Piracetam
The original racetam (Giurgea, 1972). Glutamatergic AMPA modulator, the classic memory- and cognition-supporting nootropic.
Pharmacology
Contents
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)
Receptor profile
- AMPA glutamate receptorModerate
- Cholinergic (ACh) systemModerate
- Membrane fluidity / mitochondriaWeak
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
Piracetam and piracetam-like drugs: from basic science to novel clinical applications to CNS disorders.
Malykh AG, Sadaie MR
Clinical efficacy of piracetam in cognitive impairment: a meta-analysis.
Waegemans T, Wilsher CR, Danniau A, Ferris SH, Kurz A
Piracetam for acute ischaemic stroke.
Ricci S, Celani MG, Cantisani TA, et al.
Piracetam in the treatment of cortical myoclonus
Koskiniemi M et al.
Piracetam – an old drug with novel properties? Updated review
Winblad B.
FAQ
FAQ
Piracetam is the original and best-known "nootropic", the term itself was coined for this exact compound back in 1972. Classically it's used to support memory and learning performance, and in older adults to help with cognitive decline linked to poor brain blood flow. In medical settings it's also used at high doses to treat myoclonus (a jerky muscle-twitch movement disorder), and it has been studied in children in connection with dyslexia.
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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.