Piracetam
The original nootropic, synthesized in 1964 by Corneliu Giurgea who coined the term 'nootropic.' Piracetam modulates glutamate and acetylcholine neurotransmission to enhance memory, learning, and cognitive fluidity. Widely prescribed in Europe for cognitive decline and used globally as a cognitive enhancer. One of the most studied nootropics with decades of clinical data.
Piracetam holds a unique place in neuropharmacology as the compound that launched the entire nootropic field. Synthesized in 1964 by Romanian psychologist and chemist Corneliu Giurgea at UCB Laboratories in Belgium, it was Giurgea who coined the term 'nootropic' (from the Greek 'nous' for mind and 'trepein' for to turn) to describe piracetam's novel profile: cognitive enhancement without sedation, stimulation, or toxicity.
Decades of research have established piracetam's mechanism as a positive allosteric modulator of AMPA glutamate receptors and a modulator of neuronal membrane fluidity. By improving membrane fluidity, piracetam enhances receptor function, ion channel activity, and signal transduction across synapses. It is prescribed throughout Europe under the brand name Nootropil for cognitive decline, vertigo, and cortical myoclonus, with an extremely favorable safety profile documented over 50+ years of clinical use.
The most common complaint about piracetam is that it is 'subtle' — effects are not dramatic or immediately obvious like stimulants. This is by design: piracetam enhances normal cognitive processes rather than creating an artificial state. Many users report the effects become more apparent over 2-4 weeks of consistent dosing. The headache that some experience is almost always due to increased acetylcholine demand — adding a choline source (Alpha-GPC or CDP-Choline) reliably resolves this.
Dosage
Standard: 1200-4800 mg daily in 2-3 divided doses. Clinical studies commonly use 2400-4800 mg daily. The 'attack dose' protocol uses 4800 mg daily for the first week, then reduces to maintenance.
Dosages shown are for research reference only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Half-Life
4-5 hours
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Mechanism of Action
Piracetam modulates AMPA (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid) and NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) glutamate receptors through positive allosteric modulation, enhancing excitatory neurotransmission without direct agonism. It increases membrane fluidity of neuronal phospholipid bilayers by reducing membrane microviscosity, which improves ion channel function and signal transmission. Piracetam enhances acetylcholine receptor density and turnover in the hippocampus, upregulating both muscarinic (M1) and nicotinic receptor expression. It potentiates the cholinergic system through increased high-affinity choline uptake. Additionally, piracetam improves cerebral blood flow via nitric oxide-dependent vasodilation and enhances oxygen utilization (glucose metabolism) in aged or hypoxic brain tissue, supporting mitochondrial function.
Regulatory Status
Prescription medication in many European countries (Nootropil). Not FDA-approved in the US but available as a supplement/research compound. Not scheduled or controlled.
Risks & Safety
Common
Headache (often from insufficient choline intake), insomnia if taken late in the day, gastrointestinal discomfort.
Serious
Very rare — piracetam has an extremely favorable safety profile. May increase the effects of blood thinners.
Rare
Nervousness, agitation, weight gain.
Compare Piracetam With
Research Papers
10Published: August 30, 2024
AI Summary
Piracetam, a widely recognized nootropic drug, is hypothesized to enhance memory function through its influence on synaptic plasticity and neurotransmitter levels. However, despite its popularity, there remains a lack of conclusive evidence regarding its impact on memory.
Published: May 27, 2025
AI Summary
Hence, piracetam has a neuroprotective effect against VaD. However, the exact neuroprotective mechanism of piracetam against the development and progression of VaD was not fully clarified.
Published: February 7, 2005
AI Summary
Piracetam is an agent with antithrombotic, neuroprotective and rheological properties. The interaction of this molecule with the membrane phospholipids restores membrane fluidity and could explain the efficacy of piracetam in various disorders ranging from dementia and vertigo to myoclonus and stroke.
Published: April 18, 2006
AI Summary
Piracetam has neuroprotective and antithrombotic effects which may help to reduce death and disability in people with acute stroke.
Published: October 30, 2024
AI Summary
The open field test results demonstrated a significant increase in the number of crossings over the line in the Piracetam (30 and 100 mg/kg) and diazepam groups, in comparison to the negative control group. The histological results demonstrated structural alterations in hippocampal neurons.
Published: April 2, 2000
AI Summary
Data obtained from the manufacturer suggested a nonsignificant trend (-10%) towards reduction in dependency with piracetam (CI -33% to 20%); the proportions of patients dead or dependent in the two groups were the same.
Published: May 4, 2000
AI Summary
Piracetam has neuroprotective and antithrombotic effects which may help to reduce death and disability in people with acute stroke.
Published: March 24, 1999
AI Summary
Piracetam has been shown to be effective in vertigo of both central and peripheral origin. Piracetam decreases the frequency but probably not the severity of exacerbations in patients with chronic or recurrent vertigo.
Published: July 11, 2005
AI Summary
At a neuronal level, piracetam modulates neurotransmission in a range of transmitter systems (including cholinergic and glutamatergic), has neuroprotective and anticonvulsant properties, and improves neuroplasticity. Its efficacy is documented in cognitive disorders and dementia, vertigo, cortical myoclonus, dyslexia, and sickle cell anemia.
Published: March 24, 1999
AI Summary
This indicated that, given in conjunction with language therapy, piracetam improved speech in patients with post-acute and chronic aphasia. After 12 weeks significantly more patients (approximately 10%, P=0.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Piracetam used for?
The original nootropic, synthesized in 1964 by Corneliu Giurgea who coined the term 'nootropic.' Piracetam modulates glutamate and acetylcholine neurotransmission to enhance memory, learning, and cognitive fluidity. Widely prescribed in Europe for cognitive decline and used globally as a cognitive enhancer. One of the most studied nootropics with decades of clinical data.
What are the side effects of Piracetam?
Common: Headache (often from insufficient choline intake), insomnia if taken late in the day, gastrointestinal discomfort. Serious: Very rare — piracetam has an extremely favorable safety profile. May increase the effects of blood thinners. Rare: Nervousness, agitation, weight gain.
How is Piracetam administered?
Piracetam is administered via oral (powder, capsules, tablets). highly bioavailable orally with nearly 100% absorption..
What is the half-life of Piracetam?
The half-life of Piracetam is 4-5 hours.
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