Pramiracetam (N-[2-[di(propan-2-yl) amino] ethyl]-2-(2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl) acetamide, CI-879, Pramistar, Neupramir, Remen) is a fat-soluble nootropic in the racetam-class of compounds.
Pramiracetam was first synthesized by scientists at Parke-Davis in the late 1970’s. It was first tested with Alzheimer’s patients. Seeing mixed results, the company tried it with major depressive disorder. And licensed Pramiracetam as an orphan drug to Menarini who continued research on using it for dementia.
In 1991, the company licensed Pramiracetam to Cambridge Neuroscience Inc. (CNI).[i] The nootropic was then tested for restoring cognitive function after stroke or traumatic brain injury.
Researchers found that Pramiracetam was up to 30-times more potent than the original Piracetam. In Europe this nootropic is prescribed for the treatment of dyslexia, ADHD, dementia and other memory problems. Brand names for prescription Pramiracetam include Pramistar, Neupramir and Remen.
Pramiracetam has gained a reputation in the nootropics community for optimizing cognition. It’s a favorite with students and executives for boosting cognition, focus, memory, and recall.
Pramiracetam helps:
- High Affinity Choline Uptake (HACU): Pramiracetam has been shown to significantly increase HACU in the hippocampus. This action boosts acetylcholine (ACh) use which accounts at least in part for Pramiracetam ability to enhance cognition and memory.[ii]
- Neurotransmitters: Pramiracetam has a profound effect on the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh).[iii] ACh is critical for encoding new memories, concentration, cognition and neuroplasticity.
- Cerebral Blood Flow: Pramiracetam increases nitric oxide (NO) activity in your brain.[iv] NO acts as a vascular dilator which means it relaxes blood vessels allowing for the freer flow of blood. Increased blood flow delivers more oxygen and nutrients to brain cells promoting better learning and memory.
Table of Contents
Overview
Pramiracetam (N-[2-[di(propan-2-yl) amino] ethyl]-2-(2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl) acetamide or CI-879) is one of the newer nootropics in the racetam-family.
Pramiracetam was developed by Parke-Davis in the late 1970’s from Piracetam by substituting the amide group with a dipropan-2-ylaminoethyl group. Parke-Davis was once America’s largest and oldest drug maker. It has since been acquired by Pfizer as part of their acquisition of Warner-Lambert in 2000.
Parke-Davis has an interesting history and were pioneers in many areas including drugs that affect cognition. Even conducting some research with peyote in the early 1900’s.[v]
Pramiracetam as a nootropic is legal, and sold in many parts of the world as the prescription drug Pramistar, Neupramir, or Remen. In the United States, Pramiracetam is sold as an OTC ‘research compound’, and readily available to the nootropics community.
Pramiracetam shares a unique quality with Coluracetam in the racetam-class of nootropics. Its primary method of action is boosting high affinity choline uptake (HACU) in the hippocampus. It helps increase acetylcholine synthesis and function which helps overall cognition, improved memory and recall, learning, and focus.
Pramiracetam has been shown in the lab to not directly influence GABA, dopamine, norepinephrine, or serotonin in the brain.[vi] So don’t look to Pramiracetam to correct mood and anxiety issues.
Pramiracetam does increase nitric oxide activity in your brain. Helping to increase cerebral circulation which improves the efficiency of brain cells needed for motor function, learning and visual function.
How does Pramiracetam work in the Brain?
Pramiracetam boosts brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.
- Pramiracetam improves memory. Several animal and human studies show that Pramiracetam has a significant impact on memory.
In this animal study researchers administered Pramiracetam to rats in a one-trial test. This is significant because it proves that Pramiracetam works right out of the gate. It doesn’t take multiple doses, or a couple of weeks to build up in your system. It works on the first day you use it.
The scientists found that rats had a significant improvement in retention by using Pramiracetam. And the effect lasted for 24 hours.[vii]
- Pramiracetam increases high-affinity choline uptake (HACU). Studies have shown that Pramiracetam boosts HACU in the hippocampus. The increase in acetylcholine (ACh) makes more of this neurotransmitter available to neurons for cognitive processing. Increasing attention, mental clarity, memory and verbal skills.[viii]
High affinity choline uptake (HACU) is the uptake of choline in synapses needed for acetylcholine (ACh) synthesis. This is a critical link in the chain of events needed for your brain to make ACh.[ix] Studies with Pramiracetam and other racetam nootropics like Coluracetam show that boosting HACU increases memory. And even restores memory function in parts of the brain that have been damaged.[x]
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 declines
↓ Acetylcholine receptors decline
↓ Acetylcholine levels decline
↓ Cerebral blood flow declines
↓ Nitric Oxide levels decline
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, Pramiracetam can help.
Pramiracetam benefits
Pramiracetam helps boost acetylcholine (ACh) synthesis and use in your brain, and increases cerebral circulation.
As a nootropic, Pramiracetam easily crosses the blood-brain barrier.[xi] And since it is fat-soluble, it must be taken with a healthy fat such as unrefined coconut oil or MCT Oil to ensure absorption.
Pramiracetam increases the amount and efficiency of acetylcholine by influencing the high affinity choline uptake (HACU) system in your brain. This increase in ACh can have a profound effect on overall cognition and memory.
With Pramiracetam, you’ll find it easier to focus and learning ability will improve. This increase in ACh in your hippocampus helps with logic and understanding complex mathematical and technical subjects if that’s your thing.
Increased neuroplasticity from more acetylcholine and improved cerebral circulation affects long-term potentiation.[xii] So you may find it easier to recall long-forgotten memories.
How does Pramiracetam feel?
Many neurohackers report that taking Pramiracetam quickly gets your brain firing on all cylinders. There is an intense increase in focus and possibly even a boost in confidence.
But once you get accustomed to this laser-like focus, the novelty wears off and you become used to being able to focus at will.
Pramiracetam is reported to be great for intense, long study sessions. Or when you face logical, attention-based tasks where you need sharp focus. Like when you’re doing a presentation before the Board, or a group of VC’s.
This nootropic makes burning through tedious, arduous tasks that require a level of sustained focus easier, and that would otherwise seem difficult.
Others report improved recall ability, fluidity of thought, and ease of verbal communication and numerical calculations.
Pramiracetam Clinical Research
Pramiracetam Normalizes Brain Waves
Researchers working with old Fisher-344 rats found that the aged rats had a consistently different EEG profile from young rats. They found slow brain waves were present in both the frontal cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Theta brain wave activity was missing altogether but was dominant in the brains of young rats.
Theta brain waves are associated with creativity, integrative experiences and relief from trauma. Theta waves are commonly experienced by meditators. An “ah-ha moment” is a burst of Theta waves in your brain.
This research team found that Pramiracetam normalized brain wave activity in the old rats. And even more interesting was that its older sibling Piracetam did not produce this effect on brain waves. And that tolerance to Piracetam was a problem.
While it hasn’t been proven in the lab, this study shows that Pramiracetam would be of benefit to the older generation looking to improve cognitive function.[xiii]
Pramiracetam Improves Memory
Researchers in Italy investigated Pramiracetam effects on memory, and memory training by a therapist. Types of memory measured were objective memory and metamemory performance.
Metamemory is both the inner-knowledge of one’s own memories combined with the processes for formulating new memories with no inner-knowledge.
35 healthy volunteers were chosen with an average age of 64.8 years. 10 subjects received memory training only, 8 received Pramiracetam, 10 received both memory training and Pramiracetam, and the control group received nothing.
Results of the study showed that those receiving both memory training and Pramiracetam experienced a significant improvement in memory. Followed by the Pramiracetam group. The memory training-only group and control group scored the lowest.
The research team concluded that Pramiracetam significantly improves memory. And the addition of memory training to Pramiracetam has an even more profound effect of both types of memory measured.[xiv]
Pramiracetam Enhances Cognition
This double-blind placebo-controlled study worked with young males who suffered cognition problems due to brain injuries. The men had problems with memory and recall.
One group received 400 mg of Pramiracetam daily for 18 months. And the other group a placebo. Memory was measured during the trial and for 1-month after Pramiracetam was discontinued.
The researchers found that Pramiracetam produced a significant improvement in cognition, memory and recall.[xv]
Pramiracetam Dosage
Recommended Pramiracetam dosage is 250 – 400 mg up to 3-times per day. One Pramiracetam dose in the morning, and one in the early afternoon, and if you’re doing a 3rd dose do it later in the afternoon.
Pramiracetam is fat-soluble so for best results take it with a quality fat like a tablespoon of extra virgin, cold-pressed unrefined coconut oil, MCT oil or olive oil. If you don’t take Pramiracetam with supplemental fat, don’t expect much of an improvement in cognition.
My preferred healthy fat is a tablespoon of the new organic, non-GMO Performance Lab® MCT Oil.
Pramiracetam is one of two racetams (the other is Coluracetam) that have a profound effect on high affinity choline uptake (HACU). This means it will help your brain make more acetylcholine (ACh) and boost the use of ACh.
Acetylcholine is synthesized from the available choline in your brain. Which means for best results you should stack Pramiracetam with supplemental choline. We recommend a good quality choline source like Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline.
Pramiracetam tastes particularly nasty. So you may want to get capsules or tablets rather than powder (unless you’re making your own capsules).
DO NOT try to take Pramiracetam sublingually because it will literally burn the lining of your mouth.
Pramiracetam Side Effects
Pramiracetam is non-toxic. So is considered well-tolerated and safe.
As with many of the racetams, Pramiracetam 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 also find that stacking Pramiracetam with a choline supplement boosts the effect with improved memory and cognition. And this is supported in several research studies.
Some users report that Pramiracetam blunts their emotions. Decisions when it comes life and work issues are logic-based rather than emotional. This can be good or bad depending on the situation of course. You could call it “emotional objectivity”.
Where to buy Pramiracetam
Pramiracetam is sold in tablet, capsule and powder form. Tablets and capsules are usually 250 or 300 mg each.
You can currently buy this racetam from Cosmic Nootropic – Pramiracetam . The company sells branded forms of many of several racetams and is highly recommended.
Nootropics Expert Recommendation
Pramiracetam 250 – 400 mg up to 3-times per day
I recommend using Pramiracetam as a nootropic supplement.
Your body does not make Pramiracetam on its own. So to get its benefits you must take it as a supplement.
Pramiracetam is especially helpful for those suffering from age-related cognitive decline. Its boosts high affinity choline uptake (HACU) which means more acetylcholine (ACh) is available in your brain. Providing a significant improvement in cognition and memory.
Pramiracetam is also particularly useful to students and executives who want to boost cognition, focus, learning and memory.
Pramiracetam is fat-soluble so stack it with a good quality fat like coconut oil, olive oil or MCT oil. My preferred healthy fat is a tablespoon of the new organic, non-GMO Performance Lab® MCT Oil.
You should use Pramiracetam with a 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 Pramiracetam to 1500 mg if needed. But most find that lower doses are more effective.
You can currently buy this racetam from Cosmic Nootropic – Pramiracetam . The company sells branded forms of many of several racetams and is highly recommended.
[i] “CAMBRIDGE NEUROSCIENCE DEVELOPING WARNER-LAMBERT’s PRAMIRACETAM” Pharma Intelligence (source)
[ii] Pugsley T.A., Shih Y.H. “Some neurochemical properties of pramiracetam (CI-879), a new cognition-enhancing agent” Drug Development Research Volume 3, Issue 5, pages 407–420, 1983 (source)
[iii] Brust P. “Reversal of scopolamine-induced alterations of choline transport across the blood-brain barrier by the nootropics piracetam and pramiracetam.” Arzneimittelforschung. 1989 Oct;39(10):1220-2. (source)
[iv] Corasaniti M.T., Paoletti A.M., Palma E., Granato T., Navarra M., Nisticò G. “Systemic administration of pramiracetam increases nitric oxide synthase activity in the cerebral cortex of the rat.” Functional Neurology. 1995 May-Jun;10(3):151-5. (source)
[v] Sutin, Lawrence (2000). Do What Thou Wilt: a life of Aleister Crowley. Macmillan. p. 253. ISBN 978-0312252434.
[vi] Pavlík A., Benesová O., Dlohozková N. “Effects of nootropic drugs on brain cholinergic and dopaminergic transmission.” Activitas Nervosa Superior (Praha). 1987 Mar;29(1):62-5. (source)
[vii] Ennaceur A., Cavoy A., Costa J.D., Delacour J. “A new one-trial test for neurobiological studies of memory in rats. II: Effects of piracetam and pramiracetam” Behavioural Brain Research Volume 33, Issue 2, 1 June 1989, Pages 197–207 (source)
[viii] Shih Y.H., Pugsley T.A. “The effects of various cognition-enhancing drugs on in vitro rat hippocampal synaptosomal sodium dependent high affinity choline uptake.” Life Sciences. 1985 Jun 3;36(22):2145-52. (source)
[ix] Simon J.R., Atweh S., Kuhar M.J. “Sodium-dependent high affinity choline uptake: a regulatory step in the synthesis of acetylcholine.”Journal of Neurochemistry. 1976 May;26(5):909-22. (source)
[x] Murai S., Saito H., Abe E., Masuda Y., Odashima J., Itoh T. “MKC-231, a choline uptake enhancer, ameliorates working memory deficits and decreased hippocampal acetylcholine induced by ethylcholine aziridinium ion in mice.” Journal of Neural Transmission 1994;98(1):1-13. (source)
[xi] Auteri A., Blardi P., Celasco G., Segre G., Urso R. “Pharmacokinetics of pramiracetam in healthy volunteers after oral administration.” International Journal of Clinical Pharmacological Research. 1992;12(3):129-32. (source)
[xii] Malen P.L., Chapman P.F. “Nitric Oxide Facilitates Long-Term Potentiation, But Not Long-Term Depression” The Journal of Neuroscience, 1 April 1997, 17(7): 2645-2651; (source)
[xiii] Poschel B.P., Ho P.M., Ninteman F.W. “Arousal deficit shown in aged rat’s quantitative EEG and ameliorative action of pramiracetam compared to piracetam.” Experientia. 1985 Nov 15;41(11):1433-5. (source)
[xiv] De Vreese L.P., Neri M., Boiardi R., Ferrari P., Belloi L., Salvioli G. “Memory training and drug therapy act differently on memory and metamemory functioning: evidence from a pilot study.” Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics. 1996;22 Suppl 1:9-22. (source)
[xv] McLean A. Jr., Cardenas D.D., Burgess D., Gamzu E. “Placebo-controlled study of pramiracetam in young males with memory and cognitive problems resulting from head injury and anoxia.” Brain Injury. 1991 Oct-Dec;5(4):375-80. (source)
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Hey David, buddy the pramiracetam the lion mane the phenibut and the cdp choline brokes the intermitent intermittent fasting ?
I’m a Brazillian guy man, sorry my bad english!!!
Diego, it should not.
Hi David!
Which out of 7 racetams/noopept would your recommend as best/strongest one only for “get things done” state? I tried Noopept and its ok but subtle, also Aniracetam made me tired and too calm (which didn’t helped my productivity much) I thought about pramiracetam or oxiracetam for this kind of productivity state? What is your opinion David? I see you stick with Aniracetam does it give you the best motivation to work as other racetams, or its more ment to be antidepressant for you?
Also there are some other ways beside increasing B5 250mg intake and cognizin 500mg intake + MCT (for fat soluble) to increase racetam effiacy? I’m missing something?
Thank you David!
Sandra
Sandra, Aniracetam for me works as an antidepressant AND it helps with verbal fluidity. And when I use Noopept I find that I am more productive.
But there is no easy answer to your question because it depends on how you react to each of these supplements. I suggest carefully reading my review for each. And try the ones that resonate with you. Narrow your choices down to 2. And then see which one works best for you.
Dear David!
What racetam would you recommend if someone have naturally very high acetylcholine?
I decided to stay only with 250mg cognizn. Aniracetam caused anxiety and depression in my case, this could be a reason of too much acetylcholine right? All racetams increase acetylocholine levels?
Borys, all the racetams affect acetylcholine one way or another. So, any racetam used without a choline supplement will reduce acetylcholine. You’ll know if you have gone too far if you experience a headache.
I get great benefits from pramiracetam. Can I take this every day? And for how long should I take them? When should I take a break if ever?
Jose, Pramiracetam recommended dosage is 250 – 400 mg 2 or 3-times per day with a choline supplement each time. And it is fat-soluble so use a healthy oil when taking it.
There is no need to cycle it and no reason not to use it every day for as long as you find it beneficial.
Don’t forget that Pramiracetam is a prescription drug in some countries. And your doctor typically doesn’t tell you to only use your script for a week or to cycle it. Right? The drug is usually prescribed for long-term use depending on the condition being treated.
I’ll likely get some pushback from someone seeing this. But how long you use it for is a personal decision.
Aloha David, I do so well with sublingual dosing that I would like to try that with Pram too. But as you mentioned how nasty it is that way in your as usual excellent write up I wanted to ask if you thought mixing it with some baking soda might work? And I realize that an oil is need too from what you said so perhaps some MCT oil with it as well?
I do well with the baking soda/phenibut “tek” sublingually so I have some experience doing baking soda teks too.
Nui mahalos for any thoughts and again as always big nui mahalos for all you are doing for all of us! I will keep speading the word about your wonderful website and service and will keep paying your generosity forward too.
Bob, I would avoid trying to use Pramiracetam sublingually by any method because it will burn the lining of your mouth. I don’t what you to end up in the ER.
More big thanks David!
David,
Most searches access information about racetams and other safe and effectice nootropics but most articles offer very little and tend to be subjective. Yours, of course, are an exception. I appreciate your diligent research and carefully organized presentations, articles. Where can I go to Russian and European that gives more objective information like yours? Thanks.
Raay
Raymond, I do not know of another place that provides this type of information. It’s one of the reasons why Nootropics Expert is considered the authority.
What is the optimal way to cycle pramiracetam?
Does it have cross-tolerance with other racetams, in particular piracetam?
I am asking these questions since I am piracetam user, wondering whether I can cycle piracetam with pramiracetam. Does it make sense to cycle 6-8 weeks of daily intake of piracetam with 3-4 weeks of daily intake of pramiracetam?
Aaronn, I’ve never been a fan of mixing the racetams because each has a different mechanism of action. If Piracetam works for you I suggest keep on using it.
I’m not a fan of cycling either because it is usually not necessary if you get the dosage right in the first place.
Keep in mind that each of these racetams is a prescription drug somewhere in the world. And the doctors don’t have their patients “cycling” prescriptions. Nor do they worry about tolerance because dosage is exact and they use just enough for it to be effective and provide a benefit. Without aiming for altered states like some neurohackers try to achieve.
Thanks! Do you mean that if I stick with a low dose of pramiracetam (e.g., 100 mg 2-3 times per day), then I can take it daily for months without experiencing tolerance? By tolerance I mean disappearance of cognitive enhancement effects after prolonged use. I do not aim for “altered states”.
Aaron, that is exactly what I mean. But it is no guarantee that you will not experience tolerance. You can’t know until or if it happens.
Think again on how these racetams originated as prescription drugs. The doctors don’t alter the prescription fearing someone may grow tolerant to it. If it works at the dosage prescribed they’ll keep using it.
Don’t freak yourself out about things like tolerance. Just try the nootropic and see what happens.
Should I take piracetam the same time as Alpha GPC? I read somewhere else they should be taken apart, like an hour? What do you recommend? Thanks
Tony, the same time because Pramiracetam needs the extra acetylcholine in your brain to experience its benefits.
Thanks David, I’m stacking Pram with Alpha GPC, Vinpocetine, Omegas (DHA/EPA) and maybe Semax? You see any issues with that combo? I’m not sure about Semax though.
Tony, I’ve no experience with Semax but the rest of the stack sounds fine. As long as it works for you.
Hi David,
I have one big complex question, which if you have the time, I would really like some intellectual help with.
I am new to the nootropics scene but have read up on it and as a result of this tried a couple of nootropics. I am a 25 year old healthy male except for the following: I have ADD, am slightly depressed, am introverted, have a mild form of autism and I have an anxious personality (I especially have social anxiety also because I am very sensitive to stimuli such as being around new people and being in a crowd).
After trying many nootropics and antidepressants to help me with my huge concentration problems during studying and also to improve my mood and energy, I am now taking the following mix (daily):
– 150 mg Wellbutrin
– 150 mg Sertraline
– 225 mg of armodafinil (I don’t spread it throughout the day, I take the 225mg al together early in the morning, during breakfast)
– Ashwagandha 500mg twice a day (so 1000 mg per day)
– Pramiracetam 600 mg twice a day (so 1200 mg per day)
– Alpha GPC 300 mg twice a day (so 600 mg per day)
– Occasionally when I get too nervous (presentations, social gatherings) I also take 350mg to 700 mg of L-theanine
– I also take 5mg levocetirizine pills for allergies and eczema
– I also use hormone crème’s for eczema, such as: Protopic, Triamcinolonacetonide and Diprosalic
My specific question is whether the above-mentioned pill-mix that I take daily is optimal and healthy for me/my specific situation. Does this pill-mix give me the strongest effect possible that nootropics, anti-depressants and other available pills/medication/substances have to offer?
Should I add centrophenoxine?
Sorry for the huge amount of text.
Charles, forget about Centrophenoxine because it likely will not help you.
I cannot tell you one way or the other if the stack you describe is the best one for you. Only you can determine that by how you feel.
Do you feel the benefit of this combination? I think it’s pointless to use both Wellbutrin and Armodafinil. Better to choose one or the other because while their mechanism of action is not ‘exactly’ the same, it’s close enough to not warrant using both of them.
And I need to correct something you said. ” Does this pill-mix give me the strongest effect possible…?”
That is not the goal for using nootropic supplements. We use nootropics to optimize brain function. We provide the tools to make our brain work better. This is much different than amping things up like you would with a Red Bull or cup of strong coffee.
This is a link to the ADD stack that is used by thousands around the world. It includes which supplements to use including dosages and timing during the day: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/. And is designed to be used with or without prescription stimulants.
Thank you! This really helps.
Hi charles
I am surprised to read your post because i have the same problem with you. However you are much luckier than me as you are only 25 and you have come to this site. I am 39 and have been suffering your problem since I was young and only recently know there is something wrong with me and visited this place. I have been trying 3 months and have read alot here. Perhaps you can try what david has suggested to me and it is to fix your gut and BDNF. It could be inflammation of your brain too.
Currently I am taking the
multivitamins , DHA, Prebiotics by performance lab. a high quality b complex, the basic stacks and choose a few nootropics from the page on BDNF and leaky gut. After that choose a few nootropics from the ADHD page and I guess you will get better within months.
I have truly tell you i get better now and I really have to thank david for this page.
Should I also add L-tyrosine and 5-HTP?
I have been feeling foggy and tired the last 2 days, could this be because my alpha GPC suply has run out so I haven’t been able to take them? Or does my sleep get disturbed by the armodafinil? (I take the 225 armodafinil in one dose, 12 hours before I go to sleep).
One important question I also have is that one source claimed that your body can only absorb 100 mg of modafinil per 2 hours, thus taking 200 mg modafinil in a single dose is not going to improve on the 100 mg single dose.
Charles, more than likely you’re running low on dopamine. Because both Wellbutrin and Armodafinil affect dopamine, norepinephrine and their receptors and transporters.
If your brain doesn’t have enough dopamine to support their use you’ll feel the effects.
I suggest 500 mg L-Tyrosine in the morning and at noon. And 500 mg L-Tryptophan before bed to raise serotonin (and melatonin). This timing and dosage method helps keep dopamine and serotonin in balance.
A higher dose of Armodafinil will just put more strain on dopamine receptors and transporters. A “normal” dose is 50 – 100 mg. You will not experience more benefit by using more. And one of the common side effects of Armodafinil is insomnia.
Thank you! I will adress this problem accordingly.
Hi David, im pokerplayer and i need be focus in long sessions without distraction, my actual stack is:
AlfaGPC: 150mg x3 day.
Choline Birtrate: 500mg 3xday.
Noopept: 15mg 3xday
Piracetam: 800mg 3xday
Pramiracetam: 300mg 3xday
Oxiracetam: 500mg 3xday.
Could you suggest me something more? I use Rhodiola, Ashga, Bacopa and other nootropics too. The problem that i feel is that after 1-1.5hs i dont feel that effect of racetam anymore, and im 2-3 hours with crash after my netx dosage. Ihave taking that around 2weeks. All you suggest will be welcome.
Martin, it’s not a good idea to be using so many racetams at the same time. I suggest choosing one along with Noopept. And change Choline Bitartrate to CDP-Choline 300 mg 3-times per day. Increase Alpha GPC to 300 mg 3-times per day.
You’re likely depleting your acetylcholine levels a lot with what you are using now. Add ALCAR 750 mg 3-times per day along with a high quality B-Complex, magnesium and Vitamin C. See if that helps.
And you may want to add Mind Lab Pro. I know it’s used by at least one professional poker player successfully.
Hi David, i lost this comment. What do you think that is bad idea mixing Racetams? Have side effects in the long term or what is the bad thing about that. I have read many people mixing for his job and get the max results.
Im using Alcar too, tryptophan for sleep, and in the day, Theanine, tyrosine, rhodiola rosea, KSM 66, Theacrine or caffeine, and taking like you said 300mg CDP Choline. I had a weird and strong headche since Im increasing Choline, i wonder why would be the problem.
Martin, there is something called a “racetam-headache” which almost always happens if someone using a racetam and forgets to include enough of a choline supplement.
If you’ve got too much acetylcholine you’ll have problems too. Either feeling sleepy, or a headache, or both.
I highly recommend that you become familiar with how each of these racetams work in your brain. They are similar enough that it just doesn’t make sense to use several different racetams at the same time.
These are potent supplements that are used individually as prescription medications in many countries around the world.
I doubt you’ll find a doctor who would prescribe more than one racetam at a time for a patient.
But do whatever works for you. That’s my opinion.
Hello Nootropics expert! so following your advice of stacking phenylpramiracetam with Alpha-GPC, and also the fact that you mentioned in one of the articles that one might get tolerance to phenylpramiracetam so one should use it only when a cognitive boost is required. So should I use Alpha GPC only when I need to use Phenylpramiracetam? or use Alpha GPC everyday and use phynylpramiracetam when needed?
Prakriti, you’ll get benefits from using Alpha GPC 2 or 3 times every day. To avoid tolerance with Phenylpiracetam I suggest using only when needed. Or use it for a couple of days and take a day off.
Hi David, I had a few racetam powder form. I do notice that Pramiracetam look different from other racetam form, and suggested by the manufacturer to keep Pramiracetam in low temperature and avoid direct sun light. can i put all these powder below together in a small plastic bag?
creatine
oxiracetam
Phenylpiracetam
Pramiracetam
G.Jack, you can store them together as long as you don’t mix them. Not unless you intentionally mix a combo at the right dosages for each.
Dear David,
How should I take pramiracetam to avoid building up a tolerance?
Nadja, use recommended dosages and you should not experience tolerance.
Wish I would had read this before taking pramiracetam sublingual. Burnt the bottom of my mouth below the tongue. However, I have been drinking water and it is healing somewhat quickly. I wonder how this will effect my stomach with it being so acid like. Love your work on you tube and will be following and commenting with the community soon. Thanks for all you do.
Robyn, I have note come across nor experienced any stomach problems when using Pramiracetam. It’s just that sublingual dosing of this nootropic is not recommended for the reasons you experienced.
Thanks David, it healed after a few days and I added it to my stack this morning with 50 mg. in a capsule.
15 mg. Noopept
55 mg. Phenylpiracetam
45 mg. CDP Choline
50 mg. Lion’s Mane
50 mg. Pramiracetam
I am fairly sensitive to large dosages and have been writing down combinations and my results to find the perfect blend to get me going and keep me focused. I used to take dexedrine for adhd regularly over 20+ yrs. and do not take that much anymore. Do you think a combination of such as what I took above will help me think and function as well as the ADHD medication? Also, I do not eat refined oils as a general rule and ate half of an avacado on toast, will this be adequate for a fat source? Thanks in advance. It is a pleasure to find someone informed and kind as yourself.
Robyn, most any kind of oil will help transport fat-soluble supplements across cell walls. I prefer using healthy fats and avocado is a good choice. But it may not be enough. You need between a teaspoon and tablespoon of healthy fat.
The only thing that troubles me is your dosage of CDP-Choline is so low. If you get a headache taking this stack it’s because you’re not using enough CDP-Choline.
Thanks David. The CDP choline got me very antsy in the past so I was dosing small to see if I could tolerate it. Will increase tomorrow!
Robyn, if you really look into everything that CDP-Choline and Alpha GPC does you’ll soon realize they also boost things like dopamine and norepinephrine. And not just acetylcholine.
If this is a real problem for you at higher doses you may want to consider something like Choline Citrate or Bitartrate instead. It’s cheaper and as far as I know does not affect the catecholamines like the other acetylcholine precursors do.
David, first of all thanks a lot for your work and sharing the insights on nootropics with us. It is really useful and educating.
A little question: I’ve read on a couple of nootropics websites and in several reports that pramiracetam does not stack with coffee/tea/caffeine at all. As well as with any drugs that increase cortisol levels since they reduce pram’s nootropic effects. Is that true?
I’m a morning coffee maniac, so giving that up would be a really sad thing for me on pramiracetam course. On the other hand, if the statement is true, maybe decaf will be ok?
Cheers from Moscow! 🙂
Maxim, I didn’t come across anything like that in my research on this nootropic. But I do find anecdotal reports like that helpful as long as they are trustworthy. Both caffeine and Pramiracetam acts as stimulants so it comes as no surprise. Decaf may help.
To: David Tomen
I got a few question I want to ask you.
I use to take, Madafinil ( I can feel the affect bodily and mentally 100% no subtel), Armadafinil ( I can feel the affect bodily and mentally 100% no subtel), Nootpet (subtle mental affect), Pramiracetam (subtle mental affect), Oxiracetam (subtle mental affect), Magnesium Threnote (subtle affect), Alpha GPC (subtle bodily affect) and now I will try Phenylpiracetam and Alpha Brain.
Please answer these questions:
Which nootropics or medine listed above will show a false positive, or fail drug test? I am really scared to continue taking this drug because of that I have job that does extentive drug test.
And why is it when I take Madafinil I feel the effect? I can feel it like wow I am sharply awake, alert, motivation, focuse and the body energy level is so powerful.
Why do I only get subtle affect when taking all the nootropics I have listed above?
Is it because Madafinil and Armadafinil are in tablets form not capsules ?
Please also give me website links I can purchase all nootropics in tablets form, can you do that please?
I read your post aswell you said something about taking vitamin B to feel nootropics full benefits affect! Is it true when I take vitamin B and nootropics e.g. the affects will become more powerful as I want? Because I take high dose I still feel mild affect not full power affect of these nootropics.
Please get back to me I am dying to read your replies to the questions I have asked you.
Modafinil and Armodafinil both act as dopamine reuptake inhibitors which causes more dopamine to be available in your brain. Dopamine gets converted into the other catecholamines including norepinephrine and epinephrine. This mechanism of action increases alertness, motivation and it feels like an energy boost.
Most of the racetams affect acetylcholine in your brain. Do a little research on dopamine and acetylcholine and what they do and you’ll understand why prescription stimulants like Modafinil work as they do.
The closest in action to stimulants in the racetam-family of nootropics is Phenylpiracetam because it increases the density of receptors including dopamine receptors.
How these compounds are delivered (i.e. capsules vs tablets) is important of course. But it’s the mechanism of action in your brain that is what you should focus on.
As for drug tests, it all depends on the tests being conducted. I would think most would test for prescription stimulants. And a couple of the major athletic organizations have banned Phenylpiracetam at one time or another.
The B-Vitamins are involved in and required for making all the major neurotransmitters in your brain. And some are involved in the cycle that fuels mitochondria. If you are missing or are low in any of these critical B-Vitamins, the nootropics in your stack that affects those neurotransmitters will not work. Because your brain cannot make those neurotransmitters without the B-Vitamins.
I will be publishing a “buyer’s guide” within the next couple of months with ideas on where to buy these nootropics.
Thank you very very much, This is very helpful and it does get very confusing!
I take licorice root on purpose to decrease my libido.
Thanks again for your amazing content.
Thank you so very much, I do apologize for the poorly written note as I did it on my hone going to work. ( NYC subway)
Many supplements I have invested in provided no results like alpha GPC, perhaps because I took it by itself(?) I also read somewhere that you can use ALCAR as a substitute.
I did dose a little more of what you suggested and I did feel it just slightly more.
Thank you again for your channel and know people are watching and learning a great deal, I love how you really dive into the science of it and explain it so everyone can understand, Fish oil for example which I knew it was important I had n idea about DHA and EPA etc I am surprised you advised against DMAE as I thought it was considered to be a good nootropic.
I have watched your video on NALT quite a few times because I am taking a supplement that contains N-Acetyl – tyrosine but it’s a workout supplement ( Lipo 6 Stim free) is it the same as the nootropic?
I would love more videos that suggest what you should not take with certain supplements as well, I just went on a “break” from Rhodiola Rosea , Licorice root, and dandelion root pills.
lastly, I do not think you have a video that covers types of protein, I go to the gym so I drink a lot of protein shakes of course Protein has BCAA’s including quite a bit of L-tryptophan so why does it not make us sleepy? Also consuming tofu as a protein source, it gets complicated. Future video ideas . Thank you so uch for your work !
Justin, ALCAR is NOT a substitute for Alpha GPC. Please carefully read the review of each to understand why. ALCAR donates a methyl group to help produce acetylcholine. Alpha GPC is a byproduct of phosphatidylcholine (PC). Your brain uses Alpha GPC when it needs more choline (NOT acetylcholine). But it will help contribute the choline needed to make acetylcholine when needed. I realize the neuroscience can be confusing. So just understand that one is not a replacement for the other. I use both for a couple or reasons which I won’t go into here. But each brain is unique and you need to find out what works best for you.
If you are using any of the racetams, you need what Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline can provide. ALCAR on it’s own will not be enough.
A high quality Omega-3 that is high in DHA is absolutely required for a healthy brain. Quality once again is key.
I do not recommend DMAE because it is useless for the most part. We have far better alternatives for enhancing choline in our system. I use DMAE 5-days per week only because I also use L-Carnosine. DMAE helps reduce the lipofuscin produced with L-Carnosine use.
The NALT you have in your workout supplement is considered a nootropic of course. Quite a few sport-related supplements include one or two nootropics as part of their stack.
As a male I would never use Licorice root (or anything with licorice in it) because it kills testosterone. Rhodiola and dandelion are great.
I plan on doing a review of BCAA’s later this year. This site is devoted to brain optimization so the review will be from that point of view.
Hello David,
I have been watching your videos every morning for months. You have turned me on to some new supplements I never heard of
Mainly Nootropics I have spent a fortune and not much seems to work, when I say ” work ” I mean I want to feel it , feel stimulated and just “there” Modafinil is the best yet I have no access to it anymore as I had a prescription when I lived abroad.
As far as Nootropics I have bought everything I have seen in yur videos but with little to no results, perhaps because I do not know how to stack it.
Today for the first time I tried racetams, yes I have watched all your racetam videos but still, it is complicated.
Shockingly the amounts in the bottle are so so small. as I got the sample from nootropics depot.
coluractam ( less than a spec of dust in the bottle
fasoracetam
Pramiracetam
Phenylpiracetam
But I wanted your videos on all and played around has I bought empty pill caps I put a small amount of each in them some more than others and took fish oil will all of then and ALCAR yet nothing is happening, should I take more?
Again I want the stimulation and motivation and fluency they you get from vyvance , progigil etc.
At any rate thank you so much for your amazing content.
Justin, you should get great results that you can feel with something like Phenylpiracetam. Other racetams can be more subtle but still work really well. It really depends on your unique chemistry and experimenting until you find the right ones.
But dosage is absolutely key to experiencing any results with the racetams. For example, most of them affect acetylcholine in some way. Most of us do not have nearly enough choline in our body and brain to start with. So we need to assist the racetam and our brains with a choline supplement. The best acetylcholine precursors when stacking with the racetams are Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline.
You are on the right track with healthy oils. But I would use unrefined coconut oil (1 tablespoon) each time you dose a racetam stack. Because the amount of oil in fish oil capsules is not nearly enough to improve the bioavailability you are looking for.
I’ve also found that racetams work better with a highly bioavailable B-Complex stack (i.e. Life Extension). B Vitamins are required for neurotransmitter synthesis, brain cell signaling, DNA and RNA maintenance, gene expression and more.
And you are correct that some of the racetams require very small doses (like 30 mg). So making sure that racetam has all the support it needs in your stack is key to making it work well.
Nice write-up. I should use your site more often for this type of thing.
My experience with pramiracetam was that a 400 mg dose was way too much for me, making me feel like thinking was a chore, and made me more tired and lazy. Smaller doses, such as 50 mg, seem to be more beneficial. So far, with that size dose, I think I find myself recalling pertinent information at the right time, where I would normally overlook it.
Ben, thanks for sharing your experience with this racetam. It’s why I always say Your Mileage May Vary (YMMV). And that stands for any supplement because each of us is unique. Are you using an acetylcholine precursor with Pramiracetam like Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline?
No. Although I bought it with alpha-gpc, I haven’t taken them together yet. I wanted to see how the pramiracetam affected me on its own.
Do you think higher doses will work better with alpha-gpc?
Pramiracetam like any of the racetams nearly always work better when stacked with something like Alpha GPC. I find that I don’t get nearly the effect with Aniracetam unless I stack it with Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline.
Pramiracetam has a “profound effect on the synthesis of acetylcholine”. Which means you need the precursor to make the ACh that your brain is demanding. If not, the racetam will not work as well. And you could very well get a racetam-headache.