The nootropic effects of Aniracetam are purported to include improved memory, attention, vigilance, sensory perception, increased motivation and supression of anxiety.
Aniracetam is a nootropic drug that was developed by a Belgium company Hoffmann-La Roche during the 1970’s and brought to market in 1979.
It has been used clinically for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, other forms of memory impairment, epilepsy and for the alleviation of anxiety and depression following cerebral ischemia (stroke).
There have been hundreds of studies looking at the effects of Aniracetam on learning, memory, mood, depression, brain health, motivation and concentration.
Many of these studies have been conducted in animal models, though there are several clinical studies to examine. Researchers are still unsure of its specific mechanisms of action.
What is clear from the volume of clinical trials and user reviews is that it has beneficial effects in relation to cognition, mood, attention and memory.
Before you consider buying Aniracetam to use on yourself, it is important that you familiarize yourself with the results that others have achieved using this smart drug.
Let’s examine some of the Aniracetam effects and benefits reported in research studies and user reviews, how it works, side effects, and dosage suggestions. Buy Aniracetam online at this link.



- Heightens focus & motivation
- Supports memory formation & recall
- Shown to enhance mood & reduce anxiety
Aniracetam Effects
Related Topics
- What is Aniracetam?
- User Reviews
- Effects and Benefits
- Aniracetam for Anxiety
- Dosage Suggestions
- Using Aniracetam Powder
- Best Way to Take
- Side Effects
- Aniracetam for Sale
- Buyer's Guide
- Is Aniracetam Legal?
- Stacking with Piracetam
- Stacking with Choline
- Comparison to Piracetam
- Comparison to Oxiracetam
- Comparison to Pramiracetam
- Comparison to Noopept
Aniracetam and other racetam nootropics demonstrate modulating effects on neurotransmission in the brain.
These smart drugs are believed to potentiate activity at certain receptor sites for the neurotransmitters acetylcholine and glutamate.
These are brain chemicals involved in a number of cognitive functions relating to memory storage and recall, thinking, reasoning, attention, wakefulness, motivation, dreaming, perception and more.
Aniracetam has been show to increase activity at acetylcholine receptors and at AMPA receptors for the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate.
The effects of increased acetylcholine receptor activation (referred to as cholinergic activity) may lead to improved memory, motor coordination, mental clarity, focus and mental processing.
AMPA receptors for Glutamate are involved in Long-Term Potentiation, which is the process by which neurons form connections (called synapses) to encode memories. LTP is inked to learning, long-term memory, and neuroplasticity.
Aniracetam also exhibits other effects, such as increasing noradrenaline release in the brain. This may be responsible for the stimulant effect of this cognitive enhancer, as well as the increase in alertness and attention often cited by users.
This nootropic also promotes an anxiolytic effect and is sometimes used to alleviate symptoms of Benzodiazepine or Phenibut withdrawal. This use has not been researched in clinical trials, but is well-documented in user reviews.
Nootropic Profile
Aniracetam is derived from the nootropic Piracetam (which was itself derived from 2-pyrrolidinone). This nootropic drug exhibits many of the same effects, though it also possesses some unique effects.
This compound was also synthesized by Dr. Corneliu E. Giurgea, which was a Romanian chemist that founded the nootropic class of drugs.
It was developed with the internal codename “Ro 13-5057” at the Belgian pharmaceutical company Hoffman-La Roche and was patented in 1978. It was granted a US patent in 183.
Aniracetam was found to have greater oral bioavailability than its parent drug Piracetam, due to improved absoprtion from the gastrintestinal tract.
Piracetam is a water-soluble drug and is poorly absorbed from the gut. Because Aniracetam is fat soluble (liphophilic), it can move through membranes in the gut more freely. On the other hand, water-soluble molecules require transporters.
Due to its fat-solubility, Aniracetam is more potent and is also very fast-acting in the body with effects discernable within 30 minutes of administration.
It has a relatively short half-life of 1-2.5 hours and is rapidly metabolized or broken down. Users often describe it as having a shorter lasting duration of effects compared to other members of the Racetam family.
The nootropic effects of this compound are also slightly different than those of related compounds like Piracetam, Oxiracetam, Pramiracetam or Phenylpiracetam. Aniracetam is the only one of these smart drugs that shows a significant anxiolytic effect for mood enhancement, positive emotions, relaxation and social anxiety.
After several successful clinical trials were conducted, this compound was approved in Europe as a remedy for memory decline related to aging as well as other neurodegenerative disorders. It was sold under the trade names Draganon, Sarpul, Ampamet, Memodrin, and Referan.
Hoffman-La Roche applied to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States to receive approval on similar grounds, but the FDA was not convinced that this drug produced significant effects.
As a result, it was never approved for sale in the US market.
Despite this, it is widely distributed by online vendors based in Europe, the USA and Canada. It can be purchased as a dietary supplement or bulk powder and does not require a prescription to buy it.
Aniracetam Benefits from User Reviews
Below is a list of some of the positive effects linked to Aniracetam supplementation in user reviews:
- Mood enhancement
- Increased motivation/ambition
- Positivity & confidence
- Sharper focus
- Increased thought connectivity
- Alertness/Vigilance
- Wakefulness & Energy
- Greater awareness & attention span
- Increased Sociability
- Memory support
- Improved recall speed
- Reduced Mental Fatigue
- Less Susceptibility to Distraction
- Greater Behavioral Control
- Vivid dreaming
- Improved judgement/logical thinking
- Enhancement of Color Perception
- Improved enjoyment of music
One of the most touted benefits of Aniracetam is that of improving memory.
Studies have shown that Aniracetam enhances both short-term and long-term memory capacity in various applications.
Memory improvement, however, may range from very slight to incredibly noticeable.
Some people are able to remember detailed facts, figures, and other numbers while others may simply be able to recall specific dreams or conversations more vividly. Speed of recall is also improved for many, resulting in better test scores on online brain training exercises.
Aniracetam is also thought to help enhance synaptic plasticity. It does this by facilitating the building of new synapses and neuronal connections. With greater plasticity of your brain, it is easier to learn new things and adapt to changing circumstances.
Aniracetam has a particularly potent effect on enhancing communication between both hemispheres of the brain which can help you tap into greater fluid intelligence and creativity.
It has been described as improving “holistic thinking”, judgement, and reasoning.
Aniracetam has also been shown to act as a neuroprotector for your brain cells. This means that it helps to protect the brain from damage that can occur from external sources. In certain cases it may even help to reverse damage that has already been inflicted, such as that due to excessive alcohol consumption.
There is even some evidence to suggest that it helps to remove excessive calcium build up within the brain. While you may not notice this Aniracetam effect in the short-term, it can reduce signs of aging and even slow down the potential of cognitive decline with persistent use.
This supplement is also considered to have efficacy as an anxiolytic agent with mood-enhancing and anti-depressant qualities. It was previously used in Japan to treat anxiety and depression following a stroke, but has since been withdrawn from the market due to one study that did not find a positive effect.
If you experience stress and anxiety issues, some users say that Aniracetam can help to provide relief. It has been described as promoting a feeling of well-being, ridding your mind of anxious thoughts and promoting confidence and relaxation.
A frequent experiece describe in Aniracetam reviews is improved auditory perception and enjoyment of music. One user stated that when taking this nootropic, “music has much more depth and texture.” Another user said, “I found that my appreciation for music is not only increased, but greatly increased on aniracetam.”
Some people say that taking Aniracetam can prevent the on-set of symptoms of depression while others take it in the evening to regulate their sleep patterns. Research in these areas of Aniracetam usage continues, but the results do look promising.
In many parts of Europe, Aniracetam is already used in treatments for these (and other) conditions.

- Improves memory and learning
- Heightens focus and motivation
- Enhances mood and reduces anxiety & stress
How Aniracetam Works
While the exact methods of action for Aniracetam are still not fully understood, it is clear that the supplement is able to modulate a number of different neurotransmitters.
After ingestion, it quickly cross the blood-brain barrier and achieves full concentration levels within about 20 to 30 minutes. This makes it much faster acting that other Racetams like Piracetam.
The first neurotransmitter affected by Aniracetam is Acetylcholine, a brain chemical involved in a number of cognitive processes including memory, learning capacity, attention span, mental energy, and more.
The nootropic drug binds to the Acetylcholine receptor sites and inhibits their desensitization while also promoting greater acetylcholine release at the synapses.
This results in more cholinergic activity in the brain and in the hippocampus, which is the part of the brain that regulates the consolidation of short-term memory into long-term memory.
Many of the purported nootropic benefits of Aniracetam come from stimulation of glutamate receptors – namely the AMPA receptors and the kainate receptors.
AMPA receptors are involved in fast excitatory transmission of your synapses. Aniracetam binds with these receptor sites when they are inactive and makes glutamate transmission more influential.
AMPA receptors are implicated in the induction of Long-Term Potentiation which is thought to be the process your brain uses to create new memories.
By stimulating these receptors, it may theoretically be possible to increase the rate at which LTP occurs. This means that use of this nootropic could make it easier to learn new information.
While research has shown that Aniracetam has a memory-boosting effect in people with cognitive impairments, more research is needed to determine how it can affect memory in healthy individuals.
Aniracetam is also known to influence the neurotransmitters GABA, Dopamine and Serotonin. These neurotransmitters involved in the regulation of mood, feelings of pleasure and happiness, control of anxiety and relaxation.
Some studies have shown that Aniracetam can promote better moods and reduced feelings of anxiousness in some individuals. However, not all studies have had positive results. User reviews on this subject are also mixed with some noting a benefit for mood and other describing increased anxiety associated with use.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
Several research studies have shown that Aniracetam can increase the accumulation of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in neurons. This is a protein that promotes the growth, maturation, maintenance and repair of brain cells.
BDNF is also involved in the growth of new neurons (neurogenesis) as well as in the development of new connections (synapses) between neurons. In addition to supporting brain cell health, it is believed to play a role in memory formation and consolidation.
Aniracetam is an ampakine nootropic, which means that it increases activity of AMPA receptors in the brain. It does this by binding to AMPA receptors and modulating them so that they become desensitised at a slower rate.
When a chemical (like glutamate) is present that causes these receptors to be activated, the result is signal amplification. In simple terms, Aniracetam causes these neurons to have a greater response to the presence of chemicals that activate AMPA receptors.
Research shows that increased AMPAergic activity results in an upregulation of BDNF levels. Aniracetam has been shown to increase BDNF expression in hippocampal and cortical tissues of mice. The hippocampus in particular is part of the brain involved in learning, memory and recall.
It is believed that Aniracetam may promote memory formation by supporting synaptic plasticity in this part of the brain and that this effect is in part mediated by greater secretion of BDNF.
Effects of Aniracetam Metabolites
Pharmacokinetic research shows that Aniracetam is quickly broken down in the body following administration. However, the effects of this nootropic last significantly longer than the period of time for which it remains active in the body.
Furthermore, this cognitive enhancer is purported to have an absolute oral bioavailability of only 0.2%, but produces effects that suggest a greater degree of activity in the body.
It is theorized that some of the nootropic effects of Aniracetam can be attributed to metabolites of this drug. There are some researchers who believe that most of the efficacy is mediated by metabolites, as opposed to Aniracetam itself.
What are metabolites? After being ingested orally, Aniracetam is broken down or converted by the body into different active compounds. Three chemicals are identified as the primary metabolites of this nootropic. These are:
- N-anisoyl-GABA (4-p-anisaminobutyric acid)
- 2-pyrrolidinone
- P-anisic acid
Aniracetam may be responsible for the immediate or first-phase effects, but it is likely that the metabolites are responsible for the longer lasting effects. These metabolites may also explain some of the differences between Aniracetam’s effects and those of Piracetam, since the metabolites of this racetam compound are different.
In humans, 70% of this compound is metabolized into n-anisoyl-GABA. This is different in rats where the primary metabolite is P-anisic acid. This is one of the ways in which results from rat studies may be inadequate when used to predict results in humans.
N-anisoyl-GABA produces some of the same effects as the neurotransmitter gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA). It is an analogue of this compound, meaning that it stimulates the same receptors in the brain.
GABA is the brain’s chief inhibitory neurotransmitter, responsible for preventing over-excitation and over-stimulation which are linked to anxiety and agitation. Most anxiolytic drugs (like phenibut and benzodiazepines) work by increasing GABAergic activity.
Aniracetam is described often as having a relaxing effect, calming an over-active mind, reducing social inhibitions and improving feelings of nervousness or anxiousness. This can be attributed to its ability to stimulate GABA receptors and inhibit overstimulation of the brain.
This inhibitory effect may have benefits for focus, ability to resist distraction and for mood. It is unclear exactly what the nootropic effects of increased GABA activation due to Aniracetam are. More research is looking into the effects of the GABA response and neuronal transmission.
The next metabolite is P-anisic acid, also known as 4-methoxybenzoic acid or draconic acid. In animal research studies, P-anisic acid has been shown to increase the release of acetylcholine in the nucleus reticularis thalami, dorsal hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.
Aniracetam for Mood and Anxiety
The effects of Aniracetam on mood may be almost entirely due to the metabolites of this drug as opposed to its direct actions. In addition to the GABAergic anxiolytic effects described above, Aniracetam has also been shown to increase activity of the monoamine neurotransmitters.
Monoamines include the neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine, In particular, this nootropic has been shown to increase extracellular levels of dopamine and serotonin in the prefrontal cortex, basolateral amygdala and dorsal hippocampus in rats.
Dopamine is considered to be the main neurotransmitter involved in the brain’s reward system, our sense of motivation or goal-directed behavior, feelings of pleasure and attentional control.
Serotonin is an inhibitory neurotransmitter involved in feelings of happiness, satisfaction, comfort, relaxation and it plays a role in regulating sleep patterns.
The mood enhancement effects of Aniracetam reported in user reviews are likely due to its effects on these two brain chemicals. However, research shows that it is not aniracetam that increases monoaminergic activity, but rather its metabolites.
In one research study, p-anisic acid and n-anisoyl-GABA were directly perfused into the pre-frontal cortex of rats. Results shows that there was an increase in serotonergic and dopaminergic activity following administration.
The researchers who conducted this study said that they failed to find any dopaminergic or serotonergic effect when directly perfusing Aniracetam. This suggests that most of the benefits for mood come from these metabolites, as opposed to Aniracetam itself.

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What is Aniracetam Used For?
This drug has been used therapeutically for the treatment of several medical conditions in Europe and certain Asian countries.
While it has never been approved for used as a pharmaceutical drug in the United States, it may still be prescribed by doctors who are familiar with its cognitive enhancement effects.
Below is a list of some of the medical uses of Aniracetam around the world:
- Senile Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
- Cerebrovascular Disease
- Cognitive Impairment & Senile Cognitive Disorders
- Attention Dysfunction of Degenerative or Vascular Origin
- Behavioral and Psychological Problems caused by Slight-Moderate Brain Decay
- Epilepsy
- Tinnitus
- Personality Disorders
- Vertigo & Motion Sickness
- Anxiety or Depression following Cerebral Infarction
- Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder
- Sleep Disorders
While many of the uses for this medication have been researched in clinical studies, others have not.
Consult with a doctor before using Aniracetam for any therapeutic purposes or if you have been diagnosed with any medical conditions. Self-treatment with this drug is strongly advised against.
Aniracetam and Weight Loss
One of the lesser-understood effects of Aniracetam is potential weight loss and appetite suppression.
Some individuals who take this nootropic supplement note a significant effect on their appetite as hunger cravings are curbed.
If used for a long period of time, it may result in weight loss as caloric intake is decreased.
This is likely due to the stimulating mechanisms of action it exhibits. Aniracetam has been shown to moderatedly increase stimulation of the Central Nervous System and promote the release of noradrenaline.
This puts the body into “fight or flight” mode where hunger signals from the stomach to the brain are interrupted. The effect can be likened to the consumption of caffeine, which has a significant appetite suppressant effect in many people.
While some people do experience appetite suppression, not everyone will feel this effect after consuming a dosage of Aniracetam.
Use of Aniracetam as a weight loss agent or diet pill has not been researched. All of the information available on this use comes from anecdotal reports and customer reviews.
Libido & Sexual Performance
User reviews provide conflicting reports of Aniracetam’s effect on sex drive, sexual enjoyment and erectile function.
Some individuals have experienced an increase in libido, greater pleasure from sexual experiences and a positive effect on performance. Others report that this nootropic causes a reduction in erectile function and makes sexual encounters more frustrating.
Some say that it causes them to feel less inhibited and more likely to pursue intimacy. Others say that it turns off their desire for sex and makes it harder to achieve orgasm.
In comparison to Piracetam, Aniracetam appears to have more pro-sexual effects. Of all of the Racetams, it appears to have the strongest positive impact on libido in men and women. However, this effect is not consistent and there is significant variability in experiences reported.
Negative Aniracetam Side Effects
In research reviews, Aniracetam is described as well-tolerated and it is not believed to cause dangerous side effects. It has no hepatic toxicity and the LD50 for this smart drug is significantly greater than the average dose used.
There have not been any dangerous side effects reported after using this nootropic agent at an appropriate dosage and it is not believed to cause any long-term health risks.
Having said this, there are a few mild side effects that have been reported by users. Most of these are very rare and usually only present themselves when the subject takes a dose well above the recommended level. The most common of these potential side effects are headaches.
The occurrence of headaches alongside racetam nootropic supplements is attributed to depletion of acetylcholine stored in brain cells. To prevent this side effect, many nootropic guides recommend dding a source of Choline such as Alpha GPC to your supplementation regimen.
Choline sources are usually stacked with Aniracetam powder at a dosage ratio of 4-5:1. However, this ratio will need to be altered depending on the form of choline source used and any other nootropics included in your stack.
Additional potential side effects include nervousness, anxiety, diarrhea, nausea, and other GI issues. If any of these present, reduce the dosage or discontinue use for a few days.
This nootropic has also been observed to reduce the period of non-REM sleep and can have additional side effects like lucid dreaming or exceptionally vivid dreams. It may interfere with sleep cycles or cause you to experience lower sleep quality.
If this occurs, stop taking this nootropic earlier in the day. Use of a choline supplement late in the day can also lead to lower sleep quality or a delay in falling asleep.
Aniracetam Dosage:
The generally accepted dosage range for Aniracetam is anywhere between 600 and 3,000 mg per day. As a clinical drug, it is typically used in dosages of either 750 mg or 1500 mg daily.
This dosage is usually split into two or three equal administrations in an effort to make up for the short half-life of this nootropic agent.
Once you have found the right dosage level for yourself, many users will stacking it with other nootropic agents to increase its efficacy.
You can order generic Aniracetam online in tablet or capsule format or buy it in bulk powder form to save money.
Bulk aniracetam powder is described as having a very unpleasant taste and can cause nausea or digestive discomfort in some users. If you find the taste unbearable, capsules and pills may be preferred. Some brands sell the powder mixed with artificial sweeteners to mask the bitter taste.
- Galeotti N, Ghelardini C, Bartolini A. Piracetam and aniracetam antagonism of centrally active drug-induced antinociception. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1996
- Kolta A, Lynch G, Ambros-Ingerson J. Effects of aniracetam after LTP induction are suggestive of interactions on the kinetics of the AMPA receptor channel. Brain Res. 1998
- Shirane M, Nakamura K. Aniracetam enhances cortical dopamine and serotonin release via cholinergic and glutamatergic mechanisms in SHRSP. Brain Res. 2001
- Isaacson JS, Nicoll RA. Aniracetam reduces glutamate receptor desensitization and slows the decay of fast excitatory synaptic currents in the hippocampus. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1991
- Staubli U, Ambros-Ingerson J, Lynch G. Receptor changes and LTP: an analysis using aniracetam, a drug that reversibly modifies glutamate (AMPA) receptors. Hippocampus. 1992
- Gabryel B, Chalimoniuk M, Ma?ecki A, Strosznajder J. Effect of aniracetam on phosphatidylinositol transfer protein alpha in cytosolic and plasma membrane fractions of astrocytes subjected to simulated ischemia in vitro. Pharmacol Rep. 2005
- Kraaier V, van Huffelen AC, Wieneke GH. The hyperventilation-induced ischaemia model in human neuropharmacology: neurophysiological and psychometric studies of aniracetam and 3-OH aniracetam. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 1989
- Partin KM, Fleck MW, Mayer ML. AMPA receptor flip/flop mutants affecting deactivation, desensitization, and modulation by cyclothiazide, aniracetam, and thiocyanate. J Neurosci. 1996
Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment
6 Comments
Does Aniracetam have any physical effects? Such as weight loss/weight gain?
(Remember Everyone is different on nootropics what i get may not be what you get. if you start to have bad effect stop taking the nootropic immediately)
i’ve started taking aniracetam again, for focus and study benefits.
its a great focuser but it also helps issues with anxiety (lessens mine).
and it seems to have destroyed my depression when its active (no more siting in a sofa feeling pissed off with myself repeating selfloathing, all the issues are still there just better things to do )
If your taking aniracetam for logic based things i’ve found that although i focus i need to be in dead silence. its really activates the right brain and provides creativity. but not so great if you listen to music and are study math, the focus shifts to the creative.
memory is also boosted a tiny amount, please don’t expect to be able to remember what your great nans best friend was wearing on your 1st birthday party. but after study you remember a lot more before repetition.
Some other results
i have some weird harmless side effects
small Noises really seem to annoy me whilst using them. i’ll be studying in one room and hear a clock lighty tick in the next.
Weight loss i am not certain its the aniracetam , im on a general weightloss program and am clocked at losing half a Lb a day. with out change of calorific intake or exercise i’m now losing 1 Lb a day.
Dosage
I’ve played around with small doses large doses and even Vlarge attack dosages
what works for me is less dosage but more through out the day for example 500mg -1g morning just after breakfast
500mg-1g after lunch
unless i want to work past 7-8 Pm stop then however if i want no sleep
another dose of 500mg-1g at 4-5Pm with a lite snack of butter bread (for fat intake)
aniracetam seems to have a half life of around 3 hours in most people
However if you take it broken up through out the day Personally with me the first dosage might last 3 hours the 2nd top up dose might last 4-5 and then, the 3rd dose longer
There is all this information here, but where do you actually buy this?? For alpha brain it gives you somewhere to actually buy it, same of opimind. But not these ones, so where do I buy them?
Hello,
Thanks for your comment :). We have unfortunately removed the links to buy Aniracetam as this compound is regulated as a drug and not a supplement in the US. While some retailers sell it as a supplement, it is not considered to be a natural ingredient so we can no longer link to stores to purchase it.
I’m sorry for the frustration!
I’m wondering how Aniracetam can be effective if it has a half life of 1-2.5 hours? With that small amount of time how can you have any lasting effect which can make a difference.
Hey Edward,
Thanks for the question! I discuss this in this article if you want to read more about Aniracetam’s half-life.
Many of the effects of this nootropic are mediated by its metabolites as opposed to by the direct actions of aniracetam. This means that the effects persist for longer than the half-life of the compound. I hope that helps!