Clinical ResearchResearch compound

Piracetam

The original racetam (Giurgea, 1972). Glutamatergic AMPA modulator, the classic memory- and cognition-supporting nootropic.

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WHAT IS PIRACETAM?

Detailed overview

Piracetam (2-oxo-1-pyrrolidine acetamide) is the first clinically studied nootropic, synthesized in 1964 by Corneliu Giurgea, who coined the term "nootropic" for it. Its mechanism is positive allosteric modulation of the AMPA receptor, enhancing the efficacy of already-bound glutamate, which strengthens long-term potentiation (LTP). In EU regions (e.g. Nootropil in Hungary), it is Rx for cerebrovascular cognitive disorders, myoclonus, and communication disorders.

Mechanism

AMPA + cholinergic

Half-life

5 hours

Onset

30-60 min

Legal status

EU Rx (Nootropil)

Safety

Side effects, stop signs, contraindications

Side effects · 6

  • Cholinergic headache, common with low choline, mitigated by a choline source (Alpha-GPC/CDP-choline)
  • Nervousness, irritability and anxiety, mainly at higher doses
  • Insomnia or disturbed sleep when taken late in the day
  • Gastrointestinal complaints: nausea, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea
  • Agitation, hyperkinesia and restlessness, less often somnolence
  • Weight gain, documented in clinical trials

Contraindications · 5

  • Severe renal impairment: piracetam is renally excreted, dose reduction needed, contraindicated in end-stage renal disease
  • Huntington's disease and chorea: may worsen symptoms, contraindicated
  • Cerebral hemorrhage or hemorrhagic stroke: avoid due to its platelet-aggregation inhibiting effect
  • Anticoagulants and antiplatelets (warfarin, aspirin, NSAIDs): increased bleeding risk, stop 1-2 weeks before surgery
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: insufficient safety data, avoid

Related Nootropics

Same therapeutic category

Studies

Related research and clinical findings

Drugs

Piracetam and piracetam-like drugs: from basic science to novel clinical applications to CNS disorders.

Malykh AG, Sadaie MR

PMID: 20166767Open
Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord. 2002;13(4):217-224.

Clinical efficacy of piracetam in cognitive impairment: a meta-analysis.

Waegemans T, Wilsher CR, Danniau A, Ferris SH, Kurz A

PMID: 12006732Open
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews

Piracetam for acute ischaemic stroke.

Ricci S, Celani MG, Cantisani TA, et al.

PMID: 22972044Open
Pharmacopsychiatry. 1998;31 Suppl 1:21-26.

Piracetam in the treatment of cortical myoclonus

Koskiniemi M et al.

PMID: 10338109Open
CNS Drug Rev. 2005;11(2):169-182.

Piracetam – an old drug with novel properties? Updated review

Winblad B.

PMID: 20166767Open

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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.