Clinical ResearchResearch compound

Aniracetam

Fat-soluble racetam with AMPA-PAM action and an anxiolytic profile.

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WHAT IS ANIRACETAM?

Detailed overview

Aniracetam is a fat-soluble pyrrolidinone derivative of Piracetam that acts as an AMPA receptor positive allosteric modulator (PAM), slowing desensitization with an anxiolytic side-profile. In Italy it is prescription-only as Ampamet and Memodrin. Plasma half-life is short (~1-2.5 h), but its metabolites (especially 2-pyrrolidinone-acetamide and N-anisoyl-GABA) continue to act – the latter`s GABAergic interaction explains the "partial prodrug" framing (PMID 11834304, 11702095). Anti-anxiety + pro-social reputation in nearly every anecdotal report.

Mechanism

AMPA-PAM + cholinergic

Half-life

1-2.5 h (metabolite longer)

Legal status

EU Rx (IT: Ampamet)

Safety

Side effects, stop signs, contraindications

Side effects · 6

  • Headache, typically from acetylcholine depletion; mitigated by a choline source (CDP-choline, alpha-GPC)
  • Irritability, restlessness or mild anxiety, especially at higher doses
  • Nausea, mild gastrointestinal discomfort, especially on an empty stomach
  • Drowsiness or fatigue, linked to the anxiolytic (GABAergic metabolite) profile
  • Brain fog, typically when choline intake is insufficient
  • Sleep disturbance or vivid dreams if taken too late in the evening

Contraindications · 6

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: no safety data, should be avoided
  • Hepatic or renal impairment: metabolism and clearance are affected, caution / medical supervision
  • Anticholinergic medications: aniracetam's cholinergic action may reduce their efficacy (mutual interaction)
  • Anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents: the antiplatelet effect of racetams may increase bleeding risk
  • Epilepsy / seizure threshold: as a glutamatergic (AMPA) modulator, use with caution under medical supervision in seizure-prone individuals
  • CYP-metabolized or sedating drugs: additive interaction on metabolism and sedation is possible

Related Nootropics

Same therapeutic category

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MolekulaX Editorial Team·Source-verified · PubMed · FDA · EMA
Updated: June 19, 2026

The information here is strictly for educational and scientific purposes. It does not replace medical advice or clinical consultation, and it does not encourage illegal substance or pharmaceutical use. Data is sourced. When in doubt, consult your doctor.