Aniracetam
Fat-soluble racetam with AMPA-PAM action and an anxiolytic profile.
Pharmacology
Contents
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)
Receptor profile
- AMPA receptorsStrong
- Acetylcholine releaseModerate
- mGluR1 / mGluR5 receptorsModerate
- Dopamine D2 / 5-HT2A receptorsModerate
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
FAQ
FAQ
Aniracetam is a fat-soluble relative of piracetam, used mainly to give a mild boost to memory and thinking, along with a modest anti-anxiety effect. In Italy it's sold as a prescription medication, while elsewhere it's more commonly used as an over-the-counter nootropic for cognitive support.
Telegram
Have a question about Aniracetam?
Reach out to us on Telegram for a personalized stack. We'll be happy to help.
Personalized consultation
Want a detailed conversation tailored to your data?
Fill out the prep intake form (your goals, training and health data), and the advisor prepares from it to give genuinely personalized guidance.
Fill out the form~5–7 min · prep questionnaire · confidential · GDPR-compliant
Structure & chemistry
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.