Coluracetam
Selective HACU enhancer (BCI-540), visual experience and antidepressant profile.
Pharmacology
Contents
Related comparisons
Pramiracetam vs ColuracetamDETAILED OVERVIEW
What is Coluracetam?
Coluracetam (BCI-540, formerly MKC-231) was developed by BrainCells Inc. to selectively activate the high-affinity choline uptake (HACU) system. Unique: cognitive effect can persist for 8 days after a single dose in animal models (PMID 18461272). In AF64A-damaged cholinergic neurons, hippocampal ACh release is restored (PMID 7710736). Reverses PCP-induced ChAT reduction in the medial septum (PMID 17467960) → potential therapy for schizophrenic symptoms. Phase 2A MDD/anxiety clinical trial (NCT00621270) under the BCI-540 name; did not reach statistical significance. Anecdotal user reports describe enhanced color perception and contrast ("HD vision"), explainable by ACh`s role in sensory gating.
Mechanism
Selective HACU activator
Half-life
~3 h
Legal status
Investigational, no approval
Anecdotal reports describe Coluracetam as having a short onset and duration, typically lasting 1-3 hours, with multiple daily administrations common. The most consistent community observation is sensory enhancement, with users describing brighter colors, sharper contrast, or HD vision effects. The mechanism aligns with acetylcholine's role in attention, sensory gating, and visual perception, though the color-enhancement claims remain anecdotal. Phase 2A trials under the former name BCI-540 examined mood and anxiety effects with daily and three-times-daily dosing versus placebo. Coluracetam is engineered to enhance high-affinity choline uptake transporter efficiency, leaning sensory and cholinergic. Users with lower acetylcholine levels may benefit most. Some experience anxiety, over-cholinergic side effects, or a crash. It is commonly stacked as an adjunct for cholinergic uptake support at low doses.
⚠ Not clinical evidence – based on user accounts.
Receptor profile
- Choline transporter CHT1 (HACU)Strong
- Cholinergic signalingModerate
- AMPA receptorsWeak
Safety
Side effects, stop signs, contraindications
Side effects · 6
- Headache, often from increased acetylcholine demand (can be mitigated by choline intake)
- Excess cholinergic effects: nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort
- Anxiety, irritability, overstimulation (cholinergic overdrive)
- Crash between doses due to short duration of action (~3 hour half-life)
- Fatigue, brain fog when choline stores become depleted
- Unpleasant, lingering taste with sublingual use
Contraindications · 5
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: no safety data, should be avoided
- Combining with other cholinergics (cholinesterase inhibitors, high-dose choline) may cause additive cholinergic excess
- Caution in anxiety disorders: cholinergic overstimulation may worsen anxiety
- Unapproved experimental compound with no long-term human safety data
- Only under medical supervision when treating depression (Phase 2A trial did not confirm efficacy)
Related Nootropics
Same therapeutic category
FAQ
FAQ
Coluracetam is a racetam-type compound originally developed as a cognitive enhancer, notable because in animal studies a single dose could keep working for days. Users often report visual effects (brighter colors, more contrast) and mood lift, but the source material doesn't spell out solid confirmed benefits, so it's more of an anecdotal, under-researched profile.
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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.