Oxiracetam
A water-soluble racetam considered one of the best for logical thinking, analytical tasks, and technical learning. Often described as the 'logic racetam' because it excels at enhancing left-brain cognitive functions rather than creativity. It provides mild stimulation without the anxiety that stronger stimulants can cause.
Dosage
Standard: 800-2400 mg daily in 2 divided doses. Many users find 1600 mg daily (800 mg twice) to be the sweet spot.
Dosages shown are for research reference only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Half-Life
8-10 hours
Administration
Oral (powder, capsules). Water-soluble, no need to take with fat.
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Mechanism of Action
Oxiracetam enhances glutamatergic neurotransmission through positive allosteric modulation of AMPA receptors, increasing the amplitude and duration of excitatory postsynaptic potentials. It increases the release of excitatory neurotransmitters glutamate and D-aspartic acid from hippocampal presynaptic terminals, acting as a glutamate analog. Oxiracetam stimulates protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms, particularly PKC-α and PKC-γ, which phosphorylate substrates involved in memory consolidation, long-term potentiation (LTP), and synaptic plasticity. PKC activation enhances NMDA receptor function and AMPA receptor trafficking to the synapse. Its mild stimulatory effect derives from cholinergic system enhancement via increased acetylcholine release and nicotinic α7 receptor potentiation in the cortex.
Regulatory Status
Available as a supplement/research compound in the US. Prescription medication in some European countries.
Risks & Safety
Common
Headache, insomnia if taken too late in the day, mild stimulation.
Serious
No serious adverse effects documented.
Rare
Nervousness, nausea, diarrhea.
Compare Oxiracetam With
Research Papers
10Published: August 28, 2023
AI Summary
We aimed to investigate the effects of oxiracetam on cognitive impairment in the early phase of traumatic brain injury (TBI), for which no specific treatment is currently available.
Published: December 11, 2025
AI Summary
No significant safety concerns were reported. Despite limitations such as loss to follow-up, the findings of this study provide important evidence for the clinical management of cognitive dysfunction following TBI.
Published: July 23, 2023
AI Summary
Our previous experiments showed that nanowired delivery of oxiracetam significantly attenuated CHI-induced brain pathology and associated neurovascular changes. Our results show that co-administration of oxiracetam with neprilysin and mAb to AβP and p-tau significantly induced superior neuroprotection following CHI in hot environment, not ...
Published: April 4, 2020
AI Summary
The propionic acid administration showed memory impairment, restrictive behavior, increased proinflammatory cytokines level, biochemical and neurotransmitters alteration. However, treatment with oxiracetam alone and in combination with zinc significantly attenuated behavioral, biochemical, inflammatory cytokines and restored neurotransmitters le...
Published: July 26, 2025
AI Summary
This multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, commissioned by South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, evaluated the effect of oxiracetam for preventing post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) and explored potential interaction with physical activity using neuroimaging.
Published: August 11, 2021
AI Summary
Previous reports from our laboratory showed that mild CHI induced by weight drop technique causing an impact of 0.224N results in profound progressive functional deficit, memory impairment and brain pathology from 5h after trauma that continued over several weeks of injury.
Published: October 22, 2017
AI Summary
Cognitive impairment is common in people travelling to high altitude. Oxiracetam and electrical stimulation of cerebellar fastigial nucleus may have beneficial impacts.
Published: July 16, 2020
AI Summary
Results: ORC prevented the Aβ-induced activation of BV2 cells, as reflected by reduced morphological changes and phagocytic ability. Thus, ORC may exert a protective role in AD through attenuating the damage caused by inflammation and oxidative stress.
Published: March 28, 2023
AI Summary
Exercise can also enhance cognitive function. This trial aims to investigate the effect of oxiracetam on post-stroke cognitive impairment and explore whether this effect is modified by exercise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Oxiracetam used for?
A water-soluble racetam considered one of the best for logical thinking, analytical tasks, and technical learning. Often described as the 'logic racetam' because it excels at enhancing left-brain cognitive functions rather than creativity. It provides mild stimulation without the anxiety that stronger stimulants can cause.
What are the side effects of Oxiracetam?
Common: Headache, insomnia if taken too late in the day, mild stimulation. Serious: No serious adverse effects documented. Rare: Nervousness, nausea, diarrhea.
How is Oxiracetam administered?
Oxiracetam is administered via oral (powder, capsules). water-soluble, no need to take with fat..
What is the half-life of Oxiracetam?
The half-life of Oxiracetam is 8-10 hours.
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