Can you use Piracetam for ADD/ADHD relief? Piracetam has been around for almost 50 years and is commonly regarded as the first supplement in the category of cognitive enhancers or Nootropics.
These “smart supplements” are known to help improve brain health and cognitive function. Piracetam enjoys a popularity and status that is unique among all other supplements in its category and has long been the best-selling brain booster available.
Piracetam also has a very impressive record for treating a wide variety of cognitive disorders and modern scientific research has yet to identify any truly dangerous side effects (there are a few, but they are generally pretty mild and uncommon).



- Promotes neuron health & synaptic plasticity
- Supports memory recall & learning
- Boosts focus, visual perception & attention
Piracetam and the Brain
Related Topics
- What is Piracetam?
- What is Nootropil?
- User Reviews
- What to Expect
- Effects and Benefits
- How to Take
- Suggested Dosages
- Side Effects
- Dangers & Safety
- Top Piracetam Uses
- Effects on Memory
- Piracetam for ADHD
- Where to Buy
- Bulk Piracetam Powder
- Is Piracetam Legal?
- Piracetam vs. Aniracetam vs. Oxiracetam vs. Pramiracetam
- Comparison to Noopept
- Top Piracetam Stacks
- Stacking with Choline
There has been considerable interest in the use of Piracetam for addressing ADHD and ADD. Studies and user testimonies show that Piracetam may be used to increase focus, attention span, mental energy and motivation.
This is despite the fact that Piracetam is one of the mildest member of its supplement family. Newer supplements like Pramiracetam are known to be even more potent and better concentration aids, but many people prefer Piracetam due to the fact that it is incredibly safe and well tolerated.
This makes it significantly less likely to cause negative side effects in comparison to the commonly prescription ADHD drugs such as Adderall and Ritalin.
But the real question is how does Piracetam powder help those who are suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder? Of course, in order to get this answer it is also important to become familiar with exactly what Piracetam is, how it works, and how its particular benefits can be applied to ADD/ADHD treatment.
What Is Piracetam?
Piracetam is a mildly psychoactive supplement that has been recognized internationally for its ability to improve memory and learning. It was developed back in the early 1960’s by a team of Romanian and Belgian scientists.
Piracetam was developed for the express purpose of helping to improve cognition and overall brain function. What was so remarkable to the scientists after conducting trials on this nootropic was the complete lack of side effects or negative events associated with this compound.
There are no toxic or addictive properties associated with this supplement. In fact, it is considered to be less toxic to the human body than sodium chloride – table salt.
It has been used for a wide variety of treatments including dyslexia, senile dementia, concussions, amnesia, Alzheimer’s disease, and of course ADHD. It is also noted for helping to alleviate oxidative and hypoxic stress plus stabilizing the cells in blood and the central nervous system.

- Promotes neuron health & synaptic plasticity
- Supports memory recall & learning
- Boosts focus, visual perception & attention
How Piracetam Works for ADHD
Piracetam is absorbed into the bloodstream fairly quickly through the intestinal system. As this occurs, the supplement is capable of crossing over the blood-brain barrier and entering into the central nervous system.
This is where it exerts the most influence. Its primary method of action is to bind with Acetylcholine receptor sites in the brain. This is a very powerful neurotransmitter and the action of binding to the receptor sites actually potentiates the activity of this chemical.
With higher levels of circulating Acetylcholine in the brain, the neurotransmitter is free to exert more of its influence. Since this substance is thought to play a major role in a number of cognitive processes, these are exactly the areas which will see benefits from Piracetam supplementation.
There is even evidence to suggest that this supplement works as a detoxification agent. It most certainly helps to improve oxygen uptake, blood flow, and glucose metabolism to the brain.
Benefits Of Piracetam:
One of the major benefits of Piracetam for ADD and ADHD sufferers is that it helps to improve the communication of neurons with one another and between both hemispheres of the brain.
It may even do this by helping to form new synapses and other connections within the corpus callosum area of the brain.
It helps to improve oxygen utilization within the brain which may protect against alcohol induced damage. There is also evidence to suggest that the supplement works as a metabolism booster and helps to improve endurance and athletic performance at high altitudes, substantially reducing fatigue.
Of course, there are also a tremendous number of cognitive boosting benefits. This includes an improvement in memory which is reported in a number of clinical studies to be an average increase of 50 percent. It also improves learning capacity and increases mental energy, the ability to focus, and concentration.

- Focus longer, clear brain fog & feel more motivated
- Boost energy, alertnes & memory
- Contains 12 safe and natural nootropic ingredients
Piracetam & ADD/ADHD:
ADHD is a condition or disorder generally marked by inattention, distractibility, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
This condition is often described as impairing the executive functions of the brain. This relates to the abilities needed to plan, organize, and carry out tasks. This can further lead to the inability to hold information in short-term memory and the inability to efficiently shift from one mental activity to another.
These problems are perfectly situated for Piracetam usage. While this supplement is not a cure for ADD or ADHD, it can mitigate some of the symptoms as an Adderall alternative or replacement.
For starters, it has been shown to increase short-term memory, with an average increase of around 50 percent. This working memory capacity plays a major role in concentration and attention which are collectively known as executive functions in the brain.
Piracetam’s ability to help improve the efficiency of neuron communication may even help with the task switching issues, preventing distractions and making it easier to focus. The increased blood flow, oxygen, and glucose uptake may provide more energy needed to keep an ADHD sufferer more intent and energized upon a single task.
Piracetam is also very effective at helping the function of other substances within the brain. We see that it has a positive effect on carbohydrates, for example, thanks to the improved glucose metabolism within the brain (this is required to produce energy).
The supplement also helps to reduce some specific enzymes which can impair normal blood clotting. Piracetam even increases the brain’s turnover of ATP within the cerebral cortex that is associated with increased energy production, as well as increasing the levels of phospholipids (helpful in building and developing new cells as well as repairing damaged ones).
All of this contributes to a lot of positive benefits for individuals with attention deficit disorder and without the negative side effects of Adderall or Ritalin. Piracetam is non-addictive, does not leave you feeling burned out, and does not cause tolerance or withdrawal symptoms.
If you are looking for a different strategy for dealing with your ADD or ADHD, give Piracetam a try and see how it works for you. You can even consider using Piracetam alongside Adderall XR if you want to continue using this prescription drug for daily management of your symptoms.
- Fontani G, Grazzi F, Meucci M. Effect of piracetam plus choline treatment on hippocampal rhythmic slow activity (RSA) and behavior in rabbits. Life Sci. 1984 Sep 10;35(11):1183-9.
- Mondadori C, Petschke F. Do piracetam-like compounds act centrally via peripheral mechanisms. Brain Res. 1987 Dec 1;435(1-2):310-4.
- Dimond SJ, et al . Some effects of piracetam (UCB 6215, Nootropyl) on chronic schizophrenia. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 1979 Sep;64(3):341-8.
- Flicker L, Grimley Evans G. Piracetam for dementia or cognitive impairment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2001;(2):CD001011.
- Mondadori C, Ducret T, Petschke F. Blockade of the nootropic action of piracetam-like nootropics by adrenalectomy: an effect of dosage. Behav Brain Res. 1989 Aug 1;34(1-2):155-8.
- Stegink AJ. The clinical use of piracetam, a new nootropic drug. The treatment of symptoms of senile involution. Arzneimittelforschung. 1972 Jun;22(6):975-7.
- Peuvot J, et al . Piracetam-induced changes to membrane physical properties. A combined approach by 31P nuclear magnetic resonance and conformational analysis. Biochem Pharmacol. 1995 Oct 12;50(8):1129-34.
Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment
3 Comments
Piraracetam DOES have withdrawal affects: as you guys acknowledge, piracetam increases cerebral bloodflow and glucose metabolism (Lets call this CBF). Thing is, CBF is tightly regulated. piracetam can help increase CBF for a while, and this helps form new connections and practice focus BUT! over time CBF normalizes and the body becomes dependent on this process (homeostasis).
Thus, piracetam is useful for short stints of use, but long term use has it reach a steady state, where the body expects it. (this is why people not it has less effect after time. This is also why long term or heavy users “feel stupid” after they stop.)
Having said that, I do use it. I only use it a couple to a few mornings a week, to enhance work, reading, or meditation; I use it to help me reinforce those behaviors or pathways I find laborious.
Lastly, this is all anecdote and based on personal research! so take it of leave it.
Justin,
I am going to use this medicine for my studying period which requires a hard work. As you mentioned ”not to use it for a long durations”. How long is it should be maximum?
Thanks
Dear Sir’
My child is 6.5 years old he is high leble of ADHD patient, can i use Piracetam for her mind devlap,,