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Aniracetam is a widely used cognitive enhancer that demonstrates anxiolytic effects. It is commonly used to address social anxiety and has been reported to promote a positive mood, improved focus and feelings of relaxation.
In Japan, Aniracetam was previously prescribed to treat post-stroke anxiety and depression. Research studies have also found it to improve emotional state in patients with cognitive impairment and Senile Dementia of the Alzheimer’s Type (SDAT).
The widespread off-label use of Aniracetam for anxiety relief is one of the reasons that this nootropic supplement is the second-most popular Racetam behind Piracetam.
Research shows that this nootropic drug can stimulate the release of dopamine and serotonin in the brain. It also affects GABA receptors, which are a major target of commonly prescribed anxiety treatments, including the benzodiazepine drugs.
Users report that Aniracetam has helped them overcome social anxiety, feel more relaxed and focused, supports feelings of well-being.
Below is some information on this nootropic as well as research on the use of Aniracetam for anxiety. Buy Aniracetam online at this link.
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- Supports memory formation & recall
- Shown to enhance mood & reduce anxiety
Aniracetam Review
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 is a nootropic drug first synthesized in the 1970’s at the Hoffmann-La Roche pharmaceutical company.
It was originally conceived of as a stronger alternative to Piracetam while still preserving the extremely low toxicity of this original nootropic.
Part of what makes Aniracetam distinct from Piracetam for cognitive improvement is that it works like a Racetam and like an Ampakine at the same time. This means it affects both acetylcholine and glutamate AMPA receptors in the brain.
Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter connected to working memory, focus, cognition and reasoning. Glutamate is the brain’s most prevalent excitatory neurotransmitter, involved with long-term memory storage.
Aniracetam has also been shown to increase extracellular levels of serotonin and dopamine – the two most important “mood boosting” neurochemicals in the brain.
This increase in dopamine and serotonin activity in the brain may lead to the anxiolytic properties of Aniracetam. Among all of the racetam smart drugs, Aniracetam has the strongest influence on mood and anxiousness.
- Improves memory and learning
- Heightens focus and motivation
- Enhances mood and reduces anxiety & stress
Aniracetam Anxiety Effects
What are the primary benefits of taking aniracetam for anxiety, depression and mood enhancement? In answering these question we do not have to solely rely on anecdotal evidence from reviews and experience logs.
This nootropic was used clinically in Japan due to its ability to alleviate stress and low moods in patients following a cerebral ischemia.
While there have not been human research studies into its use as a treatment for anxiety or depression, it has been observed to improve emotional state and subjective measures of mood in individuals with certain forms of cognitive disorders.
There have been some studies on the anti-anxiety effects of Aniracetam usage in animals. One comprehensive study from the European Journal of Pharmacology found that Aniracetam improved social interaction test scores and reduced depression and anxiety in environmental stress tests.
Another study published in the same journal found that Aniracetam outperformed Piracetam in relieving stress and depression on similar tests.
In human reviews, users report that Aniracetam increases feelings of calmness, relaxation and being at peace with the world. Stressful scenarios become much easier to process and deal with on a less emotional level. Some describe this as an emotional blunting sensation.
Aniracetam can also decrease general anxiety and nervousness that is the result of overactive analysis, worrying fixation and obsession with past embarrassments or failures. This is likely due to increased stimulation of GABA-b receptors that follows after taking Aniracetam.
These same receptors are stimulated by alcohol consumption which explains the stereotypical “letting go” response.
Aniracetam usage may be particularly beneficial for individuals with social anxiety symptoms as it is known to cause lowering of inhibitions. This can be advantageous for individuals who are typically shy in all types of social contexts.
Another common Aniracetam experience is increased verbal proficiency, both in terms of speech and writing. You may find that thoughts come to you more readily and you are not thinking as much about what to say or write. Especially in conversational settings, this can result in increased confidence and better ability to engage with others.
Some students will also use this smart drug when studying or just before writing an exam to help reduce anxiety and make it easier to recall the right answer.
Anyone looking for a nootropic to address symptoms of depression or anhedonia may be interested in the dopamine and serotonin-boosting abilities of Aniracetam. In some reviews, it is cited as causing blissful or euphoric “high” feelings in the short-term.
This Racetam can also give you more energy, clarity and help you overcome some of the fatigue associated with depression. Many Aniracetam reviews also mention that music is more enjoyable and that colors and physical sensations are more vivid when taking this nootropic.
One often-overlooked fact has to do with how the anxiolytic effects of Aniracetam can also translate to nootropic effects. More research is looking into the role of inhibitory neurotransmitters like gamma-aminobutyric acid on cognitive function.
Consider the nootropic effects of Phenibut, which is a GABA receptor agonist. Users who take this nootropic say that it helps them to focus by quieting their over-active minds and helping them to shut out distracting thoughts.
More research needs to be conducted to understand how the effects of Aniracetam on inhibitory neuroreceptors affect cognition, focus, and attentional control.
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Anxiolytic Effects and Social Anxiety
The anxiolytic effects of Aniracetam were studied by Kazuo Nakamura at the Nippon Roche Research Center in Japan (a subsidiary of Hoffmann-La Roche, which is the company that developed this drug). The looked at three different models of anxiety disorders in mice.
One model involved a social interaction test in which dosages of Aniracetam at 10-100 mg/kg were found to increase total social interaction score. In mice, this is measured by looking at the time and frequency they spend sniffing each others’ trunks and following each other.
This pro-social effect was inhibited when administering haloperidol, mecamylamine or ketanserin. This indicates that the anxiolytic effect is mediated by nicotinic acetylcholine, 5-HT2A serotonin and D2 dopamine receptors.
Aniracetam also demonstrated anti-anxiety effects in two other mouse models known as the elevated plus-maze and conditioned fear stress tests. In these tests, administering the metabolites p-anisic acid and N-anisoyl-GABA by local perfusion reproduces the anxiolytic effects.
According to the researchers, “Our findings suggest the potential usefulness of aniracetam against various types of anxiety-related disorders and social failure/impairments.”
Aniracetam and Depression Treatment
In Japan, Aniracetam has been used as a treatment for depression and mood problems following a cerebral ischemia. It has also been used off-label to address low moods.
In one Greek research study, administration of Aniracetam over a 12-month periods to individuals diagnosed with cognitive impairment was found to improve emotional state.
Clinically, it has been observed to help alleviate post-stroke depression. Individuals who suffer a cerebral ischemia often experience mood disorders in the aftermath. The mood enhancement effects of this nootropic seem to help, though it is not understood exactly why this occurs.
A 2001 research study examined the anti-depressant effects of Aniracetam in a rat model. This study used a force swim test on young and aged rats. This is a rodent behavioral test used to evaluate the ability of drugs to render or prevent depressive-like states.
It is considered to be a reliable animal model for depression. Rats are placed in a tank filled with water that requires them to swim to stay afloat. Their swimming activity and escape-related behavior is then measured with the assumption that rats who swim for long periods of time and try harder to escape are mote motivated and less likely to exhibit signs of depression.
In the study “Antidepressant-like effects of aniracetam in aged rats and its mode of action“, researchers gave either 10 or 100 mg/kg dosages of this nootropic to rats by mouth. Researchers found that in the young rats (9 weeks old), there was no effect on immobility time observed.
However, in the aged rats (25-30 months old), a 100 mg/kg oral dosage significantly reduced the immobility time. According to the researchers, ” These results indicate that aniracetam acts more effective when the forced swim stress-induced immobility is accompanied with brain dysfunction that occurs with aging.”
The researchers also found that the effects of Aniracetam were mimicked when the primary metabolites of this drug were administered directly. When Aniracetam is ingested, it undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism to be broken down into 2-pyrrolidinone and N-anisoyl-GABA.
The anti-depressant effects of Aniracetam can be largely attributed to these two compounds. It is believed that 2-pyrrolidinone and N-anisoyl-GABA increase dopaminergic activity in the brain via nicotinic acetylcholine receptor stimulation.
Research has also shown that perfusions of these two compounds into the rat brain directly can increase the release of dopamine from neurons as well as activation of Dopamine D2 receptors. Dopamine is an important target of anti-depressant medications due to the role it plays in mood regulation and goal-seeking behavior.
Aniracetam Effects on Dopamine and Serotonin
The mood-enhancing effects of Aniracetam have been attributed to its ability to stimulate the release of Dopamine (DA) and Serotonin (5-HT) within the blood-brain brain. Many drugs used to treat anxiety and depression affect the function of these neurotransmitters.
Dopamine is one of the excitatory neurotransmitters found in the brain, responsible for signalling feelings of pleasure, reward, motivation, sex drive, alertness as well as playing a role in muscle movement.
Individuals with low dopamine have been observed to exhibit signs of depression, feelings of helplessness and chronic fatigue. When levels of dopamine are increased, it can result in increased mental drive, concentration, energy and desire.
Serotonin is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that also plays a role in regulating mood and is sometimes called the “Happy Hormone”. It is linked to feelings of contentment, relaxation, positivity, and helps to stabilize our mood.
When levels of serotonin fall too low, it can result in an irritable mood, aggression, anxiety, lack of focus, stress and disrupted sleep patterns. Increasing serotonin has been linked to sensations of euphoria, improved sociability, general feelings of well-being and reduced anxiousness.
Research from rat studies shows that Aniracetam can increase extracellular levels of these chemicals in the prefrontal cortex, basolateral amygdala and dorsal hippocampus of SHRSP rats. Stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive (SHRSP) rats are used as a model for cerebrovascular disease and other forms of brain deterioration.
In this study, aniracetam was orally administered and concentrations of dopamine and serotonin were measured in the relevant parts of the rat brain. The researchers also found that locally perfusing mecamylamine blocked the release of these neurotransmitters following aniracetam ingestion.
Mecamylamine is a drug that can block the activation of nicotinic acetylcholine (nACh) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. This suggests that Aniracetam stimulates the release of dopamine and serotonin indirectly by activating nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.
The researchers further looked at the effects of directly perfusing two metabolites of Aniracetam – p-anisic acid and N-anisoyl-GABA – into the brain. These are compounds that Aniracetam is converted into by the liver following oral administration.
They found that perfusion of p-anisic acid and N-anisoyl-GABA replicated the results of oral Aniracetam, indicating that the main way that this nootropic stimulates Dopamine and Serotonin release is through its metabolites acting on nACh receptors.
Effects on GABA Receptors
GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain and a prominent therapeutic target of medications used to address anxiety. Benzodiazepine drugs like diazepam (Valium) and clonazepam (Rivotril) work by stimulating GABA receptors.
An estimated 40% of the synapses found in the human brain have GABA receptors. This neurotransmitter functions to control neuronal activity, preventing over-stimulation.
It inhibits signals, making sure that only the most important messages in the brain are acted on. Anxiety is thought to occur when our neurons are over-excited; this neurotransmitter is involved in calming us down and enabling us to focus on the most important information.
Aniracetam is indirectly derived from GABA and one of its chief metabolites in humans is n-anisoyl-GABA. However, it is unclear what specific effect Aniracetam has on GABA receptors and studies have found contradictory results.
Research shows that Aniracetam inhibits kainite receptors, making them less sensitive to glutamate. Because activation of kainite receptors can decrease GABAergic activity, the result of inhibiting the receptors could increase GABA receptor activation.
In one study on the effects of aniracetam in gerbils, oral administration of this nootropic at a dosage of 100 mg/kg was found to increase the extracellular levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid.
In another study, Piracetam and aniracetam antagonism of centrally active drug-induced antinociception, this nootropic was found to block some of the effects of baclofen (a GABAergic drug).
The researchers concluded that Aniracetam and Piracetam may work by preventing inhibition of GABA-B recepors. They state, “The present results indicate that piracetam and aniracetam, by preventing both of the investigated effects of baclofen, have some selectivity against GABAB-mediated inhibition.”
More research is needed to understand how Aniracetam affects GABAergic neurotransmission in the human brain. It is unclear what effect it has on GABA and whether this contributes to its purported anti-anxiety effects or the benefits for learning and memory.
How to Use Aniracetam for Anxiety
A typical dosage of Aniracetam as an anti-anxiety nootropic agent is between 750 – 1,500 mg split into 1 – 3 dosages per day. It is advised to start out with a smaller dose for your first time to get used to the effects.
Previously, 0.2 grams of this nootropic were given to patients in Japan three times daily to address depression and anxiety following a cerebral ischemia.
Online sources recommend that users increase their dosages slowly over the course of a week to observe for side effects.
If you find that you are developing a tolerance to the effects, consider cycling off of Aniracetam every two weeks and switching with another nootropic for anxiety.
One important point of note is that Aniracetam powder has a much shorter half-life than other nootropics like Oxiracetam, Pramiracetam or Piracetam. The effects of this drug typically peak after one hour and wear off within 2-3 hours.
You might want to stack your dose with a choline supplement (Alpha GPC or Citicoline) to get the best results. Use of this compound with a choline source is purported to prevent headaches that can sometimes develop with use of the racetams.
Other Aniracetam stacks for anxiety can include Inositol, Phenibut, Picamilon, Noopept, GABA, Lemon Balm, L-Theanine or Sulbutiamine.
Aniracetam supplements are fat soluble, which means you will need to take them with some sort of lipid source in order for them to be absorbed properly. Two common options are mixing your powder into milk or taking your pills alongside fish oil capsules.
In research studies, the power has been mixed into water with an emulsifier 60 – 90 minutes before administration. This enables this fat soluble nootropic to form a suspension in the liquid.
Consumption of Aniracetam powder is considered to have a bad taste. If you find the taste to be too bitter, you can also purchase this nootropic in oral capsule form. Other manufacturers sell pre-measured satchets of granules mixed with artificial flavoring agents and sweeteners to hide the taste.
You can buy Aniracetam online for $26.99 for 100 capsules of 750 mg each at Absorb Health, making this one of the cheapest nootropics for sale today.
Can it Make Anxiety Worse?
Any drug or supplement that you take has the potential to produce side effects. These adverse effects can be different from person to person: your experience with this nootropic agent may be significantly different from someone else’s experience.
Some users report that taking Aniracetam can cause them to feel more agitated, nervous, anxious, or stressed. Individuals have reported increased jaw tension, muscle tension, low energy, lack of focus (brain fog), irritability, difficulty sitting still and a lack of motivation after taking this nootropic.
It is unclear why some individuals experience a worsening of anxiety and depression while on this nootropic. Small changes in dosage can also produce significant differences in the effects experienced.
Other side effects have been reported including nausea, headaches, increased perspiration, dizziness, changes in temperature and insomnia.
In clinical research studies, Aniracetam is reported to be well-tolerated and safe to take. Adverse effects like agitation and nervousness have declined with frequency as individuals continue to use this nootropic supplement.
Before taking Aniracetam for anxiety, depression or any other form of mood disorder, consult with a doctor to determine whether it is appropriate for you and whether it may interact with other drugs or supplements you are currently using.
The use of Aniracetam as a treatment for anxiety disorders or depression has not been approved by the FDA in the United States.
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- Nakamura K, Kurasawa M. Serotonergic mechanisms involved in the attentional and vigilance task performance of rats and the palliative action of aniracetam. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 2000
- Fushiki S, Matsumoto K, Nagata A. Neurite outgrowth of murine cerebellar granule cells can be enhanced by aniracetam with or without alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA). Neurosci Lett. 1995
Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment