Pramiracetam side effects are reported to be mild and this nootropic is reasonably well tolerated in research studies. However, there is less research available on the safety of Pramiracetam compared to Piracetam or Aniracetam.
Pramiracetam is a cognitive enhancer used to promote brain function, memory, learning, reasoning, focus and overall productivity. Users say that this nootropic agent helps them by increasing concentration and mental energy.
In the clinical trials conducted so far, there have not been any serious side effects reported. Pramiracetam is non-toxic and demonstrates neuroprotective properties when used appropriately.
There are negative effects reported in user reviews and it is important to be aware of the potential adverse reactions before taking this nootropic drug. There are also ways to prevent these side effects with responsible use.
In this article, we will look at the safety of Pramiracetam and help you understand more about how this smart drug actually works.
We will also tell you about some of the Pramiracetam side effects and benefits that others have experienced when taking this Racetam nootropic.



- Improves focus, productivity & motivation
- Supports cognition & memory
- Heightens alertness & mental acuity
Pramiracetam Profile
Related Topics
- What is Pramiracetam?
- User Review
- Benefits and How it Works
- Dosing Information
- Side Effects
- Experience Reports
- Purchasing Pramiracetam
- Legal Status
- Using Bulk Powder
- How to Take Capsules
- Pramiracetam Stacks
- Stack with Choline
- Comparison to Piracetam
- Comparison to Noopept
- Comparison to Oxiracetan
- Comparison to Aniracetam
There are a number of beneficial effects related to Pramiracetam. Probably the most sought after of these is improved overall memory.
It is definitely possible to boost your memory capacity with this supplement both for short-term and long-term storage.
Some people will experience particularly significant results, being able to remember all types of facts and figures, details of conversations, and much more. This effect also helps to expand learning capacity, making this an excellent tool for students.
General cognitive functions are also improved. Many users have reported that Pramiracetam improves mental energy which can even lead to feeling sort of a ‘mental’ high. It also leads to an expanded attention span, enhanced focus and concentration.
Mental processing speed and fluidity is also enhanced, with simple and routine tasks like reading, writing, and even holding conversations seeming to require much less effort.
Pramiracetam Side Effects:
When using Pramiracetam, there are only some minor side effects that are typically encountered.
In one research study published in 1991, healthy volunteers were given very high dosages of Pramiracetam between 1,500 – 1,600 mg per day for 28 days. This is several times higher than the recommended dosage used for cognitive enhancement. [1]
The authors of this study reported that the high dosages were well tolerated by participants. This means that most users did not experience side effects and there were no harmful reactions in the treatment group.
In another study, 400 mg of Pramiracetam sulphate was given to men who had sustained brain injuries for an 18-month open-trial treatment period. The study found that Pramiracetam was safe and produces positive clinical outcomes. [2]
According to one study, 17% of people who take this nootropic agent will experience at least one side effect, with the most prevalent consisting of nervousness, anxiety, fatigue, and GI tract distress.
Most of these side effects only present themselves if users take more than the recommended dosage. If you experience any of these symptoms, reduce the dosage to the recommended level.
Below are some of the side effects that have been reported in user reviews of Pramiracetam.
Not everyone will react to this drug the same way. You may experience some or none of these side effects or you may experience negative effects not listed below.

- Improves focus, productivity and motivation
- Boosts cognition and memory performance
- Heightens alertness and reasoning
1. Headaches
All of the Racetam nootropics have a potential to cause headaches, but some users report that Pramiracetam produces the most intense headaches.
This nootropic causes some users to feel like their head is throbbing. Some say it results in a sensation of pressure in a specific region of the head or across the entire head.
It is not known definitively why these headaches occur, but they are thought to be related to the increased synthesis and release of acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter is involved in memory and attention; use of Pramiracetam and other racetams causes more of this brain chemical to be used up.
Low levels of choline – the dietary nutrient required to make acetylcholine – have been linked to cluster headaches or severe migraines based on a 1984 study published in the British Medical Journal.
It has been proposed that insufficient choline in the diet when taking Pramiracetam and related racetams can result in depletion of acetylcholine. This may trigger headaches until the acetylcholine levels can be replenished.
Anecdotal evidence shows that taking a choline supplement with Pramiracetam can ameliorate the headaches for many people. You can increase your consumption of this nutrient by eating foods that are good sources of choline, like eggs, meat and poultry.
Another option is to take an Alpha GPC or CDP Choline supplement. These are two forms of choline donors that are formulated in a way that makes them better able to cross the blood-brain barrier. When taking Alpha GPC, choline levels in the brain increase rapidly following administration.
If you continue to experience headaches after adding a choline source to your stack, you can try adjusting to different dosage ratios or using different forms of this supplement. In some cases, long-term use of choline could make headaches worse, but it is not known why this is the case for some users.
2. Insomnia
Pramiracetam increases arousal and wakefulness in some users. If taken late in the day, it can cause insomnia or make you take longer to fall asleep.
Some users say that taking Pramiracetam causes them to have more mental energy such that they stay awake longer without feeling tired. This can impair sleep quality and cause sleep deprivation in people who have to wake up at a specific time in the morning.
Some individuals say that the insomnia caused by racetams can lead to brain fog and make it harder to focus the next day. Others say that they experience normal sleep latency, but that the quality of their sleep is not as deep and restful. Sleep may be lighter with more vivid dreams.
Users also report that Pramiracetam can alleviate some of the signs of sleep deprivation if taken the next morning, but it should not be used as a tool to sleep less.
Not everyone sees a worsening of sleep patterns when taking racetams. Some users claim benefits for sleep disorders and others say that they take it before bedtime intentionally because it promotes better mental functioning for them the next morning.
The half-life of this nootropic agent is 4.5 – 6.5 hours in humans, though individuals who are slow metabolizers may experience the effects for long after. To reduce the risk of delayed sleep onset, take this nootropic earlier in the day and avoid stimulants in the afternoon.
3. Changes in Mood
One of the common side effects of Pramiracetam is changes in mood. Some users find that this nootropic makes them less emotional, sympathetic or caring about other people.
User experience lots describe feeling “cold and logical” or having “tunnel vision”. While this can be a positive experience for focusing on work, it can make social interactions seem less enjoyable.
Another side effect cited by some is an increase in anxiousness, unease, paranoia and general agitation. Others describe feelings of malaise, anxiety and a general sense of impending doom.
A small number of users say that it causes them to feel irritable, borderline depressed, lacking motivation or puts them in a low mood. One user said that this nootropic causes him to lose his sexual desire and that, ” I’m not very fun anymore and I can’t laugh too… I don’t feel spontaneous anymore…”
Changes in mood induced by Pramiracetam are highly variable. Different people report different experiences, and some say this nootropic has a mood enhancement and anti-anxiety effect. It is not clear why some people respond negatively while others see benefits for mood.
4. Dizziness
The racetam nootropics can cause dizziness and vertigo in a small number of users. Some describe this as feeling light-headed or unstable on their feet while walking.
One user described his experience as follows after taking a supplement with Pramiracetam, Vinpocetine and Choline: “I suddenly felt very dizzy and lightheaded. I had a slight shortness of breath. I drank some water, took a few deep breaths and am feeling better. Though, I will occasionally get a slight dizzy feeling every few minutes or so.” [4]
This is an atypical response to Pramiracetam and is only reported in a small number of users. In one study, patients with mild craniocereberal trauma reported less dizziness and nausea when taking Pramiracetam. [3]
5. Nausea
Use of Pramiracetam (especially in bulk powder form) can induce nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or gastrointestinal discomfort. This may be linked to the unpleasant taste of this nootropic if taken as a raw powder.
Taking Pramiracetam capsules can diminish or reduce the nausea experienced. Consuming it with a meal can also help.
6. Lethargy
Some users say that taking Pramiracetam makes them feel tired, sleepy and lethargic. This demonstrates the highly variable nature of responses to this nootropic as others say that it promotes energy and has a mild stimulant-like effect.
If you experience fatigue when taking Pramiracetam with choline, it may be the choline component of your stack causing this side effect. Using a different dosage or taking a different form of choline may ameliorate the tiredness.
7. Brain Fog
There are reported of users having difficulty thinking clearly after taking Pramiracetam dosages. One user said that, “I could not think clearly, felt dull and just wasn’t myself the whole time.”
It is not clear why some people experience brain fog when taking racetam nootropics while others claim it improves their mental clarity and ability to focus. Using a lower dosage or adding choline supplements to your stack may address this side effect.
8. Skin Rash or Itching
A low-frequency side effect sometimes reported is the development of skin redness, soreness or tenderness when taking Pramiracetam. Some users attribute this rash to a mild allergic reaction.
If you experience skin dryness or itching after taking Pramiracetam, it may help to take it with a source of fish oil.
9. Loss of Appetite
Pramiracetam can cause an appetite suppression effect in some users, which may be linked to the increase in cholinergic activity in the brain. Participants in one study reported a lack of appetite when taken in high dosages.
Long-Term Side Effects
There are no known long-term side effects of Pramiracetam use. Human research is limited, and we do not currently have enough research to evaluate its safety for long-term use.
In animal studies, Pramiracetam has not been shown to elevate liver enzymes or cause liver toxicity. Even at extremely high dosages, serious side effects have not been observed.
There is no evidence of this nootropic building up in the system with prolonged use and it does not exhibit a potential for addiction or withdrawal symptoms. However, some users anecdotally report becoming tolerant to its effects.
To avoid dangerous side effects, do not use this nootropic for extended periods of time at high dosages. Some users recommend cycling on and off or using Pramiracetam occasionally to preserve its effectiveness with long-term use.

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Is Pramiracetam Right For You?
The real bottom line question, however, is whether or not Pramiracetam is right for you to use as a supplement.
This depends on whether you are willing to suspend skepticism and trust some of the science behind nootropics to give Pramiracetam a try.
This supplement has been extensively researched to improve your memory, learning capacity, attention span, focus, and concentration. In some people, it may even produce a calming and relaxing feeling, reducing overall levels of stress and anxiety.
Another interesting area of specialization for Pramiracetam usage is related to brain training. There are many people looking to engage in brain training games and other means of improving their overall cognitive health.
Studies have shown that this can be a way to help avoid the onset of age-related cognitive decline and other related issues. Taking Pramiracetam along with one of these brain training routines can actually increase your fluid intelligence scores leading to better mental performance.
The bottom line is that Pramiracetam offers a lot of upside without any serious risk of side effects. This supplement is available to buy online if you live in the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom and most other countries around the world.
As more and more people learn about the benefits of this supplement, we can expect Pramiracetam’s popularity to continue to grow at a record pace.
General Nootropic Safety
Nootropics are the result of a very exciting field in the study of neuroscience.
Despite the first Nootropic supplements being around since the 1960’s, research and interest into brain supplements has spiked recently.
Many people are now looking for ways to improve their memory, cognitive function, and overall brain health.
One of the most exciting areas for Nootropics is for the potential treatment of mental diseases or conditions.
This includes things like Alzheimer’s disease, ADHD, dementia, and other degenerative cognitive issues.
Supplements like Pramiracetam (as well as other Nootropics) are currently being used as treatments for many of these conditions in Europe and other parts of the world.
There is even evidence which suggests that many Nootropics – Pramiracetam included – are capable of helping to improve the overall health of the brain. This includes actually being able to help guard against certain types of brain damage.
Some Nootropics are also capable of acting as powerful anti-oxidants, removing poisons and toxins from the brain. Reversal of damage caused by excessive alcohol consumption is possible according to some of the research.
- Chang T, Young RM, Goulet JR, Yakatan GJ. Pharmacokinetics of oral pramiracetam in normal volunteers. J Clin Pharmacol. 1985 May-Jun;25(4):291-5.
- McLean A Jr, Cardenas DD, Burgess D, Gamzu E.Placebo-controlled study of pramiracetam in young males with memory and cognitive problems resulting from head injury and anoxia. Brain Inj. 1991 Oct-Dec;5(4):375-80.
- Tkachev AV. [Application of nootropic agents in complex treatment of patients with concussion of the brain]. [Article in Russian] Lik Sprava. 2007 Jul-Sep;(5-6):82-5.
- Lightheaded, dizzy, short of breath after Pramiracetam. Reddit.
- Zhilyuk VI, Levykh AE, Mamchur VI. A study of the mechanisms for antiaggregant activity of pyrrolidone derivatives in rats with chronic hyperglycemia. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2014
- Malykh AG, Sadaie MR. Piracetam and piracetam-like drugs: from basic science to novel clinical applications to CNS disorders. Drugs. 2010
- Auteri A, Blardi P, Celasco G, Segre G, Urso R. Pharmacokinetics of pramiracetam in healthy volunteers after oral administration. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res. 1992
- Chang T, Young RM, Goulet JR, Yakatan GJ. Pharmacokinetics of oral pramiracetam in normal volunteers. J Clin Pharmacol. 1985
Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment
2 Comments
Thank you so much for the details. I tried finding it here in New Delhi, but it is Sporadic. Can you advise me a link to order online.
Thanks!
My understanding is that Piracetam is related to Pramiracetam. In the interactions of Piracetam, it indicates blood thinning and the danger of internal/GI bleeding, but Pramiracetam does not mention this. Are these interactions not found in Pramiracetam?