The very first racetam nootropic was created by Dr. Corneliu Giurgea at the Belgian-based pharmaceutical company UCB Pharma in the 1964.
Dr. Giurgea’s intention was to develop a calming-type drug for motion sickness. GABA is the calming neurotransmitter and Piracetam is a cyclic derivative of GABA.
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.
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.
Table of Contents
How do racetams work?
Dozens of racetam derivatives have since been developed based on the original Piracetam. All synthetic compounds, racetams share a pyrrolidone nucleus at their chemical structure core.
Several of these racetams are now sold as prescription drugs in countries around the world. And are prescribed for dementia, stroke recovery, ADHD, epilepsy and other neurocognitive disorders.
In the USA, racetams are available OTC without a prescription. But oddly enough are not classified as “dietary supplements”. Instead, the racetams described below are offered for “research” purposes only.
If you are new to the world of nootropics, and would like to try one of the racetams, but are not sure which one to choose, this post may help.
Below is a brief description of the 7 most popular racetams in use today. You don’t need to be a “nootropics expert” to use any of these compounds. But you need to know how to use them.
Each racetam has a live link through to a full review of that nootropic. Including what it is, where it came from, what it’s used for, how it works in your brain, clinical studies, dosage recommendations, side effects and where to buy them.
NOTE: Each of the racetams in this post affect acetylcholine levels in your brain. And must be taken with a quality choline supplement; Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline.
These racetams will not work if used without a choline supplement. And will likely produce a racetam-headache. More on dosage recommendations at the end of this post.
Top 7 Racetam Nootropics
Piracetam
Piracetam is considered the first true nootropic ever developed. It was synthesized by Dr. Corneliu Giurgea at UCB Pharma in 1964.
Since Piracetam is a cyclic derivative of the calming neurotransmitter GABA, Dr. Giurgea intended this first nootropic to be a calming type of drug for motion sickness. Turns out that’s not what happened.
Instead, Dr. Giurgea found that Piracetam as able to boost cognition even in healthy people.
Piracetam modulates AMPA and NMDA receptors in the brain which increases the effectiveness of glutamate. It improves the flow of acetylcholine (ACh) and sensitivity and density of ACh receptors.[i] And increases cerebral blood flow.
Many people new to nootropics start with Piracetam because it’s safe and has decades of clinical studies supporting its use. But many are often disappointed with Piracetam after trying it a couple times.
Piracetam didn’t work for them because they don’t know how to use it.
It takes 2 – 3 weeks of consistent daily use of Piracetam before you notice the benefits. To counter this, experienced neurohackers suggest starting with an ‘attack dose’ of 3,000 mg of Piracetam 3-times per day for the first 3 days.
But once you start noticing the benefits of Piracetam, you should be in a better mood, less social anxiety, heightened creativity, improved verbal fluency and eventually you’ll notice your memory is better.
Recommended dosage of Piracetam is 1,600 mg 3-times per day.
I recommend: Cosmic Nootropic – Piracetam
Aniracetam
Aniracetam is my favorite racetam. It’s a fat-soluble ampakine nootropic developed at F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG in the 1978. Aniracetam boosts brain cell signaling by increasing the effectiveness of glutamate which helps focus and concentration.
Aniracetam helps release 200 – 300% more acetylcholine in your brain which helps with focus, clarity of thought, memory and recall. And it seems to affect dopamine and serotonin receptors in your brain as well.
Aniracetam distinguishes itself from the rest of the racetams by acting as an effective anxiolytic. Many who use this nootropic find that it helps reduce anxiety, depression and fear.
Recommended dosage of Aniracetam is 750 mg twice per day.
I recommend: Smart Nutrition – Aniracetam
Coluracetam
Coluracetam is a fat-soluble racetam nootropic created by Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma of Japan in 2005. It boosts your brain’s ability to convert choline to acetylcholine (ACh) through the high affinity choline uptake (HACU) process. Leading to better learning and memory.[ii]
And Coluracetam increases the effectiveness of glutamate in your brain resulting in better focus and concentration.
Neurohackers use Coluracetam for the cognitive benefits mentioned above. But prefer this racetam because it also enhances sound and color.
Recommended dosage of Coluracetam is 20 – 80 mg per day.
Higher dosages should be split into two smaller doses. One dose first thing in the morning and then again at noon.
Nefiracetam
Nefiracetam is a fat-soluble racetam nootropic developed by Daiichi Seiyaku in the 1990’s as a treatment for cerebrovascular disorders.
Nefiracetam potentiates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Boosting the release of GABA and glutamate. Producing a calming effect while improving neuroplasticity and boosting learning and memory.
Nefiracetam enhances signaling of GABA on GABAa receptors when GABA is too low. And has a suppressive effect when GABA is too high. Leading to stabilized mood and sociability. No mood swings!
One American study with 159 stroke patients found that 600 – 900 mg of Nefiracetam daily for 12 weeks produced a significant improvement in mood in the most severely depressed patients.[iii]
Nefiracetam also prolongs the opening of calcium channels. Keeping neurotransmitters active longer. Improving memory formation and recall.
Students report this is the best racetam for studying because when using Nefiracetam they have better attention span, motivation, and less apathy and mental fatigue.
Many users report a calm focus and being able to articulate thoughts, and improved speaking ability when using Nefiracetam.
And one of the coolest benefits are the visual effects when using Nefiracetam. It feels like your brain is processing a broader spectrum of what’s in your visual range. Nature and your surroundings look more vibrant and beautiful.
Recommended dosage of Nefiracetam is up to 900 mg per day.
Use smaller dosages like 400 mg once in the morning and another dose at noon.
Oxiracetam
Oxiracetam was the 3rd racetam nootropic and developed in 1977. It enhances choline-acetyltransferase (ChAT) in your brain which makes more acetylcholine. Leading to improved short-term and long-term memory. And eliminating ‘brain fog’.
Oxiracetam also increases the density of binding sites for neurotransmitters on AMPA receptors. Resulting in a stimulant-effect without any of the negative side effects associated with stimulants.[iv]
People who use Oxiracetam report that it helps clear brain fog and improves focus and motivation. Especially when learning new material or working through a tedious task.
And you should experience a significant improvement in recall. Reading is easier by giving you the ability to get through more pages faster and retain the information for later. Great for preparing for an exam or your next board presentation.
Oxiracetam also helps improve mood.
Recommended Oxiracetam dosage is 750 – 1,500 mg per day. Divided in two equal doses. One dose in the morning, and one in the early afternoon.
I recommend: Smart Nutrition – Oxiracetam
Phenylpiracetam
Phenylpiracetam was created by adding a phenyl group to Piracetam by Russian scientists in 1983. To boost the physical and mental performance of astronauts during space flight. It’s currently used by Russian cosmonauts on the International Space Station.
And it turns out that Phenylpiracetam is very effective in boosting athletic performance. It provides significant stimulatory effects and helps you resist cold. The World Anti-Doping Agency has banned Phenylpiracetam for athletes in the Olympics and other professional sports.
Phenylpiracetam increases the density of acetylcholine (ACh), NMDA, GABA and dopamine receptors in the brain. More receptors mean more binding sites for neurotransmitters that affect memory formation, cognition, sleep and mood.[v]
It increases blood flow in the brain which provides more oxygen and nutrients to brain cells boosting alertness, cognition, focus and mood.
And Phenylpiracetam helps reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression and fear without the type of side affects you get from antidepressants. Likely because it increases the density of receptors for acetylcholine (ACh), GABA and NMDA.
Phenylpiracetam also provides an ‘anti-convulsive’ action in the brain which has been shown to be an effective treatment for epilepsy.
Many neurohackers say Phenylpiracetam is the strongest nootropic they’ve ever experienced. It’s highly bioavailable and you experience the effects within 30 minutes of taking it.
Recommended Phenylpiracetam dosage is 100 mg twice per day. One Phenylpiracetam dose in the morning, and one in the early afternoon.
I recommend: Cosmic Nootropic – Phenylpiracetam.
Pramiracetam
Pramiracetam was first synthesized by scientists at Parke-Davis in the late 1970’s. Pramiracetam boosts high affinity choline uptake (HACU) which has a profound effect on the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh). Helping cognition, memory, recall and focus.
Unlike some of the other racetams, Pramiracetam does not directly influence GABA, dopamine, norepinephrine, or serotonin in the brain. So is not a good choice if you’re looking to improve mood or anxiety issues.[vi]
Many neurohackers report that taking Pramiracetam quickly provides an intense increase in focus and for some even a boost in confidence.
It is reported to be great for intense, long study sessions. Or when you face logical, attention-based tasks where you need sharp focus.
Others report improved recall, fluidity of thought, and ease of verbal communication and numerical calculations.
Recommended Pramiracetam dosage is 250 – 400 mg up to 3-times per day. One dose in the morning, and one in the early afternoon, and if you’re doing a 3rd dose do it later in the afternoon.
I recommend: Cosmic Nootropic – Pramiracetam.
Which racetam is best for you?
Each of the above racetams share a pyrrolidone nucleus core. And have some similarities like boosting acetylcholine and modulating glutamate in your brain.
But each racetam also has a unique mechanism of action providing unique benefits. All are considered non-toxic and safe to use if you follow dosage recommendations.
If you’re just starting out and want something safe, you may want to try Piracetam. But you need a lot of it to work (i.e. several grams per day).
If you are a student, you may want to try Nefiracetam, Oxiracetam, or Pramiracetam.
Aniracetam is a very effective anxiolytic and helps relieve anxiety and depression.
If you are an astronaut or athlete you may want to try Phenylpiracetam for the reasons detailed above. But DO NOT attempt using this nootropic if you are an Olympic athlete. And check your professional sports association to see if this racetam is on their “banned” list of substances just to be on the safe side.
And Coluracetam is worth trying if you’d like to see and hear the world in more vivid colors and sound.
But as I mentioned near the beginning of this post, each racetam nootropic must be dosed with Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline. Because each racetam affects acetylcholine levels in your brain.
Each of these racetams also stack well with Mind Lab Pro® and Performance Lab® Mind because each of these preformulated stacks contain Cognizin® (CDP-Choline).
Some of the above racetams are fat-soluble. You must take them with a healthy fat. Try a tablespoon of unrefined coconut oil to ensure absorption.
And finally, many of the above racetams are only available in certain countries like the USA as a nootropic that you can easily buy online. Many are sold as prescription drugs in countries around the world. Check your local regulations to see if they are available in your country.
Several racetams I detailed above are available from Cosmic Nootropic. The company also offers a bundle if you’d like to sample several different racetams including: Noopept, Piracetam, and Phenylpiracetam. Get that bundle here: Cosmic Nootropic – Bundle
[i] 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)
[ii] Takashina K., Bessho T., Mori R., Eguchi J., Saito K. “MKC-231, a choline uptake enhancer: (2) Effect on synthesis and release of acetylcholine in AF64A-treated rats.” Journal of Neural Transmission (Vienna). 2008 Jul;115(7):1027-35. (source)
[iii] Robinson R.G., Jorge R.E., Clarence-Smith K. “Double-blind randomized treatment of poststroke depression using nefiracetam.” Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences. 2008 Spring;20(2):178-84. (source)
[iv] Nicoletti F., Casabona G., Genazzani A.A., Copani A., Aleppo G., Canonico P.L., Scapagnini U. “Excitatory amino acids and neuronal plasticity: modulation of AMPA receptors as a novel substrate for the action of nootropic drugs.” Functional Neurology. 1992 Sep-Oct;7(5):413-22. (source)
[v] Firstova Y.Y., Abaimov D.A., Kapitsa I.G., Voronina T.A., Kovalev G.I. “The effects of scopolamine and the nootropic drug phenotropil on rat brain neurotransmitter receptors during testing of the conditioned passive avoidance task” Neurochemical Journal June 2011, Volume 5, Issue 2, pp 115-125 (source)
[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)
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Hi David,
Love your site btw.
Do you have any info on fasoracetam?
Noticed one comment about it, however I don’t see a specific section on it.
Thanks for your time,
Bill
Bill, I chose not to do a review of Fasoracetam because there is not enough clinical evidence supporting its use as a nootropic. We have some anecdotal evidence from users but no clinical proof detailing exactly how it works in humans.
So I got a bundle of racetams at Nootropicdepot and I tried the Noopept, Oxiracetam, Aniracetam. I felt no difference with them. Not sure if Nootropic depot is selling fake stuff or what. I had my wife take them too and she felt nothing. I take 1 alpha GPC or 1 CDP Choline with it as well. What are your thoughts? Thank you
Bryan, if you tested them one-at-a-time with a choline supplement AND you used Oxiracetam and Aniracetam with a healthy fat like unrefined coconut oil and you felt nothing then these nootropics are not for you.
I meant to say could these be fake from Nootropic Depot?
Bryan, while I can’t vouch for Nootropics Depot it is unlikely that they would be selling fake supplements. Because it would damage their reputation and they would soon be out of business.
But you can verify this yourself by asking them for a Certificate of Analysis for each of the supplements you got from them. That should tell you exactly what’s in each capsule or bag of powder you got from them.
Which one of these substances is safe for me? I currently take wellbutrin, lexapro, and Mirtazapine
Curtis, the racetams are not contraindicated with any of the meds you mentioned.
how about j-147? the curcumin deriative?
George, what about it? J-147 is a drug under development by Abrexa Pharmaceuticals for Alzheimer’s. I do not see a relationship with any of the racetams which is what this article is about.
Raelly Sorry about this!
i wanted to post under the curcumin section.
is it possible to provide me some infromation about this (j-147)
i would be grateful.
the say that it is good for mitochondria enchangement and it has results on cognitive functions also.!
Again i am sorry for posting here.
Love your work!
Thanks.!
George, there isn’t much information on this experimental drug. And most studies are animal studies and not in significant numbers of humans.
I’ve made it my policy from the beginning of Nootropics Expert to focus on natural nootropic supplements. With very few exceptions. My intention is to make it simple for people who have cognitive problems to find solutions that are easily found at their local vitamin or health food store. No prescription required.
Dave,
For those who have low blood pressure which racetams are best? Are they all good but to different degrees in this regard? I don’t require as much choline as others. Playing with this maybe? As a side I couldn’t figure why gaba supplements were making me feel so spacey, uncomfortable, and unable to focus until I realized how it affected blood pressure.
Ray
Ray, each of the racetams in this article has a live link to my full review of that racetam. Which also includes a “Side Effects” section which will tell you if it affects blood pressure. If it is not mentioned then it isn’t a worry.
Hi Dave,
I recently found your site and can’t thank you enough for all the great info on it. Fantastic information for individuals wanting to learn about brain optimization. I recently ordered from HR Supplements and wanted to ask about dosing and stacking.
For studying and learning complex information, what would be a good combination for Oxiracetam and Pramiracetam combined with Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline? I’m planning to start with just Oxiracetam and Choline. I will follow 4:1 ratio you suggested and will do a morning/early afternoon intake. I agree with you that splitting your dosage is vital.
Also, HR has Noopept available and I decided to buy it as well. Not sure why their pushing 30mg in one dose as that is one day’s limit. What would be a couple stack dosage variations you would suggest with Noopept, the chosen racetam, and choline?
Tom, you’ll need to experiment with each of those racetams and see which one works best for you. Only you can judge their effects in your system.
You can safely use 30 mg Noopept with one of your stacks. I find when I use it I’m much more productive so know it works. But 30 mg per day is the max. If they’re tablets you could split them. Or dump half the powder out of the capsule if you wanted to do it twice per day.
And see this article on studying for other ideas: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-studying/
Spent 3 years tapering from a 5 year valium habit, which ended Feb 2020
immediately got hit with massive exhaustion, so did some research and decided modfinil was worth a try
First few months were brilliant, but gradually my morning panic and anxiety attacks got worse and worse, so switched to Phenylpiracetam, with same results
Guessing my GABA receptors are damaged or non existant(?) so was advised to try Aniracetam next
Thoughts please about what I should consider
Rhonda, the most recent research into these drugs are finding that the problems stem from when they have done to alter gene expression and ion channels. And not so much GABA receptors are you would expect.
These nootropics have been compared to Valium with the benefits they provide: Holy Basil (https://nootropicsexpert.com/holy-basil-tulsi/), Valerian (https://nootropicsexpert.com/valerian/), and Forskolin (https://nootropicsexpert.com/forskolin/).
But Forskolin is unique in that it increases cAMP. cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB) is a protein that modulates the transcription of genes. Increases in cAMP triggers the activation of CREB. Forskolin increases cAMP which triggers the activation of CREB.
This is a theory on my part but scroll down my Forskolin review to the research section titled “Forskolin reduces anxiety”. And if you try it let me know if my theory is correct. Because it would help a lot of people in the same situation.
And try Aniracetam. It’s one of my favorite nootropics and works better for me than any prescription SSRI I’ve ever tried. But pay attention to the dosage recommendations including using a choline supplement each time you use it.
Dear David,
I‘m now using Pramiracetam 300mg 2x a day for a week together with alpha gpc 150mg and Cholin CDP 250mg. I‘m preparing myself for a exam in July and now experimenting with the racetams. As you wrote, I took it with coconut oil.
But all I was get, was a dizzy-like head, no focus and a wild mix of wild thoughts. Bit like brain fog.
I couldn‘t focus well and I was more restless. I also had the feeling of bad memory.
Do you have any idea why this could be? Did I something wrong?
Beside this do you have other recommendations for racetams/nootropics for clarity and good focus?
Thank you so much!
Kind regards
Elias
Elias, most of my experience is with Aniracetam and have been using it for years. It’s one of my favorite nootropics.
But from your reaction it is possible that the racetams are not a good choice for you. Better to use 500 mg L-Tyrosine twice a day along with 500 mg ALCAR. And either Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline but not both.
Another option: here’s an article I wrote on best nootropics for studying that may help: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-studying/
Hi david, just got into Nootropics recently. I wanted to ask if you have any experience in Cerebrolysin?
Sarah, I have not done any research on Cerebrolysin. All I can tell from their website is “neuropeptides (20%) and amino acids (80%) isolated from pig brain tissue”. But I’ve not met anyone who has used it nor have seen any studies on it.
o wow oh thank you
Hey David! Big fan, I’m about to buy some Mind Lab Pro and Performance labs but I was wondering, which one of these Racetams would be closest to Adderall?
Leo, none of the racetams is even in the same realm as Adderall. Why? What are you trying to do?
I’m looking for that stim affect with hyper focus
Leo, I’ve been doing this for a while and have not come across any natural supplement that provides “hyper focus” on demand. It’s not physically possible to create this effect consistently across the board for everyone that takes a particular supplement.
You may be able to achieve this effect through your own trial and error. For example, combining Performance Lab Stim with Phenylpiracetam. That is NOT a recipe or recommendation. Just an example of the type of things you can try.
Oh ok that makes sense, thank you for responding
Hi David Tomen,
Thank you for this great post on the subject matter. There’s a lot of bad press on the subject matter in the google search listings, but yours is by far the most promising one i have read so far…
So just a bit about me…
I currently have sleep disorders which often leave me waking up in the morning feeling like ive been hit by a bus with severe brain fog. I can’t seem to get to bed anytime before 2-3 am and tend to sleep for approx 4-5 hours at a time, but in two sleep cycles with the help of red wine. Can’t seem to sleep without it anymore. This all previously began because of digestive disorders due to bacterial imbalances and fungi overgrowth and for which have now been treated and balanced out, however it seems to have left my circadian rythms all over place, but its the morning hit by a bus feeling and brain fog that i cant seem to shake off! It’s not always like this, but some good days and lots of bad days! The only thing that seems to wake my brain up is cold showers. I used to take Now True Focus L-Tyrosine and Phenylalanine with DMAE and it used to work great, but now it just doesn’t feel like it’s doing the same effects that it had before and maybe because i built a tolerance up for it, however even if i stop taking it and come back to it a few weeks later, the effects are minute and subtle! So now and that’s when i started looking for a better alternative
Just to let you know i have had a previous history of Thyroid problems and which are now normal, maybe with the exception of a sluggish thyroid however hormonal imbalances are nothing new to me!
I recently had my Testosterone Levels checked and they seem to be normal, but not optimal and maybe also why I am having these sleep issues?
These were my results back in October, 2020
Testosterone (Free or Unbound) are 0.2708 nmol/L
Testosterone 12.24 nmol/L
SHBG 27 nmol/L
Free Androgen Index is 45.3:1 ratio
What would you suggest would be the best course of action with the 7 racetam nooptropics?
Warm Regards
Shaz
Shaz, it’s difficult to answer your question not knowing if you are a man or women or your age. But from the sounds of what you shared it’s unlikely that racetams are your answer.
It sounds a lot like low thyroid hormones Free T3 and Free T4. And I can’t tell with your T-levels but suspect they are on the low end of the bell curve.
I have found that trying to fix things with nootropics while sex and thyroid hormones are out of whack is a waste of time and money. Nothing will bring you satisfaction until you get your hormones optimized. And that usually means on the high end of the bell curve for all the main ones.
Thanks for the reply back David! That’s very perceptive of you… I wish I had found your input on this matter iages ago! I’ve recently been undergoing tests for a full thyroid panel and am awaiting the outcome and under the suspicion of an under performing Thyroid! I have also been booked for a full testosterone and hormone panel for the potential of undergoing an Hormone Replacement Therapy Program.
In regards to supporting supplementation, what do you recommend at this current stage?
I started taking Astaxanthin today and there was great results as it really helped me reconnect all over! I felt all my neuro receptors come alive! Even my appearance looked healthy with colour in my skin! I have also bought some Alpha GPC to stack it with! Let me know your thoughts about what I can use in the interim before I get my hormones optimised and not to feel as crap as I have been lately? Thanks
Shaz, when you find something that works find out how and why it works and look for other nootropic supplements that are related or do similar things in your brain.
It sounds like you had great results with Astaxanthin. We know that this supplement accumulates very quickly in mitochondria. Which is where your energy is produced. So look for other supplements that support mitochondrial function. And tame inflammation like Astaxanthin does.
ALCAR, CoQ10, R-Lipoic Acid and PQQ work great together to help boost energy by targeting mitochondrial energy production.
That’s how I would start figuring out what works best.
Oh FYI I am a 45 yr old Male with a previous history of Thyroid issues, but my biological age is much lower! Thanks
I’ve been experimenting with the Alpha BGC and Astaxanthin first thing in the morning and in the evening before bed, and I’ve noticed an improvement in my sleep duration from 5 to 6/7 hours and without any disturbances and also my central nervous system seems a lot calmer with less trembles throughout my body!
I’m awaiting my full Hormone test Panel on the 9th March
I’m wondering what else you can recommend?
Just to let you know I also take 3-4000mg Vit C upon waking in the morning.. Then before my first meal I take the Alpha BGC 500mg, Astaxanthin 7mg, Magnesium L-Threonate 2500mg, Celtic Salt with OJ and with my evening meals I take Olive Leaf Extract that contains Copper and Zinc.
The only thing I can think of is L-Tyrosine.
Hi David, just curious to hear your opinion on Fasoracetam for treating ADHD specifically. I didn’t find any data here… Thanks!
MG, Fasoracetam may be effective in the treatment of ADHD in people with specific mGluR mutations, these represent around 10% of total ADHD cases, and Fasoracetam is likely ineffective in all other cases. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322527361_Fasoracetam_in_adolescents_with_ADHD_and_glutamatergic_gene_network_variants_disrupting_mGluR_neurotransmitter_signaling
Dear David,
I need your advice. I have to write an entrance exam in July to get into medical school. There is a lot of competition and I am a bit stressed because it is my biggest wish to become a doctor.
The subtests roughly consist of:
-Compare complicated patterns and find small errors.
– To memorize a lot of patient data in a short time and to reproduce it after a distraction phase by answering questions.
-memorize figures in a short time and reproduce them after a distraction phase
-3 dimensional imagination
– Mathematical and physical tasks
– Interpret complicated tables and diagrams and answer questions about them.
– Text comprehension with questions
– and the d2-Test of attention, not sure if you’re familiar with this one in the states.
I’m already starting to prepare for it with techniques, but think that these Racetame could help me! Since many different skills are required, I do not know now exactly which Racetame would be most effective for me?
Thanks for your help!
Kind regards
Elias
Elias, if you carefully read my description of each of the racetams above you’ll notice that Nefiracetam and Pramiracetam were specifically noted for their value while studying.
And not sure if I mentioned this before, but I’ve written an article for studying here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/13-minerals-essential-for-the-optimized-brain/.
The best thing to do is start using these nootropics now. It’ll get your brain in shape for the entrance exam in July. But please make sure you follow dosage recommendations for each one. Because while you’ll experience some immediate benefits, the most benefit will be using them daily for a few months.
My mother passed away on the 5th of Dec. I watched her slow, horrible death from Alzheimer’s over the past dozen years or so. What racetam (‘s) would you recommend to combat this disease? I know this runs in my family and I want to do everything I can to not put myself or my family through this.
Helen, I don’t think a racetam is your best option for preventing Alzheimer’s. Instead, I highly recommend Turmeric extract (min. 98% curcuminoids) 750 mg 3-times per day. See my review including clinical studies here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/turmeric/
Thank you so much for your suggestion. I do take Turmeric, thankfully. I have recently ordered this manufacturer’s product instead of the current one I am taking. Do you have any thoughts on this? Is this just hype? Meriva® Curcumin Phytosome 250 mg
Helen, Meriva® is a patented form of Curcumin bound to a soy lecithin phospholipid. This type of technology has been termed “Phytosome” and I just came across it when researching different forms of Quercetin which also has bioavailability problems.
Unfortunately, Meriva® is only standardized to 20% curcuminoids. And at only 250 mg is only good for possibly reducing inflammation. Not nearly enough curcuminoids for cognitive use. it may help things like arthritis or fibromyalgia but is not likely going to tame B-Amyloid plaques for preventing Alzheimer’s.
A much better option and the one I use is BCM95® which is a curcumin-essential oil complex of 86% curcuminoids and 7-9% essential oils. Turmeric volatile oil Ar-turmerone supports regeneration of brain cells. This does cross the blood-brain barrier and has a profound effect on your brain. It’s this one: https://amzn.to/2KsGoWK
One thing I have noticed about nootropics is the the natural ones a lot of them have a positive effect for muscle growth (DHA, caffeine, uridine etc.) I was interested in Nefiracetam since I live in a Japan and thought that would be the easiest to get but I have found in one study it was shown to lower testerone is animals for a few hours.
Are you aware of any similar side effects in other racetams?
Joshua, Nefiracetam is the only one I know of that supposedly affects testosterone.
But remember this was in animals and has never been proven in humans.
So my I humbly ask that when you try Nefiracetam would you please get your T-levels checked? And report back?
We’ll do our own little experiment right here if you’re willing.
David, could you please tell me if consuming Alpha GPC without any racetams would be equally effective? How much are Alpha GPC and Aniracetam different in their effects? that the consumption of EPA caused insomnia and some negative effects like that when consuming a thousand or more MG of Omega 3, do you think that the EPA found in Omega 3 supplements causes that damage? And as a last query I would like to know if the ON Multi Vitamin called OPTI – MEN would be a good option if I consumed the FOLATE through another supplement?
Damian, Alpha GPC (https://nootropicsexpert.com/alpha-gpc/) is one of the best sources of choline for the production of acetylcholine. It’s stacked with things like Aniracetam because that racetam increases the use of acetylcholine by 200 – 300%. So you need to restore that acetylcholine.
Alpha GPC and Aniracetam are totally different supplements and each have their own mechanism of action and benefits.
Your body needs EPA. I talk a lot about DHA because your brain is about 60% fat. And much of that fat is DHA. But EPA also acts as an anti-inflammatory and seems to reduce depression. I encourage you to look for a supplement that has at least twice the amount if DHA compared to EPA. But you need EPA as well.
The problem with these other Multivitamin/mineral supplements is they use synthetic vitamins. Folic acid for example is used because it’s cheaper than folate. But most people cannot convert the folic acid to methylfolate in their body.
Folic acid is also in lots of processed foods and cereals. The problem with that is folic acid ‘plugs up’ folate receptors. So when your body gets genuine methylfolate is has nothing to attach to. Because the receptors are already compromised by folic acid.
If you cannot get the Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi in your country then I encourage to find a multi that uses bioactive vitamins and chelated minerals. And not synthetics.
Thanks for the great informative post!
i had purchased your book. would like to ask your opinion what type of racetam to use in different scene.
1. working hours – research, paperwork, problem solving, software developments.
2. working hours, sales – talk to people, social with client, intro products.
3. study hours: personal developments, readings, compile information into summaries.
4. how to solve lack of motivation and procrastination?
Each of the racetams will do what’s on your list. I suggest you go through the full review of each one and try one or two or three that “speak” to you. And see which one works best for you. It’s what I did and settled on Aniracetam which I’ve been using for at least 10 years.
All of the racetams affect AMPA receptors which activated the dopamine/reward/motivation pathway.
What has been your long-term experience of aniracetam? As someone who has dealt with depression, it sounded interesting. But I’d be curious to hear of how it has affected you over a 10 year period.
Benjamin, I still use Aniracetam after all that time because it works for me. And I miss when I run out. Which doesn’t happen often. It keeps me in a better mood and my thinking is faster and more accurate.
Do you have a recommendation of where to buy racetams?
Shaili, depends on the racetam. Not all of the racetams are easily available in the USA at least. For those that are available I’ve provided a link in the “Available Forms” section of the review. These days my preferred vendor is HR Supplements in Nevada. They used to be called Hard Rhino and have been in business for over 25 years. And have a top notch testing program in place to ensure quality product.
Can i take all of them?? + both stacks?
Joe, negative and why would you? Several of these racetams share at least one common mechanism of action. And individually these are potent nootropics. Never forget that each of these are used as prescription drugs in many countries.
Thanks for the great informative post!
Does aniracetam also require an initial loading dose like piracetam? I don’t feel much of an effect at 500mg?
Have you ever experienced any liver pain or elevated liver enzymes from taking any of the racetams? I have a very dull liver sensation since experimenting and I’m trying to figure out which racetam it may be or if they unfortunately don’t work with my biochemistry in general. This would be too bad since I am feeling definite cognitive benefits. I am taking breaks frequently from the racetams too.
Ginette, Aniracetam does not require a ‘loading dose’. And I find the most effective dose is 750 mg. I have not experienced any liver problems either when using any of the nootropics in my stack. But that may not be the case for everyone.
The only way to find out which racetam is causing problems is to use them one at a time and witness the effects. It may take 2 – 3 days of using each one before you know for sure. But besides getting your liver enzymes tested each time you take something I don’t know any other way to evaluating this.