What is the best way to take Aniracetam powder or capsules for use as a nootropic supplement?
Aniracetam, less commonly known as N-anisoyl-2-pyrrolidinone, was synthesized as a more potent derivative of the popular nootropic Piracetam. According to some sources, it is up to six times more powerful than Piracetam.
It exhibits some of the same effects on memory, attention, cognitive function and alertness, but also possesses unique effects on mood and learning.
You may see Aniracetam marketed as Draganon, Pergamid, Referan, Memodrin, Sarpul or Ampamet. Although it is available by prescription in Europe as treatment for some cognitive disorders, the FDA has not yet approved the drug for clinical purposes in the U.S.
Most people take Aniracetam in dosages of between 600 – 1500 mg per day. It is typically consumed in two to three doses daily due to its short half-life.
Depending on your goals and reasons for taking this nootropic agent, a stack may be employed with other cognitive enhancers and brain supplements. There are a number of other steps you can follow to get the best results from your dosages and to avoid potential side effects.



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How to Take Aniracetam
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 part of a subset of synthetic nootropics called racetams. The racetams (all of which share a 2-oxo-pyrrolidine nucleus) are cousins of the nootropic drug Piracetam and have similar effects.
Aniracetam and other racetams influence neurotransmitters responsible for memory formation, memory recall, focus and other cognitive processes. This nootropic also has an anxiolytic effect and is used to reduce stress and improve mood.
Some users say that Aniracetam causes them to feel more awake and alert. While it is not a Central Nervous System stimulant, it does affect neurotransmitters involved in arousal and attention.
How much Aniracetam should you take daily? If you have been prescribed this medication by a doctor for the treatment of a health condition, follow dosage guidelines provided by you to by your physician.
The typical recommended daily amount of Aniracetam used as a nootropic supplement ranges from 600-1500mg divided into three doses throughout the day.
Since individual tolerances can differ greatly, it is recommended to start with a low dose and titrate up to determine the lowest effective dosage.
This nootropic agent is sold in the form of a bulk powder or as oral capsules. Aniracetam granules or powder can be mixed with water, milk or other non-acidic beverages.
The raw powder has a bitter taste, which is why many users prefer pills, capsules or tablets. In clinical situations, Aniracetam has also been administered intravenously.
Use a scale or a set of microspoons to measure the correct dose. Never “eyeball” the dosage as this could increase the risk of accidentally taking too much.
In addition to the powdered form, Aniracetam supplements are also sold in film-coated tablets and capsules. It is important to note that Aniracetam powders and pills sometimes contain additives including artificial sweeteners. Carefully read all labels and make sure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients.
How to Get the Best Results
Comparative clinical studies show that Aniracetam is more potent than Piracetam, even when used at a significantly smaller dosage. This nootropic agent also produces fewer side effects and is better tolerated by the majority of users.
One of the reasons for this is the fat-solubility of Aniracetam. Piracetam is water-soluble and has lower absorption from the gut. This means you need to take a higher dosage to see effects because less of your dose is absorbed into the bloodstream.
Interestingly, this does not mean that Aniracetam has higher bioavailability than Piracetam. Although Aniracetam is very potent, it has low bioavailability because only a portion of each dosage will make it across the blood-brain barrier.
This is a semipermeable membrane that separates brain cells and extracellular fluid from circulating blood. It filters out certain substances from crossing out of the bloodstream and interacting with brain tissue.
Aniracetam itself does not cross the blood-brain barrier in significant amount because it is heavily metabolized by the liver. It gets broken down into three primary metabolites, 2-pyrrolidinone, p-anisic acid, and anisamide butyrate. It is these compounds that produce many of the effects associated with taking a dosage of Aniracetam.
Should you take this nootropic with food or olive oil? Since it is fat-soluble, Aniracetam is easily absorbed by the gut, so it can be taken on an empty stomach.
Some sources suggest that you must take Aniracetam with a fat (lipid) source in order for it to be absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. This is not true and pharmacokinetic data shows that it is readily and rapidly absorbed even in a fasted state.
However, taking it with food is recommended to prevent potential gastrointestinal problems. For best results, take Aniracetam 15 minutes after to eating a meal rich in good fats such as yogurt, eggs, almonds, olive oil, coconut oil, fish oil or salmon.

- Improves memory and learning
- Heightens focus and motivation
- Enhances mood and reduces anxiety & stress
How long does Aniracetam take to kick in?
Many nootropic enthusiasts prefer Aniracetam to Piracetam because it is faster acting. Based on pharmacokinetic research, Aniracetam reaches peak plasma concentrations after about two hours.
Some users report feeling the effects immediately. Shortly after taking a dose, you should notice improvements in your mental and visual focus. Colors may temporarily seem brighter.
Although some of Aniracetam’s benefits are noticeable right away, other effects take longer to manifest. Based on clinical research, Aniracetam’s full therapeutic potential kicks in after 2-4 months of consistent use.
This racetam drug only has a plasma half-life of about 0.5 hours, which is significantly shorter than most racetams. When consumed orally, Aniracetam gets broken down by the liver fairly quickly, and most of the compound is eliminated as metabolites.
Even though it has an elimination half-life of 0.5 hours, the duration of pharmacological effects is longer. According to some sources, the effects will last for 1 – 2.5 hours.
The reason for this discrepancy is that most of Aniracetam’s effects are attributed to its metabolites. Therefore, its effects on cognition and mood will persist even after it has undergone hepatic conversion into 2-pyrrolidinone, p-anisic acid, and anisamide butyrate.
Splitting oral doses between designated intervals throughout the day is necessary to prolong the nootropic effects. It is best to take Aniracetam in the morning, early afternoon and early evening. Use of this product late in the day can cause insomnia or sleep disturbances.
Best Stacks to Use
Combining Aniracetam with other nootropics may produce synergistic benefits. For example, using this racetam with choline supplements can increase the drug’s potency while reducing its side effects.
Aniracetam facilitates cholinergic activity in the brain, which means that it helps to enhance signalling of the acetylcholine neurotransmitter system. It does this by modulating receptors for this neurotransmitter and by increasing uptake of choline – the dietary nutrient used to synthesize acetylcholine.
Evidence suggests that taking aniracetam with choline can improve its efficacy for some users and help to prevent headaches. Use of Alpha GPC, CDP Choline and Centrophenoxine is preferred to standard choline bitartrate supplements.
Aniracetam is also reported to be used in stacks alongside the following supplements and smart drugs:
- Adrafinil
- Alpha Glycerlphosphorylcholine
- Armodafinil
- Bacopa Monnieri
- CDP Choline
- Choline Bitartrate
- DMAE Bitartrate
- Modafinil
- Noopept
- Oxiracetam
- Phenibut
- Phenylpiracetam
- Phosphatidylcholine
- Phosphatidylserine
- Pramiracetam
Note that taking multiple nootropics together can increase the risk of negative effects. It is important to use each nootropic in a stack on its own first before combining multiple products together.
Always start at the lowest effective dosage when taking a new cognitive enhancer in a stack. You may need a lower dosage of Aniracetam if using it in combination with other racetams or complementary smart drugs.

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How to Prevent Side Effects
Many people experience no side effects from taking Aniracetam, but others have reported mild adverse reactions including anxiety, headaches, nausea, vertigo, diarrhea and insomnia.
Aniracetam can increase stimulation and cause some people to feel restless, over-excited or agitated. Avoid taking it too close to bedtime to prevent insomnia and disruptions in your sleep cycle.
Using this compound late in the evening can make individuals feel restless and make it difficult to turn your mind off before bedtime.
There are some people who say that taking this product before bed can improve their sleep quality, but the majority of people experience insomnia and worse sleep quality when using it late in the day.
Using appropriate dosages can also minimize or reduce negative effects. Taking attack doses, megadoses or recreational dosages to produce a “high” or euphoric effect is strongly recommended against.
Excess dosages can have unintended consequences, including a possible hangover effect the next morning, brain fog, fatigue, feelings of irritability, anxiety or panic attacks. Different people will respond differently and your experience may not be the same as other people who report using high doses.
If you experience changes in your mood, brain fog or irritability when taking this nootropic, you may need to use a smaller dosage or change your stack.
Taking a choline supplement can also mitigate some of Aniracetam’s side effects. A ratio of 200–250mg of choline per gram of Aniracetam appears to be most beneficial.
Do not use Aniracetam if you have been diagnosed with kidney or liver failure. Do not combine this nootropic drug with alcohol as it can decrease your tolerance to the intoxicating effects.
If you experience serious adverse effects, it is recommended to stop taking this nootropic and consult with a doctor. Discontinue the drug immediately if you continue having symptoms.
Learn more about the negative effects of Aniracetam here as well as additional steps you can take to minimize health risks.
Do not use Aniracetam without first consulting with a doctor to determine whether it is appropriate for you. If you are currently taking any prescribed medications, it is important to check with your doctor about possible drug interactions.
Is it Possible to Overdose on Aniracetam?
Overdosing on Aniracetam is not likely due to its short half-life and low toxicity. Animal studies suggest that a lethal dose would have to be about 400 times greater than the standard recommended dosage.
There have not been any reported cases of users overdosing on Aniracetam in medical literature. Nonetheless, taking too much can lead to negative side effects. Seek medical assistance immediately if you ingest more than intended.
If you unintentionally miss a dose, try to take it as soon as you remember, and then stick with your regular dosing schedule. If it is already almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses at once to compensate for a missed dose.
Be transparent with your physician about which supplements and smart drugs you are taking. It is best to consult a physician before taking Aniracetam for the first time to make sure it will not interact with other medications you take, and that use is not contraindicated for you.
A doctor may help adjust your dosage, monitor for side effects and recommend other supplements. Following these steps will help you stay safe while using Aniracetam and get the best results.
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Article last updated on: July 16th, 2018 by Nootriment