Racetams are a category of synthetic nootropics and medications grouped due to sharing the same chemical structure. Therefore; producing similar effects. They vary when it comes to exact structure, strength, dosage, and concentration. However, fundamentally have impacts on the brain in similar ways that support their shared  chemical composition. They are admired for their abilities to make the brain work much more effectively, essentially boosting memory, expanding learning capacity, promoting focus, boosting energy –in addition to providing an overall boost to brain function. The synthetic nootropic – and also the substance that  led the scientist C.E. Giurgea to coin the term “nootropic” and formulate this class of cognitive enhancers originally was Piracetam. All popular racetams currently derive from Piracetam, although some are much more potent.

– Aniracetam
– Piracetam
– Phenylpiracetam
– Pramiracetam
– Oxiracetam
– Sunifiram
– Fasoracetam
– Coluracetam

Racetams work by affecting the assembly of the neurochemical neurotransmitter. Some work by boosting the functioning of the neurotransmitter receptors, whereas others improve the output of the neurochemical and impede the breakdown of neurotransmitter. Every one of those actions will immensely enhance the body’s cholinergic system. The brain takes choline and turns it into neurotransmitter, and whereas scientists  admit they don’t perceive neurotransmitter nonetheless, they understand enough to grasp that the brain uses it for everything from learning and focus to decision-making, memory, and alternative cognitive actions.

Racetams additionally facilitate the quantity of gas, glucose, and nutrients traveling from your blood to the brain, giving your mind additional fuel. Improved aldohexose metabolism  helps to extend concentration, focus, and need. By boosting neurotransmitter and aldohexose metabolism, racetams are potent tools to add in your nootropic stack. Acetylcholine plays a dominant role within the brain, liable for memory formation, attention, and thinking, further as alternative crucial psychological feature functions.

Since the invention of Piracetam, there have been 19 different derivatives to date. Not all  are nootropics; some are in use for entirely different and medical reasons.

The first standard racetams in alphabetical order are Aniracetam, Oxiracetam, Phenylpiracetam, Piracetam, Pramiracetam, and although not exactly a racetam per say, it nevertheless should be in the list; Noopept. Although it’s not technically a racetam, Noopept works in a very similar way to this group, enough to be counting as one.

While all of those racetams operate somewhat equally, they are doing have some structural variations. Some facilitate to spice up focus, others to assist producers, some stimulate (but not within the same method as a stimulant), whereas others calm or alleviate anxiety.
The newer additions to the racetam family are Fasoracetam, Coluracetam, and Sunifiram.

Many people believe that since racetams are synthetic, they are not safe. That is an assumption without scientific evidence. The facts and numerous studies publicly available at The National Center for Biotechnology Information show that racetams are very reliable; despite various analysis attempting to prove them unsafe. Were they able to confirm they are toxic, it would burst within the medical field leading to limited usage.

The facts and studies from the very invention of them and up to date fail to do so. Most of the negativity around their use comes from anecdotal reports, which have their benefit. However, don’t seem to be a reliable supply of data. Needless to mention: it is vital to start out small, and lookout for adverse effects that may occur.

The possibilities of side effects with racetams are usually headaches,  brain fog, and sleep disturbances. These are very rare, nevertheless, possible. The most effective way to avoid side effects is to add a choline source such as Alpha GPC. Build  up the dose gradually, allowing the body to adapt to it.

Racetams are considered to be safe, and yield low toxicity. However, as with all nootropics, you should be aware of the potential side-effects of racetams, not just the actual side effects. Side-effects for racetams are rare and mild, if any. Most of which occur when an individual do not stick to the recommended dosage, or decide to go on “megadosing” without prior knowledge, then they are more likely to get some unwanted or adverse effects.

Most common racetam side-effects are: headache, nausea, trouble getting to sleep, and irritability. If you are experiencing this symptoms, simply stop taking your racetams. Before continuing, discuss usage with your doctor.

Note: Headaches can generally be counteracted or prevented when taking your racetam with a choline source.

When it comes to dosage or method of administration, each racetam has its different guidelines. Some are recommended to be taken once a day only while some others twice or thrice. Below is the recommended dosage for each racetam.

A total daily intake of 1200 mg pramiracetam is optimal, split into two 600 mg or three 400 mg doses throughout the day.

This is the lowest effective dose. On an individual level, it should be adjusted as required to accomplishing the desired effect.

Sunifiram works effectively at a dosage of 5 to 10 mg – at a maximum of three times per day. This the safe dose which has to be taken sublingually for maximum efficacy and absorption.

It is advised that one starts with the smallest doses to prevent side effects and toxicity. Although it is not in documentation, tolerance can grow with excessive usage, so it is better to take it occasionally instead of daily basis.

Given that it is produced 20mg dosage, 20mg would be a good starting point. Anecdotal reports suggest smaller doses of 15 to 30mg per day, while dosages used in clinical trials for ADHD were 100, 200, and 400mg twice a day.

Personally I tried anywhere from 20mg per dose to 60 mg per dose. The difference was barely notable.

As always, pair it with Alpha GPC or any choline source to potentiate the effect and prevent a headache.

The recommended starting dose is 20mg due to that being the manufactured one. 

There are claims that researchers testing coluracetam dosage of 240 mg per day are finding no side effects. However, the source link to that claim is broken.

My Personal Experience: the maximum I’ve taken is 60mg in single dose. It caused me a slight headache and yield no special outcome.

Oxiracetam average dose is 1,200-2,400mg taken in 2 or 3 even doses throughout the day. An example would be:
– 2x 800mg per day or
– 3x 400mg per day

The usual dose are between 100-200 mg per dose, up to two or three times a day. However, I prefer taking a 200mg dose once only. The effects are much more present and pleasing.

Tolerance to Phenylpiracetam builds up quickly. Therefore, minimize your use to when you need it rather than making it a part of a daily stack.

Aniracetam has a short half-life of about 1 to 3 hours. Therefore, many users advice to take it in 2 to 3 doses throughout the day to prolong the effect.

I only take one 750 mg dose in the morning and am satisfied with this regime.

Aniracetam powder form is also available, though not as in favor as the capsule form due to its strong, bitter taste.

The recommended as well as typical dosage is 750 to 1500 mg, subjective to the individual.
Taking smaller doses of as little as 400 mg has been found to be effective. Hence, it is wise to start at the lowest effective dose and build up from there as desired.

The typical dose for adults is between 1,200 to 4,800 mg a day.

The most notable effective dose is 1,600 mg, taken three times a day, making a total of 4,800 mg per day.