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What is the legal status of the nootropic drug Aniracetam in the UK?
This brain boosting compound has received a lot of attention in the United Kingdom recently, but a lack of clear information on the legality of Aniracetam has left many people wondering whether they can lawfully purchase it.
Do you need a prescription to buy Aniracetam powder or capsules and are you able to import it from other countries in Europe or elsewhere?
In this article, we will provide you with up to date information regarding laws on Aniracetam in the UK and regulations regarding its sale for human consumption.
Before deciding to use Aniracetam for yourself, it is important to consult with your doctor to determine proper usage and dosing.
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Mood- Heightens focus & motivation
- 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 an ampakine nootropic which has a potency estimated to be 5x-10x greater than that of Piracetam.
It has been sold under multiple brand names including Draganon, Sarpul, Ampamet, Memodrin, and Referan.
Ampakines enhance attention span and alertness in the user.
They work by increasing the level of glutamate activity, which is an important neurotransmitter for learning, memory and focus. In addition to overall cognitive improvement, it also works to stimulate neuroplasticity.
With Aniracetam in particular, some people report an improvement or better fluidity in performing tasks which require language or verbal skills. Aniracetam has been shown to be non-toxic in animal studies and offers users the benefits of improved cognitive function with a low incidence of side effects.
Aniracetam has been in use since the 1970s and has been studied and used world-wide since its development. It has been used in parts of Europe (such as Greece and Italy) for the treatment of memory dysfunction, neuropsychological symptoms associated with senile dementia and cognitive deficits associated with brain degeneration or of a vascular origin.
Multiple animal studies have been done, as well as research on humans with temporary cognitive impairments.
Current research includes studies exploring the benefits of this drug in patients suffering with mental decline due to Alzheimer’s disease.
It is used in some parts of the world to treat dementias, post-operative depression, anxiety and cerebral traumas. Aniracetam has shown particular effect in the area of anxiety reduction, acting as an anxiolytic according to user reviews.
The mechanism of action, as with almost all nootropics, remains unknown, but it is thought to work on the acetylcholine and glutamate neurotransmitters.
This smart drug also exhibits positive effects on dopaminergic, serotonergic, GABAergic and noradrenergic signalling.
The most often reported side effect is headache. Most users of racetams include Alpha GPC or Citicoline in their stack to offset acetylcholine depletion which is thought to cause headaches.
- Improves memory and learning
- Heightens focus and motivation
- Enhances mood and reduces anxiety & stress
Is Aniracetam Legal in the United Kingdom?
The UK carefully controls and regulates drugs which require a prescription from a doctor. Drugs which do not require a prescription fall into a grey area and are available for residents of the United Kingdom to buy, use and possess.
Aniracetam is a drug which is not specifically named on any drug schedules in the UK and previously did not require a prescription. This makes it unique from Piracetam which is considered to be a Prescription Only Medicine in the UK.
It is legal to possess and use Aniracetam and other nootropics including Pramiracetam, Oxiracetam and Phenylpiracetam. The possession and consumption of these products is not controlled or prohibited.
However, it has not been approved as a drug for the treatment of any medical conditions in the UK. This means it cannot legally be distributed by UK pharmacies and you will not be able to buy it over the counter.
In 2016, the UK passed The Psychoactive Substances Act which was intended to restrict the sale of substances that can cause a “mental high”. It is written quite broadly and can be interpreted as referring to most of the Racetam nootropics. The following is the law’s definiton of a psychoastive substance:
“A substance must be capable of having a psychoactive effect to be covered by the new legislation. A psychoactive effect is something which affects a person’s mental functioning or emotional state by stimulating or depressing their nervous system. This would include effects that we associate with controlled drugs, including the following: hallucinations, changes in alertness, perception of time and space, mood or empathy with others, drowsiness.”
Under this legislation, strict penalties were introduced for domestic suppliers selling these drugs to individuals without a prescription. As a result, many nootropic vendors that formerly operated in the UK have stopped selling Racetam nootropics. Other vendors have reported difficulty with shipping Aniracetam capsules to the UK with some packages being seized by customs at the borders.
However, there are still many sources that report being able to ship Aniracetam to the UK without issues. Residents of the United Kingdom can purchase small amounts for personal use from other countries. Importation is allowed for amounts considered to be for personal use, which are usually between 1-3 months supply. It is not allowed to import this drug for commercial use or distribution.
Where to Buy Aniracetam in the United Kingdom
While there are no restrictions on the purchase or possession of this compound, there are restrictions on its sale within the country. It is not legal to sell Aniracetam pills or powder for human use. It can be distributed as a research chemical, if you possess the proper license.
As a result, you will not find Aniracetam capsules sold in your local drugstore or at online retailers like Amazon.co.uk. There are some online vendors that claim to ship from the UK or Europe.
It is important to thoroughly research any vendor you are purchasing from to make sure they provide Certificates of Authenticity demonstrating that they have conducted appropriate testing on the products they are selling.
Brits can sometimes find a reputable nootropic supplier within the United Kingdom, though the costs for domestic providers tend to be higher due to the lack of competition in the marketplace.
When shopping for any nootropic, it is important to verify you are buying from a reputable supplier whose products are pure. Many people choose to order online to gain access to well-known or recommended companies.
When importing Aniracetam, keep in mind that amounts considered to be for personal use are usually a 3-month supply or less. To prevent any delays in customs, it is recommended to stay within the personal-use parameters.
When ordering Aniracetam, you will usually find it in either a bulk powder form, or in capsules. Capsules tend to be more convenient and are helpful for masking the bitter taste of this nootropic powder.
Buying Aniracetam powder is much cheaper, typically resulting in a discount of as much as 20 – 60% compared to the tablet or pill formulations.
If ordering bulk powder, it is recommended you purchase a scale capable of accurately measuring milligrams. Scales can be found inexpensively online. Look for microscales that are capable of measuring amounts denominated in milligrams.
Some people experience nausea and indigestion after taking this racetam in powder form. If you feel that this supplement is causing stomach discomfort, it is recommended to consume it with food or to mix it into a lipid-based liquid like milk. Using the tablets may minimize this side effect.
Below is a list of some of the popular vendors of this nootropic supplement:
- AbsorbHealth
- PureNootropics
- PeakNootropics
- Mind Nutrition UK
- NootropicsDepot
- Nootropics.com
- PowderCity
- NootropicsCity
- ThoughtFoods.co.uk
- Intellimeds
- SmartDrugsForThought
- Nootropics.EU
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- Boost energy, alertnes & memory
- Contains 12 safe and natural nootropic ingredients
Using Aniracetam
It is recommended that new nootropics users start off with Piracetam since this supplement is slightly less concentrated.
For first time users of Aniracetam, begin with a dose between 500mg-700mg taken two to three times per day.
Compared to other nootropic drugs, this compound has a short half-life in the body of between 1 – 2.5 hours. As a result, dosages are typically repeated every two to three hours to maintain a longer duration of benefits.
If stacking with other racetams, start with the lowest Aniracetam dosage possible and gauge your effect over a day or two before increasing your dosage. Adjust your dosage over several days until the expected effects are achieved.
Although Aniracetam is considered non-toxic to the human body, excessive doses have not been shown to increase the potency of the effects and may increase the risk of adverse effects.
You should cycle Aniracetam to prevent any tolerance from occurring, for example 2 weeks on/1 week off followed by 1 week on/2 weeks off.
Negative Effects and Dangers
Research reviews of Aniracetan’s nootropic effects typically remark on the safety of this cognitive enhancer. It is well-tolerated in most patients and has a low risk of negative interactions with drugs or other medical conditions.
While it lacks the harmful effects seen with other smart drugs like Adderall, Ritalin or Modafinil, this does not mean that it does not have the potential to cause side effects. Some mild adverse effects have been reported in user reviews.
Headaches are the most prevalent side effect documented in both research trials and user testimonials. The headache caused by this nootropic is typically described as emanating from a focused point on the skull, often near the front of the head. It is distinct from typical tension headaches or migraines.
One hypothesis for why this nootropic supplement produces headaches in some users is due to increased release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from cholinergic neurons. Reveiws show that when combining racetams with a choline source like Choline Bitartrate capsules, the headaches can be ameliorated.
Occasional side effects can also include agitation, anxiety, unease, insomnia, unrest, drowsiness, asthenia, dizziness, epigastric discomfort and a sensation of heaviness.
If you experience these adverse effects, discontinue use and consult a doctor. Lowering the dosage of Aniracetam that you are taking may be sufficient to alleviate negative reactions.
Conclusion: Status of Aniracetam in the UK
In the United Kingdom, Aniracetam falls into a grey area allowing residents to buy, use and possess this nootropic. It can be imported in quantities which are small enough to be considered for personal use, usually meaning a 1-3 month supply.
Aniracetam can be purchased online and shipped to the UK from reputable suppliers in bulk powder or capsule form. It should be supplemented with a good Choline source like Alpha GPC or Citicoline to prevent headaches due to increased acetylcholine action.
Aniracetam is considered non-toxic and has few known side effects. It is used for enhancing both memory and learning abilities, as well as increasing oral and communicative skills. Some people experience a reduction in anxiety when taking this nootropic agent and it has been studied specifically for this beneficial effect.
You can read reviews of Aniracetam’s effects to learn more about this nootropic drug.
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Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment