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Before you decide to start using Aniracetam, you might be wondering whether there are any negative side effects that can occur.
Is Aniracetam safe or is there potential for a dangerous bad reaction or overdose? Especially when taking nootropic supplements that are known to influence the brain, it is important to consider the risk of potential side effects.
Based on clinical research reviews, this nootropic drug is believed to be non-toxic and to have a low risk of adverse effects. Aniracetam is regarded to be safe and most users do not encounter any serious side effects when taking this supplement.
That being said, negative side effects have been reported in user reviews. Headaches are the most common adverse reaction, followed by anxiety, irritation, insomnia and nausea.
There are some steps that you can take to ensure that you are being as safe as possible when using this nootropic to lessen the risk of mild unwanted effects. Buy Aniracetam online at this link.
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Mood- Heightens focus & motivation
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Is Aniracetam Safe?
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
According to one research review of Aniracetam, “on available evidence the drug appears to be generally well tolerated.”
Most nootropics in the racetam class are well-tolerated by humans and do not cause serious side effects.
The term “Nootropic” was originally coined by Dr. Corneliu E. Giurgea to refer to substances like Piracetam which could enhance cognitive function, without causing adverse effects.
Under the original definition, in order for a substance to be considered a nootropic it had to, “Exhibit few side effects and extremely low toxicity, while lacking the pharmacology of typical psychotropic drugs (motor stimulation, sedation, etc.)”.
According to research reviews of clinical studies, Aniracetam is regarded as safe for human use, non-toxic and it does not cause serious side effects.
The majority of Nootropic users do not see any serious side effects. Of those who do, most report some level of headache being there number one issue. This can be overcome by adding dosages of Choline to your diet or by using an Aniracetam stack with a supplement like Alpha GPC.
Other issues may include increased nervousness, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, and other intestinal issues.
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- Enhances mood and reduces anxiety & stress
Aniracetam Side Effects:
As with other Racetam Nootropics, Aniracetam is not linked to serious side effects. According to a review in the journal Brain Research, “The racetams possess a very low toxicity and lack serious side effects.”
One research review points out that the incidence rates of side effects from this nootropic are not known. However, adverse effects reported are generally mild and did not require discontinuation of the drug.
The most commonly reported adverse effects include:
- Unrest
- Anxiety
- Uneasiness
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Somnolence (Drowsiness)
- Vertigo
- Mild Epigastric Pain
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Rash
When comparing Aniracetam vs. Piracetam side effects, many of the adverse events reported are the same. Aniracetam is generally described as more stimulating and may cause more side effects related to this.
In research studies, the oral LD50 determined in rats is 4500 mg/kg of bodyweight. This is many times greater than the standard dosage.
Aniracetam should not be used by pregnant or nursing mothers due to insufficient research available regarding the safety of this drug on developing babies.
Be sure to check with a healthcare professional before taking this or any other cognitive enhancer to determine whether it will interact with other medications or pre-existing health conditions that you may have.
Why Does Aniracetam Cause Headaches?
Among individuals who report side effects, the most common is headaches when taking Aniracetam powder in dosages above the recommended amount. These are thought to be caused by the brain’s increased demand and use of Acetylcholine.
One of the purported benefits of Aniracetam is improved short-term memory and long-term memory, mediated by cholinergic receptors.
Acetylcholine is one of the neurotransmitters affected by racetam nootropic drugs. It is believed that racetams promote cholinergic neurotransmission, resulting in more acetylcholine being released from neurons.
According to some theories, if an adequate supply is not present, then the receptor sites suffer from a situation referred to as receptor site burn out. Not only can this lean to a reduction of the purported memory-boosting effects of this product, it can also result in headaches.
The solution to this is introducing some type of choline source like Alpha GPC or Citicoline to your supplementation regimen. Choline is a dietary nutrient and a precursor for the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine, resulting in greater stores of this neurotransmitter in your neurons.
There have not been any research studies looking at the effects of stacking Aniracetam with choline supplements for headache reduction. However, based on anecdotal reports in user reviews, this does appear to be an effective strategy for mitigating this side effect.
Other side effects include increased nervousness and anxiety, fatigue, nausea, and other GI distress. These effects are more likely to occur when high dosages are used or when an individual is first starting to take tis nootropic.
If any of these conditions occur, it is important to immediately reduce the dosage to under the recommended levels for a few days. If the side effects are bothersome or continue, it may be recommended to discontinue use for several days before starting to take this nootropic again.
Effects on the Liver
Aniracetam does not cause liver toxicity or raise levels of liver enzymes. This nootropic racetam undergoes extensive first pass metabolism in the liver where it gets converted into N-anisoyl-GABA, 2-pyrrolidinone, and anisic acid. It is likely metabolized by CYP450 isoenzymes (Cytochromes P450 isozymes).
There are over 50 enzymes in this class and six of these are believed to be involved in the metabolization (detoxification) of 90% of pharmaceutical drugs used today. The two most significant enzymes are CYP3A4 and CYP2D6.
Use of compounds that require metabolization by the liver is sometimes a risk factor for hepatic toxicity and other more serious health conditons as levels of these enzymes are increased and can strain liver function. However, there is no evidence of it causing adverse effects on hepatic function or liver health.
In research studies, patients given this nootropic orally did not see elevated blood levels of liver enzymes or experience negative effects related to hepatotoxicity.
Side Effects Reported in User Reviews
User reviews provide some of the best information available about how racetam nootropics affect the human body. While Aniracetam has been studied in clinical research trials, it has not been extensively studied.
Anecdotal information can provide significant insight into the common experiences with this nootropic. While anecdotal information is less reliable than findings from research studies, it does provide a valuable stand-in when that data is lacking.
In this section, we will explore the adverse effects reported by individuals who have taken Aniracetam for short or long periods of time. This information is presented without frequency data, descriptions on how the product was taken or which brand/form of the smart drug was used.
All of these things can affect the safety profile of a nootropic and should be carefully considered before you start taking a cognitive enhancement protocol.
It is important to note that the majority of user reviews posted online do not mention side effects. While we are highlighting the reported side effects below, these reports should be taken in context since most people do not experience side effects when using this nootropic.
1. Vivid Dreams or Lucid Dreams
Some users have reported an increase in vivid dreams and/or nightmares when using this racetam. This is likely due to its effects on neurotransmitters linked to dreaming, such as acetylcholine.
Aniracetam has also been reported to increase the likelihood of experiencing lucid dreams, where one is aware of dreaming while still in the dream state. It has been used to induce lucid dreams along with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors like Huperzine A or Galantamine.
Some individuals find the increased vividness of their dreams to be disturbing or to interfere with getting a full nights’ sleep and waking feeling rested. If this happens to you, it may be recommended to stop taking the nootropic at an earlier time in the day.
2. Poor Sleep Quality or Insomnia
Some individuals find it difficult to “turn their brains off” and fall into a restful state to prepare for falling asleep. Aniracetam may cause a worsening of insomnia symptoms in those who are already experiencing disturbed sleep.
This is attributed to its ability to stimulate increased release of noradrenaline, which is one of the neurotransmitters that promotes vigilance and alertness in the brain.
Other individuals have reported that while it doesn’t impair or delay their ability to fall asleep, use of this nootropic can make their sleep feel less productive so that they have to sleep for a longer period of time or wake up feeling less rested.
Another infrequent complaint is night sweats or nocturnal hyperhidrosis. Some say that Aniracetam increases their body temperature at night and can cause them to feel excessively sweaty during the night.
To prevent this adverse effect, it is recommended to use Aniracetam early in the day and do not take it after 2 PM in the afternoon. While the drug is rapidly eliminated from the body following oral ingestion, some people may metabolize it at different rates and may be more susceptible to experiencing insomnia following use.
3. Anxiousness or Unease
Some aniracetam users report feeling nervous or uneasy when they take this smart drug. Others describe a feeling of restlessness, agitation, irritability, jitters or muscle tension.
While Aniracetam is often described as having an anxiolytic mechanism of action (meaning that it tends to reduce feelings of anxiety), some individuals seem to feel a worsening of anxiety.
User reviews have described a worsening of “mental chatter” or a feeling of uncontrollable thoughts, paranoia, general discomfort, and excessive stimulation or excitation.
This may also manifest with physical symptoms including jaw tension, clenching of the jaw, muscle aches, chest pain, or general muscle tension.
Aniracetam is known to stimulate AMPA receptors for the neurotransmitter glutamate, which could cause some individuals to feel more excitable and lead to agitation or anxiety.
This effect seems most prominent in first-time users of the drug and it tends to go away with repeated use. It may be made worse by combining this nootropic with stimulants like caffeine or with other smart drugs and cognitive enhancers.
4. Lack of Focus
One of the purported benefits of Aniracetam is improved attention and concentration. In some cases, users have experienced brain fog, confusion, a lack of mental clarity, slower mental processing and distraction after taking Aniracetam.
Some users attribute this brain fog to excessive dosages of Aniracetam power or oral tablets. Others say that it seems to be related to the amount or type of choline supplement used.
Individuals have also reported feeling hyper-focused, “high” or “amped” after taking a nootropic, only to be followed by an energy crash and brain fog.
Adjusting the stack or dosage used appears to be the most effective way to combat this particular adverse effect.
5. Apathy
Low mood, irritability, lack of motivation, focus and drive have been reported in some cases. Some users say that they feel “spaced out” and unable to be productive following consumption.
Others say that they feel a general lack of sympathy/empathy when using Aniracetam and experience an emotional dampening effect. They may not feel joy or pleasure, but they also don’t feel low emotions either.
It is unclear why some individuals experience this adverse effect. Aniracetam has been used as a treatment for depression and anxiety in patients following cerebral ischemia.
6. Fatigue
Some users experience increased somnolence (sleepiness, drowsiness) when using Aniracetam. It is unclear why some individuals exhibit this response.
If you feel tired after taking your dosage, it may be recommended to change how you are using this nootropic by adjusting the stack or dosage used. If this effect continues, you may want to discontinue use and consider other nootropics that work on different pathways.
Other Adverse Effects
Increased or Decreased Body Temperature: Some individuals experience temperature changes, either becoming too hot or too cold with use.
Skin Rash: Some users experience a rash or reddening of the skin, which may be accompanied by itching or hypersensitivity.
Nausea: In some cases, users may experience digestive discomfort, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain. This may be prevented or minimized by consuming the nootropic with food.
Dizziness or Vertigo: Some have reported light-headedness, instability on their feet, or feelings of spinning after use.
Tinnitus: Some individuals experience a ringing in the ears after using racetams.
Glutamate Excitotoxicity
Can Aniracetam cause excitotoxicity? This is an on-going debate about whether or not this racetam nootropic has the potential to result in excitotoxicity or whether it may have a protective effect against this symptoms.
Excitotoxicity refers to excessive stimulation of neurons by excitatory neurotransmitter, such as glutamate. When receptors on these neurons are over-activated, it can cause nerve cells to be damaged or killed due to excessively high levels of calcium ions entering the cell.
An influx of calcium ions results in the activation of a number of enzymes within the neuronal cell, including phospholipases, endonucleases, and proteases. In excessive amounts, these enzymes cause damage to cell structure and can result in premature death of neurons.
If glutamate excitotoxicity occurs in many neurons at once causing them to over-fire, it can result in traumatic brain injury, neurodegenerative disorders, declines in cognitive function and memory, hearing loss and more.
Substances that stimulate AMPA receptors or NDMA receptors have the potential to cause excitotoxicity, such as kainic acid. Excessive concentrations of extracellular glutamate can also lead to this phenomenon.
Aniracetam has been shown to agonize (activate) AMPA receptors. In moderate amounts, this has a benefit for memory and for facilitating Long-Term Potentiation. But can too much Aniracetam have a neurotoxic effect?
There is a concern that at excessive dosages it may cause these receptors to be over-stimulated, resulting in excitotoxicity. However, researchers have found that Aniracetam may in fact exert a protective effect against excitotoxicity.
In one publication, it was reported that Aniracetam counteracted the neurotoxic effects of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) in hippocampal slices of the rat brain. It prevented the excitatory effects of this amino acid in in vitro cultures of cerebellar neurons. [1]
In another study, 500 microM of AMPA and 1 microM of Aniracetam exposed to cerebellar granule cells were found to protect against glutamate excitotoxicity by stimulating an increase in the accumulation of brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF). [2]
Brain-derived neurotropic factor is a protein that is involved in the growth and maintenance of brain cells. It also plays a role in synaptogenesis and neurogenesis.
Note that both of these studies involve laboratory cell cultures and it is unclear how Aniracetam affects excitotoxicity in humans.
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Aniracetam Effects:
The main effect attributed to Aniracetam and other racetam compounds is an enhancement of cholinergic neurotransmission.
It seems to amplify or positively modulate activity of the acetylcholine neurotransmitter in the brain. In addition to this, it stimulates glutamate receptors of the AMPA type, which are involved in long-term memory formation.
Aniracetam also exhibits effects on GABA receptors, dopamine and serotonin as well as noradrenaline (norepinephrine) release in the brain.
While these are the effects observed in research studies on individuals with cognitive deficits or induced-memory loss, there is less known about how Aniracetam affects cognitive function in healthy adults. Nootropics in general can have very different effects on different people.
Most people experience improved focus and attention while taking this supplement, but others have reported brain fog and a lack of mental clarity following use.
For example, Aniracetam is commonly used as an anxiolytic agent. This means that some individuals use it because it can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
Aniracetam reviews posted online in forums show that this product helps some people feel more confident in social settings and less anxiety. Yet, some of the known side effects include nervousness and even heightened stress. Why may that be?
This illustrates the fact that when the brain is involved, there is a very fine line between different sensitivities. Two people can have completely different reactions to the same amount of a compound and your personal reaction might change depending on other external factors.
You may have to experiment with different dosage levels in order to determine how Aniracetam powder will affect you. At one end of the dosage spectrum, you may feel stress, anxiety, and general bad moods instantly lift away.
Recommended Aniracetam Dose
What is the recommended Aniracetam dosage and how should it be taken? The generally accepted daily dosage range is between 600 and 1,500 mg. This dose should be broken down into two or even three equal administrations throughout the day.
Prescribing guidelines for Aniracetam in the treatment of Alzheimer Disease or other forms of cognitive impairment generally recommend a dosage of 750 mg taken once or twice a day.
Aniracetam dosages of up to 3,000 mg per day have been used and reported in user experience logs. While this dosage is generally well tolerated, users are advised to start by taking a smaller dosage and only increase if needed.
Because it is fat soluble, it is sometimes recommended to take your dosage with food or a lipid source like olive oil or fish oil. However, even in studies where it has not been administered with food, it exhibits almost complete absorption from the gut.
Aniracetam has a fairly short half-life of just 1 ½ to 2 hours. Following oral administration, it is rapidly metabolised and eliminated from the body.
Interesting, only a very small amount of the Aniracetam dose that you take is believed to cross the blood-brain barrier in its original form. This nootropic supplement has a 0.2% absolute oral bioavailability because it is rapidly metabolized.
Many of the purported nootropic effects of this compound are believed to be caused by the metabolites of this substance, as opposed to the compound itself. These metabolites also have a short half-life and do not build up in the body.
Some nootropic users recommend taking smaller, more frequent dosages of this nootropic agent. The effects tend to kick in fairly quickly after administration, compared to Piracetam.
It is also suggested that any new users begin by starting at the lower end of this dosage spectrum. Only increase the amount consumed if after a few days you do not observe any negative side effects in yourself.
Safety of Aniracetam Stacks
Nootropic users will generally take Aniracetam in a stack with other cognitive enhancers or natural brain supplements.
While stacks are purported to enhance the efficacy of this nootropic, there is also a risk of increased frequency and severity of side effects when combining multiple compounds together.
The most common stack is to combine a racetam with some form of choline source to enhance the cholinergic mechanism of action. Choline supplements like Alpha GPC, CDP Choline (Citicoline), Centrophenoxine, DMAE, Phosphatidylcholine, Phosphatidylserine or Choline Bitartrate have been used and are generally considered safe.
Racetams may also be combined together for added nootropic effects. Aniracetam is most commonly stacked with Piracetam and Oxiracetam powder or oral capsules. Noopept, Phenylpiracetam, Coluracetam, Nefiracetam and Sunifiram may also be used.
To enhance the anxiolytic effect of this compound, Aniracetam may be stacked with Phenibut, Picamilon, GABA, L-Theanine, Valerian Root or Lemon Balm. Use of these products – particularly phenibut – may increase the risk of GABAergic side effects and tolerance or withdrawal.
Aniracetam has also been stacked with prescription smart drugs like Modafinil, Armodafinil, Adderall XR, Ritalin and Vyvanse. These stimulant medications can have more serious side effects and should only be used under doctor supervision.
While Aniracetam is regarded as safe among researchers, there is always a risk of idiosyncratic negative reactions and unknown interactions with drugs and other health conditions.
It is recommended to consult with a doctor before taking any new supplement or drug.
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- M. Pizzi et. al. N-methyl-d-aspartate neurotoxicity in hippocampal slices: protection by aniracetam. European Journal of Pharmacology. Volume 275, Issue 3, 14 March 1995, Pages 311-314
- Wu X1, Zhu D, Jiang X, Okagaki P, Mearow K, Zhu G, McCall S, Banaudha K, Lipsky RH, Marini AM. AMPA protects cultured neurons against glutamate excitotoxicity through a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-dependent activation in extracellular signal-regulated kinase to upregulate BDNF gene expression. J Neurochem. 2004 Aug;90(4):807-18.
- Mizuki Y, Yamada M, Kato I, Takada Y, Tsujimaru S, Inanaga K, Tanaka M. Effects of aniracetam, a nootropic drug, in senile dementia--a preliminary report. Kurume Med J. 1984
- Spignoli G, Pepeu G. Interactions between oxiracetam, aniracetam and scopolamine on behavior and brain acetylcholine. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1987
- Satoh M, Ishihara K, Iwama T, Takagi H. Aniracetam augments, and midazolam inhibits, the long-term potentiation in guinea-pig hippocampal slices. Neurosci Lett. 1986
- Bartolini L, Casamenti F, Pepeu G. Aniracetam restores object recognition impaired by age, scopolamine, and nucleus basalis lesions. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1996
- 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
- Ventra C, Grimaldi M, Meucci O, Scorziello A, Apicella A, Filetti E, Marino A, Schettini G. Aniracetam improves behavioural responses and facilitates signal transduction in the rat brain. J Psychopharmacol. 1994
- Chapman AG, al-Zubaidy Z, Meldrum BS. Aniracetam reverses the anticonvulsant action of NBQX and GYKI 52466 in DBA/2 mice. Eur J Pharmacol. 1993
- Pizzi M, Consolandi O, Memo M, Spano P. N-methyl-D-aspartate neurotoxicity in hippocampal slices: protection by aniracetam. Eur J Pharmacol. 1995
Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment