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Piracetam and Aniracetam are the two most popular racetam nootropics with benefits reported for memory, focus, mood and productivity.
Are there any additional benefits to using an Aniracetam Piracetam Stack as opposed to taking these compounds individually? Some users report that the combined effects of these nootropic agents are more powerful than if taken on their own.
Stacking Aniracetam with Piracetam is believed to promote a synergistic effect, resulting in increased potency and requiring a smaller dosage. These nootropics also have different ranges of effects and may produce a better overall experience when taken together.
Building a nootropic stack that helps you reach your goals for mental performance can require some experimentation. Not everyone responds to stacks in the same way.
Having a clear understanding of how each of these smart drugs affects you individually before stacking them will offer guidance as to what you might expect from the combination. Certain aspects of one or the other may become heightened, while other effects may be diminished.
What is the benefit of stacking these two racetams together and how do Aniracetam and Piracetam affect one another?
In this article, we will discuss the research comparing Aniracetam with Piracetam as well as how to use these nootropic drugs in a stack and the positive and negative results shared in user reviews.
Motivation
Memory
Mood- Heightens focus & motivation
- Supports memory formation & recall
- Shown to enhance mood & reduce anxiety
Aniracetam and Piracetam
Related Topics
Piracetam was the first Racetam nootropic agent developed and it has a long history of research and clinical use.
With Piracetam, users have reported experiencing an increase in memory ability, particularly in memory formation, consolidation, and recall. Learning ability may be enhanced and many users say they are able to focus better and for longer periods of time.
This nootropic drug crosses the blood-brain barrier and binds to acetylcholine receptors on your neurons. It modulates these receptor sites to make them more sensitive to the effects of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
The cholinergic system in the brain is involved in working memory, information processing, attention switching and regulation of behavior.
Piracetam also influences neuron membrane fluidity, increases blood flow and glucose uptake in brain cells. It has been shown to enhance alpha and beta brain wave activity in certain regions and exhibits a neuroprotective effect.
Aniracetam was developed as a stronger analogue of Piracetam. It has a similar molecular structure, but with some slight modifications that make it fat soluble and more potent.
Aniracetam is used to improve memory and concentration while also working as an anxiolytic (anxiety reducer) in some users. It has been prescribed clinically in parts of Europe for Age-Related Memory Decline and for promoting cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
Many of the effects of Aniracetam are similar to those of Piracetam, such as increasing cholinergic activity in regions of the brain connected to memory function. Aniracetam also increases activation of AMPA receptors for the glutamate neurotransmitter system.
Glutamate is involved in long-term memory formation through an interneuronal mechanism called Long-Term Potentiation. This refers to the enhancement of signal strength at a neuronal synapse.
Aniracetam also has indirect effects on the serotonin and dopamine neurotransmitter systems, which are involved in mood regulation and produce our emotional state. Both serotonin and dopamine are connected to feelings of happiness, pleasure and satisfaction.
Users who take Aniracetam have reported that it causes them to feel more positive, confident, relaxed, social, less anxious and generally “brighter”. Some people say that it has a benefit for anxiety and depression, but more research is needed to evaluate its therapeutic efficacy for these conditions.
Some people experience an enhanced sense of perception with these racetams as well. Some examples of this heightened perception include reports of seeing an increase in the richness or saturation of certain colors.
Comparison
The primary disadvantage of Piracetam is that large doses are required in order to see significant benefits. Dosages of between 4,800 to 9,600 mg have been used in some studies.
Piracetam is water soluble and has low oral bioavailability. This means that only a small amount of the dosage consumed will reach the therapeutic target in the body.
In research studies, 1,500 mg dosages of Aniracetam have been found to be more effective than 2,400 mg dosages of Piracetam for increasing memory function. One study examined the effects of these two racetam nootropics in healthy volunteers given scopolamine – a known memory-blocking agent.
In this study, participants who took Aniracetam 60 minutes after scopalamine experienced improvements on memory and information processing tasks. There were also significant effects from treatment with Piracetam, but results were not definitive. [1]
Aniracetam is more potent than Piracetam and less is required for each dose in order to achieve the desired effects. However, some people may have a better response to Piracetam than Aniracetam.
Potency is a measure of the amount of a specific substance required to produce an effect. The fact that Aniracetam is more potent than Piracetam does not necessarily mean that it will work better for you as a cognitive enhancer.
Aniracetam Piracetam Stack Effect
Most users of the Aniracetam Piracetam stack find that taking these two in combination have more profound effects than either in isolation.
There have not been any research studies looking at the benefits from stacking racetams together. Most of what we know about how these two work synergistically is based on anecdotal user reviews and hypotheses from mechanistic studies.
The effects of Piracetam are subtle and may take a long time to develop. However, Piracetam is anecdotally reported to potentiate the effects of other racetams.
It is thought that Piracetam increases oxygenation within the cerebral cortex and facilitates cholinergic neurotransmission. This nootropic may be more effective for increase alertness, mental energy levels and for factors underlying cognitive health.
Aniracetam has a much faster kick-in time and users begin to feel the effects more rapidly. However, it also has a very short half-life and the duration of effects is not as long as other racetam nootropic agents.
Aniracetam boosts focus and motivation for many who take it, but in some it can cause restlessness, anxiety or muscle tension. Taking a lower dose in combination with Piracetam may help to eliminate these effects.
Piracetam does not have any significant mood-boosting effects, although some research studies suggest that it has a mood-balancing effect. Adding Aniracetam to the stack can promote mood enhancement among individuals who are feeling low or want to increase their confidence.
Below are some comments from users about their experiences with this stack and how they are taking these products together.
If you want obvious benefits on cognition in two weeks, aniracetam 750mg 4xdaily (as in a DARPA funded study on its effects). Otherwise, you probably won’t see any profound increases in performance at the doses I cited for at least six weeks, then again at somewhere around 12 and 24.
…Aniracetam does have more profound effects than Piracetam in my experience, and clinical studies also would back this assertion. I find the two combined have more profound effects than either in isolation. Sadly, no one seems to have researched the effects of combining racetams, so in that anyone interested much rely on experimentation. Aniracetam has anxiolytic properties to boot, making it even more attractive to a certain subset of cognitive enhancement seekers. It also doesn’t seem to increase liver enzyme levels, which is also attractive.” – kikai93 [2]
Memory
Attention Brain Health- Promotes neuron health & synaptic plasticity
- Supports memory recall & learning
- Boosts focus, visual perception & attention
Dosages
Any time you decide to combine two nootropics in a stack, it is important to first have experience with taking these compounds individually.
Two different people may have very different responses to the same nootropic supplement. Some people find that Aniracetam reduces anxiousness and nervousness while others experience higher levels of anxiety and panic attacks with use.
You should experiment with Aniracetam and Piracetam on their own first at low doses before beginning to take a stack. Once you have determined that they affect you positively in isolation, then you can mix them together.
Most people will start with taking Piracetam as their first nootropic at a dosage between 1,200 – 2,400 mg per day. This dose is gradually increased to 4,800 – 9,800 mg per day to become familiar with the effects.
Aniracetam is used in a dosage range between 750 mg to 1500 mg per day. Some people will start with a dose of 400 mg to observe any side effects and then increase to a maximum dose of 3,000 mg daily.
These dosage recommendations are general guidelines only and you may require a different dose depending on your different factors including age, weight, physiology, medical status and the reason for taking a nootropic.
It is always recommended that you start with the lowest possible dosage and work your way up, noting side effects and reducing dosage as necessary.
Racetams can take 4-6 weeks for the full benefits to be experienced. Cycling on and off racetams is recommended to avoid any tolerance from developing.
You should also be adding a choline supplement to the Piracetam Aniracetam stack for best results.
How to Take an Aniracetam Piracetam Stack
Users report that when taking Aniracetam with Piracetam, lower dosages of each are necessary to achieve benefits. It is recommended to start with 1,200 to 1,600 mg of Piracetam powder combined with 400mg of Aniracetam powder.
Some users may decide to increase the dosage up to 4,800 mg of Piracetam with 1,600 mg of Aniracetam. It is recommended to titrate your doses over two weeks and to never take more than required to achieve beneficial effects.
Users will often describe their dosages in terms of ratios between Aniracetam and Piracetam. For example, our recommended beginner’s nootropic stack has a 4:1 ratio of Piracetam to Aniracetam.
You may find better results with a different ratio including 2:1 or 1:1. One user reports that 800 mg of Piracetam to 750 mg of Aniracetam taken twice a day produces the best effects. Others have seen benefits with 1,600 mg of Piracetam to 3,000 mg of Aniracetam per day.
Remember that Piracetam is water soluble and should be taken on an empty stomach, while Aniracetam is fat soluble and should be taken with a fat source.
Because Piracetam is water soluble, consuming it with lipids could interfere with its absorption from the gastrointestinal tract and could reduce oral bioavailability. It is best to consume it without food and to mix the powder into a liquid.
It is not necessary to consume Aniracetam with food in order to experience benefits. Pharmacokinetic studies show that it is highly absorbed from the gut even if you administer it on an empty stomach. However, taking it with a fat source like fish oil, milk or a meal is presumed to improve absorption.
Based on this, some users recommend taking Piracetam about 20-30 minutes before a meal followed by Aniracetam after the meal. Because Aniracetam has a faster kick-in time, this timing of dosages makes sense.
Below is a review from one user who found this dosage strategy to be effective:
I usually just dissolve the aniracetam in a few ounces of milk if I don’t feel like eating (requires lots of stirring).” – chrono [2]
If a headache is experienced when taking these nootropics, adding a good source of Choline to your stack is recommended.
It is believed that the increase in acetylcholine activity linked to Racetams can deplete stores of this neurotransmitter and cause headaches to occur.
Choline is a natural dietary nutrient found in foods like eggs, fish, dairy, spinach, red meats and poultry. This nutrient is necessary to make the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
You can use a choline bitartrate supplement alongside Aniracetam and Piracetam in your stack. But not all forms of this supplement are equally effective for promoting cognitive ability.
CDP Choline (Citicoline) and Alpha GPC (Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine) are two forms that have better bioavailability and cross the blood-brain barrier in higher amounts. These supplements also have nootropic benefits of their own.
Dosages of 200 to 400 mg of Alpha GPC and CDP Choline are typical, but you may need to experiment to find the best combination for your needs. If headaches persist, you may need to consider different nootropic supplements instead.
There are a number of additional cognitive enhancers that can be added to this stack including Oxiracetam, Noopept, Pramiracetam L-Theanine, Phenibut, Vinpocetine or Centrophenoxine. Find out more about Aniracetam stacks here.
- Focus longer, clear brain fog & feel more motivated
- Boost energy, alertnes & memory
- Contains 12 safe and natural nootropic ingredients
Side Effects & Safety
Both Aniracetam and Piracetam products are generally well tolerated when used appropriately. They are considered to be safe and do not pose a risk of serious health dangers.
Side effects are possible when these nootropic supplements are used independently or when taken in a stack. Certain people appear to be more susceptible to experiencing the negative effects and for some the side effects may outweigh the benefits.
Some of the most commonly reported side effects for both of these nootropic agents include headache, restlessness, anxiety, difficulty falling asleep, vertigo, mild stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, rash skin rash and fatigue. [1]
Not everyone responds positively when first starting to use these compounds. Side effects are reported in higher frequency during the first four weeks of use.
The risk of adverse effects may increase when combining these cognitive enhancers at higher dosages. It is important to start at low doses to gauge your tolerance before increasing to the full suggested dosage.
Some users have reported throbbing headaches and pressure behind their eyes when they take Piracetam with Aniracetam. These same people often note that they have used these nootropics individually without side effects.
In some cases, adding a choline source can mitigate the headaches but this does not work for all users. If you continue to experience headaches even after changing your dosage and adjusting your choline source and ratio, you may need to stop taking your stack and use these nootropics on their own.
Between Piracetam and Aniracetam, most of the side effects are the same which reflects their similar mechanisms of action. There are a few distinctions.
Aniracetam is prone to causing more anxiety and mood-related adverse effects in some users. Piracetam has a higher prevalence of causing excessive stimulation
Neither increase liver enzyme levels or show a risk of tolerance, addiction or significant withdrawal symptoms. In animal studies, the dosages required to produce toxic side effects are many times greater than the standard dose use.
Find out more about the specific side effects of Aniracetam here and the potential negative effects of Piracetam here.
If you do experience adverse effects when taking a Piracetam and Aniracetam stack, adjusting your dosages or adding a choline source can help to minimize most symptoms. You may find that taking these nootropics together produces side effects while use of one racetam at a time does not.
Where to Buy
It should be noted that in the United States, Piracetam and Aniracetam are both unscheduled, unregulated compounds. As the parent compound of the Racetam family, Piracetam has been used for many years around the world as either a prescription or over the counter drug.
However in the US, the FDA has not approved Piracetam or Aniractam as drugs to prevent or treat any conditions. It is legal to buy, own, and use these racetams in the US and in many other countries like Canada and Australia.
However due to FDA regulations surrounding the sales and labeling of unregulated compounds such as these, there are not many vendors within the US that still sell them. You will not find these nootropics in local stores or at GNC, Walmart, Amazon, CVS, Costco or Walgreens.
Some online specialized nootropic stores based in the US stock Racetams, however the number of these stores is limited. If they can’t get what they want from domestic stores then many users will instead import their nootropics from countries where the sale of racetams is legal and regulated.
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- Lee CR, Benfield P. Aniracetam. An overview of its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, and a review of its therapeutic potential in senile cognitive disorders. Drugs Aging. 1994 Mar;4(3):257-73.
- How to stack Ani / Piracetam? Longecity.
- How to stack Ani / Piracetam? Longecity.
- Elston TW, Pandian A, Smith GD, Holley AJ, Gao N, Lugo JN. Aniracetam does not alter cognitive and affective behavior in adult C57BL/6J mice. PLoS One. 2014
- Gabryel B, Adamczyk J, Huzarska M, Pude?ko A, Trzeciak HI. Aniracetam attenuates apoptosis of astrocytes subjected to simulated ischemia in vitro. Neurotoxicology. 2002
- Cai S, Wang L. Determination of aniracetam's main metabolite, N-anisoyl-GABA, in human plasma by LC-MS/MS and its application to a pharmacokinetic study. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci. 2012
- Sourander LB, Portin R, Mölsä P, Lahdes A, Rinne UK. Senile dementia of the Alzheimer type treated with aniracetam: a new nootropic agent. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 1987
- Asztely F, Hanse E, Wigström H, Gustafsson B. Aniracetam-evoked potentiation does not interact with long-term potentiation in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Synapse. 1992
- Nakamura K. Aniracetam: its novel therapeutic potential in cerebral dysfunctional disorders based on recent pharmacological discoveries. CNS Drug Rev. 2002
- Yamada K, Inoue T, Tanaka M, Furukawa T. Prolongation of latencies for passive avoidance responses in rats treated with aniracetam or piracetam. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1985
- Petkov VD, Mosharrof AH, Milenkov B, Enev V. Learning and memory effects of four newly-synthesized aniracetam analogues. Acta Physiol Pharmacol Bulg. 1989
- Spignoli G, Pepeu G. Interactions between oxiracetam, aniracetam and scopolamine on behavior and brain acetylcholine. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1987
- Ricci S, et al . Piracetam in acute stroke: a systematic review. J Neurol. 2000 Apr;247(4):263-6.
- Kessler J, et al . Piracetam improves activated blood flow and facilitates rehabilitation of poststroke aphasic patients. Stroke. 2000 Sep;31(9):2112-6.
- Brandão F, et al . Piracetam promotes mossy fiber synaptic reorganization in rats withdrawn from alcohol. Alcohol. 1996 May-Jun;13(3):239-49.
- Domaska-Janik K, Zaleska M. The action of piracetam on 14C-glucose metabolism in normal and posthypoxic rat cerebral cortex slices. Pol J Pharmacol Pharm. 1977 Mar-Apr;29(2):111-6.
- Grotemeyer KH, et al . Piracetam versus acetylsalicylic acid in secondary stroke prophylaxis. A double-blind, randomized, parallel group, 2 year follow-up study. J Neurol Sci. 2000 Dec 1;181(1-2):65-72.
Article last updated on: March 16th, 2018 by Nootriment
8 Comments
This was a good article to read. Just what I was looking for. Now my question if you don’t mind me asking.
At the moment I been on piracetam for 3 weeks now. I notice in the first 2 weeks I didn’t notice a difference. I started with 1600g 3x a day.
Since I didn’t notice a difference i increased it to 2000g 2x morning,and afternoon, and 1 night at 800gm. it’s been a couple days now.
Now my question regarding your statement. If I start taking then both you said to start out with 3g a day. Does that have to be split up for better effect? Same goes with Aniracetam do I split the dosage?
Do I take both of them at the same time or do I have to wait before taking the other?
Sorry i’m new to this whole brain thing.
My main goal is better focus. my mind is always racing, sometimes bouncing around and am unable to focus on one thing at a time. Really looking to get a calm/focused feeling.
Second would be reading comprehension . Love reading computer books but have a hard time retaining a lot of the information.
Thank you in advance.
Hey Louie,
If you have already tried 2,000 mg of Piracetam on its own without significant effects, I would use 3,000 mg at once with 750 mg of Aniracetam.
You could try using that dosage twice a day with about 4-6 hours in between dosings. Aniracetam does have quite a short half-life, though many users report that the effects seem to last longer when it is stacked with Piracetam.
Thank you for the feedback. I did get off piracetam for about 3 weeks and went with aniracetam to see how that went. I been on it for about 4 weeks now at 250mg 3 times a day. I did see some improvements but not enough.
At this point combining these 2 together now what would be a good starting dosage since I been off on piracetam for a while now…
Thanks again for the feedback.
Louie could you email me I want to talk over some stuff of your stack? [email protected]
Hey, great article!
I´m new to nootropics and ive been looking around and I think this is the right stack for me. Do you guys think its absolutely necesary to start each reacetam individually? Im starting a new job and I´ll rather get the stack´s benefits asap. Would it be wrong if I just start right away? I was thinking to start with a 3g Piracetam, 1g aniracetam, 0.5mg Alpha GPC.
Thanks!
Hi – I’ve utilized this site for a long time and really appreciate the good information. This is the first question that I’ve posted. I hear a lot about “cycling” on and off the Nootropics. Can you define exactly what that means? Do I have to be off ALL of them during the off time? and how long should that be? I enjoy taking the weekends off usually. Is that enough?
Hi TallyGal,
Thanks for your question! Different nootropics will require different cycles. For the racetams such as phenylpiracetam or pramiracetam, these are typically used about 3 days a week out of 7. Other supplements like Sulbutiamine may be used for one week and then not used for another week. Rhodiola Rosea is typically used for two weeks and then not used for one week.
By cycling with different nootropics, some users avoid an “off” period and instead just switch the compounds in their stack to prevent efficacy from being lost.
I hope that helps answer your questions!
I am hallucinating after taking piracetam..how to treat my hallucinations