We prioritize readers, not ads. Editorial independence. Free, factual information. A small fee from product links, no extra cost to you.
When people talk about ”smart drugs”, they usually think of a category of racetams. This class of drugs is designed to quickly and safely cross the blood-brain barrier to increase memory and cognition, focus, mood, visual attention, and awareness.
When the first racetam called Piracetam was developed in the lab in 1963, it was the basis for the definition of Nootropics.
Nootropic is a substance that improves cognition and doesn’t pose a threat of neurotoxicity when used in appropriate doses and protocols.
Corneliu E. Giurgea
Using the strict definition of Dr. Giurgea, nootropics thus refer to racetams. And, racetams are the staple of the nootropic world.
Piracetam was also a role model for the development of other forms of racetams and their recent versions.
Read them all in our racetams guide.
Table of Contents
Guide to racetams nootropics
Before you read about the known mechanisms, benefits, required dose, safety, and review of each of the racetams available for commercial use, we will say this.
The scientific research that exists on racetams is primarily focused on individuals who already have minor to severe cognitive deficits. The benefits for healthy individuals have not been much researched in clinical trials. But, it is well documented and studied in anecdotal reviews.
This should be borne in mind by all particularly interested groups such as students, professionals, athletes, and recreationists.
In some reviews of racetams, the lack of the same amount of effectiveness is constant complaints. Your personal tolerance level will affect the time it takes for the effects to kick in and the duration for which the effects last.
Keep your dosage to a minimum and work your way up as you see fit.
Read carefully because researchers and reviewers do not recommend taking all types of racetams.
What are racetams?
Racetams are man-made nootropics that share similar structures of having an organic compound called 2-pyrrolidone nucleus.
Every member of the racetam family just tweaks this base structure. All racetam supplements vary in function, strength, and dosage.
Racetam nootropic compounds have been found to be highly beneficial when it comes to their ability to help support the health of your brain and cognitive processes.
How do racetams work?
Researchers have not yet found a reliable understanding of how racetams work. Their mechanism of action is confusing simply because there are many ways to modify different effects in the brain, such as increased attention and improved focus and endurance for mental tasks.
For now, the scientists believe that racetams work in several ways:
- affecting the production and degradation of an acetylcholine neurotransmitter (memory formation, logical thinking, attention)
through interaction with glutamate receptors in the central nervous system
- through enhancing the brain metabolism by improving ATP
- stimulating oxidative catabolism, turnover, and cAMP levels (better cognitive performance, long-term memory retention, and spatial navigation)
The list of racetams
The list of racetams is wider than their actual use.
- Piracetam
- Oxiracetam
- Phenylpiracetam
- Aniracetam
- Pramiracetam
- Seletracetam
- Levetiracetam
- Coluracetam
- Fasoracetam
- Brivaracetam
- Dimiracetam
- Methylphenylpiracetam
- Nebracetam
- Nefiracetam
- Omberacetam/Noopept
- Rolziracetam
In this guide, we’ll focus on those that are in commercial use.
Racetams side effects
Safe to mention, all racetams might have more often side effects than natural nootropics. That doesn’t mean you’ll have them, but if you don’t follow protocols while taking them they can happen. On the other side, racetams are NOT addictive as seen in the studies on animals and humans.
The most common side effects accompanied with racetams might be:
- Headaches
- Brain fog
- Anxiety
- Moodiness
- Drowsiness
- Insomnia
- Agitation
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Vertigo
If you like to take them for an extended period of time, there is a real risk of developing tolerance so cycling would be strongly recommended.
Racetams legality
Although racetams are unregulated substances worldwide, they have a green light for commercial use in big markets like the US. There they don’t have a status of dietary supplements such as a ”food”, rather a research compounds. This includes piracetam, which was often sold before as a dietary supplement. But, not anymore.
Unfortunately, many countries worldwide banned racetams as OTC drugs. Although you can still own racetam nootropics, it is becoming increasingly difficult to buy them.
Read our guide to the best online places to buy nootropics, some of which still distribute racetams.
If you want to try a racetams alternatives, the best natural ready-made stacks are a good place to start.
The best Racetams
What are the best racetams today? First, we need to distinguish several recently developed racetams from tried and tested. Piracetam has been studied for decades giving us a much-needed safety profile of its effects.
All racetams structurally similar to piracetam are traditionally much safer to use than newer racetams analogs. They have not been extensively studied on humans and our recommendation is to wait for more research.
So when reading this popular list of racetams, keep in mind this:
Similar structure to Piracetam:
Structurally not similar to Piracetam:
#1 Piracetam - baseline racetam nootropic
Piracetam was the first compound ever called a nootropic. Synthesized by Belgian pharmacologists S. Giurgea and V. Scondia in 1963, it was intended to be a calming type of drug for motion sickness since it is a cyclic derivative of a GABA neurotransmitter.
But, Piracetam was able to spark the strengthening of cognition instead. The first use and something that this drug serves best are to treat cognitive decline in the elderly.
How does Piracetam work?
- modulates AMPA and NMDA receptors for more effective glutamate
- improves the flow of acetylcholine and the sensitivity and density of ACh receptors
- better cerebral blood flow
- enhances cellular membrane fluidity
- maintain mitochondria that develop new energy for cells
Piracetam benefits
- helps to boost focus and visual perception and attention
- strengthens learning and memory recall
- improves verbal fluency and creativity
- better mood and less social anxiety
- neuroprotective properties against toxins and brain injuries
Piracetam remains a mild baseline racetam nootropic that needs 2-3 weeks of continuous use to be noticed these benefits. Most people see improvements in concentration, alertness, and motivation. Jobs are easier to do and many tasks require less concentration.
Piracetam data sheet
| Application | GABA derivative |
| Primary function | Cognitive Function and Brain Health |
| Half-life of a drug | Approximately 5 hours |
| Solubility | Soluble in Water, Ethanol, Methanol |
| Dosage | For adults, between 1,200-4,800 mg (three times) per day. No notable side effects in doses up to 10,000 mg. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature, tightly sealed, away from heat, light, and moisture. |
| Should you take it? | It is a safe and mild nootropic that has the longest safety record among racetams. It is mostly used for speaking, articulating thoughts, and verbal fluency. It is also one of the cheapest racetams. The break in the usage recommended is every 18 months. |
| Side effects | Drowsiness, headaches, agitations, insomnia, anxiety |
| Goes well with | Cholinergic compounds |
#2 Aniracetam - Boost mood and creativity
Aniracetam is a popular choice and also a relatively powerful nootropic supplement that is up to 5 times more potent than Piracetam. It has been shown a promising option for patients with a cognitive deficit of mild severity, as well as in ADHD patients.
Although its exact mechanism of action is not completely understood, this is one of the few nootropics that rely upon modulating the glutamate system in the brain. It reduces sensitivity to this powerful neurotransmitter which usually leads to an increase in brain activity and a number of positive effects such as improved overall cognition.
How does Aniracetam work?
- modulates AMPA receptors, and may have a positive influence on kainate receptors that respond to the neurotransmitter glutamate
- affects serotonin, dopamine, and acetylcholine receptors
Aniracetam benefits
- noticeable effects on focus and attention span
- improve in memory and learning through an acetylcholine release
- an effective anxiolytic for reducing stress, fear, anxiety, and depression
- increases creativity due to the productivity of the right brain hemisphere
- neuroprotection against damage done to memory and learning impairment caused by various agents and brain traumas
The most positive effects of Piracetam are repeated in Aniracetam benefits as well. It is a bit stronger supplement, but also more expensive. Aniracetam is highly tolerated with no side effects using both as a cognitive booster and as an anti-depressant.
Aniracetam data sheet
| Application | AMPA receptor modulator |
Primary function Other functions | Cognitive Function and Brain Health Mood |
| Half-life of a drug | 2-4 hours |
| Solubility | Soluble in Ethanol, Water |
| Dosage | From 125 to 500 mg, once to three times per day. You can also take 750 mg twice per day. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature, tightly sealed, away from heat, light, and moisture. |
| Should you take it? | For instance, if you want to boost your cognitive performance, it might not be able to offer top results. On the other hand, aniracetam seems to work perfectly fine when it comes to anxiety relief, an increase in focus, and creativity. |
| Side effects | Headaches, vertigo, nausea. |
| Goes well with | Cholinergic compounds. Aniracetam has a diverse range of effects and may be paired with other nootropics. |
#3 Oxiracetam - favourite student's nootropic
Oxiracetam was developed by the Italian pharmaceutical company ICF in 1977. It has essentially the same basic racetam structure with the addition of a hydroxyl group. This modification in structure makes Oxiracetam has high oral bioavailability, meaning it is very effective.
Like other racetams, Oxiracetam works primarily on glutamatergic and cholinergic systems of the brain. But, it solely affirms the ”pure” nootropic effects, without too considerable mood enhancements, or energy and motivation boost.
The research is lacking on healthy individuals, although there is strong anecdotal evidence it works. However, most of the findings have been reported in people with cognitive impairment and memory loss.
How does Oxiracetam work?
- increases choline-acetyltransferase (ChAT) to prevent the reduction in acetylcholine concentrations
- appears to increase long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus to promote memory formation
- increases the density of binding sites for neurotransmitters on AMPA receptors which gives the stimulating effect but without side-effects
Oxiracetam benefits
- improved short-term and long-term memory even after discontinuation of use
- eliminating brain fog, boosting focus and motivation
- improvements in verbal fluency
- neuroprotective properties against neurotoxins, reducing the cognitive decline and related symptoms
While it has similar structure and effects to Piracetam, unlike Aniracetam, Oxiracetam doesn’t modulate serotonin and dopamine in the brain. There will be no strong improvement in mood and anxiolytic effect. Despite that, Oxiracetam stays as a favorite student’s nootropic because it increases analytical thinking & logical reasoning, stops negative feelings, boosts focus, and physical energy.
Oxiracetam data sheet
Application | AMPA Receptor Agonist |
Primary function | Cognitive Function and Brain Health |
Half-life of a drug | Approximately 8 hours |
| Solubility | Soluble in Ethanol, Water |
| Dosage | Tends to be 1,200-2,400 mg split into two to three smaller doses throughout the day, preferably an hour before a learning activity. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature, tightly sealed, away from heat, light, and moisture. |
| Should you take it? | If you’re going to be doing some work requiring logical thinking, and want to focus to avoid distractions. Oxiracetam may be the perfect racetam for your studies due to its stimulating effect. Also, it asserts a minimal effect on motivation and energy. |
| Side effects | Headaches, brain fog. |
Goes well with | Oxiracetam is usually combined with choline supplements, other natural nootropics, or smart drugs to increase its effectiveness. |
#4 Phenylpiracetam - Mood and energy booster
Created in Russia in 1983, Phenylpiracetam is derived from Piracetam by adding a phenyl group of atoms to the compound to allow it to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and be more bioavailable. Phenylpiracetam is 30 to 60 times stronger than Piracetam and is better absorbed by the body.
It was developed to enhance brainpower as well as the physical performance of Russian cosmonauts. Phenylpiracetam is also one of the few nootropics that are banned by WADA for use by professional athletes due to its effectiveness in boosting athletic performance.
How does Phenylpiracetam work?
- adds to the density of acetylcholine, GABA, NMDA, and dopamine receptors in the brain to help memory formation, cognition, sleep, and mood.
- increases blood flow in the brain for more nootropic effects
- may possess immune-supportive properties under periods of immune stress
Phenylpiracetam benefits
- memory and counting ability
- more energy and less fatigue
- positive mood and greater ability to concentrate and focus
- muscle strength, motor coordination, faster reaction times, and increased endurance
- better ability to handle physical stress like tolerance to pain and cold
- appears to have anti-depressant properties, although underresearched
- effective treatment for epilepsy due to its anti-convulsive action
Compared to Piracetam, Phenylpiracetam has greater effects on mental stamina, improved mood, resistance to stress, memory loss, enhanced energy, physical performance, enhanced focus, immune system modulation, and neuroprotection. All those effects because of a Phenyl group that makes it more fat-soluble and bioavailable than Piracetam.
Phenylpiracetam data sheet
| Application | α4β2 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Agonist |
Primary function | Cognitive Function and Brain Health |
| Half-life of a drug | 3-5 hours |
| Solubility | Soluble in Ethanol |
| Dosage | Effective when taken acutely in the 100 mg-200 mg range for up to three times a day. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature, tightly sealed, away from heat, light, and moisture. |
| Should you take it? | If you’ve tried all the other racetams and want to experience both the cognitive and physical effects. A stimulative but ”clean” effect. |
| Side effects | Headaches, insomnia, irritability. |
Goes well with | Choline nootropics like Alpha GPC and CDP choline, as well as smart drugs including Noopept, Modafinil, Adrafinil, Sulbutiamine, etc. |
#5 Pramiracetam - powerhouse for memory
Pramiracetam is invented in 1978 by researchers at Parke-Davis. It is approximately 30 times more potent than Piracetam and is one of the strongest racetams (behind Phenylpiracetam). It is made from Piracetam replacing the amide molecule with a dipropan-2-ylaminoethyl group. The result is a higher potency and rapid bioavailability.
Pramiracetam increases the uptake of choline in the brain, resulting in a greater synthesis of the powerful neurotransmitter Acetylcholine in the Hippocampus, the part of your brain where the formation and storage of new memories are taking place. This supplement also improves communications across the corpus callosum, a part of the brain that connects both hemispheres of the brain.
Pramiracetam is prescribed to help treat Alzheimer’s disease, ADHD, dementia, and other types of degenerative cognitive disorders.
How does Pramiracetam work?
- increases high-affinity choline uptake (HACU) which aids in the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh)
- improves the blood flow to the brain
- steroid metabolism (aldosterone receptors) appears to be involved in its memory-consolidating effects
- unlike other racetams has no affinity for dopaminergic, serotoninergic, or GABAergic receptors
Pramiracetam benefits
- aiding the long-term memory formation and recall
- faster thinking and better verbal communication
- intense focus and concentration, as well as lengthened attention span
- enhanced sense of well-being and boost in confidence
- increased mental energy and more alertness
- vivid sensory perceptions, especially those related to color perception
- reverse the memory loss and has amnesia-reversal potential
Pramiracetam is fat-soluble, so it should be taken with food. This also serves to prolong its half-life which means less frequent dosing like once or twice daily for the maximum benefits (other water-soluble nootropics may require up to 3 administrations per day). Otherwise, there is no available research on its effects on memory performance in healthy adults. Only anecdotal experience.
Pramiracetam data sheet
| Application | Anti-Amnesiac |
Primary function | Cognitive Function and Brain Health |
| Half-life of a drug | 4.5-7.5 hours |
| Solubility | Soluble in Deionized Water, DMSO, and Ethanol |
| Dosage | Recommended to take 1,200 mg split into 1 to 3 servings per day. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature, tightly sealed, away from heat, light, and moisture. |
| Should you take it? | Good for intense study sessions and logical attention-based tasks such as numerical calculations. Also for speaking, articulate your thoughts, and verbal fluency. |
| Side effects | Headaches, insomnia, moodiness. |
Goes well with | Stack it with other racetams and cholinergic nootropics, although work efficiently as a stand-alone nootropic. |
#6 Omberacetam (Noopept) - 1000% potent as the Piracetam
Noopept is an ampakine nootropic often grouped in the racetam category because of a quite similar mechanism of action. But, technically it lacks the racetam structure of 2-oxo-pyrrolidine. It is closely related to Piracetam and Aniracetam effects but works at much lower concentrations when looking at a whole-brain function (EEG). Anecdotal reports state that Noopept is up to 1000x more powerful than these racetams.
Noopept is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, crosses the blood-brain barrier, and reaches maximum concentrations within the brain in around 15 minutes. Almost all of the Noopept taken will be used (high bioavailability).
Noopept has a better affinity than racetams for certain receptors in the brain and is equally effective at lower doses affecting memory consolidation and recall, concentration, sensory perception, and learning ability.
How does Noopept work?
- enhancing cognition by improving the acetylcholine processes
- by binding with glutamatergic AMPA receptor sites, allowing the neurotransmitter glutamate the ability to move between brain cells more easily
- improve levels of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) proteins, integral to neuroplasticity
- acts as an antioxidant to alleviate oxidative stress and apoptosis on brain cells
- Some interactions with the immune system, are fairly unexplored and may interact with protective effects on cognition
Noopept benefits
- improve formation, retrieval, and restoration of memory, faster recall, increased verbal fluency, and learning ability
- reduces the sensation of mental fatigue
- anxiolytic properties in otherwise healthy humans, not just cognitive decline
- neuroprotective properties
One thing that makes Noopept so popular is the 50% cheaper price than buying Piracetam when comparing the cost at the suggested dose. Due to the higher concentration level of Noopept, the recommended dose is about 1/100 dose of piracetam. It is regarded as a highly safe supplement. Probably better working when taken sublingual or in nasal sprays.
Noopept data sheet
| Application | AMPA and NMDA receptor stimulator, NGF and BDNF protein stimulator |
Primary function | Cognitive Function and Brain Health |
| Half-life of a drug | Approximately 1-2 hours for most users. |
| Solubility | Primarily water-soluble nootropic |
| Dosage | 10 – 30 mg daily |
| Storage | Store at room temperature, tightly sealed, away from heat, light, and moisture. |
| Should you take it? | Noopept can help you recall new concepts learned, as well as connect different concepts on several levels at once. |
| Side effects | Sleep disturbances, irritability, increased blood pressure. |
Goes well with | Choline sources such as Alpha GPC or Citicoline. Also with Piracetam to potentiate its effects. |
#7 Nefiracetam - motivation and attention
Nefiracetam was derived from the Piracetam molecule in the 1990s as a treatment for cerebrovascular disorders. It shares structural similarities to Aniracetam as well as similar effects on mood and promoting calm focus. It’s attractive to biohackers and students for this reason. Although there are still many loopholes in understanding Nefiracetam.
Unlike Aniracetam, AMPA receptors are weakly affected by Nefiracetam. It works primarily on the interplay of cholinergic and GABAergic pathways. While researchers said cognition can be improved, it seems Nefiracetam is not as effective as Pramiracetam in memory formation says animal studies.
How does Nefiracetam work?
- enhance acetylcholine presynaptic signaling and potentiate nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
- increase the release of glutamate at the postsynaptic level, but is also protective against excessive glutamate for memory formation and cognitive enhancement activation
- better cerebral blood flow
- oriented to the preservation of GABA levels where GABA is reduced
- neuroprotective and able to restore memory function
Nefiracetam benefits
- improving neuroplasticity and boosting learning and memory
- less apathy and more motivation
- significant effects on mood enhancement and sociability
- verbal fluency and articulate thoughts
- broader visual range with visual effects of the surroundings being more vibrant
In some limited studies on dogs, higher doses of Nefiracetam have been shown toxic. Trials in humans have yet to wait before this nootropic gets the status of well-known racetams. Commercial availability is currently limited.
Nefiracetam data sheet
| Application | GABAergic and cholinergic signaling enhancer, acetylcholine stimulator |
| Primary function | Cognitive Function and Brain Health |
| Half-life of a drug | 3-5 hours |
| Solubility | Soluble Ethanol, Water |
| Dosage | Recommended to take up to 900 mg per day. Split into two doses, 400 mg in the morning, and 500 mg at noon. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature, tightly sealed, away from heat, light, and moisture. |
| Should you take it? | Students report it’s the best racetam for studying; reducing apathy and mental fatigue and boosting attention span, and motivation. We do not recommend taking this insufficiently researched supplement. |
| Side effects | Headaches, anxiety, fatigue. |
| Goes well with | Take it with choline supplements, Alpha GPC or CPD-Choline |
#8 Coluracetam - to focus and remove stress
Coluracetam is a fat-soluble racetam nootropic designed in Japan in 2005 to support cholinergic function, particularly for the treatment of Alzheimer’s and other brain-related diseases. It is similar to Pramiracetam in actions improving learning and memory through the HACU system that improves the brain’s conversion of choline to acetylcholine. As the name of this racetam suggests, it can make colors and shapes more vivid, improving vision.
The company by the name of BrainCells Inc holds patent rights and conducts research on Coluracetam. They state that this substance is shown effective in treating major depressive disorder (MDD).
Coluracetam reduces stress and anxiety by blocking excessive stimuli due to affinity for nicotinic receptors. The result is improved mental energy for most users.
How does Coluracetam work?
- deliver a better release of Acetylcholine through the high-affinity choline uptake system (HACU)
- it seems to also improve the effectiveness of glutamate in the brain
- Promotes repair of brain cells
Coluracetam benefits
- improving learning and memory
- better focus and concentration
- improved attention span
- alleviate anxiety and remove stress
- heightened eyesight, color, and sound
Coluracetam is described as a mood booster that alleviates depression and anxiety. But word of mouth is on Reddit it can also trigger depression and anxiety. Known to protect the brain from strokes, Alzheimer’s disease, and traumatic brain injury. But, lacking adequate scientific research.
Coluracetam data sheet
| Application | High-Affinity Choline Uptake Facilitator |
Primary function | Cognitive Function and Brain Health |
| Half-life of a drug | 3 hours |
| Solubility | Soluble Ethanol |
| Dosage | Recommended to take 10 mg to 80 mg per day. Therefore, the upper limit is considered safe at 240 mg per day. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature, tightly sealed, away from heat, light, and moisture. |
| Should you take it? | Along with relaxing effects, it improves focus and concentration, as well as sound and color. |
| Side effects | Mood swings, brain fog. |
Goes well with | Take it with high-quality choline supplements |
#9 Fasoracetam - memory and mood boosting
Fasoracetam is a fat-soluble racetam nootropic created in Japan for the initial treatment of Alzheimer’s. The drug’s effects are also explored in clinical trials involving children who experience ADHD. Some studies in rodents discovered its ability to not just improve learning and motivation but also to relieve apathy and anxiety.
There are similarities in this with the sister substance Coluracetam. They both have a positive impact on mood because of the high-affinity choline uptake (HACU). The system by which acetylcholine is increasingly produced,
With a good safety profile and slow tolerance build-up, Fasoracetam is shown to be not just an attractive and stronger cognitive enhancer than Piracetam but also a promising antidepressant and anxiolytic. It improves intellectual ability while promoting mood and stress relief.
How does Fasoracetam work?
- Increases acetylcholine & glutamate activity
- Boost cAMP to support memory
- the cholinergic, GABA, and glutamate types of receptors activity
Fasoracetam benefits and effects
- Increased focus
- Calming effect
- Improved mood
- Increased energy
- Relaxation
- Inability to sleep
- Loss of libido
It remains questionable whether Fasoracetam is safe in the long run, such as Piracetam or Aniracetam. Some psychonauts use Fasoracetam sublingually in smaller doses to increase the speed of effects that may be more potent than the powdered form. For now, it is limited as a nootropic supplement to rare research compound suppliers, difficult to find, and relatively expensive.
Fasoracetam data sheet
| Application | Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Agonist |
| Primary function | Cognitive Function and Brain Health |
| Half-life of a drug | Approximately 2 hours |
| Solubility | Soluble in PEG 400 |
| Dosage | In human trials, 100mg a day has been given to subjects with no observed consequences, but some psychonauts use only 10mg a day sublingually. Its potency level might be like Noopept’s which is 1000x stronger Piracetam. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature for up to 1 year. Store at ≤4ºC for more than 1 year. Keep tightly sealed, away from heat, light, and moisture. |
| Should you take it? | It’s a safe and cost-effective alternative to stimulants that delivers the same results more effectively than other Racetams. |
| Side effects | Headaches, fatigue, lowered heart rate (bradycardia). |
| Goes well with | Fasoracetam + Noopept + Choline for focus and mental acuity. Fasoracetam + Coluracetam for better mood and more energy. |
| Additional notes | The kidneys poorly remove the drug, so individuals with any kidney problems shouldn’t use it! |
Stacking racetams
First of all, there are many natural nootropics that can combine well with racetams. But some of them are really fundamental. You can read more about stacking nootropics methods where we talk about the few racetams stack.
Choline
Choline is vital as a stacking partner of racetams to reach their full potential. They demand an increased supply of acetylcholine, which is synthesized from choline.
It may be difficult to receive the needed amounts of this nutrient directly from the diet. You should consume the following organic foods to meet the choline criteria.
- Eggs
- Spinach
- Chicken
- Broccoli
- Almonds
The high-quality supplemental form of choline is effective to mimic the dietary component, the best is Alpha GPC or CDP Choline.
Citicoline (CDP Choline)
This is a naturally occurring compound made up of choline and cytidine readily absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract and crosses the blood-brain barrier. Because of that, its effects are noticeable quickly.
Citicoline’s effects on dopamine, norepinephrine, and especially on the production of acetylcholine are the main reasons to be welcomed in the racetam stacks. It affirms neuroprotective actions, has effects on the eyesight and colors, increases the brain metabolism to improve mood and cognition.
Alpha GPC
Another gentle and effective supplement that goes so well with the racetams is Alpha GPC. It can deliver choline potently by crossing the blood-brain barrier and instantly get better brain performance. Stacking it with the racetams is a great way to maintain and nourish your acetylcholine system.
There are even more Alpha GPC benefits that go beyond taking it just with the racetams. It can be supplemented with any other natural nootropics for better effects.
Theanine
Theanine is an amino acid found in the leaves of green tea studied to increase the production of alpha brain waves which help to increase levels of focus, concentration, and attention while inducing a feeling of overall calm and well-being. It really improves a heightened state of awareness and overall cognitive function.
This supplement also easily crosses the blood-brain barrier and helps to regulate a number of different neurotransmitters including GABA, Serotonin, and Dopamine. It is also a very safe supplement, with no known levels of toxicity.
Adding theanine to stimulatory stacks like those that implement racetams will greatly balance any overstimulation. Theanine is very safe so higher doses can be used in more stimulating stacks.
Which Racetam is Best for You?
A reference guide to racetams nootropic effects Many people start stacking and combining effects with two to three racetams. |
|
Enhanced Memory & Learning
Probably the most sought-after effect of the racetams nootropics is improved or enhanced memory and learning. Indeed, this is a characteristic side effect of almost every nootropic supplement currently on the market. The main differences in specific formulations are simply the potency and how well felt these benefits turn out to be.
Memory and learning capacity can be affected in a number of different ways. For example, many nootropics work by modulating the Acetylcholine system within the brain. Others work by modulating the Glutamate system. Both are effective ways to go about achieving the same results.
Improved Focus & Concentration
Many Nootropics users also experience improved focus and concentration. This includes a feeling of mental energy and just general clarity of thought. Once again, both Acetylcholine and Glutamate play vital roles in these areas. Researchers also believe that the ability to form new connections between neurons may also be an important factor in improving focus, concentration, and attention.
The presence of Acetylcholine is really the more important of these neurotransmitters in this case. This substance is better able to maintain attention within the central nervous system.
Decreased Anxiety
People who suffer from anxiety may not realize that this is a natural human response and does have its place. Despite this, many do suffer from anxiety and would certainly welcome the help that a number of Nootropics could add to their life.
There are a number of neurotransmitters and other chemicals that are thought to be at work in this condition. These include Serotonin, GABA, and Glutamate to a lesser degree. Anxiety is thought to become a problem when levels of these chemicals within the brain are out of balance.
Improved Mood
Everyone would also like to have a good mood all the time. Fortunately, there are several Nootropics that can help in this regard. Having said that, it should also be clearly stated that each person may be affected and respond to these supplements in different ways.
For some people, this means that something which focuses on modulating Serotonin and Dopamine systems will be more effective. Others might actually need something which has more stimulant-like effects.
Racetams nootropics conclusion
Racetams nootropics are an amazing category of supplements that assure it is possible to broaden your cognitive functions as well as performance powers. In only one pill, or in a racetam stack of two to three supplements.
There have been significant amounts of study and research to conclude racetams offer some incredible benefits and safety in use. They are all generally very well-tolerated and regarded as safe, with very low (or even zero) levels of toxicity.
The popular range of effects includes improving memory and learning, focus, concentration and attention, anti-anxiety, and even mood-boosting benefits.
Some of these nootropic ‘researched chemicals’ can still be found as over-the-counter supplements that companies distribute worldwide.
The effort should be appreciated and supported in the hope that these fantastic compounds will be available to us at least to some extent in the future.
By truly understanding what each of these supplements can do, we can choose wisely and improve our own cognitive performance and achieve a whole host of additional benefits.
Pick up nootropics that best reflect your goal
Read our next article to get you started
Stacking nootropicsRelevant posts
Piracetam Review | A Fresh Perspective on the Classic Nootropic Branded as Nootropil
A Complete Look at Cosmic Nootropic Adaptogen Supplements
