Two of the lesser known Racetam supplements are Oxiracetam and Pramiracetam.
While both of these nootropics have a long history of research and both clinical and off-label use, most beginners start with either Piracetam or Aniracetam for their first cognitive enhancers.
But once you’ve witness the effects of these compounds for yourself, you might be interested in expanding your horizons and using one of these stronger Racetams. Both Oxiracetam and Pramiracetam have been reported to provide a wide range of benefits for cognition and intellect.
While many of their pathways of influence are similar, there are also several pivotal distinctions between them. So which should you use: Oxiracetam vs. Pramiracetam? This review will lay out the benefits of each, how these powerful nootropics work, and make suggestions for which is the right one for you.



- Heightens focus, alertness & perception
- Promotes analytical thinking & memory
- Boosts energy & reduces mental fatigue
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Oxiracetam Benefits
Oxiracetam is one of the more powerful analogs of Piracetam, touted as more stimulating and better for studying.
Researchers have determined that Oxiracetam is able to improve memory, learning and overall cognition. It specifically works to increase hippocampally-mediated learning which measures the formation of long-term memory.
Taking Oxiracetam can speed up your memory retrieval and your reaction time to visual stimuli. Many reviews also report that it makes it easier to comprehend complex concepts that you are encountering for the first time.
It has developed a reputation for being especially well-suited for math, engineering and various science disciplines, but in reality the benefits work just as well for improving critical analysis and creative thought in the humanities and social studies.
Many of the additional benefits of Oxiracetam pertain to your ability to concentrate and be more productive. Attention span is lengthened when using this supplement and you may find that you can “zone in” and focus without other thoughts popping into your head.
Mental sharpness, energy supply and alertness are also heightened leading many people to feel like they are taking a central nervous system stimulant even though this is not technically part of the known mechanism of action. This can also lead to a higher level of motivation and a need to get things done.
There are other nootropics which you may be able to “feel” the effects of more readily – almost as though you are experiencing some sort of “high”. Oxiracetam is not the best nootropic if you really want to feel it working; instead, it is better to observe it working objectively by testing yourself using a program like Cambridge Brain Sciences.
Oxiracetam has been cited as increasing performance on such tests and also improving the effectiveness of these training programs. According to reviews, one area where you will feel a difference when taking Oxiracetam comes from enhanced sensory perceptions.
This is especially true with regard to improved hearing and sight. You will likely be able to notice colors more and see more detail in the world around you. As far as sounds are concerned, tones will seem richer and more full of resonance.
Finally, Oxiracetam is also able to help reverse brain damage that can occur from excessive alcohol consumption or similar factors.



- Improves focus, productivity & motivation
- Supports cognition & memory
- Heightens alertness & mental acuity
Pramiracetam Benefits
Pramiracetam is considered to be one of the strongest Racetam Nootropics. Its potency is only rivaled by Phenylpiracetam, but some people say they can feel the effects of Pramiracetam more deeply.
For example, it can take up to two weeks before the full benefits of Piracetam materialize, but Pramiracetam effects are often noticeable only a few minutes after taking this supplement.
While many of the range of effects may be the same as other Racetams, taking Pramiracetam is like turning up the volume on each of these benefits. Pramiracetam also helps to improve memory and expand learning capacity by facilitating greater synaptic plasticity. It is highlighted for affecting metrics related to fluid intelligence which is closely connected to your working memory activity. As is also the case for Oxiracetam, this effect can vary among individual users.
General cognitive functions are also improved and the speed of your cognition may increase significantly. There are many reports of using this nootropic that include increased mental energy, attention span, concentration, and focus. In general, users become better at processing information, problem solving and making decisions while supplementing with Pramiracetam.
One of the frequently reported experiences after taking this nootropic is the feeling of being locked-in on a single task with intense focus and drive. Verbal processing is also improved, making it much easier to perform common tasks like reading, writing, and even holding conversations.
Pramiracetam is, like Oxiracetam, ideal for a study drug in academic settings. But there are also a number of clinical uses for this supplement. The most promising of these right now is for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Pramiracetam is also helpful in conditions ranging from dementia to ADHD.
How Oxiracetam Works
Oxiracetam works by modulating several key neurotransmitters within the brain. Acetylcholine and Glutamate are closely tied to a number of key mental processes like memory, learning, and overall cognition. Both of these powerful chemicals are made even more efficient by the presence of Oxiracetam because this compound actually binds to their receptor sites and prevents them from becoming inactive.
This serves to effectively increase the neurotransmitter communication between your neurons, leading to most of the beneficial effects discussed above. Not only that, but by stimulating your acetylcholine and glutamate receptors, you can actually artificially promote the creation of new synapses (connections) between different neurons, leading to greater memory formation.

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How Pramiracetam Works
Pramiracetam works in a fashion that is almost identical to Oxiracetam but with a few important differences. First off, Pramiracetam is fat soluble so it needs to be absorbed by a fat source either by taking this supplement with milk or on a full stomach.
Because it is not water-soluble like Oxiracetam and Piracetam, it is absorbed at a faster rate through the intestinal tract and then taken to the brain, reaching maximum blood concentrations within about 20 to 30 minutes. Pramiracetam has been recorded as 30 times more potent than Piracetam which would make it approximately five times stronger than Oxiracetam.
Choosing Between Pramiracetam vs. Oxiracetam
When it comes to comparing Pramiracetam and Oxiracetam, it is clear that Pramiracetam is the stronger of the two. It offers more potent boosts to brainpower and leads to more noticeable effects in terms of mental energy. But is this the only thing that matters?
There are some instances where Oxiracetam may actually be a better choice. For example, Oxiracetam is better suited to daily use while Pramiracetam might be a supplement that you only want to take on certain occasions when you need to focus for extended periods of time.
You are unlikely to develop a tolerance to Oxiracetam but that might not be the case with Pramiracetam. That being said, Pramiracetam is perfectly safe to take every day though it is more expensive some people prefer the cheaper option.
The only real way to find out which supplement is best for you is by trying each of them. You can buy Pramiracetam powder and Oxiracetam capsules in small quantities that are suitable for testing before you decide to purchase a bulk supply of either one. It is recommended to start with Oxiracetam and then later try Pramiracetam after you have some experience.
Also, give each of these compounds a fair chance to work before deciding. Sometimes, it make take a week or two for the needed levels to build up within your system – especially with Oxiracetam. Generally the first sign of a nootropic working is in regards to more vivid color perception in your visual field. So, if you start feeling improved sensory perceptions, you are likely on the right track.
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Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment