Piracetam is one of the most popular nootropic drug used in the USA for improving memory, learning ability, and focus.
Many nootropic users utilize Piracetam singularly, or in a stack for synergistic mental enhancement.
It is the archetype drug of the other racetam family members and has been in use since the 1970s. Piracetam is useful for boosting memory consolidation ability, increasing concentration, and enhancing sensory perception. Some users have reported taking Piracetam for depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders.
Piracetam is considered incredibly safe with a very low toxicology profile. Side effects are usually mild when taking the recommended dosage, though there is some indication more side effects may occur for users who exceed the dosing recommendations.
Piracetam has been shown to be a vasodilator and thus is sometimes prescribed for patients who have experienced stroke, or who display a potential for stroke.
In the USA, Piracetam is considered an effective brain booster and may have cumulative effects over a period of time.



- Promotes neuron health & synaptic plasticity
- Supports memory recall & learning
- Boosts focus, visual perception & attention
Piracetam Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects
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- What is Piracetam?
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- 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?
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- Comparison to Noopept
- Top Piracetam Stacks
- Stacking with Choline
Though prescribed for various medical conditions such as stroke, myoclonus (involuntary twitching), and cerebral trauma in various countries around the world, Piracetam may be most commonly used off-label as a smart drug for those seeking better mental function.
Piracetam was discovered in 1964, and has been studied in both rodents and in humans. Piracetam seems to have an overall cognitive effect, rather than a magnification of any one positive benefit.
It is thought Piracetam improves the function of the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine via muscarinic cholinergic (ACh) receptors, which are implicated in memory processes. Users have reported heightened sensory perception ability and faster reaction times when taking Piracetam.
It has been shown to work in an anti-depressive capacity for some users, but in others it may actually increase anxiety or nervousness.

- Promotes neuron health & synaptic plasticity
- Supports memory recall & learning
- Boosts focus, visual perception & attention
Users who stay within the recommended dosage often do not experience side effects, but it is advisable to start slowly and increase over time, if need be, to be sure your body is amenable to Piracetam use.
The most common side effect is headache, which is thought to be due to increased activity of the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine. Stacking Piracetam with a choline source such as Alpha-GPC or Citicoline often will offset this side effect.
Other common side effects include nausea, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and fatigue. If you experience any of these side effects, you may be better off choosing another racetam or nootropic to achieve your desired goals.
Everyone’s body and brain chemistry is different and it is not known how each person will respond to taking any smart drug, thus it is always best to start with the lowest possible dose and add to it if the expected benefits do not result, working slowly towards the higher recommended dosage only if necessary.
Tolerance to Piracetam can occur over time, so cycling this drug with other racetams and nootropics is a good idea.
Piracetam is not recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers or for those taking MAOIs.

- Focus longer, clear brain fog & feel more motivated
- Boost energy, alertnes & memory
- Contains 12 safe and natural nootropic ingredients
Piracetam Status in the USA
In the United States, Piracetam is currently an un-scheduled and unregulated substance. What this means is it does not require a prescription, and it is legal to buy, possess, and use as long as it is not labeled for human consumption.
In 2010, some people reported the FDA asked vendors to stop stocking Piracetam and in 2011 there was an unconfirmed report of the FDA seizing the stock of one vendor.
At this time, Piracetam is primarily available online from nutritional supplement stores that are based outside of the US in countries that legally allow for the sale of this product.
Most nootropic users purchase their smart drugs online from reputable nootropic shops. Users can check reviews for the various stores before making a purchase to learn about the quality of the product a store carries, and to compare prices.
Piracetam comes in bulk powder form or in capsules for convenience. Buying in bulk powder form is the more cost-effective choice with 500 grams selling for an average of around $40. With a recommended dosage between 1gm – 3gm, the cost of an average dose is typically less than $0.40.
Some users have reported concerns when importing Piracetam to the USA from other countries, but this usually only occurs when buying large amounts. You can often avoid this problem by purchasing smaller amounts that are considered for personal use, typically about a three month or less supply.
Piracetam in the USA Summary
This smart drug was discovered in 1964 and has multiple studies showing cognitive benefit, although the exact mechanisms are still not fully known. As a well-rounded mental enhancer, Piracetam is often the starting nootropic of choice for boosting memory, focus, and learning ability.
For an overall cognitive enhancement, Piracetam is a well-established, non-toxic choice for nootropic users. Side effects are usually mild. For residents of the USA, Piracetam is available without a prescription as it is an unregulated and unscheduled substance.
This legal status does mean that it is not classified as an over the counter drug or dietary supplement in the US though, and can be difficult to purchase domestically due to FDA regulations on sales, distribution, and labeling of such substances. International online purchasing is how most US users buy their Piracetam.
- Bick RL. In-vivo platelet inhibition by piracetam. Lancet. 1979 Oct 6;2(8145):752-3.
- Kessler J, et al . Piracetam improves activated blood flow and facilitates rehabilitation of poststroke aphasic patients. Stroke. 2000 Sep;31(9):2112-6.
- Maillis A, et al . Effects of piracetam on single central neurons. Neuropsychobiology. 1988;19(3):139-45.
- Bartus RT, et al . Profound effects of combining choline and piracetam on memory enhancement and cholinergic function in aged rats. Neurobiol Aging. 1981 Summer;2(2):105-11.
- Kampman K, et al . A pilot trial of piracetam and ginkgo biloba for the treatment of cocaine dependence. Addict Behav. 2003 Apr;28(3):437-48.
- Stockmans F, et al . Inhibitory effect of piracetam on platelet-rich thrombus formation in an animal model. Thromb Haemost. 1998 Jan;79(1):222-7.
- Garg RK. Piracetam for the treatment of breath-holding spells. Indian Pediatr. 1998 Oct;35(10):1034-5.
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- Ahmed AH, Oswald RE. Piracetam defines a new binding site for allosteric modulators of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid (AMPA) receptors. J Med Chem. 2010 Mar 11;53(5):2197-203.
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Article last updated on: March 17th, 2018 by Nootriment
1 Comment
I’ve been ordering from Smart Drugs for Thought off of their Bonanza but I see now that it is gone…is this due to the FDA making Piracetam illegal??
I see their website (smartdrugsforthought.com/ ) still has all of their products listed, I am confused.