25 Oxiracetam Nootropic Benefits for Brainpower – Doses & Safety

Oxiracetam is a racetam nootropic and smart drug used to promote cognitive function. Research shows positive effects for attention span, memory, and mental energy.

Oxiracetam has similar effects to other members of the racetam family, but is 3-5 times more potent than Piracetam, from which it is derived.

It has a long biological half-life of up to 8 hours with a similar onset of effects between 30 – 90 minutes. This nootropic demonstrates a higher rate of oral bioavailability than Piracetam.

This nootropic is described as having a slight stimulatory effect and has been shown to increase the activity of excitatory neurotransmitters. Unlike Aniracetam, it does not have a strong effect on mood, anxiety or depression.

Oxiracetam facilitates several processes related to long-term memory formation by modulating AMPA receptors and increasing levels of glutamate, glycine, acetylcholine, and D-aspartic acid.

Studies have shown that it can improve patterns of behavior in patients with multi-infarct dementia and other forms of cerebrovascular disease and age-related cognitive decline. Patients reported improved ability to speak, greater social activity, increased alertness and mental functionality.

In user reviews, it is described as enhancing productivty, helping users focus intensely for long periods of time, reducing distraction, increasing motivation and task saliency (desire to complete work).

Oxiracetam

Racetam Nootropic

Alertness

Memory

Cognitive Function

How It Works:

• Heightens focus, alertness & perception
• Promotes analytical thinking & memory
• Boosts energy & reduces mental fatigue

Dosage:

Between 400 - 2,400 mg per day

Safety:

Generally Well Tolerated

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Oxiracetam Nootropic Overview

Oxiracetam (4-hydroxy-2-oxo-pyrrolidinoacetamide) is a synthetic racetam nootropic that was derived from Piracetam and is purported to be significantly more potent.

Oxiracetam may also be known by the names ISF 2522, Oxiracetamum, 4-hydroxypiracetam, Neuromet, Bei Qing Xing, Jiang Lang Xing, Neuracetam, Neuromed, Neuropia, Ou Lai Ning and Ou Lan Tong.

It was first developed by the Italian pharmaceutical company ICF in the 1970s and was introduced to the Italian market in 1988. It has been used clinically in Italy and some Asian countries including Malaysia, South Korea, Japan and China.

This nootropic has not been approved by the FDA in the United States for the treatment of any medical conditions. It has not been widely used as a medical therapy, but has been well studied for human use.

All racetam nootropics contain a 2-pyrrolidinone base in their chemical structure. Oxiracetam is distinct from Piracetam because it has a hydroxyl group on the 4th carbon of its pyrrolidinone structure.

This modification is purported to increase the oral bioavailability of the drug and result in some differences in its mechanism of action.

Oxiracetam and Piracetam have the two most similar chemical structures of all of the racetam nootropics. Their effects are also largely similar.

This chiral drug exists as both (S)- and (R)- oxiracetam. It is the (S)-oxiracetam form that has been idenfitied as the active ingredient. However, it is not currently marketed in its enatiopure form and can only be bought as a racemic mixture. [97]

Oxiracetam works similarly to most of the other Racetam family members. This means that it influences both the glutamateric and cholinergic systems of the brain.

It appears to facilitate already occurring neurotransmission and modulates AMPA receptors. It has also been shown to increase acetylcholine release in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus as well as increasing acetylcholine utilization.

Research shows that it can promote memory and learning by enhancing long-term potentiation in regions of the brain involved in memory formation. It also exhibits neuroprotective properties and can counteract the effects of some neurotoxins.

In comparison to Aniracetam, Oxiracetam does not appear to modify concentrations of dopamine or serotonin in the brain. This nootropic does not have a strong mood enhancing or anxiolytic effects based on user reviews.

It does produce a positive effect on arousal, logical thinking, spatial reasoning, attention, concentration, and mental performance. It has not been research in healthy adult humans and most of the findings so far are reported in individuals with some form of cognitive impairment or memory loss.

In clinical trials, it appears that it can take several weeks to months for the benefits to fully develop. Single-day treatment protocols have not resulted in significant differences. Chronic use can promote long-term memory function, even in tests following the discontinuation of this smart drug.

Oxiracetam is also reported to be safe and well-tolerated when used under medical supervision. According to researchers in the Department of Neurology at the University of Milan, “In single and repeated oral dosages up to 2,400 mg, oxiracetam is a safe compound.” [30]

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• Heightens focus, alertness and perception
• Promotes better analytical thinking and memory
• Boosts energy and reduces mental fatigue

Benefits

Oxiracetam has been shown improve symptoms of cognitive dysfunction in the treatment of dementia and other forms of mental impairment.

This racetam nootropic has not been studied as a cognitive enhancer in healthy, young adults. All of the evidence we have of its purported nootropic benefits in this population comes from anecdotal user reviews.

It has been studied in healthy experimental animals and has improved learning and memory. This suggests it may be able to promote brain function in normal humans.

However, animal studies cannot be used to draw conclusions about the efficacy of Oxiracetam in humans. They can only be used as preliminary findings to indicate future potentially promising areas of research.

As a nootropic supplement, this racetam is commonly taken by individuals who want to increase their ability to focus, perform well academically or be more productive at work.

Below are some of the benefits described in user reviews and from clinical studies. Your results may vary and not everyone responds to this nootropic in the same way.

1. Supports Memory
2. Increases Wakefulness (Arousal)
3. Mental Energy
4. Mild Stimulant
5. Boosts Productivity
6. Promotes Motivation
7. Focus & Concentration
8. Resistance to Distraction
9. Better Processing of Complex Information
10. Increased Thought Connectivity
11. Emotional Blunting
12. Minimizes Negative Thoughts
13. Improves Verbal Ability
14. Pre-Workout Energy Booster
15. Spatial Abilities
16. Less Mental Chatter
17. Increases Socialization
18. Attention Span
19. Neuroprotective
20. Antioxidant
21. Enhanced Visual & Auditory Perception
22. Improves Enjoyment of Music
23. Motor Function & Reflexes
24. Deeper Sleep (variable)
25. Vivid Dreams

Oxiracetam is often described as the best nootropic for enhancing logical reasoning and analytical thinking ability.

Experiences with Oxiracetam powder or capsules describe increased ablity to remember facts and a zoned-in or tunnel vision sensation of deep concentration and flow. Some have said it helps with mentally taxing work and enabled them to be more mindful, in the moment and less distracted.

Some say that it helps increase their verbal fluency and their social drive. Users have reported that this nootropic supplements helps them feel like their brain is “turned on” and more connected.

It lacks the mood-boosting and anti-anxiety effects of Aniracetam, but does appear to minimize negative thought patterns and repetitive thinking. Users say that it helps them to ignore emotional feelings and instead to focus on the work at hand.

Some users describe this nootropic as boosting physical energy in addition to mental wakefulness. It is sometimes used before working out or exercising and may promote faster, sharper reflexes in athletic competition.

Not everyone who takes Oxiracetam experiences positive nootropic effects. Some report increased fatigue, brain fog, irritability, anxiety or a lack of focus. Adjusting the dosage or using a choline supplement may improve results in people who do not initially respond to this nootropic agent.

Uncharacteristic responses reported by some users include increased confusion, feeling “out of it”, feeling “giggly”, a manic sensation and reduced sociability.

A small percentage of users say that it has a mood-lifting effect, while some others say it can cause them to feel depressed, irritable, agitated and unmotivated.

There are a wide range of different experiences reported in user testimonials. Read more user reviews of Oxiracetam here to see some of the common positive and negative reactions.

Medical Uses Of Oxiracetam

There has been limited medical use of Oxiracetam compared to other nootropic drugs. It has not been widely prescribed for therapeutic use.

Over 50 different human clinical trials have been conducted to determine the effects of this cognitive enhancer. Many studies have been conducted in Italy where it was first developed and marketed.

Some research suggests that it has the potential to improve cognitive function in individuals with impairments due to aging, multi-infarct dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

It has also been studied in models of traumatic brain injury and in patients with organic brain syndrome due to prolonged exposure to organic solvents. It is of interest for its potential use in epilepsy, stroke recovery, post-concussion syndrome, motor dysfunction and other neurological problems.

Some websites report that this nootropic has been studied in ADHD patients. There do not appear to be any clinical trials involving treatment of ADHD published on PubMed.

Unlike Aniracetam, it has not been used in the treatment of anxiety or depression. However, results of clinical studies suggest that it may have benefits for promoting subjective well-being, quality of life and mood stability in patients with Senile Dementia.

Learning and Memory

Oxiracetam has been shown to potentiate the effects of methamphetamine on a test of learning and memory in mice. A 50 mg/kg dose given to C57BL/6 strain mice in combination with methamphetamine produced improved performance on a shuttle-box avoidance acquisition task. [101]

25 or 50 mg/kg doses of Oxiracetam were also shown to improve avoidance acquisition when administered to mice independently, but less than the combined treatment. This result was only seen in mice trained on the task following five days of pre-treatment with Oxiracetam, suggesting the need for a loading period to maximize effectiveness. [102]

Scopolamine (Hyoscine) is a drug known to produce memory loss (short-term amnesia) in healthy adults. It functions as a Cholinergic Receptor Antagonist and CNS depressant.

In a double-blind crossover study, Oxiracetam was shown to ameliorate the effects of scopolamine on memory performance in healthy volunteers.

This study involved 12 normal adult volunteers. Participants received either a placebo or 800, 1600 or 2400 mg of Oxiracetam an hour after receiving a 0.5 mg subcutaneous dosage of scopolamine hydrobromide.

Administration of scopolamine was confirmed to reduce performance on verbal episodic memory, semantic memory and attention tests. Study participants given Oxiracetam saw a statistically significant improvement in overall test performance.

Those in the treatment group had improved scores on the delayed recall of words test. They experienced a dose-related antagonism of scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment. [38]

Alzheimer’s Disease

A placebo-controlled trial examined the effects of Oxiracetam in patients with senile dementia of Alzheimer type (SDAT) or multi-infarct dementia.

The study took place over 90 days and included 60 male and female subjects. Participants were given 800 mg of this drug twice per day or a placebo.

Those who received treatment with Oxiracetam experienced improved performance on the Mini Mental State Examination, Auditory Continuous Performance Test, Rey’s 15 Words Test, Block Tapping Test, Mattis Word Fluency, Luria Alternating Series and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living.

29 of the patients given Oxiracetam continued to receive this drug for 1 year as part of an open follow-up study. They received the same dosage of 800 mg twice per day.

After 90 days, there were further statistical improvements compared to baseline on all of the same tests as weein in the initial study, except for Rey’s 15 Words Test. There was a statistical worsening in the late phase of the study on non-memory tests and the Digit Span Backwards and Gibson’s Spiral tests.

The researchers noted that no serious adverse events were recorded during the study and there were no significant changes in routine laboratory tests. [18]

In another study on 24 patients with probable Alzheimer’s disease, treatment with Oxiracetam for one month did not produce improvements in any of a broad battery of neuropsychological tests. [104]

More research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of this nootropic for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Dementia

In a small clinical trial involving patients diagnosed with dementias of vascular origin, dosages of up to 1,200 mg per day of Oxiracetam were studied.

In the first four weks, patients in the treatment group were given 400 mg daily of Oxiracetam, followed by 800 mg in weeks 5-8 and 1,200 mg in weeks 9-12.

Study participants were given a pychometric test battery at the beginning and conclusion of the study. Cognitive function was not improved in these patients, but there was improvement in quality of life and patient symptoms.

Benefits reported included less difficulty speaking, less forgetfulness, improved sleep, reduced confusion and disorientation, inreased alertness and interaction with others, improved mood, reduced anxiety and greater independence.

One patient saw an increase in depression, agitation, inattentiveness, and decline in orientation ability.

This is a very small study and several of the participants had to drop out either due to other medical problems or therapy refusals. The researchers concluded there could be a therapeutic benefit to the drug, but that further study is required. [4]

A multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled study examined the effects of this nootropic in 65 patients with primary degenerative, multi-infarct or mixed dementia.

Patients were given an 800mg oral Oxiracetam tablet twice a day or a placebo for 12 weeks. Those taking Oxiracetam experienced a statistically significant improvement on a quality of life scale.

There were also improvements in some neuropsychological tests, including a controlled associations task and a short story recall test. [25]

In a study of cognitive impairment secondary to primary degenerative dementia, 1600 mg/day of Oxiracetam was assessed compared to a placebo in 96 patients. The year-long study was divided into a 26-week double blind period followed by a 26-week open study period.

Study subjects who were treated with this nootropic drug showed improvements in simple reaction time as well as in cognitive function. In comparison, those on a placebo experienced significant worsening in global and cognitive function related to their baseline neuropsychological test scores.

Patients expressed a preference for Oxiracetam and the drug was well tolerated by study participants. The researchers concluded that, “Oxiracetam favorably acts on the symptoms of senile cerebral deterioration and can improve the capability of information processing, as suggested by the better performances obtained at the reaction time test and at the Attentional Matrix test.” [33]

Organic Brain Syndrome

A study from the 1980’s looked at the effects of Oxiracetam on the treatment of clinical symptoms in patients with Organic Brain Syndrome (OBS).

OBS is now known as general neurocognitive disorder. It refers to cognitive dysfunction of an organic nature such as a medical disease or another known physiological cause.

This controlled study was conducted on 43 patients with mild to moderate cognitive impairment due to OBS. Patients received either a placebo or a twice daily dose of 800mg oral Oxiracetam for eight weeks.

Those patients taking Oxiracetam experienced improved cognitive function, logical performance, attention, functionality and behavioral symptoms. [15]

Arousal and Alertness

Oxiracetam has been described in clinical studies as promoting arousal, alertness and mental energy levels. Users say that it has a modest stimulant effect and can increase stamina for completing tasks which may otherwise be mentally draining.

Oxiracetam is believed to have global effects on neurophysiological performance by increasing arousal and facilitating greater attention.

In one study, the effects of different dosages of Oxiracetam were measured in Male Wistar rats on a radial maze memory task. Dosages of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg of bodyweight were administered orally and EEG scores were recorded.

The results showed that those rats given Oxiracetam had better working memory performance compared to the control group. Rats given Oxiracetam also stayed awake for longer periods of time and saw an increase in the latency of Slow Wave Sleep (SWS).

According to the researchers, “oxiracetam facilitated the persistence of awake state in a familiar environment.” This effect was statistically significant in the groups given the higher dosages and showed a trend (but not statistical significance) at the lower dosage.

The researchers proposed that this increase in arousal was likely due to the cholinergic effects of this nootropic. Stimulation of cholinergic receptors in the brain stem and basal telencephalon can promote thalamo-cortical arousal. [62]

Other models of arousal have not yielded positive results. Measuring the locomotion or movement of rats is considered to be a reliable way to guage increases in arousal and psychostimulatory effects of drugs.

Rats given stimulants like amphetamine agents tend to have increased locomotion in tests of general activity. Oxiracetam did not increase locomotion at dosages of either 25 or 50mg/kg and did not affect the locomotor stimulation of methamphetamine when given in combination.

Effects on Sleep

In research studied on patients with cognitive decline, some report improved sleep following daily use of Oxiracetam.

This is counterintuitive given its purported stimulatory effects and long half-life. However, facilitation of acetylcholine neurotransmission can improve the brain’s stimulus barrier, which helps us stay asleep despite noise and other potential interruptions.

EEG (Electroencephalography) data from mice given either 25, 50 or 100 mg/kg of oral Oxiracetam was examined to determine the effects on arousal and sleep patterns.

The data showed that this nootropic did not impair sleep quality, but did delay the onset of slow wave sleep (SWS). Thus, use of Oxiracetam may increase sleep latency. [61]

It is recommended to avoid taking this nootropic too close to bedtime as it could worsen insomnia or make it difficult to fall asleep. It also seems to increase the vividness of dreams and is reported to cause disturbing nightmares in some users.

How Does It Work?

Oxiracetam is believed to work by enhancing certain types of signalling between neurons in the brain. While the exact mechanism of action has not yet been established, research shows that it works in a number of different ways.

Like other racetams, it appears to influence cholinergic receptors and increase the utilization of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter is linked to memory consolidation, working memory (short-term memory), REM sleep, attentional control and ability to concentrate.

Oxiracetam is also an Ampakine and increases activity at AMPA receptors in the brain. This subtype of glutamate receptors mediates fast synaptic transmissions and plays a role in long-term potentiation, synaptic plasticity and learning capacity. This nootropic is also believed to increase NMDA receptor activity.

Unlike other racetam nootropics, it does not appear to affect Nicotinic Acetylcholine receptors, Noradrenaline release, the Serotonergic system or the Dopaminergic system. In comparison to Aniracetam, it does not function as an anxiolytic and does not promote euphoric feelings or a mood lifting effect.

Animal research shows that Oxiracetam is neuroprotective and can inhibit some forms of neuronal damage. It also increases bloodflow to the brain and enhances enegry metabolism in brain cells.

In viv and in vitro research shows that this nootropic increases phospholipid synthesis in the membranes of rat brain microsomes. It has also been shown in laboratory studies to increase the rate of protein synthesis in rat brain slices. [103]

Acetylcholine

Oxiracetam apears to be cholinomimetic, meaning that it increases activity of the cholinergic system in the brain.

Acetylcholine is an excitatory neurotransmitter involved in general cognition, memory encoding, sensory perceptions, concentration, the reward system, the stimulus barrier and sustaining rapid eye movement sleep.

The septohippocampal acetylcholine pathway is believed to be involved in learning new information, memory recall and encoding.

In the cerebral cortex, cholinergic neurons (those brain cells that either release or respond to acetylcholine) are implicated in behavior control, executive function, attention switching, sensory processing and memory consolidation.

Research shows that 100mg and 300mg/kg oral dosages of Oxiracetam given to rats results in increased utilization of acetylcholine, but did not increase steady-state concentration levels of this neurotransmitter.

Other trials conducted by the same research team showed that this nootropic compound could increase high-affinity choline uptake (HACU) in hippocampal cells by between 40 – 31%.

Hemicholinium (HC-3) is an anti-cholinergic agent that inhibits the synthesis of acetylcholine. It has been shown to impair learning in rats as measured by active-avoidance conditioned response in a pole climbing test.

Administration of 100 mg/kg i.p. of Oxiracetam following an 15 micrograms intracerebroventricular injection of HC-3 resulted in significant improvement of memory impairment. [16]

This suggests that Oxiracetam may work either by stimulating the synthesis of acetylchoine or by amplifying the response to acetylcholine at neural receptors. [16]

Glutamate

In addition to its effects on cholinergic pathways, this nootropic also appears to influence glutamatergic pathways involved in Long-Term Potentiation (LTP).

In an in vitro study, the effects of Oxiracetam were observed in rat hippocampal slices from the CA1 region. Superfusing oxiracetam at between 0.1-100 microM resulted in increased excitatory postsynaptic potential and facilitated LTP. [9]

In another in vitro study, researchers found that Oxiracetam increased the release of glutamate in rat hippocampal slices. It was not clear what the specific mechanism that mediated this increase was. [89]

Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction

S-Oxiracetam has been shown to protect against the damaging effects of ischemic stroke in rats by promoting propert functioning of the blood-brain barrier (BBB).

This is the semipermeable membrane that separates your brain cells from circulating blood. It is highly selective, only allowing certain types of molecules to pass through the barrier and into the extracellular fluid that surrounds neurons.

The blood-brain barrier plays an important role in protecting brain systems from potential toxins and in maintaining a homeostatic environment for brain tissue.

BBB dysfunction can increase the risk of brain edema and the inflammatory response following an ischemic stroke, leading to greater damage.

Researchers showed that administering S-Oxiracetam one hour after mimicking a stroke in rats resulted in reduced cerebral infarct size, a decrease in the release of inflammatory cytokines and reduced cerebral edema (brain swelling).

The findings demonstrated that S-Oxiracetam prevented BBB dysfunction by regulating tight junction proteins, which help to maintain the structural integrity of this barrier.

This nootropic drug also upregulated the function of P-Glycoprotein, which works as a transporter or “gatekeeper” protein in the BBB. [98]

ATP & Energy Metabolism

Oxiracetam is believed to increase energy metabolism in brain cells, in part by increasing cerebral blood flow and uptake of glucose and oxygen.

It has also been proposed to affect the content of high-energy phosphates including adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and phosphocreatine (PCr) in cells.

ATP is the primary energy currency made by the mitochondria of our cells. This molecule stores energy that is used by our cells to perform any number of cellular functions.

In one in vitro study, both Piracetam and Oxiracetam were added into cell culture mediums for two weeks up to a final concentration of 10(-7) M. Oxiracetam was found to increase the ATP content in cultured astrocytes. [69]

By increasing ATP concentrations, Oxiracetam may enhance the availability of energy in our brain cells, which could enhance cognitive function.

Other studies have shown that (S)-oxiracetam regulates ATP metabolism in the cerebral cortex of hypoperfused rats. [97]

Dopamine, Serotonin & Noradrenaline

This nootropic does not appear to stimulate the release of dopamine or serotonin, which makes it distinct from its cousin Aniracetam. These are two neurotransmitters involved in the regulation of mood and positive feelings.

While some users do say that it helps to lift their mood, these reports are less frequent compared to Aniracetam users. Most people also do not describe euphoric moods or an anxiolytic response from this nootropic, which is distinct from Aniracetam.

Administering 50 mg/kg of Oxiracetam to rats before administering the dopamine-antagonist haloperidol can block the negative effects that this drug has on learning.

It appears that dopamine is involved in some of the memory boosting properties of Oxiracetam. Low levels of dopamine block the anti-amnesiac effect of this racetam seen following administration of the anti-cholinergic drug scopolamine.

This promnesiac effect of Oxiracetam is also blocked by low levels of the catecholamine neurotransmitter noradrenaline (norepinephrine). This brain chemical is involved in vigilance, wakefulness, mood, memory and flocus.

In vitro studies have found that Oxiracetam does not directly effect the release of noradrenaline. It also does not appear to increase NMDA-induced release of this excitatory neurotransmitter.

However, it has been shown to block the inhibition of noradrenaline release caused by NMDA receptor antagonists. It does this by reducing the antagonistic effects on glutamate receptors.

GABA Receptors

Oxiracetam is a cyclic derivative of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.

However, it does not exhibit binding affinity for GABA receptors in the brain. This is similar to other racetam nootropics.

In one in vitro study, the effects of 0.01-1 microM Oxiracetam were observed on the 3H] gamma-aminobutyric acid ([3H]GABA) receptor in superfused rat hippocampal slices. It did not affect these receptors or the release of GABA from the hippocampus cells. [9]

Two of the metabolites of Oxiracetam are N-aminoacetyl-GABOB and GABOB (beta-hydroxy-GABA). GABOB is considered to be a GABA analogue and is used as an anticonvulsant drug (Gamibetal) for the treatment of epilepsy.

It is probably that Oxiracetam may influence GABA receptors through the actions of its metabolites, but this would not be demonstrable in in vitro studies where it is applied directly to cells without being metabolized.

Furthermore, Oxiracetam is not significantly metabolized in the body. Within 48 hours after taking a dosage, 90% of the intact drug is detected in urine.

Comparison to Piracetam

In user reviews, Oxiracetam is typically described as more potent than Piracetam and as producing more stimulating effects.

A double-blind controlled trial compared the effects of oxiracetam to piracetam, the prototypical racetam compound from which it is derived.

In this study, patients with organic brain syndrome were given a starting dosage of 400 mg of either Oxiracetam or Piracetam per day. Over the six-week treatment period, the dosage was increased by 400 mg intervals every week until a final dose of 2,400 mg per day was achieved.

This graduated dosage schedule was designed to improve the tolerability of the drug and minimize the risk of side effects.

60 elderly patients were enrolled in the trial and underwent both subjective and objective testing of thier psychological symptoms and memory function.

At the end of the trial, Oxiracetam was found to be more effective at improving memory scores while Piracetam resulted in improved psychological scores (reduced paranoid thoughts and agitation).

The study authors wrote that both of the drugs had good tolerability and minimal side effects.

Oxiracetam vs. Idebenone

Idebenone (Catena, Raxone, Sovrima) is a nootropic drug used to treat Alzheimer’s disease and aging. It is a synthetic form of CoQ10 and exhibits antioxidant effects as well as promoting mitochondrial energy generation.

In one randomized controlled trial, the effects of Oxiracetam were compared to those of Idebenone for the treatment of cognitive decline in elderly persons.

This study involved 79 patients who were given either 800 mg of Oxiracetam twice a day of 45 mg of Idebenone twice daily.

The study found that Idebenone was more effective for increasing performance in the SCAG psychometric test as well as the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) and the Gottfries Rating Scale.

According to the researchers, both treatment were well-tolerated and there were no patients who left the study due to adverse effects. [95]

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Dosage & How to Use

Oxiracetam is typically used in a dosage of between 400 – 2,400 mg per day. One study found that taking 1,600 mg daily was safe and did not cause any more side effects than individuals taking a placebo.

In TruBrain, a nootropic drink produced by neuroscientists trained at UCLA, there is 800 mg of Oxiracetam per serving along with 1000 mg of Piracetam.

This nootropic has a long duration of effects and biological half-life of up to 8 hours. It is typically split into 1-3 dosages per day.

In one study, it was administered in two 800 mg dosages per day, once at 8 AM and again at 2 PM.

Based on pharmacokinetic studies, it reaches peak blood levels between 1-3 hours after administration. It has a longer onset of effects compared to the nootropic supplement Aniracetam.

A number of sources recommend gradually increasing your dosage over a week or more to guage the effects of this nootropic agent on your cognitive function. Do not take more than necessary to achieve the desired effects.

Some sources advocate for starting with an “attack dose” to shorten the time required for the effects of this nootropic to kick in. An attack dose is between 2-5 times greater than the standard dosage used.

We recommend against this practice and instead advise users to start with the lowest possible dose to observe how it affects you. Starting with a high dose can increase the chances of side effects developing.

Oxiracetam produces a variable response in different users. Taking a high dosage of a nootropic before you know whether you respond positively to that substance is imprudent. You may not experience adverse effects if you take an “attack dose”, but this practice is not worth the potential risks.

Some users report developing a tolerance to the effects of racetams with continuous use. You may feel that you need to increase the dose to experience the same positive effects.

It is recommended to cycle off when you observe a tolerance forming so that this product does not lose efficacy. It may be cycled with other racetam nootropics.

Oxiracetam is water-soluble and can be taken with or without food. Some individiuals claim that it works faster if taken on an empty stomach, but it also appears to be more likely to cause nausea and stomach upset.

Because it is water soluble, you can mix the powder into a drink or water to conveniently consume it. Oxiracetam is also sold as an ingredient in some nootropic drink formulations.

Some users find the taste of this nootropic to be bitter when consumed in bulk powder form. You can mix it with orange juice to mask the taste or purchase it in the form of a capsule.

This nootropic supplement produces a stimulating effect in many users and should not be taken before bed. If used later in the day, it may result in insomnia or very vivid dreams.

Oxiracetam increases the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in your brain cells. It is recommended to consume it with a source of choline to ensure there is adequate availability of the precursors required to make acetylcholine.

Some of the choline supplements that have high bioavailability and nootropic effects on their own include Alpha GPC, CDP Choline, Centrophenoxine and Phosphatidylcholine. Egg yolks are a natural source of this dietary nutrient.

Oxiracetam may also be stacked with other racetam nootropics, natural brain supplements or with other cognitive enhancers and smart drugs.

Oxiracetam Safety & Side Effects:

Many period who take Oxiracetam do not experience negative effects. However, data from user experience logs show that some people do experience adverse effects during the period of use.

In research studies, the side effects reported are generally mild and transient. Researchers report that it is tolerated well and that no dangerous effects are observed when used appropriately.

Racetam nootropics are believed to be safe and non-toxic. There is no concern that Oxiracetam may lead to dependence, addiction or withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuing use. It does not exhibit a potential for abuse.

In human research studies, dosages of 1,600 mg per day did not result in any significant side effects in comparison to a placebo.

The follow-up period of this study confirmed the safety of Oxiracetam 800 mg b.i.d. (twice per day) for treatment of up to one year.

In one study, a 2,400 mg dosage of Oxiracetam per day was reported to be well tolerated and did not produce significant side effects.

In one clinical trial, a small percentage of study participants experienced adverse effects including dry mouth, dizziness, nocturia (waking in the middles of the night to urinate), neuralgia of the stomach (abdominal pain) and skin dischromia (alteration of skin coloring).

It is important to note that in clinical trials what is relevant is not whether people report side effects with use, but whether more side effects are reported for a drug or supplement than a placebo control.

For example, in one controlled study of sixty-five patients, four patients in the treatment group reported side effects while one in the placebo group experienced adverse effects. Since placebos are not pharmacologically active, the report of an adverse effect in this group cannot be causally attributed to the properties of the placebo.

This needs to be factored in when determining whether side effects are related to the treatment or not. One way to measure this would be to look at the increase in frequency of negative effects reported for those on the active treatment versus the placebo.

Based on this study, we can approximate that 10% of the group taking Oxiracetam that completed the study experienced side effects. [25]

Most side effects reported by users are mild and temporary. These include the typical side effects reported by Racetam users including headaches, jitters, nausea, insomnia, nervousness, gastrointestinal distress, indigestion, diarrhea, lightheadedness, increased sweating and dizziness.

Some individuals report changes in their mood when they take this nootropic. Anxiety, irritability, mania, depression and paranoia have been reported. These effects appear to be worse in individuals with a pre-existing history of mood disorders.

Some users report changes in their heart rate (tachycardia) and changes in blood pressure. One user described this as a “thumpy heart”.

Adverse effects occur with greater freuency at high dosages or when combining this nootropic with other supplements. In particular, combining it with caffeine or other stimulants may produce an over-excitement effect and lead some users to feel manic or hyperactive.

If you experience headaches when taking Oxiracetam or other Racetam nootropics, this may be alleviated by supplementing your diet with additional sources of choline. While this has not been demonstrated in clinical trials, it is a standard view of nootropic users that choline supplements can reduce the incidence of headaches.

One of the mechanism of racetams is to stimulate the release of acetylcholine from pre-synaptic neurons. It has been proposed that this increased rate of acetylcholine utilization could result in depletion of this neurotransmitter.

Choline is a B Vitamin-like micronutrient that the brain needs in order to synthesize acetylcholine. Using a source of choline in your nootropic stack may increase the available reserve of acetylcholine and prevent headaches from developing.

Some examples of choline sources that work as nootropic agents include Alpha GPC, CDP Choline, Centrophenoxine or Phosphatidylcholine.

Note that in some people use of a choline supplement produces the opposite effect and leads to brain fog, mood disruptions and fatigue. It may be necessary to experiment with different combinations of supplements to find what works best for you.

There have not been any reports of overdoses causing serious Oxiracetam side effects. However, the frequency of negative effects may increase when taking higher dosages. It is advised to stay within the recommended dosage range and not to use a megadose or attack dose.

The median lethal dose (LD50) for this compound is established at greater than 10,000 mg/kg in rats and mice. This is many times greater than the standard dose used in research studies of 50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg.

According to Santa Cruz Biotechnology, “Long-term exposure to the product is not thought to produce chronic effects adverse to the health (as classified using animal models).” [96]

Contraindications

The safety of Oxiracetam for pregnant or nursing mothers has not been established. It is recommended to avoid this nootropic drug due to a lack of research on the potential side effects.

Use of this nootropic is cautioned against in individuals with severe renal insufficiency or liver disease. If you have a history of kidney function impairment, you may need to take a smaller dosage to avoid problems with kidney clearance.

The Racetam nootropic agent Piracetam has been observed to worsen the symptoms of Huntington’s disease. It is possible that Oxiracetam may also have negative effects if used by individuals with this genetic condition.

This nootropic drug should not be used in children or anyone who is under 18 years of age due to a lack of research on its safety for young individuals.

Carbamazepine (Tegretol) is believed to interact with Oxiracetam and may result in the half-life of this drug being shortened. Carbamazepine is used to treat bipolar disorder, epileptic seizures, nerve pain linked to trigeminal neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy, and schizophrenia.

The racetams have been observed to increase the effects of alcohol on the central nervous system. It is advise against combining these two substances.

Pharmacokinetics

In humans, Oxiracetam has an absolute oral bioavailability of 75 +/- 7%. [65] The terminal half-life is 8 hours in health adults, but may extend to 10-68 hours in patients with impaired kidney function. [99]

The bioavailability of this nootropic is different in humans and animals (such as mice). One pharmacokinetic study found that this compound had an absolute bioavailability of 8.0% and 7.4% in mice via oral or intravenous administration. [100]

Following a single oral dose, Oxiracetam is absorbed from the gut and reaches peak plasma levels within 1-3 hours. The plasma half-life is established between 3-6 hours. [50]

Use of oxiracetam for 7 days at a dosage of 800 mg twice per day did not result in any accumulation of this nootropic in the blood among healthy adults or elderly people with normal kdiney function.

Higher doses do not appear to result in a non-lineal increase in half-life or clearance time for this nootropic agent. After a single 800 mg dose in healthy adults, the normalized plasma levels were similar to those observed following a sinfle 2,000 mg dose. [7]

Oxiracetam is capable of penetrating the blood-brain barrier. One hour following a 2,000mg dosage administered intravenously, total concentrations in the brain reached 5.3% of serum (blood) level. [99]

In a rat study, the highest levels of this nootropic were found in the brain regions known as the septum pellucidum, the hippocampus, and the cerebral cortex. The lowest concentration was detected in the striatum.

Following an 800 mg dose twice daily, steady-state concentrations are between 60 to 530 mocrimoles. Clearance rates are between 9 to 95 ml/min.

It is primarily excreted by renal clearance (through the kidney). Elderly individuals with impaired renal function have slower clearance of the drug. This is comparable to other racetam nootropics that have a longer plasma half-life in elderly patients.

In elderly patients given 800 mg every 12 hours for 10 days, the mean area under the curve is two times greater than in non-geriatric subjects. Maximum concentration (Cmax) was not delayed, which is explained by slower gastric absoprtion and delayed clearance times in elderly individuals. [7]

24 hours after administration in elderly subjects, 84% of the drug is excreted in urine as Oxiracetam. [50]

In another study on healthy volunteers, 28 hours after administration, 90% of the drug was detected unchanged in urine. After 6 hours, 50% of the drug was eliminated in the urine. [65]

This suggests that it undergoes less metabolization compared to other nootropics like Aniracetam which are almost completely converted into metabolites.

The primary metabolites of this drug include beta-hydroxy-2-pyrrolidone, N-aminoacetyl-GABOB, GABOB (beta-hydroxy-GABA) and glycine.

(S)- and (R)- Oxiracetam

Oxiracetam exists in different enantiomers, (S)- and (R)- Oxiracetam. These are also known as optical isomers or stereoisomers.

An enantiomer is a molecule that has the same chemical structure as the original, but is a mirror image of it. These molecules cannot be superimposed on each other and one is said to be the left-hand rotated form while the other is the right-handed form.

This changes the way these molecules interact and can result in different chemical reactions depending in which form of the molecule is used. With pharmaceutical agents, it is sometimes the case that the physiological effects are only attributed to one optical isomer and not the other.

Oxiracetam is typically sold in the form of a racemic mixture, which means there are equal parts of (S)- and (R)- Oxiracetam. However, only the (S)-Oxiracetam form appears to produce effects in research studies.

In preparations where either (S)- or (R)- Oxiracetam are used, these are called enantiopure forms because they only contain one form of the enantiomer. Enantiopure forms of (S)-Oxiracetam are more pharmacologically active than (R)-oxiracetam.

In research studies, (S)-Oxiracetam has been shown to induce long-term potentiation in vitro in hippocampal cells of rats. It has also been shown to potentiate the effects of glutamate in cerebellar granule cells.

In an in vivo rat study, this isomer was also shown to revert the amnesiac effects of scopolamine. It has also been shown to protect against the harmful effects of an ischemic stroke in the rat brain.

While Oxiracetam is currently sold as a racemic mixture, research studies show that it may be more effective if taken as (S)-Oxiracetam instead. In an enantiopure form, only half the recommended dosage would be required to achieve beneficial effects.

Stack Review

Oxiracetam is typically stacked with other nootropic supplements or smart drugs to increase its effectiveness. It can be stacked with other members of the Racetam family, cognitive enhancers like Modafinil and natural brain supplements.

Oxiracetam is sometimes described as a “pure” nootropic because it does not promote mood enhancement and has a minimal effect on energy and motivation. It may be stacked with other supplements that do provide these effects and to increase the extent of the benefits.

It is almost always taken with some form of choline supplement, including Alpha GPC, Citicoline, Centrophenoxine, DMAE, Lecithin, Choline Bitartrate, Phosphatidylserine or Phosphatidylcholine.

Using Oxiracetam with a choline source is purported to reduce the likelihood of unwanted effects like fatigue, decreased mental clarity, agitation, depression or lack of motivation.

Taking an Oxiracetam and Choline stack can also reduce the prevalence of headaches, which are the most commonly reported side effect with Racetam nootropics.

Choline is necessary as a precusor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Oxiracetam increases choline uptake in the brain as well as the utilization of this chemical messenger. If you do not have enough acetylcholine available, this could result in symptoms of “choline depletion”.

ALCAR (Acetyl-L-Carnitine) can also be used to promote acetylcholine availability due to the acetyl component of this molecule. The acetyl group forms Acetyl coenzyme A, which is then used to synthesize acetylcholine.

This reaction is catalyzed by the enzyme choline acetyltransferase. It requires both sufficient acetyl molecules and choline molecules to occur, but choline is presumed to be the rate-limiting component.

Thus, even if you take Oxiracetam and ALCAR together, it may not alleviate headaches unless choline is also used.

Oxiracetam may also be stacked with Piracetam and/or Aniracetam. Sometimes, all three are combined in a “PAO” stack.

Nootropic agents that users report stacking with Oxiracetam include the following:

• Piracetam
• Aniracetam
• Pramiracetam
• Phenylpiracetam
• Coluracetam
• Noopept
• Modafinil (Provigil)
• Adrafinil (Olmifon)
• Armodafinil (Nuvigil, Waklert)
• Sunifiram
• Choline Bitartrate
• DMAE Bitartrate
• CDP Choline (Citicoline)
• Centrophenoxine
• Phenibut
• Bacopa Monnieri
• L-Theanine
• Caffeine
• Vinpocetine
• Fish Oil
• Tyrosine
• Vitamin B6
• ALCAR
• Marijuana

Research shows that Oxiracetam potentiates some of the positive effects of amphetamine use on learning and memory. It is sometimes stacked with stimulant-drugs including the ADHD medication Adderall (Biphetamine), Concerta, Ritalin, Dexedrine, and the over-the-counter drug ephedrine.

Amphetamine-based stimulants pose a high risk of side effects including mood changes, paranoia, energy crash, hostility, agitation, jitters, restlessness, insomnia, elevated body temperature, irregular heartbeat and more. Prescrption stimulants should only be used under doctor supervision to minimize the risk of abuse and dangerous effects on health.

TruBrain Think Drinks

TruBrain is a nootropic supplement formulated by neuroscientists trained at UCLA. It was previously sold in satchets of capsules and pills, but is now sold as a “think drink” in the form of liquid shots.

TruBrain provides 800 mg of Oxiracetam per serving in a stack with other nootropic supplements. The ingredients in this supplement include: Piracetam, Acetylcarnitine, N-Acetyl Tyrosine, CDP-Choline, Vitamin C, Magnesium, L-Theanine and Caffeine.

There is a Caffeine-free version of this product as well as a newer Boost product that contains a lower amount of sugar, Uridine Monophosphate, Centrophenoxine (instead of CDP Choline) and a 12 mg dosage of Noopept.

TruBrain has the added advantages of being convenient to buy and easy to use. However, the cost per dosage is significantly higher than if you were to buy these nootropics on their own and build your own stack.

Legal Status

Oxiracetam is an unregulated substance in most countries in the world. As an unregulated chemical, it may be possible to purchase without a prescription depending on where you live.

In the United States, it has not be approved as a drug for the treatment of any medical condition by the Food and Drug Administration. This means that it cannot be marketed to cure, prevent, treat or ameliorate any diseases or health problems.

It is not a controlled substance, which means that purchase, possession and use of this nootropic drug is legal. You do not require a prescription to buy or use it. However, there are restrictions on how it can be sold which is why you will not see it sold on Amazon.com or in local stores like GNC, Walmart, CVS or Walgreens.

In Canada, Oxiracetam has not been issued a DIN (Drug Identification Number), which means it has not been approved for sale within the country. It is unregulated and can be purchased and imported for personal use online.

Suppliers can only sell it is as a research chemical and cannot promote it for human use. For example, Syntharise Chemical Inc. in Mississauga, Ontario stats that the product is for “Research and laboratory purposes. Not for veterinary or human use.”

The same applies to Australia where Oxiracetam is not a scheduled substance and does not require a prescription to use. Australian authorities allow individuals to import medicines from other countries for personal use in small quantities.

In the UK, this nootropic agent falls under the scope of the Psychoactive Substance Act which became law on May 26th, 2016. Under this law, it is illegal to import, supply or manufacture drugs that have psychoactive effects within the country.

While possession and use of Oxiracetam is legal in this country, there is no legal way for vendors to sell it or ship it to the UK.

Oxiracetam is used clinically in a small number of countries and may be sold with a prescription in certain parts of Europe. According to Alibaba, the top countries that supply this nootropic compound include China , India, and Germany.

Before purchasing Oxiracetam powder or capsules online to ship to your location, consult with local authorities to determine the regulatory status of this product.

Where to Buy

You can buy Oxiracetam in the form of a bulk powder, oral capsules and tablets or as an ingredient in pre-formulated supplements and drinks.

Oxiracetam is one of the more expensive racetam nootropics and is often combined with other cheaper products like Noopept or Aniracetam to increase cost-effectiveness.

AbsorbHealth sells a 100 capsule bottle of 600mg Oxiracetam pills for $37.99, which equates to a cost per dose of $0.38.

NootropicsDepot sells 30 grams of bulk powder for $14.99, which amounts to $0.30 per dosage. They also sell 750 mg capsules for $15.99 per 30 capsule bottle, which equals $0.53 per capsule.

PureNootropics offers 60 capules with 750mg each for $32.99, which works out to $0.55 per capsule. They also sell 75 grams of bulk powder for $37.45, which would provide 125 doses of 600 mg each for a cost per dose of $0.30.

PeakNootropics sells 50 grams of bulk Oxiracetam powder for $29.99. This amount would provide 83 servings of 600 mg each at a cost of $0.36 per serving.

PowderCity currently lists 25 grams of bulk powder at $11.75 or $0.28 per 600 mg dose.

In addition to single-ingredient products, you can also find Oxiracetam for sale as an ingredient in pre-formulated nootropic supplements. The most popular of these is the TruBrain Think Drinks line which provides three different options containing this racetam nootropic.

It can be purchased online and at websites like Amazon.com.

You will not generally find this nootropic drug sold as local health stores, pharmacies, supplement shops or at major retailers including Walmart, GNC, Costco, CVS, Walgreens, or Rite-Aid.

In some countries, it is legal to buy Oxiracetam over-the-counter without a prescription. This varies from location to location.

It is recommended to purchase from domestic nootropic suppliers if you have the option. Ordering from other countries increases the risk of shipping delays or having your purchase denied entry at the border.

If you have purchased oxiracetam online, please share your supplier reviews below as well as your experiences with taking this cognitive enhancement agent.

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