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What is Nootropil and what exactly does this compound do?
The promise of the so-called ‘smart drug’ Nootropil is that it may help to improve your cognitive functioning. This includes memory, learning capacity, concentration, and other mental thought processes.
Nootropil is a brand name of the generic Piracetam and is the original and most popular in the class of compounds called Nootropics. The name Nootropics comes from the Greek language and translates to “to bend the mind.”
The promise of being able to improve one’s mind and mental functioning by simply taking a pill may at first seems far-fetched. However, there is an incredible amount of real science and research behind Nootropil, and the benefits and results have been quite promising.
Memory
Attention
Brain Health- Promotes neuron health & synaptic plasticity
- Supports memory recall & learning
- Boosts focus, visual perception & attention
What Is Nootropil?
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Nootropil is the brand name for the leading Racetam which is a compound called Piracetam.
Specifically, Nootropil is a cyclic derivative of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA). Despite this structure, it does not appear to effect GABA receptors within the brain.
Piracetam/Nootropil was first synthesized by the Romanian psychologist and chemist Dr. Corneliu E. Giurgea in 1964. After discovering the novel cognitive enhancing properties of this drug, Giurgea coined the term ‘nootropic’.
Internationally, this drug is used as a therapeutic agent in conditions such as cortical myoclonus, Down’s syndrome (DS), dyslexia in children, autism, aesthenia, tinnitus, vertigo, senile dementia, age-related cognitive decline, ADHD and some mood disorders.
It has been researched for its effects on memory function, cognitive health, Alzheimer’s disease, recovery in stroke patients and more.
In many European countries, Nootropil is prescribed by doctors to students and other patients who want to boost their brainpower.
While Nootropil has been used since its development in the 1960s as either a prescription or over-the-counter drug in many countries around the world, in the United States the FDA has not approved this medication as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions, including cognitive impairment.
In the United States, Piracetam is an unregulated, unscheduled compound and cannot be promoted for the treatment of any health problems. It also does not meet the qualifications of a dietary supplement, and cannot be labeled or sold as such.
Due to FDA laws surrounding the sales, distribution, and labeling of compounds like Piracetam, buying this cognitive enhancer within the US can be difficult.
However, it is legal to buy Nootropil tablets for personal use, and many people will import from countries where the sale of this nootropic agent is legal. There are often no issues when importing amounts that are considered for personal use, typically a three month or less supply.
- Promotes neuron health & synaptic plasticity
- Supports memory recall & learning
- Boosts focus, visual perception & attention
How Does Nootropil Work?
There is a significant amount of research and clinical trials on the cognitive enhancement effects of Nootropil and its mechanism of action.
There is ongoing debate about the specific ways in which Nootropil works. As noted above, even though it is structurally a derivative of GABA, Piracetam does not affect GABA or GABA receptors in any meaningful way. Instead, the method of action is tied to how it increases the activity of Acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory.
Exactly how this happens though is still a matter for debate and further scientific research. There are a number of different ideas and hypotheses about specific methods.
The first is that Nootropil promoted increased membrane fluidity of neurons. This is purported to improve communications between neurons and also between both hemispheres of the brain.
Another interesting theory is related to protein synthesis within the brain. These processes are important factors in memory storage. The idea is that Nootropil is actually helps to improve protein synthesis through an increase in the activity of various steroids within the brain.
Many researchers have noted that when these brain steroids are blocked, so are the effects of most supplements for cognitive enhancement.
Other scientists think that special brain receptor sites are modulated by Nootropil. These sites, also known as AMPA receptors, are not otherwise part of synaptic transmissions.
Therefore, if these are able to be affected it should increase the total number of synaptic receptors available and help to increase the effectiveness of any neurotransmitters involved in these processes.
The most commonly accepted theory about the method of action used by Nootropil is that it primarily affects the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine. Not only is the chemical itself available in increased amounts but it also affects the receptor sites, allowing the chemical to circulate and increase its role in learning, memory, and other cognitive functions.
It does this by being a positive allosteric modulator of Acetylcholine which means that it increases the activation of receptors for this neurotransmitter in the brain.
Nootropil is also believed to increase blood flow to the brain and protect the cerebral cortex from low oxygen levels.
Nootropil Effects
There are a number of cognitive benefits attributed to this smart drug. For starters Nootropil usage has been seen to result in improved learning abilities and enhanced memory (some studies even suggest faster recall).
Many users also experience improved focus and concentration along with more mental energy. This can be helpful in reducing the sensation of “brain fog” and promoting mental clarity.
Research studies demonstrate that this brain enhancer can increase the communication between both hemispheres of the brain. This purported mechanism of action is believed to have benefits for reasoning, working memory and general cognition, but more research is needed to understand how this works.
Nootropil Dosages and Side Effects
Nootropil is typically taken at a dose between 2,000-4,800 mg two or three times a day.
It is recommended to start out with a lower dose and gradually increase until the desired effects are achieved. Given the short half-life of this nootropic drug, it is suggested to spread the administrations over several times in the day.
This product is available in several forms, including liquid syrup, oral tablets and capsule, as well as bulk generic Piracetam powder. The powder is the most cost-effective of the options, but has a very bitter taste when consumed.
To mask the bitter taste, it is recommended to mix this powder in a liquid like orange juice. Nootropil is water-soluble and can be taken with or without food.
As a clinical medicine, Nootropil 800 mg tablets are used in the treatment of myoclonus of cortical origin. Therapy with Piracetam powder or tablets is typically started at 7.2 g per day and increased by increments of 4.8 g, up to a maximum daily dose of 24 g.
Patients with kidney problems and impaired renal function are advised to take lower dosages of this drug, depending on their creatinine clearance (CLcr) test results.
Individuals with a creatinine clearance in ml/min of between 80 – 30 will usually be advised to take between 2/3 to 1/6 the normal suggested dose.
If you have been diagnosed with kidney dysfunction, consult with a doctor or pharmacist before using this nootropic drug.
Nootropil is considered safe and generally well-tolerated in the majority of people. When used at the recommended dosage levels, there is a low incidence of negative Nootropil side effects.
Some of the most commonly reported side effects associated with Nootropil (Piracetam) include:
- Nervousness/Agitation
- Weight gain
- Headache
- Increased body movement (Hyperkinesia)
- Fatigue/Sleepiness
- Nausea
- Depression
- Asthenia
- Feeling Weakness
At higher dosages, some users have experienced headaches, insomnia, anxiety, and gastrointestinal issues. The headaches can sometimes be remedied by taking this nootropic agent with a choline supplement, such as Alpha GPC or Citicoline (CDP Choline).
Nootropil can interfere with platelet aggregation and affect blood flow and clotting throughout the body. If combined with other medicines that affect platelet aggregation, there could be an increased risk of bleeding.
Some examples of medications that may interact with this drug include Acenocoumarol, Aspirin, Bivalirudin, Clopidogrel, Dabigatran, Danaparoid, Dextran, Dipyridamole, Fondaparinux, Heparins, Lepirudin, Phenindione, Prasugrel, Rivaroxaban, Sulfinpyrazone, Warfarin, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists and thrombolytic agents like Alteplase and Streptokinase.
Consult with a doctor or pharmacist to determine whether Nootropil tablets are appropriate for you to use.
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- Uebelhack R, et al . Effect of piracetam on cognitive performance in patients undergoing bypass surgery. Pharmacopsychiatry. 2003 May;36(3):89-93.
- Wheble PC, Sena ES, Macleod MR. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy of Piracetam and Piracetam-Like Compounds in Experimental Stroke. Cerebrovasc Dis. 2008;25(1-2):5-11. Epub 2007 Nov 22.
- 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.
- 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.
- Medicines.org.uk; Nootropil 800mg & 1200mg Tablets and Solution. (UCB Pharma Limited; August 2005) electronic Medicines Compendium. Datapharm Communications.
- Mondadori C, et al . Involvement of a steroidal component in the mechanism of action of piracetam-like nootropics. Brain Res. 1990 Jan 1;506(1):101-8.
Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment
4 Comments
Hi – my sister is on the Nootropil for her MS and unfortunately it would appear Aspen isnt manufacturing it at the moment. Could you advise if there is another pill / manufacturer in South Africa that we can contact.
My brother has taken 3 nootropil 800 mg tablets at a same time plz tell me what will happen to him and plz reply fast plz
Starting dose of 2,000 mg is very high for a starter from my experience 1,000 mg is ideal for a beginner and can gradually move up to -5,000 mg
I have taken 800mg tablet for first time does I take for times a day?