t feel unusual fatigue or sleepiness within an hour of taking this stack then you’re good. If you do however start to feel a little sleepy or fatigued, it means you’ve got too much acetylcholine in your system. And you need to back off of the amount of acetylcholine precursors you use.
without knowing more about how you used them it’s likely because you didn’t take it with a choline supplement. And you deplete your brain of acetylcholine.
sleepiness when using any of the racetams is often caused by insufficient acetylcholine.”
David Tomen
January 16, 2022
Borys, try a couple of things. First try changing from Cognizin and try Alpha GPC instead and see if that helps. If not then reduce your Aniracetam dosage.
If you are using Noopept with Aniracetam you are putting even more strain on acetylcholine in your brain. In your case I would use one or the other.
Louise
December 3, 2021
Oxiracetam is not available from HR Supplements, do you recommend another reputable source?
David Tomen
December 3, 2021
Louise, you can also get Oxiracetam here: https://bit.ly/3prRECW
Chris
January 14, 2022
They are going out of business, need new sources
David Tomen
January 16, 2022
Chris, yes they are and I am looking for another vendor. If you find one please let me know.
Louise
February 13, 2022
Hi, any updates available?
David Tomen
February 14, 2022
Louise, it looks like Nootropic Depot still offers Oxiracetam. So you may want to check with them.
Darcy
September 6, 2021
This is the first nootropic that actually makes a noticeable difference in my debilitating, life ruining, fatigue. The problem is, it also makes me think about food all the time and I can’t stick to my diet come 3 pm on.
I have tried every nootropic I could buy, however, I only discovered oxiracetam about 3 weeks go. I don’t know how I overlooked it.
David Tomen
September 7, 2021
Darcy, I’ve researched and reviewed 97 individual nootropic supplements so far so it is no surprising that missed one or two. oxiracetam is not a well-known nootropic even with experienced neurohackers.
Oxiracetam boosts ATP synthesis in mitochondria which means in plain English your cells are producing more energy while using this nootropic. And you need food to create ATP. ATP is your master energy supply which provides power to each of your cells.
Armando
December 7, 2020
Hello David, I hope you can help me. Im 24 and I have problems with verbal fluency in social situations. My memory is also not very good and im not focussed a lot of the time. I only want to try 1 fam, Aniracetam or oxiracetam + choline. Which one is the best? Would also be nice if it can repair brain damage long term
David Tomen
December 8, 2020
Armando, the only nootropics that I know of that have user reports of improved verbal fluency are Piracetam (https://nootropicsexpert.com/piracetam/) and DHA (https://nootropicsexpert.com/dha/).
But please double-check dosages for each including Piracetam with Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline and 1,000 mg for DHA.
Jeroen
December 8, 2019
Dear David,
I tried oxiracetam several times and it works great for my but i feel so good on it that i have to question if it isn’t decreasing my dopamine recepters. Like with several addictions. Do you have an answer to this? Much appreciated! I love the website!
Greetings,
Jeroen
David Tomen
December 9, 2019
Jeroen, Oxiracetam increases the density of binding sites for neurotransmitters on AMPA receptors. It does not directly increase dopamine but instead affects the dopamine pathway. The same pathway involved in motivation/reward. Which is explained in more detail in this post: https://nootropicsexpert.com/hacking-motivation-with-nootropics/
So the ‘feel-good’ side effects you are experiencing are just a nice bonus.