Nootropil is one of the most common brand names of Piracetam, the parent of the Racetam family of Nootropic compounds.
Even though it is the first nootropic created back in 1964, this is still one of the most popular choices in terms of enhancing memory, cognition, and overall brain energy.
Nootropil/Piracetam is the most researched and considered the safest of all these types of compounds, with proven efficiency and results from many research studies and user testimonies.
But everyone considering this nootropic should understand how to take Nootropil, which form is best, and even reasons why usage should be considered.
It should be noted that in the USA, Piracetam is an unregulated, unscheduled compound. While Nootropil/Piracetam has been used for years as either a prescription or over-the-counter drug in various countries around the world, in the United States the FDA has not approved Piracetam as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions. It also does not fit the qualifications of a dietary supplement and cannot be labeled or sold as one.
Buying Piracetam from vendors within the US can be difficult due to FDA laws surrounding the sales, distribution, and labeling of unregulated compounds like Piracetam. However, it is legal to buy and own Piracetam for personal use, and many people will import from countries where the sale of Piracetam is legal.
Nootropil is almost exclusively sold as a prescription drug, and it can be very difficult to buy without a prescription. Many people will use generic Piracetam instead to test out the cognitive enhancement of this nootropic compound.



- Promotes neuron health & synaptic plasticity
- Supports memory recall & learning
- Boosts focus, visual perception & attention
Different Uses For Piracetam/Nootropil
Related Topics
As you might expect from it being classified as a nootropic compound, most people try Piracetam (Nootropil) to help improve their cognitive function and boost brain capabilities. This includes improving memory, speeding up recall, enhancing learning ability, improving brain energy, and increasing focus and concentration.
Research also suggests numerous clinical uses for Nootropil. This compound has shown benefits in helping to protect against, or even reverse, the damage due to brain injury, and may improve short-term memory loss.
Studies have shown that it may be effective in treating conditions like vertigo, dyslexia, epilepsy, and alcohol withdrawal syndrome. There is even some evidence that it may be helpful with obsessive compulsive disorders, heart disease, circulatory disorders, and sickle cell anemia, although this research is limited.
There is also a lot of ongoing research into the effects of Piracetam on anxiety and depression as well as cognitive disorders. Many users report that they see helpful benefits in terms of reducing their overall levels of stress and anxiety. Some scientists believe that it may help with depression and possibly social anxiety disorder.
Another area of growing interest and research is related to Nootropil use for age related cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and certain forms of dementia.
How To Take Nootropil
The first important question to consider in relation to the administration of Nootropil is the dosage.
Since this compound is not regulated (or approved) by the FDA, there are no hard and fast recommended doses. Of course, there is a lot of material regarding Nootropil dosages all over the Internet.
Various sources suggest a wide range of recommended doses, anywhere from 1200 mg all the way to 24 grams used in some clinical settings. Some say the best way to use this substance is by taking it all at once, while others suggest splitting the dose into several different administrations throughout the day.
Looking at a number of the Nootropil research studies is helpful in getting a clearer picture at this issue.
Most seem to indicate that the most effective dose is in the range of approximately 3-5 grams per day. Some indicate that the best method for administration is by splitting the dose into several equal amounts spread throughout the day due to the short half-life of Nootropil.
Typically in online nootropic communities the average user takes two or three 4.8 gram doses per day of Piracetam powder.
When a new users begins taking this nootropic, some people feel that it is a good idea to use what is known as an attack dose. This simply means using a dosage that is two or three times the normal amount for a few days.
The theory behind this is that it will allow the substance to build up within your system more rapidly, allowing the body to begin noticing the effects as soon as possible. This practice of Nootropil mega dosing or attack dosing is not really necessary and is a matter of personal preference.

- Promotes neuron health & synaptic plasticity
- Supports memory recall & learning
- Boosts focus, visual perception & attention
Which Form Is Best— Nootropil Tablets Or Powder?
Another commonly asked question is which format of Nootropil is better, tablets or powder. Both are effective with the main difference being the rate of absorption.
The powder formulation is able to enter the bloodstream much quicker and will be faster acting. The pills or tablets will need to be broken down and this requires more work on the part of the digestive system.
Ultimately, both formulations of the compound will still be able to cross the blood-brain barrier and enter the central nervous system. The peak effects of Piracetam are often noticed approximately 1 ½ hours after administration.
Choose either powder, pills, or tablets based on your personal preference. Of course, the powder will require mixing, which should be done with juice or milk to mask the very bitter taste.
But Piracetam powder can sometimes be up to 5x cheaper than the 400mg and 800 mg tablets. In addition to this, if you are using a dosing of 4.8 g, that would require taking six pills at a time which may not be ideal.
If you are interested in the lower price of powder but really can’t stomach the taste, then you can consider buying a cheap capping machines and empty capsules to make your own pills. This can help you have the convenience of tablets, but at a much lower price point then buying premade capsules.
Common Nootropil Stacks
The most important supplement to stack together with Nootropil/Piracetam is a good source of choline. The purest forms are either Alpha GPC or CDP Choline, but there are others that might be helpful as well.
The most commonly reported Nootropil side effect is headaches, and it is thought this may be minimized by supplying the body with extra choline. The most popular hypothesis behind the so-called Piracetam headache is that this nootropic causes Acetylcholine activity to increase, leading to depleted stores of this neurotransmitter, and subsequent receptor “burn out.”
By providing a source of choline, it is believed that Acetylcholine stores will be able to be replenished, consequently minimizing or eliminating the headaches.
A simple Nootropil stack with a choline source is very effective itself, though you will also see this compound stacked with other nootropics such as Aniracetam, Oxiracetam, Noopept, Adrafinil, Sulbutiamine, and more.
In the end, Piracetam/Nootropil is a very effective nootropic. It has the potential to increase your cognitive function including improved memory and learning processes.
Nootropil is used by people in many different walks of life from students looking to improve their academics, to business and professional workers, as well as housewives and shift workers.
In fact, those who may have been thinking about trying one of the Nootropic type compounds should consider starting with this one, since it offers nice benefits with very limited side effects and has a cost-effective price.
- Waegemans T, et al . Clinical efficacy of piracetam in cognitive impairment: a meta-analysis. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord. 2002;13(4):217-24.
- Giurgea C. The "nootropic" approach to the pharmacology of the integrative activity of the brain. Cond Reflex. 1973 Apr-Jun;8(2):108-15.
- Mattie-Luksic M, Javornisky G, DiMario FJ. Assessment of stress in mothers of children with severe breath-holding spells. Pediatrics. 2000 Jul;106(1 Pt 1):1-5.
- 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.
- Leuner K, et al . Improved mitochondrial function in brain aging and Alzheimer disease - the new mechanism of action of the old metabolic enhancer piracetam. Front Neurosci. 2010 Sep 7;4. pii: 44.
- Bick RL. In-vivo platelet inhibition by piracetam. Lancet. 1979 Oct 6;2(8145):752-3.
Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment
2 Comments
What is the disadvantage of the Nootropil 800 mg disadvantage
Hi Ramadan,
Thanks for your question. I’m guessing that you’re asking about side effects – you can read this article to learn about the side effects of Nootropil.