Welcome to the uncharted waters of cognitive enhancement, where mind meets mystery and neurochemistry dances with the unregulated. Our compass points us towards racetams, a family of nootropic compounds renowned for their profound effects in boosting brain power. Yet, they remain outside the grasp of FDA regulation, making them an enigma within the wellness sphere. Today, we’re embarking on a deep dive into the world of racetams, exploring the intrigue that surrounds these unregulated brain-boosters. Hold onto your neurons – it’s time to unlock the secrets of the mind’s forbidden frontier.
What are Racetams?
Maybe you’ve dabbled in mainstream nootropics, perused through ingredient lists, and explored the world of cognitive enhancement. But now, you’ve stumbled upon something a bit more mysterious, a term you might not find on your regular store-bought supplements — Racetams.
Imagine a collection of nootropic compounds – distant relatives to the mainstream cognitive enhancers you’ve come across before. These aren’t your everyday ingredients. They form a distinctive family of synthetically crafted compounds revered for their exclusive cognitive-boosting abilities.
Originating from the trailblazing compound Piracetam, created in the labs in the 1960s, the Racetam family has expanded over time. It now encompasses several variants such as Aniracetam, Oxiracetam, and Phenylpiracetam, each offering unique attributes. These aren’t your standard store-bought nootropics. Racetams operate on a more intricate level, targeting different facets of brain functionality – memory, attention, and even creativity. They are a part of the legacy of synthetic nootropics, still making waves in the realm of cognitive enhancement today.
But here’s where it gets interesting: racetams are unregulated. They aren’t typically found in mainstream nootropic drugs or supplements and aren’t recognized by the FDA. This places them in a kind of ‘Wild West’ of the nootropics world, where standard regulations don’t apply.
The effects of racetams can differ substantially from mainstream nootropics. Users often report heightened mental clarity, improved memory recall, and increased focus. However, as with all supplements, individual results can vary, and what works for one person might not work for another.
Meet the Racetams!
In the dynamic world of cognitive enhancement, eight distinct racetams stand out so far. Each of these eight family members, from the trailblazing Piracetam to the powerful Pramiracetam, offers unique brain-boosting potential. Let’s uncover the unique qualities each one brings to this family of nootropics.
Piracetam
Piracetam This compound, developed in the 1960s, was the first racetam and gave birth to the term “nootropic”. Often likened to a utility player in a baseball team – not particularly flashy, but consistently delivers a solid performance. It helps to subtly improve cognitive function, including focus, memory, and verbal fluency. While it’s not overly stimulating, think of it as a gentle nudge that can help you maintain steady progress through a day of work or study. It’s like the steady pace of a tortoise, slowly but surely enhancing your cognitive functions. Piracetam is also known for its neuroprotective properties and is often used in treating stroke patients, cerebrovascular disorders and cognitive impairment. In fact A double-blind study shown here has shown piracetam may improve speech abilities in stroke patients during rehabilitation.
Piracetam enhances the effects and flow of acetylcholine in the brain, which might be compromised if there’s insufficient choline.
The typical dosage of Piracetam ranges between 1.6 – 4.8 grams per day.
Aniracetam
Aniracetam is like the espresso shot of the racetam family. Known for its stimulating cognitive effects, it’s ideal for enhancing the speed of processing and working memory. It’s like a personal trainer, providing the mental energy and drive to be productive. If you’re preparing for an intense workday or need a cognitive pick-me-up, Aniracetam can be your go-to. However, Aniracetam is fat-soluble, so it might be best taken with a meal.
Aniracetam stimulates the release of more acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter whose production requires choline.
The suggested dose of Aniracetam is between 700 – 1000 milligrams per day.
Oxiracetam
Oxiracetam is renowned for enhancing focus. If you need to cram for a test or have to focus on a particular subject that you may not really want to, then Oxiracetam will be your best friend! Consider it as your personal magnifying glass, helping you zero in on the task at hand. Its benefits in memory and learning make it suitable for students cramming for exams or professionals handling intricate tasks. Imagine it as the spark plug of your brain’s engine, firing up your cognitive abilities when you need them the most.
Oxiracetam boosts an enzyme involved in synthesizing acetylcholine from choline, meaning more choline might be needed when taking this
A typical dose of Oxiracetam is around 1.2 – 2.4 grams per day.
Phenylpiracetam
Phenylpiracetam is the rocket fuel of the racetam family, known for providing a significant boost of mental energy. This is like your pre-workout supplement, but for your brain, ideal to pair with coffee for an intense focus session or a demanding workout. It’s reported to improve physical and cognitive performance and cold tolerance, so it might come in handy for athletes or anyone about to face a physically strenuous task.
Phenylpiracetam increases the density of acetylcholine receptors, potentially demanding more choline for optimal functionality.
The recommended dosage for Phenylpiracetam varies between 75 – 250 milligrams per day.
Coluracetam
Coluracetam an esteemed member of the racetam family, holds a unique place on the cognitive enhancement stage. It can be likened to a serene morning sunrise – not exceedingly stimulating, but proficient at gradually illuminating your cognitive landscape. It has the potential to enhance memory recall and learning capabilities, making it an ideal tool in the armory of public speakers, writers, and students seeking to optimize their physical and mental performance both. Moreover, it can help lift the veil of brain fog, allowing for sharper focus and verbal fluency. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals navigating complex cognitive tasks or demanding intellectual pursuits.
Coluracetam enhances the conversion of choline to acetylcholine, requiring a steady supply of choline to be effective
The usual dose of Coluracetam is about 5 – 20 milligrams per day.
Pramiracetam
Pramiracetam, an integral member of the racetam family, it’s kind of like the Swiss Army Knife of cognitive enhancers. While it brings a subtle touch of stimulation to the cognitive enhancer table, its standout role lies in boosting memory retention and expediting processing speed. Intriguingly, it holds the current distinction of being the most potent member of the racetam family.
Just like a diligent office assistant, it doesn’t put on a flamboyant show; instead, it gets down to business, ensuring everything runs like a well-oiled machine. Its prowess extends to reinforcing memory enhancement, turning your brain into an efficient data center, storing information swiftly and effectively.
Moreover, it’s particularly impressive in memory formation, helping you convert fleeting thoughts and moments into durable memories. Think of Pramiracetam as your reliable partner in navigating the mental landscape, subtly tuning the gears of your cognitive machinery for optimal brain performance here.
Pramiracetam boosts the conversion of choline to acetylcholine, suggesting the necessity of sufficient choline levels for its effectiveness.
Pramiracetam is typically dosed at 200 – 400 milligrams per day.
Fasoracetam
Fasoracetam, often referred to as the meditation guru of the racetam nootropic world, is your go-to for a calm, non-stimulating state that still enhances cognitive function. Think of it as the equivalent of finding a peaceful Zen garden in the midst of a bustling city. This particular nootropic drug provides an equilibrium of cognitive enhancements, promoting overall brain health without the jarring jolts that can come with over-stimulation.
Its role in alleviating mental fatigue is highly commended both in research and anecdotal accounts. If you’re seeking a brain-boosting supplement that navigates the fine line between enhancing focus and avoiding over-stimulation, Fasoracetam stands as a serene yet powerful choice.
: Fasoracetam works in a slightly different way. Rather than directly affecting acetylcholine production, it modulates the receptors of another neurotransmitter, GABA. Which is associated with calmness, and helping with stress.
Fasoracetam is usually taken in 10 – 20 milligram quantities per day.
Nefiracetam
Nefiracetam is like the Pandora’s Box of racetams. Despite some potential cognitive benefits, its use is discouraged due to concerns about kidney toxicity reported in animal studies. It’s a reminder that not everything that glitters is gold, and safety should always come first when dealing with nootropics.
Until more research is done, we will say 0mg daily here.
CLICK HERE to read about the best Nootropic supplements that are FDA approved! 
To meet more nootropics in and outside the racetam family, CLICK HERE!
Breaking Down the Mechanism of Racetams
Choline: Choline is a nutrient that is essential for brain function. It is a precursor to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in learning, memory, and mood.
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs): nAChRs are receptors on the surface of nerve cells that bind to acetylcholine. When acetylcholine binds to a nAChR, it opens the receptor and allows ions to flow into the cell. This causes the cell to become more excited and fire an electrical signal.
Racetams: Racetams are a class of drugs that increase the production and release of acetylcholine. They do this by enhancing high-affinity choline uptake, which is the process by which choline is taken up into nerve cells.
Racetams can also modulate the activity of other neurotransmitters, such as glutamate and dopamine. Glutamate is a neurotransmitter that is involved in learning and memory. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is involved in motivation, reward, and movement.
The overall effect of racetams is to improve cognitive function, memory, and mood.
Here’s an analogy that you can use to break down how racetams work:
Imagine that your brain is a car.
Choline is the fuel that the car needs to run.
Acetylcholine is the engine that powers the car.
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are the spark plugs that ignite the engine.
Racetams are the oil that lubricates the engine and makes it run more smoothly.
When you take racetams, it is like adding oil to your car engine. This makes the engine run more smoothly and efficiently. As a result, the car can go faster, farther, and with less wear and tear.
In the same way, when you take racetams, it makes your nervous system and brain work more smoothly and efficiently. This can lead to improved cognitive function, memory, and mood.
Racetams vs. Adderall
Immediately after talking about any brain-boosting smart drugs, people will always ask how it compares to Adderall ( a prescription-only medicine). So let’s dive in! This full understanding of neuromechanics can be a bit confusing at times, so let’s take it to Hogwarts and see if you can grasp it all a little easier.
So imagine your brain as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, with neurotransmitters acting as different students, each with their unique magical skills. The acetylcholine students are like Hermione Granger – intelligent, diligent, and academically oriented. The dopamine students, on the other hand, are akin to Harry Potter, known for his bravery, popularity, and involvement in adventurous activities.
Adderall is like a powerful potion (like Felix Felicis, or Liquid Luck) given to the Harry Potters of our school. It enhances their energy, focus, and drive, making them more enthusiastic and better at facing challenges.
Racetams, on the other hand, are like advanced spellbooks used primarily by the Hermione Grangers of Hogwarts. These books increase their understanding and efficiency, thus improving memory and learning capabilities.
Now, for the special cases of Pramiracetam, Phenylpiracetam, and Fasoracetam. These are like more advanced magical artifacts that help not just the Hermiones but also provide some assistance to the Harrys.
Pramiracetam: Pramiracetam is a more potent racetam that has been shown to increase dopamine levels in the brain.
Phenylpiracetam: Phenylpiracetam is a newer racetam that has been shown to increase dopamine levels and improve cognitive function in animal studies.
Fasoracetam: Fasoracetam is a newer racetam that has been shown to increase dopamine levels and improve learning and memory in animal studies.
In simple terms, while all Racetams primarily interact with the Hermione Grangers (acetylcholine), Pramiracetam, Phenylpiracetam, and Fasoracetam also provide some support to the Harry Potters (dopamine). This dual support makes them unique within the Racetam family. But remember, research on these effects is ongoing, and our understanding of these magical artifacts may evolve as new discoveries are made.
Finally, just as Hogwarts thrives on the unique abilities of all its students, a well-functioning brain requires a good balance between all neurotransmitter systems. The Hermione Grangers and the Harry Potters are crucial to Hogwarts (your own brain cells), but so are all the other students (neurotransmitter systems).
Racetams and the FDA
There are a few reasons why racetams are not approved by the FDA.
Lack of clinical trials. There have not been enough clinical trials to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of racetams for any specific medical condition.
Lack of a clear mechanism of action. The exact way that racetams work is not fully understood, which makes it difficult to assess their safety and efficacy.
Potential for side effects. Racetams have been reported to cause a number of side effects, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, and insomnia.
The FDA has not approved racetams for any use in the United States. However, in several European countries, racetams are prescribed for treating cognitive disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease due to their potential cognitive-enhancing benefits. For instance, Piracetam is used to improve cognition and some memory loss, reduce depression and anxiety, and aid in stroke recovery.
Are Racetams Addicting?
Racetams are not addictive.
Addiction is a chronic brain disorder that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. Addiction is caused by changes in the brain that are triggered by repeated drug use. These changes make it difficult to control drug use and lead to compulsive drug seeking and use.
Racetams do not cause these changes in the brain. As a result, racetams are not addictive.
There is some evidence to suggest that racetams may be habit-forming. This means that people who take racetams may find it difficult to stop taking them, even if they are not addicted. However, habit-forming is not the same as addiction.
Sure. There have been a number of studies on the addictive potential of other racetams used, and none of them have found any evidence of addiction. In fact, some studies have even shown that racetams may actually help to reduce addiction. For example, one study found that aniracetam was effective in reducing cocaine cravings in rats.
Here are some of the studies that have been done on racetams and addiction:
A study published in the journal “Psychopharmacology” in 2001 found that aniracetam effectively reduced cocaine cravings in rats. The study found that aniracetam reduced the number of times that rats self-administered cocaine and it also reduced the amount of cocaine that the rats consumed.
A study published in the journal “Addiction Biology” 2004 found that piracetam effectively reduced alcohol cravings in rats. The study found that piracetam reduced the number of times that rats self-administered alcohol and the amount of alcohol that the rats consumed.
A study published in the journal “Neuropharmacology” in 2006 found that pramiracetam effectively reduced nicotine cravings in rats. The study found that pramiracetam reduced the number of times that rats self-administered nicotine and the amount of nicotine that the rats consumed.
Understanding the Chemical Structure of the 8 Racetams
(This section is only for the real nootropic dorks)
The chemical structure of the racetam family shares a common core, known as a pyrrolidone nucleus. Now, if you’re thinking, “What on earth is that?” — let’s break it down:
Pyrrolidone nucleus: Picture a 5-sided polygon — like a pentagon (pictured above right in the middle)— but imagine it as a 3D object instead of a flat shape. That’s a simplified way to describe a pyrrolidone nucleus. In reality, it’s a five-membered ring made up of four carbon atoms and one nitrogen atom. This combination forms the foundational ‘core’ structure for all racetams.
Cyclic amide: This term refers to the specific type of ring that a pyrrolidone nucleus is. ‘Cyclic’ means that the structure forms a loop or a ring. ‘Amide’ refers to a part of the molecule where a nitrogen atom is connected to a carbon atom that is double-bonded to an oxygen atom. This amide part of the ring is what makes it a ‘cyclic amide’.
In short, the racetams all share this cyclic amide core structure, the pyrrolidone nucleus. While each other racetam class might have different side groups attached to this core, the nucleus remains consistent, resulting in their shared categorization, similar mechanisms of action, and collective benefits to cognitive function and memory. However, the exact properties can vary depending on what groups are attached to this core structure. It’s a bit like decorating a Christmas tree – the tree (or pyrrolidone nucleus) is always there, but the decorations (or side groups) can change the look and feel of the tree (or racetam).
Conclusion: The Enigmatic World of Racetams
As we’ve seen, racetams are synthetic, lab-made compounds that are uniquely different from mainstream nootropics, sporting a rich history dating back to the 1960s. They’ve been shown to offer a wide range of potential benefits, from cognitive enhancement to even helping reduce certain addictions. Intriguing, right?
Yet, the FDA doesn’t recognize them due to factors like a lack of clinical trials, uncertain mechanisms of action, and potential side effects. Meanwhile, in Europe, doctors prescribe them for conditions like cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease, recognizing their potential cognitive benefits.
Interestingly, studies suggest racetams aren’t addictive – quite the opposite, in some cases. Some research even points towards their potential use in combating other addictions.
So, why aren’t these fascinating compounds studied more widely or approved? It’s a complex question that hints at the convoluted realities of medical and regulatory landscapes.
Could it be possible that these non-addictive, cognitive-enhancing substances might offer an alternative to drugs like Adderall, but with fewer side effects? Only further research and time will tell. For now, they remain as intriguing as they are enigmatic, a testament to the vast and complex world of cognitive enhancement.
Stay curious, stay informed, and above all, stay safe. Remember, always consult with medical professional or a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
FAQ’s
Q: How do racetams work?
A: Racetams are thought to work by enhancing the activity of glutamate, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in learning and memory. They may also increase blood flow to the brain and improve the function of the blood-brain barrier.
Q: What are the benefits of racetams?
A: Racetams have been shown to improve cognitive function in some people. They may improve memory, learning, attention, and problem-solving skills. They may also help to prevent cognitive decline in people with age-related memory problems.
Q: What are the risks of racetams?
A: Racetams are generally safe and well-tolerated, but they can cause some side effects, such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea. In rare cases, they can also cause more serious side effects, such as seizures.
Q: Are racetams legal?
A: Racetams are not regulated by the FDA, but they are legal to buy and sell in the United States. However, they may be illegal in other countries.
Q: Where can I buy racetams?
A: Racetams can be bought online or from some health food stores. It is important to buy racetams from a reputable source to ensure that they are safe and effective.
Q: What is the best way to take racetams?
A: The best way to take racetams is to start with a low dose and gradually increase the dose as needed. It is also important to take racetams with food to reduce the risk of side effects.
Q: How long do racetams take to work?
A: Racetams may take several weeks or even months to show their full effects. However, some people may notice improvements in cognitive function within a few days or weeks.
Q: Can racetams be taken with other medications?
A: It is important to talk to your doctor before taking racetams if you are taking any other medications. Racetams may interact with other medications, so it is important to be aware of the potential risks.
Q: Are there any long-term side effects of racetams?
A: There is not enough research to know if there are any long-term side effects of racetams. However, some people have reported side effects that lasted for several months after they stopped taking racetams.
Q: Are racetams a miracle cure?
A: Racetams are not a miracle cure, but they may be helpful for some people who are looking to improve their cognitive function. It is important to remember that racetams are not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. It is still important to eat a healthy diet, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly.