Hey there! Welcome to my review of the best racetam nootropics.
While we here at HolisticNootropics are big proponents of more natural solutions for cognitive enhancement, we also know the impact that an appropriately used racetam can have.
As someone who places a demanding workload on his brain, I wanted to try these racetams for myself. I spent 35 hours researching, and testing the following 7 nootropics and ranked them based on their effects, safety, and quality.
The best part about racetams is that you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars or get a doctor’s prescription. You can get each of these brain-boosting nootropics from a reputable dealer at an affordable price.
Ready for a mind-blowing conversation on the best racetam nootropics? Let’s jump into it!
Biohack Your Brainpower
The Best Racetam Nootropics -Quick Guide-
Aniracetam by Science.bio
Phenylpiracetam by Cosmic Nootropics
Oxiracetam by SwissChem
Pramiracetam – Cosmic Nootropics
Coluracetam by SwissChem
Fasoracetam by SwissChem
Sunifiram by SwissChem
What Are Racetam Nootropics?
Racetam nootropics are some of the most popular nootropics available on the market today.
They are chemically synthesized compounds such as drugs and food supplements developed particularly to boost to produce improved cognitive function1N. M. B. R. F. P. B. L. S. G. De Vreese LP, Memory training and drug therapy act differently on memory and metamemory functioning: evidence from a pilot study 1996.
Technically speaking, racetams are a class of synthetic compounds that have basic similar chemical structures that can boost your brain into an ultra-focused, memory-building, mood-enhancing flow.
They’re even being researched for neuroprotective effects in preventing and recovering from major cognitive decline.2R. C. B. P. Anna Maria Pugliese, Effect of the nootropic drug oxiracetam on field potentials of rat hippocampal slices1990
When taken responsibly, racetam nootropics provide an excellent way to improve your long-term memory recall, leading to long-term memory improvement in physical and mental performance while also reducing your risk for diseases like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease3V. V. B. De Reuck J, The clinical safety of high-dose piracetam–its use in the treatment of acute stroke 1991..
Racetam Molecule
While their overall molecular structure differs, racetam families share a similar chemical backbone. This means racetams can cross the blood-brain barrier and easily bind with neurotransmitters in the brain, including acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.
This makes racetams a popular choice for nootropic newcomers and experienced brain hackers looking to sharpen their cognitive function.
How Racetams Affect Cognitive Function Compared To Other Nootropics
There is no customarily accepted mode of action as to how racetam nootropics function in cognitive effects. However, they enhance cognition by interaction with the brain’s cholinergic system.
The cholinergic system is involved in memory enhancement, learning attention, and other higher brain functions. Although, a few Nootropic supplements like aniracetam are not purported to have a considerable influence on choline.
It seems that racetams, particularly aniracetam and Piracetam, modulate Glutamate and AMPA receptors in the brain4S. A. Gouliaev AH, Piracetam and other structurally related nootropics 1994..
In addition, reputedly, racetam nootropics modulate acetyl cholinergic systems. However, in contrast to other nootropics, racetams have multiple modes of action and are in the different racetam classes.
Top 7 Best Racetam Nootropics
Aniracetam by Science.bio
Good for memory and learning enhancement
Clinical studies show enhanced neuroprotection from age-related cognitive decline
Improves brain connectivity and helps with focus
Highly sustainable- no need for tolerance build up
Minimal side effects, can be taken every day
Aniracetam is a nootropic that has been shown to improve memory and cognitive function. It is believed to work by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is involved in many cognitive processes, including learning and memory. Aniracetam may also increase blood flow to the brain and protect neurons from damage.
Aniracetam is effective in animal studies, and there is some evidence that it may improve memory and cognitive function in humans. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects.
Aniracetam is sometimes used off-label to treat Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and age-related cognitive decline. It is generally well-tolerated, but side effects may include headaches, anxiety, and gastrointestinal upset.
If you consider taking Aniracetam for memory or cognitive enhancement, speak to your healthcare provider to see if it is right for you.
Piracetam – Cosmic Nootropics
Has the ability to increase blood flow to the brain, which enhances cognitive function
Work by modulating neurotransmitter levels in the brain
Helps protect against age-related memory decline.
Increases acetylcholine in the brain to boost learning and memory formation.
Pros
- Effective in treating neurodegeneration
- Has anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects
- Generally well-tolerated, safe and effective
- Cosmic Nootropics offers the most affordable Piracetam on the market
- Fast US/International shipping available
- Will offer store credit if order is seized by customs.
Cons
- The most common side effect is headaches
- May be tough to get if living in a country with strict nootropic policies.
Phenylpiracetam by Cosmic Nootropics
Work by modulating the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain
Increases blood flow to the brain, providing it with more oxygen and nutrients
Helps to boost energy levels and reduce anxiety
May be more potent for some users than piracetam
Pros
- Can improve cognitive function, memory, and focus
- Helps treat convulsions and all types of seizures and epilepsy.
- Help treat hyperglycemias by helping you stop gaining weight and improve your well-being
- Generally safe and well-tolerated
- Cosmic Nootropics offers fast US/international shipping.
- If your order is seized by customs Cosmic Nootropics offers partial refund.
- Cosmic Nootropics offers the most competitive pricing
Cons
- FDA does not approve Phenylpiracetam for any specific medical condition
- Can cause side effects like headaches, irritability, fogging, insomnia, depression, excessive anger and emotional instability
- Best to pair with a choline source
- May not be available in a country with strict nootropic laws.
Oxiracetam by SwissChem
Can help increase attention span and cognition
Studies show that it can improve memory
People report feeling more focused and motivated to study/work
Boosts levels of neurotransmitters in the brain
Gives an energy “kick” not experienced w. most other nootropics
Pros
- Highly potent
- Adderall-like effectiveness
- Great for focus, memory, learning
- Neuroprotective qualities
- Energy-stimulating properties
Cons
- No effects on mood
- Can lead to a headache if not paired w. choline
- May be too stimulating for some
Pramiracetam – Cosmic Nootropics
Developed to prevent memory loss among the elderly and aid in treating patients who are suffering from neurodegenerative diseases
Improves memory, focus, and concentration
Helps speed up brain injury recoveries
Pros
- Provides neuroprotection
- It has been well-studied in humans and is known to be safe and effective
- Not a stimulant, so it can be taken during the day without causing any jitteriness or anxiety
Cons
- Headache, insomnia, nausea, and irritability at higher doses
Coluracetam by SwissChem
Appears to increase the rate of acetycholine synthesis
Faster ACh synthesis increases neuroprotection
Can be helpful for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s
May help with memory and learning capabilities
Limited data on effects
Pros
- Can increase the rate of acetylcholine synthesis
- Safe and well-tolerated by most users
- It helps prevent glutamate excitotoxicity
- Can help with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s
Cons
- Limited clinical data at this time
Fasoracetam by SwissChem
May help focus in ADHD patients
Generally safe and well tolerated
Shown to enhance brain energy, and cholinergic dysfunction in animal models
Can increase acetylcholine release and uptake
May have mood-boosting, anxiolytic effects.
Sunifiram by SwissChem
Show to upregulate the AMPA receptor, increasing synaptic transmission in the brain
May increase acetylcholine transmission in the prefrontal cortex
Similar, more potent activity as Piracetam
Although derived from Piracetam, not technically considered a Racetam
Other Racetams with Emerging Data
Nebracetam
It is a novel drug on trial that belongs to the racetam family5J. L. J. J. Zhang H, Oxiracetam Offers Neuroprotection by Reducing Amyloid β-Induced Microglial Activation and Inflammation in Alzheimer’s Disease. PUBMED, 2020..
Research on the effect of prolonged treatment using nebracetam nootropic drugs on neurotransmitters of brain regions in rats has been carried out; however, the result in humans is not currently known.
Rolziracetam
It is a nootropic drug classified under the racetam family. Research purports that it enhances temporary memory in rats and monkeys6W. Y. T. J. H. D. Z. R. J. X. H. X. S. J. G. J. W. Z. P. Q. L. Q. Wang D,, Oxiracetam Mediates Neuroprotection Through the Regulation of Microglia Under Hypoxia-Ischemia Neonatal Brain Injury in Mice. Mol Neurobiol PUBMED, 2021.
It was discovered that it has a short-live effect in several animal species with a half-life below 25 minutes.
Dimiracetam
It is a nootropic drug classified under the racetam family. It has been employed in the pilot-scale study of the treatment of AIDS and neuropathy.
There is not enough reliable clinical literature about dimiracetam pharmacodynamics, mode of action, and absorption.
Seletracetam
It is a drug that is a derivative of pyrrolidone. It is a nootropic drug classified under the racetam family, having a chemical structure similar to levetiracetam.
It is considered a 100-times potent and effective anticonvulsant drug compared to levetiracetam.
It has an elimination half-life of 8hours. It is under clinical trials; as such, there are no ample reliable research materials available about the production of seletracetam7T. M. B. A. Winnicka K,, Piracetam–an old drug with novel properties? 2005.
Best Racetam For You
It is important to use the right racetam class for the right purpose to get the most out of using racetam nootropics.
There might not be the best racetam that gives all functions or profound effects to all needs; however, there is the best racetam for particular benefits.
Below are some recommendations for the best racetam for a need for specific purposes.
Best Racetam For Memory Formation, Enhancement and Learning – Pramiracetam
Aniracetam by Science.bio
Potent memory-enhancing racetam nootropic with neuroprotective capabilities.
Pramiracetam is regarded as the strongest nootropics and sometimes referred to as the best racetam, as its effect is multiple of other racetams8What is prohibited.
Pramiracetam’s major effect comes from high-affinity choline absorption (HACU) into the brain(hippocampus), which significantly impacts the neurotransmitter acetylcholine synthesizing and binding to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.
It helps develop new synapses and nerve connections, improving the overall communication between the brain hemisphere. Hence, it helps in improving memory formation without causing revolving brain fog, logical thinking enhanced, more areas of thought and reasoning9A. R. G. U. A. M. M. V. R. M. C. I. M. B. E. Mushtaq A, Biomolecular Evaluation of Lavandula stoechas L. for Nootropic Activity. PUBMED, 2021. This improves memory retention.
The dose recommendation is 400mg two to three times daily, with the optimal dose of about 1600mg in extreme cases
Best Racetam For Mental Energy and Eliminating Brain Fog – Piracetam
Piracetam – Cosmic Nootropics
Piracetam acts to eliminate brain fog and increase mental energy by affecting the chemical activities of the brain in an elevating manner10R. E. J. K. C.-S. Robert G Robinson, Double-blind randomized treatment of poststroke depression using nefiracetam. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci 2008.
This is done by increasing brain perfusion and synthesizing relevant neurotransmitters faster than normal.
This helps improve the function of brain cells and aid cell repair.
The recommended oral dose is 1.2g twice daily.
Best Racetam For Overall Brain Health – Piracetam
Piracetam has an excellent effect on the brain’s health. It uses the GABA pathway, which has been shown to improve brain function and reduce dyslexic symptoms11P. C. B. E. Z. H. R. C. M. R. F. D. S. M. L. Y. M. R. Pan Z, Cognitive impairment in major depressive disorder PUBMED, 2018.
Animal studies have also shown that it makes the cell membrane more fluid. This makes cell to cell communication easier and faster.
The recommended oral dose is 1.2g twice daily.
Best Racetam For Elderly Patients To Prevent Cognitive Decline – PhenylPiracetam
Phenylpiracetam by Cosmic Nootropics
A stronger, more potent version of piracetam.
Phenylpiracetam is derived from Piracetam with an additional phenyl group.
Its action in preventing cognitive decline and memory loss is enhanced by increasing blood flow to the brain.
This keeps the brain cells active and functional.
Its phenyl group allows for greater functionality with little dose compared to Piracetam.
The recommended oral dose is 200mg three times daily.
Best Racetam To Treat Depression, Anxiety, and Social Anxiety – Oxiracetam
Oxiracetam by SwissChem
Adderall-like Racetam
Oxiracetam acts as a stimulant to treat depression and anxiety. Its mechanism of action is similar to Pramiracetam. It utilizes the Acetylcholine pathway, thereby stimulating brain function.
Oxiracetam also increases cerebral perfusion.
Recommended Oral dose is 800mg twice daily.
How Mixing Racetams Affect Cognitive Abilities
It’s purported that combining or mixing racetams could provide a synergistic and additive effect.
Several racetams like oxiracetam, aniracetam, and Piracetam could be beneficial, thereby improving cognitive effects. As Piracetam may plunge the brain into action, enhance memory, and remove brain fog, oxiracetam may build rational thinking. Aniracetam may aid in seeing the grand scheme giving cognitive benefits. However, excessive or inappropriate mixing could be deadly, leading to mental disorders and adverse reactions.
Racetam Stacks
Stacking is simply combining two supplements(racemate nootropics) to boost the effects. Racetam stack is the result of mixing two or more racetams to give a synergistic effect.
Popular Racetam Stacks
Advanced Memory Stack
Aniracetam- 800mg,
Alpha GPC-500mg, Centrophenoxine- 500mg, Vinpocetine- 15mg
Anxiety Relief Stack
Aniracetam-800mg, with
Bacopa- 250mg and L-Theanine-200mg
Cognitive Enhancement Stack
Alpha GPC and CDP Choline
Basic Racetam Stack with DMAE
consist of Aniracetam and DMAE
Energy and Clarity Stack
Caffeine, vinpocetine, and Choline.
Choline and Piracetam Stack
Caffeine and L-Theanine Combo
The Aniracetam-Piracetam-Oxiracetam Stack
Piracetam and Huperzine-A
Piracetam and Pramiracetam
Racetams Vs. Smart Drugs
Smart drugs or ‘nootropics’ can be natural or chemically synthesized compounds that boost cognitive skills. They usually enhance brain performance12G. R. C. D. C. N. S. M. S. M. R. C. L. Y. M. R. Pan Z, Pharmacological Treatment of Cognitive Symptoms in Major Depressive Disorder. CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets PUBMED, 2017..
Other not-prescribed compounds that can boost brain performance, such as caffeine and creatine, are nootropics. In addition, medical personnel could prescribe a nootropic to treat a health condition.
Examples of smart drugs include Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall), creatine, Huperzine-A.
While Racetams is a class of synthetic nootropics, several series of chemically synthesized compounds such as drugs and food supplements developed to boost cognitive function.
Examples of nootropic racetams include; Piracetam, aniracetam, Pramiracetam, and phenylpiracetam.
Conclusion
Racetam nootropics have given humans the solution of being able to improve mental or cognitive activities. There are several functions performed by racetams like improved memory, mood, anxiety, focus, learning, creativity, and brain health.
There is no single racetam that can give the whole benefit, however, there are different types best for each benefit. The most effective, potent, and maybe strongest racetam is phenylpiracetam. This is mainly because it has the shortest onset of action among the other racetam nootropics.
Research is still ongoing to synthesize more racetam for use, which would aid brain metabolism, cognitive disorders.
- 1N. M. B. R. F. P. B. L. S. G. De Vreese LP, Memory training and drug therapy act differently on memory and metamemory functioning: evidence from a pilot study 1996
- 2R. C. B. P. Anna Maria Pugliese, Effect of the nootropic drug oxiracetam on field potentials of rat hippocampal slices1990
- 3V. V. B. De Reuck J, The clinical safety of high-dose piracetam–its use in the treatment of acute stroke 1991.
- 4S. A. Gouliaev AH, Piracetam and other structurally related nootropics 1994.
- 5J. L. J. J. Zhang H, Oxiracetam Offers Neuroprotection by Reducing Amyloid β-Induced Microglial Activation and Inflammation in Alzheimer’s Disease. PUBMED, 2020.
- 6W. Y. T. J. H. D. Z. R. J. X. H. X. S. J. G. J. W. Z. P. Q. L. Q. Wang D,, Oxiracetam Mediates Neuroprotection Through the Regulation of Microglia Under Hypoxia-Ischemia Neonatal Brain Injury in Mice. Mol Neurobiol PUBMED, 2021
- 7T. M. B. A. Winnicka K,, Piracetam–an old drug with novel properties? 2005
- 8
- 9A. R. G. U. A. M. M. V. R. M. C. I. M. B. E. Mushtaq A, Biomolecular Evaluation of Lavandula stoechas L. for Nootropic Activity. PUBMED, 2021
- 10R. E. J. K. C.-S. Robert G Robinson, Double-blind randomized treatment of poststroke depression using nefiracetam. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci 2008
- 11P. C. B. E. Z. H. R. C. M. R. F. D. S. M. L. Y. M. R. Pan Z, Cognitive impairment in major depressive disorder PUBMED, 2018
- 12G. R. C. D. C. N. S. M. S. M. R. C. L. Y. M. R. Pan Z, Pharmacological Treatment of Cognitive Symptoms in Major Depressive Disorder. CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets PUBMED, 2017.
