Manufactured as Piracetam in 1964 by Dr Corneliu E. Giurgea; the Racetam family is a class of cognitive enhancers or nootropics which share a dpyrrolidone nucleus and possess an affinity with the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA (Gamma Amino Butyric Acid)
Part of the Ampakine sub-class, the Racetam family of nootropics work in part by binding to glutamate receptors. This augments the neurotransmitter glutamate and enables the more fluent encoding of memory and hence significantly boosts learning capacity. However the Racetam family have only weak to moderate AMPA modulation, and possess many different mechanisms of action, these include but are not limited to:
•Improved functionality of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine
•Increased cell membrane permeability
•Modulation of ion flux and increased neuron excitability
•Increased blood flow and oxygen consumption in the brain.
•Improved mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP production
• Improved glucose metabolism in most cortical regions of the brain.
Although Piracetam is most famous and studied of the Racetam family and infact most famous of all nootropics, several newer and potentially superior Racetams now exist on the market; these Racetams are increasingly popular due to their superior molecular composition and bioavailability and also due to the FDA’s attempt to halt Piracetam production in the USA. A list of these below:
•Oxiracetam
•Aniracetam
•Pramiracetam
Piracetam and its nootropic analogues possess no known toxicity, no chemical addictiveness, no neurotoxicity and have been prescribed since the early 70’s for patients suffering a myriad of mental and cognitive ailments with clinically significant results. If this nootropic were a children’s toy, it would be padded, cuddly and probably make a cute noise – fun factor undiminished.
Each analog possesses its own unique nootropic action – ranging from greater potency and stimulative properties to the clinically recorded anxiolytic effects of Aniracetam. I recommend researching which racetam analogue suits your psychological profile and physiological requirements – you could even drop me an email and I will make a recommendation based on the information you provide.
Racetams are cost-effective only when purchased in bulk-powder, this may either be consumed (although bitter) in a drink, or as I do, added to pre-purchased gelatin capsules. Again, email me if you’re looking for a supplier of either capsules or bulk racetams.
Of the aforementioned Racetams, my favourite without a doubt is Aniracetam, which I use in my nootropics stack. I’m “Racetam sensitive” and this lipid soluble Racetam gives me significant/non-placebo effects on as small a dose as 200mg 3x daily; I experience lowered anxiety, increased creativity and verbal acuity, and at 30$ for 50g, that’s 83.3 days of Aniracetam or, 2.5$ a week you can’t go wrong. Don’t forget to take pramiracetam and aniracetam with a fat source! a great suggestion is using a mercury filtered fish oil capsule to boost the bioavailability of these nootropics.
Peace.