Nootropics Expert

The world authority on nootropic supplements and optimizing brain health and function

  • Start Here
    • About
    • Contact
    • Consultations
    • Press
    • Podcasts
    • Support Our Mission
  • Nootropics 101
        • Guides

          • Nootropic Stacks for Beginners
          • Acetylcholine in Nootropic Stacks
          • Choline in Nootropic Stacks
          • Create the Best Nootropic Stack
          • Best Pre-Made Nootropic Stacks
        • Nootropics Safety

          • Glossary
          • Side Effects
          • “Smart Drugs”
        • Frequently Asked Questions

          • Are Nootropics Addictive?
          • Do Brain Enhancing “Drugs” Work? Know the Risks
          • What is the best vitamin for memory and focus?
          • Are Nootropics Legal in My Country?
          • How do Nootropics Work?
          • How Long Does it Take for Omega-3 to Work?
          • Do I have low dopamine?
  • Nutrition & Lifestyle
        • Nutrition

          • Brain Boosting Diet
          • Best Natural Nootropics
          • Nootropic Foods
          • How to Heal a Leaky Blood-Brain Barrier
          • How to Improve Memory and Concentration
          • Essential Vitamins for Brain Health
          • Essential Minerals for Brain Health
          • Nootropics that Boost BDNF
        • Neurohacking

          • Neurohackers Guide to Lab Tests
          • Hack Your Flow State
          • Hack Your Mitochondria
          • Hack Your Motivation
          • Hack Your Success In Business & Life
        • Featured Posts

          • The Benefits of Nootropic Supplements for Autism in 2023
          • The Benefits of Medicinal Nootropic Mushrooms
          • Adderall Alternatives: Best Over the Counter Substitutes
          • Top 7 Nootropic Adaptogens to Conquer Anxiety and Stress
          • Sex Hormones and Your Brain
          • Psychobiotics: The Gut-Brain Connection
          • See All Featured Posts
        • Nootropics Use Cases

          • Autism
          • ADHD & ADD
          • Aging Brain
          • Anxiety
          • Brain Fog
          • Depression
          • eSports & Gaming
          • Learning and Memory
          • Meditation
          • Parkinson’s Disease
          • PTSD
          • Sleep
          • Social Anxiety
          • Studying
          • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Buyer's Guides
        • Buying Tips

          • The Best Nootropics of 2023
          • Tips for Choosing Nootropic Supplements
          • What I Take
          • Where to Buy Nootropics
          • Vetting Nootropic Companies
        • Best of &

          • Best Brain Supplements to Buy
          • Best Books on Nootropic Supplements
          • Best Energy Supplements to Buy
          • Best Memory Supplements to Buy
          • Best Nootropic Herbs
          • Best Sleep Supplements to Buy
        • Nootropics Compared

          • Best Nootropics to Buy on Amazon
          • Best MCT Oil Supplement to Buy
          • Best Prebiotics to Buy
          • Best Multivitamin for Men to Buy
          • Best Multivitamin for Women to Buy
          • The Top 7 Racetams – Which One is Best?
  • Nootropics List
        • Racetams

          • Aniracetam
          • Coluracetam
          • Nefiracetam
          • Oxiracetam
          • Phenylpiracetam
          • Piracetam
          • Pramiracetam
        • Vitamins & Minerals

          • Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
          • Vitamin D
          • Vitamin B8 (Inositol)
          • Iodine
          • Lithium Orotate
          • Magnesium
          • Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
          • Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
          • Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
          • Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
          • Zinc
        • Cognitive Enhancers

          • Alpha GPC
          • CDP-Choline
          • Choline Bitartrate
          • Choline Citrate
          • Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
          • Creatine
          • DHA
          • Huperzine-A
          • Methylene Blue
          • Phosphatidylcholine (PC)
          • Phosphatidylserine (PS)
          • Vinpocetine
        • Amino Acids etc.

          • 5-HTP
          • Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)
          • Glycine
          • L-Carnosine
          • L-DOPA
          • L-Glutamine
          • L-Theanine
          • N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC)
          • N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine
          • Phenylalanine
          • SAM-e
          • Taurine
          • Tryptophan
          • Tyrosine
        • Natural Nootropics

          • Artichoke Extract (Luteolin)
          • Ashwagandha
          • Bacopa Monnieri
          • Black Seed Oil
          • Berberine
          • Cacao
          • Cat’s Claw
          • CBD Oil
          • Coconut & MCT Oil
          • Forskolin
          • Ginkgo Biloba
          • Ginseng
          • Gotu Kola
          • Holy Basil (Tulsi)
          • Kratom
          • Lion’s Mane
          • Maca
          • Magnolia Bark
          • Nicotine
          • Passionflower
          • Pine Bark Extract
          • Rhodiola Rosea
          • Rosemary
          • Saffron
          • St. John’s wort
          • Turmeric
          • Valerian
  • Reviews
    • H.V.M.N.®
      • H.V.M.N.® – Nootrobox® Review
    • Onnit®
      • Alpha Brain® Review
    • Performance Lab®
      • Mind Lab Pro® Review
      • Nu:tropic® Bars Review
      • Performance Lab® Review
      • Performance Lab® Caffeine+ Review
      • Performance Lab® Energy Review
      • Performance Lab® MCT Review
      • Performance Lab® Mind Review
      • Performance Lab® NutriGenesis® Multi Review
      • Performance Lab® Prebiotic Review
      • Performance Lab® Sleep Review
      • Performance Lab® Vision Review
      • Performance Lab Vision Review
  • Head First
Home / Nootropics List / Piracetam
Avatar for David Tomen
Author: David Tomen | Nootropics Expert Founder Modified: September 02, 2023

David Tomen is a nootropics expert and author of the influential "Head First – The Complete Guide to Healing & Optimizing Your Brain with Nootropic Supplements" and ‘Secrets of the Optimized Brain’.  David also runs the popular Nootropics Expert YouTube channel.

February 23, 2023 By David Tomen 169 Comments

Piracetam

Piracetam
Piracetam has been shown to increase Cerebral Circulation, improve creativity and verbal fluency, boost memory, learning and recall and improve mood

Piracetam (2-oxo-1-pyrrolidine-acetamide, Nootropil) is a water-soluble ampakine nootropic in the racetam-class of compounds.

Piracetam was first synthesized by Dr. Corneliu Giurgea at Belgian-based pharmaceutical company UCB Pharma in the 1964. Piracetam is considered the first true nootropic ever developed.

As a cyclic derivative of GABA, Piracetam was first intended to be a calming type of drug for motion sickness. But in spite of its connection with GABA, Piracetam didn’t show any behavior associated with this calming neurotransmitter. And cannot directly affect GABA receptors.[i]

Instead, Dr. Giurgea discovered that Piracetam was able to boost cognition even in healthy people. The company launched this new ‘drug’ as ‘Nootropil’ in Europe in the early 1970’s. The success of Nootropil soon allowed UCB Pharma to expand its operations which led to many new pharmaceutical drugs.

Dr. Giurgea coined the term “nootropic” to describe this class of cognition-optimizing compounds.[ii] Nootropic was derived from the Greek words for “mind” (noos) and “towards” (tropein).

Piracetam is sold as a prescription drug (Nootropil and Lucetam) in Europe. In South America, Piracetam is sold under the names Noostan (Argentina), Breinox (Venezuela and Ecuador), and Nootropil (Mexico). Piracetam is also branded as Lucetam, Oikamid, Smart, Geratam, Biotropil, Neurobasal, Stimulan and Nocetan in countries around the world.

In the United States, Piracetam is sold as an OTC supplement as Piracetam and Nootropil.

Dozens of racetam derivatives have since been developed based on the original Piracetam. All synthetic compounds, racetams share a pyrrolidone nucleus.

Piracetam modulates AMPA receptors, and boosts the function of acetylcholine in the brain. A favorite racetam among the nootropics community. Neurohackers use Piracetam to boost memory and learning.

If you’re going to start experimenting with racetams, my recommendation at Nootropics Expert is to start with Piracetam. Because it works, it’s safe and it’s cheaper than all the other nootropics in the racetam-family.

Piracetam helps:

  • Inflammation: Piracetam is a potent analgesic (anti-pain). This analgesic effect is related to inhibition of inflammatory markers including IL-1β. And the prevention of reduced glutathione, ferric reducing ability and free radical scavenging[iii]
  • Neurotransmitters: Piracetam potentiates the flow of, and increases the effect of acetylcholine (ACh) in the brain.[iv] And studies have shown it significantly improves learning and memory.[v]
  • Cerebral Blood Flow: Piracetam increases blood flow in the brain.[vi] Better blood flow delivers more oxygen and nutrients to neurons improving cognition, memory and focus.

Table of Contents

  • Overview
  • How does Piracetam work in the Brain?
  • How things go bad
  • Piracetam benefits
  • How does Piracetam feel?
  • Piracetam Clinical Research
    • Piracetam Improves Cognition
    • Piracetam Enhances ATP Production
  • Piracetam recommended dosage
  • Piracetam Side Effects
  • Where to buy Piracetam
  • Nootropics Expert Recommendation

Overview

Piracetam (2-oxo-1-pyrrolidine-acetamide, Nootropil) was the first 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.[vii]

Piracetam
Piracetam

Developed by a fellow of famous Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov, Dr. Corneliu Giurgea first synthesized Piracetam at Belgian-based pharmaceutical company UCB Pharma in the 1964.

Since the discovery of Piracetam, dozens of nootropics have been created in the racetam-class of compounds. And all have a pyrrolidone nucleus at their core.

Piracetam is a cyclic derivative of GABA. But oddly enough, it doesn’t affect GABA receptors in the brain. Instead, Piracetam was found to modulate AMPA and NMDA receptors and improve the function of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh).

AMPA and NMDA receptors along with acetylcholine are associated with learning and memory.[viii] And when Piracetam is stacked with a choline supplement its effects are even more pronounced. Researchers have shown in hundreds of clinical studies that Piracetam significantly improves learning and memory.

Piracetam also increases cerebral blood flow. Blood delivers oxygen and glucose needed for cellular metabolism, and helps carry away cellular waste. Critical for the highly optimized brain.

Piracetam is sold as a prescription drug in many countries around the world. In the United States, Piracetam is sold as an unregulated OTC research compound.

Piracetam-improves-cerebral-circulation

How does Piracetam work in the Brain?

Piracetam boosts brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.

  1. Piracetam modulates AMPA and NMDA receptors in the brain. And improves the flow of acetylcholine (ACh) and sensitivity and density of ACh receptors.[ix]

This German study conducted with lab mice showed Piracetam elevated NMDA receptor density. And normalized the way those receptors worked with L-Glutamate similar to that of a healthy brain.

Deficits at the level of NMDA receptors could be one of the mechanisms of action underlying age-related cognitive decline. And the researchers concluded that Piracetam showed cognition-enhancing properties.[x]

This effect on NMDA receptor sites is directly related to our interest in using Piracetam for Long-Term Potentiation and the support of long-term memory formation.

Neuroplasticity is dependent on activation of NMDA receptors.[xi] And this neuroplasticity is at the heart of memory formation. Reviews of Piracetam used by neurohackers frequently report the return of long-lost memories. Further proof of the efficacy in using Piracetam to support learning and memory.

  1. Piracetam increases cerebral blood flow. Several studies have shown how Piracetam positively influences brain blood flow. Cerebral blood flow is critical for the highly optimized brain. Blood delivers oxygen and glucose needed for cellular metabolism, and helps carry away cellular waste.[xii]

Strokes can be caused by an interruption in cerebral blood flow. Starving parts of the brain of oxygen and glucose. This double-blind, placebo-controlled study was done with 24 stroke patients. One group received 2,400 mg of Piracetam twice daily, and the other a placebo.

Before treatment, both groups were comparable in performance during language tasks. The study found that Piracetam improved recovery of various language functions. And this effect was attributed to increased blood circulation to areas of the brain related to language. The placebo group showed very little improvement in areas of language.[xiii]

How things go bad

As we get older, our brain chemistry and metabolism changes. And it seems these changes are affecting younger and younger people.

↓ Recall, reaction time and learning capacity declinesPiracetam boosts acetylcholine

↓ ATP energy levels decline

↓ Density of AMPA and NMDA receptors decline

↓ Acetylcholine levels decline

↓ Cerebral blood flow declines

All of these changes are contributing factors to age-related cognitive decline. Early signs of these effects can be seen in poor decision-making, difficulty learning, and even recalling simple things like an important appointment.

But even if you’re not concerned with the signs of aging, Piracetam can help.

Piracetam benefits

Piracetam helps increase blood flow in the brain, improves oxygen levels, enhances glucose use in brain cells, maintains brain cell mitochondria and ATP synthesis.Piracetam-improves-brain-blood-flow

Piracetam is also a potent modulator of AMPA-sensitive glutamate receptors in neurons. It increases the density of specific binding sites for AMPA in neuronal synapses.[xiv]

Glutamate is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in your brain. This glutamate activity by Piracetam affects alertness, focus, attention, memory and learning. And one of the reasons why neurohackers consistently report that Piracetam improves mental performance and memory.

Piracetam increases high-affinity choline uptake (HACU) which is the process that occurs in cholinergic nerve endings and facilitates acetylcholine (ACh) formation. Boosting ACh with Piracetam produces a powerful effect on learning and memory.[xv]

Piracetam also boosts choline receptor density in the frontal cortex. The area of your brain used for working memory and decision-making.[xvi]

ATP energy is critical to your brain’s survival. Brain cells must produce all of their own ATP from glucose and oxygen. This brain energy carbohydrate metabolism depends on cerebral blood flow, oxygen uptake and glucose. Piracetam enhances this glucose utilization, and increases ATP synthesis within brain cell mitochondria.[xvii]

And Piracetam has analgesic (anti-pain) benefits. This anti-pain action is linked to Piracetam’s anti-inflammatory properties.[xviii] Inflammation can cause pain, and studies have shown Piracetam can have profound effect on pain.

Piracetam boosts acetylcholine so you should add a good choline source. Try Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline with Piracetam. And give your brain the choline it needs.

Piracetam-improves-memory-and-creativity

How does Piracetam feel?

Most neurohackers report a noticeable benefit from Piracetam after about 2 weeks. Consider that Piracetam is modulating your brain’s chemistry. And this change is unlikely to occur immediately.

Your brain needs some time to adjust to the new change in acetylcholine (ACh) levels and how it uses it. Increased cerebral blood flow takes a while to bring up levels of oxygen and nutrients. And for your neuronal cells to respond. Your mileage may vary depending on your own neuro-chemical makeup.

Many suggest starting with an ‘attack dose’ for the first 3-days. A 3,000 mg ‘attack dose’ of Piracetam for example to start with theoretically gets more of the supplement into your system right away. So it takes less time to build up before you start feeling the effects.

From there step down to a maintenance dose and vary the quantity until you find your own sweet spot.

Once you begin to notice the effects of Piracetam you’re likely to feel a mood boost, less social anxiety, heightened creativity, improved verbal fluency and better memory.

Piracetam does boost your brain’s use of acetylcholine. So you will likely find that adding a good choline source (Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline) to your Piracetam stack helps.

Piracetam Clinical Research

Piracetam-reduces-social-anxietyWe have plenty of evidence that Piracetam improves memory in animals and people who are suffering from many types of cognitive impairment. Keep in mind that most of the scientific research available for nootropics is done with sick people trying to get well.

The return on investment for research at institutions and universities comes from treating diseases. And not from helping ordinary biohackers like us trying to get a competitive advantage at work or in school.

We can however extrapolate the findings from these studies and learn if and how something like Piracetam can help our memory and cognition. Once-in-awhile someone does take the time to conduct such a study on healthy people. Like this one done with normal, healthy volunteers.

Researchers gave this healthy group of participants four 400 mg capsules of Piracetam 3-times per day (4,800 mg total) for 14 days. No effects on memory were observed after 7 days during this experiment. But after 14 days verbal learning had significantly increased.[xix]

Piracetam Improves Cognition

Researchers in Belgium (where Piracetam originated) conducted an analysis of 19 double-blind, placebo-controlled studies done with patients suffering dementia or cognitive impairment and who took Piracetam.

The results of this meta-analysis demonstrated the difference between people who used Piracetam or used a placebo. The end result of this analysis provided compelling evidence for the usefulness of Piracetam in a diverse group of people with cognitive impairment.[xx]

Several studies and user reviews have shown that Piracetam dosage makes a difference. And unlike some other nootropics where you start at a lower dose and work your way up, with Piracetam we recommend you start at a higher suggested dose.

This study in Germany with 78 elderly patients showed that there was a significant difference in cognition improvement while dosing Piracetam at 1,600 mg 3-times per day. There was no difference in cognition with patients who received 800 mg 3-times per day.[xxi] Dosage matters when using Piracetam.

Piracetam Enhances ATP Production

Piracetam is used around the world to treat cognitive impairment in aging, brain injuries, dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. Several studies show that Piracetam enhances ATP production, mitochondrial membranes and neurite outgrowth in neurons.

In this study, scientists investigated the effects of Piracetam on mitochondrial function. Human brain cells were treated with Piracetam under normal conditions and under conditions imitating aging and damage by ROS (reactive oxygen species). And with cells representing early-stage Alzheimer’s Disease.

The cells representing Alzheimer’s conditions showed impaired mitochondrial function under baseline conditions. Piracetam was able to restore this impairment in cells and shift mitochondrial function back to normal.

The researchers showed that Piracetam is able to repair mitochondria in those with mild Alzheimer’s and return cell function back to normal.[xxii]

Piracetam recommended dosage

Recommended Piracetam dosage is 1,600 mg 3-times per day. One Piracetam dose in the morning, and one in the early afternoon, and one later in the afternoon.Piracetam-dosage

You will likely want to start with an ‘attack dose’ when you’re first starting out with Piracetam. Refer to the “How does Piracetam feel?” section of this article for more on ‘attack doses’.

Dosing Piracetam varies widely between neurohackers. Experimenting and finding the dose where you experience the most benefit is key. You may find a lower dose works well for you. Or you may find you need to increase your dose even more. Dosing Piracetam is directly related to your own unique neurochemistry.

Piracetam Side Effects

Piracetam is non-toxic. So is considered well-tolerated and safe.

As with many of the racetams, Piracetam can cause headaches because it boosts the use of acetylcholine in your brain. Choline supplements like Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline can help you avoid this side effect.

Many neurohackers find that stacking Piracetam with a choline supplement boosts the effect with improved memory and cognition. And this is supported in several research studies.[xxiii]

Where to buy Piracetam

Piracetam is sold in tablet, capsule and powder form. Tablets and capsules are usually 800 mg each.

I recommend Cosmic Nootropic – Piracetam. The company offers branded forms of many racetam nootropics and is highly recommended.

In Europe, Asia, South America and some other countries around the world, Piracetam is a prescription drug. And sold under many different brand names (including Nootropil). Refer to the Introduction of this article for some of these brand names.

Nootropics Expert Recommendation

Piracetam 1,600 mg 3-times per day

Nootropics Expert Tested and ApprovedI recommend using Piracetam as a nootropic supplement.

Your body does not make Piracetam on its own. So to get its benefits you must take it as a supplement.

If you’re going to start experimenting with racetams, our recommendation at Nootropics Expert is to start with Piracetam. Because it works, it’s safe and it’s cheaper than all the other nootropics in the racetam-family.

Piracetam is especially helpful for those suffering from most types of age-related cognitive decline.

Piracetam is also particularly useful to students and executives who want to boost cognition, learning and memory.

You should use Piracetam 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 Piracetam to 9,600 mg if needed. Studies have shown that Piracetam is completely non-toxic even at high doses. You may find however that a lower dose than our recommended amount works better for you.

I recommend Cosmic Nootropic – Piracetam. The company offers branded forms of many racetam nootropics and is highly recommended.

REFERENCES

[i] Genton P., Van Vleymen B. “Piracetam and levetiracetam: close structural similarities but different pharmacological and clinical profiles.”Epileptic Disorders. 2000 Jun;2(2):99-105. (source)

[ii] Shorvon S. “Pyrrolidone derivatives.” Lancet. 2001 Dec 1;358(9296):1885-92. (source)

[iii] Navarro S.A., Serafim K.G., Mizokami S.S., Hohmann M.S., Casagrande R., Verri W.A. Jr. “Analgesic activity of piracetam: effect on cytokine production and oxidative stress.” Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior. 2013 Apr;105:183-92. (source)

[iv] Bering B., Müller W.E. “Interaction of piracetam with several neurotransmitter receptors in the central nervous system. Relative specificity for 3H-glutamate sites.” Arzneimittelforschung. 1985;35(9):1350-2. (source)

[v] Genton P., Van Vleymen B. “Piracetam and levetiracetam: close structural similarities but different pharmacological and clinical profiles.”Epileptic Disorders. 2000 Jun;2(2):99-105. (source)

[vi] 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)

[vii] Purves D., Augustine G.J., Fitzpatrick D., et al., editors. “Glutamate Receptors” Neuroscience. 2nd edition. Sunderland (MA): Sinauer Associates; 2001. (source)

[viii] Ahmed A.H., Oswald R.E. “Piracetam defines a new binding site for allosteric modulators of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid (AMPA) receptors.” Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. 2010 Mar 11;53(5):2197-203. (source)

[ix] Stoll L., Schubert T., Müller W.E. “Age-related deficits of central muscarinic cholinergic receptor function in the mouse: partial restoration by chronic piracetam treatment.” Neurobiology of Aging. 1992 Jan-Feb;13(1):39-44. (source)

[x] Cohen S.A., Müller W.E. “Effects of piracetam on N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor properties in the aged mouse brain.” Pharmacology. 1993 Oct;47(4):217-22. (source)

[xi] Williams J.M., Guévremont D., Kennard J.T., Mason-Parker S.E., Tate W.P., Abraham W.C. “Long-term regulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunits and associated synaptic proteins following hippocampal synaptic plasticity.” Neuroscience. 2003;118(4):1003-13. (source)

[xii] Kojiro I., Secher N.H. “Cerebral blood flow and metabolism during exercise” Progress in Neurobiology Volume 61, Issue 4, July 2000, Pages 397–414 (source)

[xiii] Kessler J., Thiel A., Karbe H., Heiss W.D. “Piracetam improves activated blood flow and facilitates rehabilitation of poststroke aphasic patients.” Stroke. 2000 Sep;31(9):2112-6. (source)

[xiv] Copani A., Genazzani A.A., Aleppo G., Casabona G., Canonico P.L., Scapagnini U., Nicoletti F. “Nootropic drugs positively modulate alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid-sensitive glutamate receptors in neuronal cultures.” Journal of Neurochemistry. 1992 Apr;58(4):1199-204. (source)

[xv] Pepeu G., Spignoli G. “Nootropic drugs and brain cholinergic mechanisms.” Progress in Neuro-psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry. 1989;13 Suppl:S77-88. (source)

[xvi] Pilch H., Müller W.E. “Piracetam elevates muscarinic cholinergic receptor density in the frontal cortex of aged but not of young mice.”Psychopharmacology (Berl). 1988;94(1):74-8. (source)

[xvii] Grau M., Montero J.L., Balasch J. “Effect of Piracetam on electrocorticogram and local cerebral glucose utilization in the rat.”General Pharmacology. 1987;18(2):205-11. (source)

[xviii] Navarro S.A., Serafim K.G., Mizokami S.S., Hohmann M.S., Casagrande R., Verri W.A. Jr. “Analgesic activity of piracetam: effect on cytokine production and oxidative stress.” Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior. 2013 Apr;105:183-92. (source)

[xix] Dimond S.J., Brouwers E.M. “Increase in the power of human memory in normal man through the use of drugs.” Psychopharmacology(Berl). 1976 Sep 29;49(3):307-9. (source)

[xx] Waegemans T., Wilsher C.R., Danniau A., Ferris S.H., Kurz A., Winblad B. “Clinical efficacy of piracetam in cognitive impairment: a meta-analysis.” Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders. 2002;13(4):217-24. (source)

[xxi] Kretschmar J.H., Kretschmar C.H. “[On the dose-effect relationship in the therapy with piracetam (author’s transl)].” in German Arzneimittelforschung. 1976;26(6):1158-9. (source)

[xxii] Stockburger C., Kurz C., Koch K.A., Eckert S.H., Leuner K., Müller W.E. “Improvement of mitochondrial function and dynamics by the metabolic enhancer piracetam.” Biochemical Social Transactions. 2013 Oct;41(5):1331-4. (source)

[xxiii] Platel A., Jalfre M., Pawelec C., Roux S., Porsolt R.D. “Habituation of exploratory activity in mice: effects of combinations of piracetam and choline on memory processes.” Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior. 1984 Aug;21(2):209-12. (source)

 

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may also contain other affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Filed Under: Nootropics List

Avatar for David Tomen

About David Tomen

David Tomen is a nootropics expert and author of the influential "Head First – The Complete Guide to Healing & Optimizing Your Brain with Nootropic Supplements" and ‘Secrets of the Optimized Brain’.  David also runs the popular Nootropics Expert YouTube channel.

Comments

  1. Avatar for RicaRica says

    October 22, 2020 at 9:34 pm

    Hi David

    I’ve seen you comment about being cautious using Piracetam on younger people. I have a 6yr old and I’d like to use Piracetam for ADHD symptoms. In my research I found this study. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15071842/. What are your thoughts on this? Can you tell me what I should be aware of if using it on a child?

    Thank you

    Reply
    • Avatar for David TomenDavid Tomen says

      October 23, 2020 at 4:19 pm

      Rica, that study is proof that Piracetam has been used successfully with children as young as 6. You would need to use a study like that to determine a safe dosage. But one thing to keep in mind is higher than normal dosages are often used during these studies because they are short term. And the researchers are looking for an effect in the short term. So that translates into start with a much lower dose.

      The other thing to look for is ‘how the nootropic works’ in the brain. Does it “change” anything? That’s where you’d need to be careful that you don’t start messing with normal development. If all the nootropic did was potentiate the effectiveness of a receptor for example is one thing. But if it increase the number of receptors then you’re getting into change territory.

      Reply
      • Avatar for RicaRica says

        November 1, 2020 at 1:05 am

        You made an excellent point and something to think about “change”. With a 6 yr old whose body is rapidly changing I feel very reluctant to give meds or heavy supplements.

        I will hold off on Piracetam for now. Thank you again for the help.

        Reply
  2. Avatar for Brian Morenze PeirisBrian Morenze Peiris says

    August 20, 2020 at 6:38 am

    Hey David,
    Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
    Is it necessary to take breaks from taking Piracetam form time to time? So you don’t develop a dependency? And if so, would it be wise to stop it abruptly, or would you recommend, slowly phasing it out and restating later with an attack dose?
    Thak you in advance.

    Reply
    • Avatar for David TomenDavid Tomen says

      August 21, 2020 at 4:48 pm

      Brain, I’ve never heard of someone developing a tolerance to Piracetam. There are only one or two racetams where that could be an issue.

      You should not experience any difficulty abruptly stopping Piracetam. Review the mechanism of action with this nootropic and I think you’ll understand why. The only thing you may experience is slipping back to a state of cognition that is not as good as when you’re using Piracetam.

      It’s unlikely you’ll slide all the way back to before you started. But you may notice a difference. While inconvenient, it’s not life threatening nor uncomfortable.

      Reply
      • Avatar for Brian Morenze PeirisBrian Morenze Peiris says

        August 23, 2020 at 2:55 am

        Gotcha! Thank you Sir!

        Reply
  3. Avatar for stevesteve says

    November 26, 2019 at 11:56 pm

    According to a recent study in JAMA:

    Although approved as a prescription drug in Europe, piracetam is not approved in the United States for any conditions,and can cause a slew of psychological side effects, including anxiety, depression and insomnia, according to the new study, published today (Nov. 25) in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine.

    https://www.livescience.com/brain-boosting-supplements-contain-unapproved-drug.html

    Perhaps you are being irresponsible in promoting piracetam.
    A lot of unknowns here.

    Reply
    • Avatar for David TomenDavid Tomen says

      November 27, 2019 at 4:07 pm

      Steve, that particular piece has been copied and posted by at least 6 – 8 different sites over the last couple of weeks. But please keep in mind that I am not “promoting” Piracetam. I’m reporting on what it is, where it comes from, why it is used, side effects, and dosage recommendations if you decide to try it.

      It’s entirely your responsibility as is everyone else who visits Nootropics Expert to decide what to use and what to avoid. The information is here and backed by clinical studies so you can make wise choices.

      The ‘authorities’ as well as mainstream medicine advises against ALL dietary supplements. Because they have not been “approved by the FDA”. So you have a choice to believe what the drugs companies say. Or the research and what thousands of clinical studies and millions of users have to report.

      Reply
      • Avatar for stevesteve says

        November 27, 2019 at 7:24 pm

        Hi David,

        Thank you for your reply. I appreciate what you are saying about personal responsibility. It is as you say up to each one of us.

        Multi-vitamins, fish oil, ginko and other such supplements are very helpful in many situations, and the fact that the FDA or drug companies don’t approve is no reason to stop taking them if appropriate for the individual.

        However, piracetam specifically, is not approved as a “drug”, not even talking at all about its status as a supplement. It is approved as a drug in Europe.

        Also the side effects listed in my previous post were based on a specific JAMA study published recently and I believe are important data.

        These side effects are specific, explicit and shown to be real in the JAMA study. Though not all people will suffer such side effects, they are real.

        The study also pointed out that some brands of piracetam suggest taking amounts per day which go beyond even the perscription limits for piracetam as a drug (in the EU). This is also important to consider.

        As you simply want to give people data and therefore an informed choice, these data from the JAMA should be of interest to you and your readers, I think.

        Thank you for your time and attention

        Reply
        • Avatar for David TomenDavid Tomen says

          November 28, 2019 at 10:20 am

          Steve, of course there are side effects with this racetam as there are with every single nootropic I’ve reviewed so far. Including all of the vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants and others.

          I absolutely agree that nothing should be in a capsule or supplement container that is not clearly stated on the bottle or package label. Anyone ‘sneaking’ something into a supplement should be put out of business for all kinds of reasons.

          But did you know that certain nootropics we take for granted here in the USA are prescription drugs in other countries? You cannot buy Alpha GPC in certain European and Middle Eastern countries because it is only available as a prescription drug.

          I don’t know how many people die every year from prescription drug reactions because the headlines are overwhelmed with news from opiate deaths. But the number is staggering. And I don’t seem to recall a single death reported from someone using Piracetam.

          Reply
          • Avatar for stevesteve says

            November 28, 2019 at 7:24 pm

            Thank you David. I appreciate you being open to discussing this.

            God bless you!
            Steve

  4. Avatar for AnonymousAnonymous says

    November 23, 2019 at 11:07 pm

    Hi David,

    Does Piracetam has negative effects on young developing brain (under 30)? Or any pre-caution when taking Piracetam for anyone under 30? (Possibly anything similar to what Modafinil do to the developing brain in long term)

    Thanks.

    Reply
    • Avatar for David TomenDavid Tomen says

      November 24, 2019 at 4:31 pm

      I’d be careful with Piracetam if you are younger than 21 years. The racetams are far safer to use even by younger people than prescription meds like Modafinil.

      Reply
      • Avatar for AhmedAhmed says

        March 9, 2021 at 9:15 pm

        Hi David, can you clarify what exactly do you mean by “I’d be very careful” in this context?
        For instance, I’m a 19-year-old who has had problems with motivation/concentration/ADD his whole life. and I currently take:
        A multi-vitamin
        Omega3
        Sulbutiamine 400mg/day
        Ginkgo Biloba 260mg/day
        L-carnitine 1000mg/day
        Alpha Lipoic Acid 300mg/day
        (I eat a lot of Eggs for the Choline, since I can’t find a choline supplement where I live)
        That being said, With this stack, should I NOT take the recommended 1600mg 3x/day dosage of Piracetam that is recommended, given my age?
        if so, what dosage would you recommend?
        and if I should change anything with the rest of my stack.
        Much appreciated.

        Reply
        • Avatar for David TomenDavid Tomen says

          March 11, 2021 at 2:33 pm

          Ahmed, the human brain continues to develop into your twenties. Like the rest of your body it’s creating new neural networks and fleshing out each segment responsible for various functions. This natural process is not something to be messed with or interrupted because the consequences are not predictable.

          That said, the supplements you are using are natural and you normally get them from food or a herb. All you’re doing is “supplementing” what you may not be getting from food.

          The one thing that you’re missing in your stack and is important for the ADD brain is something to increase dopamine. I suggest adding L-Tyrosine to boost dopamine.

          Reply
  5. Avatar for DavidDavid says

    October 31, 2019 at 9:18 am

    I often see people mention Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline as choline sources when using Piracetam. What about soy lecithin? It’s what I have easy access to. It’s a precursor to choline. Will it be as effective as one of the other mentioned choline sources, or should i not bother with lecithin and go for one of the others?

    Reply
    • Avatar for David TomenDavid Tomen says

      October 31, 2019 at 4:35 pm

      David, soy lecithin is not an effective source of choline. And lecithin is NOT a precursor to choline. Supplements like Phosphatidylcholine are derived from soy or sunflower lecithin during processing. With an emphasis on “derived from”. It’s not precursor.

      Alpha GPC and CDP-Choline on the other had are precursors to acetylcholine because they produce a choline molecule in the synthesis of acetylcholine.

      You can read more about choline and its sources here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/advanced-guide-to-choline-in-nootropic-stacks/. That post explains in detail how the synthesis of acetylcholine works and where those two nootropics come into play. No where in that cycle does lecithin appear.

      Piracetam potentiates the flow of, and increases the effect of acetylcholine (ACh) in the brain. And that’s where Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline come into play.

      Reply
  6. Avatar for MaiconMaicon says

    October 15, 2019 at 2:29 am

    Some racetams have made me sleepy after a few minutes. What can it be?
    (Piracetam;Oxiracetam)

    Reply
    • Avatar for David TomenDavid Tomen says

      October 15, 2019 at 3:35 pm

      Maicon, 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.

      Reply
  7. Avatar for fdj815fdj815 says

    June 16, 2019 at 3:39 pm

    David
    I am new to racetams, so I have a couple of questions. On several websites, including this one, it is suggested that it’s better to start with piracetam before moving on to the other forms of racetams.
    —How long would you recommend taking piracetam before
    moving on to other racetams?
    —Are there any racetams that should and should not be
    stacked together?
    I’m sure I’ll have more questions in the future. I appreciate your response.
    Thanks.

    Reply
    • Avatar for David TomenDavid Tomen says

      June 17, 2019 at 10:53 am

      Starting the racetams is not a ‘hard and fast’ rule in my opinion. And since I wrote this review. It is a good safe starting point with the racetams but the rest are safe as well if dosage recommendations are followed closely.

      I would hesitate to mix any of the racetams. At most I’d use two but adjust dosages down to the lowest recommended dose for each or less. And possibly increasing the choline supplement to support them.

      Reply
      • Avatar for fdj815fdj815 says

        June 21, 2019 at 8:57 am

        David
        Thanks much for your response. It is very helpful. As I continue my research I’m sure I’ll additional questions. Will check back when I put together the stack I intend to use.
        Thanks again..

        Reply
  8. Avatar for ErikErik says

    February 6, 2019 at 6:48 pm

    David,

    I’ve been using Aniracetam for the past month or so, works well for me. I found a stack someone recommended and decided to experiment with it. 750mg of Aniracetam with 800mg of Piracetam twice daily. I’ve taken this 3 days in a row now and have felt “ON” , i’m highly motivated at work, more social, handling stress better etc. Is this sustainable? Can i cycle this with say Oxiracetam and Piracetam as i’m not taking a full dose of Piracetam. Also which racetams stack well together.

    Reply
    • Avatar for David TomenDavid Tomen says

      February 8, 2019 at 9:49 am

      Erik, it is sustainable as long as you are following the dosage recommendations. You may get to a ‘new normal’ and thing they are not working as well. So watch for that.

      You can try switching out Oxiracetam and Piracetam to mix it up a little. I wouldn’t suggest stacking them.

      Reply
  9. Avatar for Erik GomezErik Gomez says

    January 27, 2019 at 12:11 pm

    Hi there, Thanks for this blog. I’ve decided to give piracetam a try. What legid and sage vendors would you recommend. Thanks

    Erik

    Reply
    • Avatar for David TomenDavid Tomen says

      January 28, 2019 at 9:16 am

      Erik, I’ve been using Nootropics Depot for racetams lately and been happy with their prices and service.

      Reply
  10. Avatar for EddieEddie says

    January 18, 2019 at 1:33 am

    Hey David, thank you for all your work. I am new to nootropics and I’m. Hoping to get some of your feedback regarding my stack I am a 23 year old male, I have always struggled with focus, concentration, sociability, high levels of anxiety, depression, substance abuse, the whole 9 yards and so far my stack has done wonders for me in the sense of feeling well, and it has helped getting my stuff done too! Daily, I take:
    Lions mane (love this one)
    L-thaenine …600mg
    NAC …1200mg
    Phosphatydilserine …300mg

    Bacopa stand.20%bac …900mg

    Alpha GPC …600mg- 1200mg

    Vinpocetine… 30-60mg

    Sulbutiamine(every other day) 400 mg

    Huperzine A (also cycled) 200mcg

    I used to take alpha brain before I even knew what nootropics we’re back in high school, so my body knows some of these substances already, it’s been about a week and a half on this stack and so far nothing but positive results, I want to try Piracetam is this ok?
    Thanks again David.

    Reply
    • Avatar for David TomenDavid Tomen says

      January 18, 2019 at 9:13 am

      Eddie, Piracetam may be a good choice with this stack. You’re already using adequate Alpha GPC so my only other suggest is to follow the dosage recommendations in the piracetam review > https://nootropicsexpert.com/piracetam/. And see how it works for you.

      Reply
      • Avatar for EddieEddie says

        January 18, 2019 at 10:44 am

        Thank you!

        Reply
  11. Avatar for ChristyChristy says

    January 16, 2019 at 7:27 pm

    Our family has Lyme and the brain fog that goes with it. Also Adrenal Fatigue. Is Piracetam safe for us? Does it increase Glutamate in the brain?

    Reply
    • Avatar for David TomenDavid Tomen says

      January 17, 2019 at 7:56 am

      Christy, Piracetam does NOT raise glutamate in the brain. But it does modulate glutamate receptors so they work more like would in a healthy brain.

      Reply
  12. Avatar for CarlosCarlos says

    November 28, 2018 at 6:52 am

    Hello David, I’ve just started experimenting with nootropics so there’s probably still much I’m missing in my understanding. I’ve been taking Piracetam for a few weeks, getting a _very_ subtle effect from it (relatively high doses), yet still noticeable and posive (mostly a slight mood boost).

    Now, I’ve had a couple of recent experiences with it where things have gone wrong, namely entering a state of absolute lack of motivation: my processing and language capabilities are unimpaired as far as I can tell, I got enough energy, no headaches or brain fog, but zero drive to keep going, which is obviously detrimental for my work. Now, it’s hard for me to know what is the actual cause or mechanisms by which this is happening since I’m also taking other things like DHA, Ashwagandha and L-Theanine to regulate potential jitteriness, and coffee. First time this happened I was also on Modafinil (not drinking coffee, but I did have a sip of green tea and that moment everything went wrong)…

    So, maybe you can help me understand what might be the cause of this reaction, it’s very close to a depression and I’ve never suffered from depression before… Might it be a bad synergy between the Piracetam and caffeine (today I was feeling great until I had coffee)? Might it be a too high dose of Piracetam (about 7g split during the day but before afternoon)?…

    Also, I’m curious about the mechanisms of action and making my best to undertand how all of this works. I’ve come to understand that I might be Acetylcholine dominant, so can these depression incidents be attributed to an an excess in ACh by itself? Or maybe something is causing a lowering in my Dopamine levels?… Any light you might throw in on this matter I will highly appreciate it.

    Thanks.

    Reply
    • Avatar for David TomenDavid Tomen says

      November 28, 2018 at 1:52 pm

      Carlos, please read this review on Piracetam again carefully. And pay special attention to the sections “How does Piracetam work in the brain?” and “Piracetam to the rescue”.

      You’ll notice mention over and over again of Piracetam’s affect on acetylcholine formation. But if you do not supply the raw ingredients or precursors for acetylcholine synthesis you’ll run into trouble using Piracetam.

      You must stack Piracetam with a good choline source like Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline for this nootropic to function as designed. It doesn’t make any difference whether you are “acetylcholine dominant” or not. Piracetam demands to be stacked with a choline source.

      And as a side note; acetylcholine does affect dopamine signaling. Not enough acetylcholine will have negative effects on the dopamine system in your brain.

      Reply
  13. Avatar for EegyewEegyew says

    September 22, 2018 at 9:15 pm

    Do you believe combining 9.8 grams of piracetam with 3grams of aniracetam is ‘too much’?Does the body build tolerace to these drugs?

    Reply
    • Avatar for David TomenDavid Tomen says

      September 24, 2018 at 1:38 pm

      3 grams of Aniracetam is twice as much as the highest recommended dosage which is a problem. Both affect AMPA receptors which could also be a problem. So I don’t suggest taking them together. Esp. at that high a dosage of each.

      Some people do develop a tolerance to the racetams. I’ve not found that to be a problem with Aniracetam. But then I do plenty to replenish dopamine receptors and synapses which may be why I don’t need to deal with tolerance.

      Reply
  14. Avatar for Eeg32Eeg32 says

    September 2, 2018 at 3:56 pm

    Hello David,
    do you believe the max dosage of piracetam can be used safely long term?(9.8 grams).or 4.8 grams is better for long term use?im worried about kidney health because the deug is excreted through the kidneys but then again it is supposedly non toxic.

    Reply
    • Avatar for David TomenDavid Tomen says

      September 3, 2018 at 9:42 am

      Stay on the cautious side and keep it at or below 4.8 grams. Some find success with even lower doses of Piracetam. I would worry about negative effects on the brain as well as the kidneys at higher doses.

      Reply
  15. Avatar for mairamaira says

    July 15, 2018 at 12:26 pm

    Hi David , i’m from malaysia . my husband accident on march 2016 and remove skull at right side. while in ICU he got piracetam. and i got to give him around a years . but i’m not sure if its have good effect for schizophrenia . do you have any suggestion ? he even have cronic sign like : not bathing , not cleaning self like teeth brush and also changing clothes .

    Reply
    • Avatar for David TomenDavid Tomen says

      July 16, 2018 at 10:32 am

      Maira, It’s interesting that your husband was given Piracetam while in the ICU. There have been some positive studies on Piracetam for schizophrenia: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10583700.

      A search of the forums including Longecity also show some success with Piracetam. But tolerance seems to be an issue.

      Reply
  16. Avatar for JamesJames says

    June 14, 2018 at 1:27 pm

    Thanks for the reply! I better order some more then as the packs are going to go quickly!

    So just to confirm the attack dose will total 9000mg?

    I come back and post my results

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Avatar for David TomenDavid Tomen says

      June 14, 2018 at 3:58 pm

      James, that’s only the “attack dose” for Piracetam. If you’ve never used any of the racetams before I would be cautious about starting with such an aggressive dosage regimen. Piracetam is considered safe and has been used for many decades. But you first need to see how your body reacts when starting a new nootropic.

      Reply
      • Avatar for JamesJames says

        July 14, 2018 at 3:23 am

        Hi David,

        Apologies I did see you reply, and started on the above regime, will no adverse effects.

        I also take choline at night, which makes for vivid dreams, it’s only been a few weeks so difficult to tell if there’s been a change, but I feel my memory has improved, could be placebo? I know it takes weeks for Piracetam to build up in the body and start taking effect so let’s see.

        Reply
        • Avatar for David TomenDavid Tomen says

          July 14, 2018 at 8:18 am

          James, if you are experiencing vivid dreams it likely means your brain is working better than before. Long-term memories are consolidated at night. So a better working brain should result in better memory retention.

          This is the kind of change that is subtle. You may not notice it right away. But one day you’ll realize you remembered some little detail that you would otherwise not have retained. And you’ll know you’re on the right track with your nootropic stack.

          Reply
  17. Avatar for JamesJames says

    June 13, 2018 at 11:58 am

    Hi David,

    Just to confirm for dosing for piracetam. For the attack dose is it 3 x 3,000 mg and also the maintenance dose is this 1600mg per dose or 1600mg x 3.

    Cheers

    James
    London UK

    Reply
    • Avatar for David TomenDavid Tomen says

      June 13, 2018 at 2:16 pm

      James, the attack dosage or the regular dosage for Piracetam is 3-times per day. One dose in the morning, one around noon and the last dose later in the afternoon.

      Reply
  18. Avatar for PaulPaul says

    April 22, 2018 at 3:09 am

    Hi David,

    In your dosage notes you recommend to take a choline source along with piracetam. So following your recommendation of three doses a day would I also take 3 doses of choline source (say alpha GPC) or just one? At what dosage should I take the Alpha GCP? (I have 300mg capsules).

    Thanks again.

    Reply
    • Avatar for David TomenDavid Tomen says

      April 22, 2018 at 1:41 pm

      Paul, try 300 mg of Alpha GPC each time you use Piracetam. If you find you get a headache try doubling your Alpha GPC dose. If that doesn’t work then it means you’re likely low in the B-Vitamins needed for acetylcholine synthesis.

      Reply
  19. Avatar for SparshSparsh says

    March 11, 2018 at 6:40 pm

    Hi David,
    I have been researching about Nootropics for a while now and I need your advice. My goal is the following:

    Overall – Improve raw brain power.

    Specifically:
    A) Short-term goal
    – Mood
    – Attention
    – Verbal Fluency
    – Working memory
    B) Long term goal
    – Memory retention and recall
    – Speedup learning new things
    – Better non-linear thinking
    – Faster processing of info
    – Brain’s ability to recognize patterns in things
    – Mental math
    – Brain’s capabilities to make me successful as an engineer

    Based on the above goals, I have started taking:
    1. Fish Oil – 1.2g
    2. Alpha-gpc – 300mg
    3. Piracetam – 2.4g
    4. Bacopa 50% bacoside – 300mg pill
    5. Vitamin D – 4000 IU
    6. Melatonin – 3 mg (occasionally)

    I would love to have your advice about my current stack and if I can change/add anything to it. My concern is about Piracetam-the information is not consistent with no real info. on dosage, longterm effect, and if it does improve my brain at all or not.

    I am a very hard worker and have achieved more than what many of my peers have. My achievements are because of a lot of hard work but I feel insecure about my brain’s raw power. I feel that I have to put much more effort in many things than some of my ‘brilliant’ peers. Having a little added ‘brain power’ can help me achieve a lot more. I am not seeking nootropics as a easy way out in life, rather as a way to take on much harder challenges.

    I would really appreciate your advice.

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Avatar for David TomenDavid Tomen says

      March 12, 2018 at 12:45 pm

      Sparsh, you may want to divide your Piracetam dose into 2 or 3 and use 200 mg of Alpha GPC each time. Possibly even increase Piracetam by 1 gram. I would add magnesium, a highly bio-available B-Complex and use coconut or MCT Oil each time you dose. Please check dosage instructions for each of these in the individual reviews for each nootropic.

      Your brain needs the basic fundamentals for synthesizing neurotransmitters, and increasing the efficiency of receptors to make things like Piracetam work better. You’re off to a good start but need to build on what you are already doing.

      Rather than making a book out of my response here I suggest you study several of the posts I wrote here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/blog/. Specifically, the posts on learning and memory, flow state, BDNF, and “13 vitamins essential …”. It’ll give you some ideas on how this all works and suggestions on what to add to your stack as well.

      Don’t make massive changes all at once. Add something and see how it works for a few days. Then try something else. But the vitamins and minerals are essential no matter what you try.

      Reply
      • Avatar for SparshSparsh says

        March 27, 2018 at 4:48 am

        I just realized, I did not thank you for your reply. Just wanted to let you know that you are a huge help! Thanks a gallon. I will hopefully get your book too in the near future. Until then, will ask a few questions on your blog – once in a while.

        Reply
        • Avatar for David TomenDavid Tomen says

          March 27, 2018 at 12:15 pm

          I appreciate it Sparsh. Good luck and thanks for visiting.

          Reply
          • Avatar for HenryHenry says

            January 3, 2020 at 7:44 am

            Hi David, My x wife and my son both have Schizophrenia. after many doctor visits and medication , nothing has really worked. Is there any hope in trying Piracetam ?

          • Avatar for David TomenDavid Tomen says

            January 3, 2020 at 11:04 am

            Henry, there have been some positive studies on Piracetam for schizophrenia: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10583700.

            A search of the forums including Longecity also show some success with Piracetam. But tolerance seems to be an issue.

  20. Avatar for Amela TopicAmela Topic says

    July 25, 2017 at 11:53 am

    Dear David,
    I have been reseaching a bit on piracetam since our sons epileptologist suggested to try it out. Now the thing is, my son (2,5 years old) has a very rare genetic mutation on the GRIN2B gene, which codes the NR2B subunits on the NMDA receptors. In his particular case the mutation causes inability to bind glutamate to the NMDA receptors and a slight decrease in binding of glycine. Very simplified, this causes hypofunction (or in his case more of a no-function due to inability to activate the NMDA receptors that containg NR2B subunits. So since I am quite new to all of this, I’m in search of someone that could help me understand the action of piracetam and how it at least in theory could affect a person with hypoactive nr2b containing NMDA receptors. Do you perhaps have any knowledge in this regard? TIA

    Reply
    • Avatar for David TomenDavid Tomen says

      July 25, 2017 at 1:15 pm

      Amela, we have 40 years of research on Piracetam to draw from. So what I’m about to point out only touches the surface of what’s available. Hopefully, it’ll get you started in your research.

      Piracetam elevates NMDA receptor density and enhances affinity of L-glutamate for the NMDA receptor: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8234409

      Piracetam alters the brain cell membrane by increasing its fluidity: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16459490

      Piracetam doesn’t seem to have much anti-epileptic effect on its own, but does potentiate the effect of conventional anti-epileptics: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00702-004-0155-6

      Which brings me to a nootropic I have not yet reviewed. It’s a derivative of Piracetam called Levetiracetam which one study called “The New Anti-epileptic Drug”: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1737842/pdf/v072p00426.pdf. You can read more about how Piracetam works in this pdf: http://www.ptfarm.pl/pub/File/Acta_Poloniae/2005/5/405.pdf.

      Follow through on some of the links in the reference section of my main Piracetam article which will take you to more clinical studies. And can provide a clearer understanding of what science knows about Piracetam so far. Seems your epileptologist is onto something here which is encouraging in our current medical environment. Dosing Piracetam with someone this young on the other hand will mean working closely with your doctor. Please do NOT follow the dosage instructions I’ve provided in this article for someone so young.

      Reply
Newer Comments »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

YouTube Icon Facebook Icon Twitter Icon

Buy Nootropics

Where to Buy Nootropics

Nootropics Guide

The Definitive Guide to Nootropics

The Definitive Guide to Nootropics

Ask the Expert

David Tomen the author of Head First

Personal Consultations

Nootropics List

Quercetin for COVID-19

The Most Comprehensive Nootropics List

Best Nootropics

best nootropics in 2023

Best Nootropics 2023



Best Adderall Alternatives

Best Nootropics for the Aging Brain

Best Nootropics for Social Anxiety

Best Nootropic Herbs

Best Nootropics for Sleep

Best Nootropics for Anxiety

Best Nootropics for eSports & Gaming

Best Natural Nootropics

Best Nootropics for Studying

Best Pre-Made Nootropic Stacks

Best Nootropics to Calm Your Mind

Best Nootropics for Traumatic Brain Injury

Best Nootropics on Amazon


Best Supplements

Best MCT Oil Supplement

Best Memory Supplements

Best Sleep Supplements

Best Multivitamin for Men

Best Energy Supplements

Best Prebiotic Supplements

Best Supplements for Parkinson's Disease

Best Brain Supplements

Best Multivitamin for Women

Best Vitamins for Memory & Focus

Head First 2nd Editon - The Complete Guide to Healing & Optimizing Your Brain with Nootropic Supplements

HEAD FIRST 2nd edition - David Tomen
NEW! Eliminate Brain Fog, Low Energy, Moodiness, Difficulty Sleeping, Memory Loss or Anxiety. Learn more about this phenomenal new book by clicking here.

Featured Reviews

Mind Lab Pro® Review

Mind Lab Pro® Review


Performance Lab® Multivitamin Review


Performance Lab® Energy Review


Performance Lab® Sleep Review

Pages

  • Start Here
  • Nootropics Guide
  • Nootropics List
  • Best Nootropics
  • Nootropics Reviews
  • Glossary
  • Donate
  • Personal Consultations
  • Podcasts

Recent Posts

  • 7 Best Nootropics for Mood
  • 7 Best Nootropics for Beginners
  • 6 Best Nootropics for Verbal Fluency
  • Best Nootropics for ADHD & ADD
  • 7 Best Nootropics for Motivation

Recent Comments

  • David Tomen on Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)
  • David Tomen on Huperzine-A
  • David Tomen on Welcome to Nootropics Expert
  • David Tomen on Holy Basil (Tulsi)
  • David Tomen on Magnesium

YouTube Icon Facebook Icon Twitter Icon

Copyright © 2023 Nootropics Expert · About · Contact · Press · Disclaimer · Privacy Policyscrollclick

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and supplements referred anywhere on Nootropics Expert are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

 

Wondering Where to Start? There’s a Nootropic For That…

Free Secrets of the Brain 3rd Edition

Get “Secrets of the Optimized Brain,” 92 nootropics to help you plan your Nootropic Stack when you sign up for my newsletter:

Search Tip: search by word or “keyphrase in quotations”. i.e. dopamine, anxiety, depression, epilepsy, OCD, “nootropics for ADHD”, “nootropics for social anxiety”, etc.