| PIRACETAM Source: erowid.org By: Chris Schoon Piracetam is a member of the class of drugs known as nootropics. Nootropics are known commonly as cognitive enhancers. Piracetam is similar in molecular structure to the amino acid pyroglutamate. Piracetam and pyroglutamate have the same base chemical structure, the 2-oxo-pyrrolidine, but they differ by a side chain. Pyroglutamate is 2-oxo-pyrrolidine carboxylic acid, and piracetam is 2-oxo-pyrrolidine acetamide. Piracetam was created about 30 years ago by UCB laboratories. Other trade names include: Avigilen, Cerebroforte, Cerebrospan, Cetam, Dinagen, Encefalux, Encetrop, Euvifor, gabacet, Genogris, Memo-Puren, Nootron, Nootrop, Nootropil, Nootropyl, Normabrain,Norzetam, Pirroxil, Psycotron, Stimucortex, and UCB-6215. Similar drugs A number of drugs are related to Piracetam. These include oxiracetam, pramiracetam, etiracetam, nefiracetam, aniracetam and rolziracetam. These have additional structural analogues that behave in a similar manor. What are the reported benefits of Piracetam? Piracetam is reported to enhance cognitive functions of the brain. It is said to enhanced memory, attention, intelligence, etc. It is commonly known as a smart drug for this reason. There is very little empirical evidence to support this claim in healthy individuals. Piracetam is believed to increase blood flow between the two hemispheres of the brain. It's also been reported to protect brain tissue from various physical and chemical abrasions such as alcohol damage. One study described the benefits of piracetam in this way: "In animal models and in healthy volunteers, the drug improves the efficiency of the higher telencephalic functions of the brain involved in cognitive processes such as learning and memory. The pharmacology of piracetam is unusual because it protects against various physical and chemical insults applied to the brain. It facilitates learning and memory in healthy animals and in animals whose brain function has been compromised, and it enhances interhemispheric transfer of information via callosal transmission. At the same time, even in relatively high dosages it is devoid of any sedative, analeptic or autonomic activities." How does Piracetam work? Theories This continues to be somewhat of a mystery. No definitive mechanism of action has been found. A study conducted in 1994 reviewed previously published literature from 1965-1992 (407 references). An excerpt: "We believe that the effect of the racetams (Piracetam and others) is due to a potentiation of already present neurotransmission and that much evidence points in the direction of a modulated ion flux by, e.g., potentiated calcium influx through non-L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels, potentiated sodium influx through alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor gated channels or voltage-dependent channels or decreases in potassium efflux. Effects on carrier mediated ion transport are also possible." "How piracetam exerts its effects on memory disorders is still under investigation, although among other proposed mechanisms of action it is thought to facilitate central nervous system efficiency of cholinergic neurotransmission. Results from trials involving elderly patients with senile cognitive disorders have been equivocal, as have the results obtained when piracetam has been combined with acetylcholine precursors." How it doesn't work It has been determined the Piracetam does not work though many common metabolic pathways. "No affinity for the alpha 1-, alpha 2-, beta-, muscarinic, 5-hydroxytryptamine-, dopamine, adenosine-A1-, mu-opiate, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) (except for nefiracetam (GABAA)), benzodiazepine and glutamate receptors has been found." Are there side effects? No significant side effects of been observed. Piracetam is remarkably well tolerated in humans through a wide range of doses. Women who are breast feeding or pregnant should not use this drug. Piracetam may cause stomach upset as well. The effects of this drug are largely subjective. Some of the effects may be undesirable. Usage Guidelines What is a typical dose? Dosages form 400mg to 4800mg are considered safe. Some literature recommend an 'attack dose' in the range of 1600mg to 2400mg for the first few days to initiate a response in people seeking cognitive enhancing effects. Start with a normal dose like 800mg. It is likely that you will feel the affects at this level. Then try and attack dose if you feel it necessary. Some individuals report that they could feel strong effects at 800mg on the first day. On subsequent days at the same dosage the effects were not as noticeable. It is unclear whether maximum benefits are obtained from daily use over time or if occasional use has benefits. If possible work your doctor. Does piracetam interact with other drugs? Piracetam is said to increases the effects of alcohol and amphetamines. No other drug interactions have been noted. It is recommended that alcohol be avoided as one of the reported effects of Piracetam is increased flow of blood to the brain which would increase damage and intoxication. |