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Nootropil, the most popular and oldest of all the so-called smart drugs or cognitive enhancers has a number of reported benefits that many people are interested in acheiveing.
This includes increasing cognition and overall brain functioning as well as improving the mood. Nootropil (which is more commonly known and sold as the generic Piracetam) is particularly adept at improving fluid intelligence scores which is why it is often called a “smart drug” or “smart pill”.
Despite this compound having been developed in 1964, research continues to find new ways in which Nootropil affects the brain and improves mental capacities.
Before you start using this nootropic, an examination into the specific benefits, workings, potential long term effects, and most common side effects of Nootropil is in order.
It should be noted that in the USA, Piracetam is an unregulated, unscheduled compound. While Piracetam has been used for years as an over the counter or a prescription drug in other countries around the world, the FDA has not approved Piracetam as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions. It also does not meet the qualifications of a supplement, and cannot be labeled or sold as such.
While it is legal to buy and own Piracetam for personal use, buying this compound in the US can be difficult due to FDA laws surrounding the sales, distribution, and labeling of substances like Piracetam. Many people will import from countries where the sale of Piracetam is legal.
Additionally, while Piracetam is often available over the counter, the brand name Nootropil is typically only available as a prescription medication. If you would like to use Nootropil but cannot find it, consider substituting for generic Piracetam to enjoy the same effects.
Memory
Attention
Brain Health- Promotes neuron health & synaptic plasticity
- Supports memory recall & learning
- Boosts focus, visual perception & attention
Nootropil Effects
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Nootropil, also known as Piracetam, has been studied for improving the symptoms of many types of degenerative cognitive conditions. Chief among these is Alzheimer’s disease.
In research it has been found that patients have found Nootropil helpful in reducing some of the symptoms related to memory and brain functioning.
There are a few studies that seem to indicate using Nootropil may also help to slow the progression of this disease, although it would be too early to suggest that Nootropil could be considered a cure. Certain forms of dementia have also been seen to be improved using Piracetam.
The most popular uses of Nootropil, however, are the off-label benefits. When we use the term off-label, we are referring the non-medical reasons for taking this substance.
While it is prescribed by doctors in some countries as a medication for certain ailments, it is more typically used as a nootropic by people who are looking to boost their brainpower.
Many people looking for increased creative drive take Piracetam, since some of the first benefits felt are enhanced sensory perceptions, especially in the areas of sight and hearing.
Visual acuity is improved and in many Nootropil reviews, those who take this substance say that things just become more clear. Sounds are fuller, richer, and more meaningful.
Studies and anecdotal user reports also indicate improved cognitive processes. This includes subtle memory enhancements; sometimes people will remember highly specific details about events, things they have read, or dreams that usually are quickly forgotten.
Learning capacity is improved, making it easier to study, read, write, or research. This happens because Nootropil works on several different levels related to synaptic plasticity, helping to make the brain better equipped to form new connections between neurons.
Considering how important this basic step is to the formation of new memories (as well as accessing those memories later), any improvement in this area may make a notable impact onto your ability to learn and recall.
Mental energy is also enhanced because Nootropil increases the ability of your brain to metabolize the energy it needs to perform at highest levels. Additionally, it is believed that Nootropil acts directly on the telencephalon which is a neural structure in the brain that controls how well you can focus on one task without being distracted.
This can lead to improved levels of clear thinking, attention span, concentration, and focus. It has even been shown to help improve motivation and mood.
- Promotes neuron health & synaptic plasticity
- Supports memory recall & learning
- Boosts focus, visual perception & attention
How Nootropil Works
This leads to the natural question of how does Nootropil work. Science has made great steps in understanding the inner workings of the brain, but there are still debates about the specific ways in which Nootropil helps improve many cognitive processes.
Even still, there are some generally accepted ideas about the method of action. Most researchers believe that Nootropil crosses the blood-brain barrier and then attaches itself to Acetylcholine receptor sites.
Acetylcholine is a powerful neurotransmitter or brain chemical which plays a crucial role in a number of cognitive processes including memory formation and executive functions.
Nootropil is believed to increase the level of activity of the Acetylcholine receptors, resulting in faster communication between your neurons and an increase in certain types of brain activity.
Nootropil also helps to increase the level of oxygen and glucose in the brain. These both provide an increase in energy for the brain, and support the additional structural and procedural changes that are affected by the increased Acetylcholine levels.
In this regard, Nootropil is able to support the long-term health of the brain and its nerve cells while also positively contributing to the formation of new neurons.
Long Term Effects Of Nootropil
Perhaps the most exciting thing about Nootropil is the potential for long term effects and benefits. There are many researchers who feel that this nootropic has the potential to lead to the development of new synapses and neural connections within the brain.
It is also already widely thought that Piracetam helps to improve communications between the two hemispheres of the brain. If this is true, then it could be a possible way to improve overall cognitive ability on a long term basis.
It is interesting to think of the implications for this, but there is still a lot more research that needs to be done in order to make this reality.
Nootropil Side Effects
Nootropil is scientifically considered to have very low toxicity scores. Common compounds such as table salt (sodium chloride) and caffeine are considered to have toxicity ratings higher than Piracetam.
There are no known cases of overdose and it is not known to cause any harm to your nervous system or any of your organs. Side effects are quite rare, with it estimated that negative effects are seen in less than 10 percent of all users.
The most commonly observed side effect of Nootropil is frequent headaches, known as the “Piracetam headache.” This normally occurs due to the synapses demanding more Acetylcholine than what the body is able to provide.
Two ways to handle this are either reducing your daily Nootropil dosage, or adding a high quality Choline supplement to your routine. Choline actually acts as a precursor to Acetylcholine, so it is able to help alleviate synapse ‘burn out.’
Some of other rare but reported side effects of Nootropil include:
- Anxiety and agitation
- Confusion
- Restlessness
- Nervousness
- Sleep issues (sleeplessness, or conversely the inability to fall asleep)
- Vertigo
- Weight gain
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Swelling of the skin, especially around the face
- Skin rash and itching
These side effects are less common than the headaches and usually result from taking excessively large doses (in the range of 10+ grams per day).
Typically using a smaller dose around 4-5 grams per day helps these symptoms go away in short order. If your side effects do not subsist on a smaller dosage than it may help if you cycle you Piracetam dosages. Some people will do two to three weeks on and one week off.
If you are still having negative effects every time you take Nootropil, than it is possible that this nootropic is just not right for your physiology. Consider using a different Racetam that may not cause similar effects for you.
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- Holinski S, et al. Cerebroprotective effect of piracetam in patients undergoing open heart surgery. Ann Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2011;17(2):137-42.
- Chouinard G, et al. Piracetam in elderly psychiatric patients with mild diffuse cerebral impairment. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 1983;81(2):100-6.
- Dimond SJ, et al. Some effects of piracetam (UCB 6215, Nootropyl) on chronic schizophrenia. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 1979 Sep;64(3):341-8.
- Israel L, et al. Drug therapy and memory training programs: a double-blind randomized trial of general practice patients with age-associated memory impairment. Int Psychogeriatr. 1994 Fall;6(2):155-70.
- Gualtieri F, et al. Design and study of piracetam-like nootropics, controversial members of the problematic class of cognition-enhancing drugs. Curr Pharm Des. 2002;8(2):125-38.
- Brandão F, et al. Piracetam promotes mossy fiber synaptic reorganization in rats withdrawn from alcohol. Alcohol. 1996 May-Jun;13(3):239-49.
- Winblad B. Piracetam: a review of pharmacological properties and clinical uses. CNS Drug Rev. 2005 Summer;11(2):169-82.
- Dimond SJ, et al. Some effects of piracetam (UCB 6215, Nootropyl) on chronic schizophrenia. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 1979 Sep;64(3):341-8.
Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment
5 Comments
I develop allergy (itching and redness all over) first time I took an 800gms nootropil or piracetam. Dosage was from my neurologist.
Taken only last night Sept. 29 after a visit to my neuro. What shall I do. Had itching overnight till this morning.
Hi Veronida, The best thing to do is to speak with the Neurologist who prescribed you with the Nootropil. You may be having an allergic reaction to the product or to an additive in the formulation you have purchased. Your physician can determine whether you need medical attention to treat the allergic reaction and whether it is safe for you to continue using this drug.
my doctor prescribed me nootropil for 2 weeks. my only complaint was dizziness and vertigo upon waking up. why did he prescribe nootropil?
When i fall in deprrssion doc prescribed no of anti depressent afte4 this my learning and spoken problomes created.so i started notropil for long time till now i become better learning and spoken dosturbence.