ANIRACETAM powder

Aniracetam is among the piracetam derivatives best-known for its anxiolytic and antidepressant properties with a rather unorthodox stimulant and cognitive profile. Like other members of the racetam family, aniracetam raises acetylcholine levels, but that statement alone doesn’t begin to exhaust its known mechanisms of action.

It was actually the first AMPA-kine (allosteric positive modulator of the AMPA receptor) to be discovered. What distinguishes it from many subsequently developed compounds of the AMPA-kine class, though, is its favorable safety profile and low incidence of highly unpleasant side effects. Interestingly enough, whereas it also acts as a serotonin and dopamine releaser in the pre-frontal cortex and is a weak MAO-A inhibitor, its GABA-enhancing action via N-type calcium channel inhibition provides a counterbalance to the formerly stimulant described effects, which accounts for their unusually smooth profile. Furthermore, aniracetam facilitates interhemispheric transfer through the corpus callosum.

As for its neuroprotective qualities, studies have also proven its capacity to increase brain metabolism especially under deficit conditions, such as that resulting from chemical toxicity, hypoxia, or impaired cerebral microcirculation.

In rodents, it has been found to lower latent inhibition, which basically means the animals un-learned their response to a familiar stimuli and acquired new ones more readily. This could potentially account for greater cognitive flexibility and enhanced creative thinking in humans.

In some countries, aniracetam is used in the treatment of a variety of neuropsychiatric conditions, including senile dementia, Alhzheimer’s, behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia following stroke and ADHD.

Other than the anxiolytic and antidepressant effects, which seem partly due to novelty enhancing properties of aniracetam, its users commonly report gains in motivation, memory focus, increased verbal fluency and overall processing speed. Aniracetam is similar to another racetam – coluracetam, in that it consistently produces sensory enhancement (i.e., “HD Vision”, but also enriched auditory and olfactory sensations in some people). There are also anecdotal testimonies of aniracetam facilitating immersion and the state of mindfulness.

Some users note that become better in multi-tasking and attention switching “on demand”, while other find it particularly beneficial for holistic thinking, social anxiety or sociability in general. Considering those particular effects, it could be hypothesized that individuals with autism spectrum disorder might find that it addresses their cognitive difficulties in a unique, yet very adequate, manner.

Benefits of taking aniracetam

• lessened anxiety;
• enhanced mood;
• better focus and learning capacity;
• increased sociability;
• enhanced senses;
• boost in energy;
• better multitasking skills;
• increased cognitive flexibility;
• enhanced creativity;
• boost in processing speed;
• increased thought connectivity;
• mental rejuvenation;
• immersion and mindfulness.

Side effects

• diarrhea;
• nausea;
• insomnia;
• anxiety;
• increased heart rate;
• stuffy nose.

Interactions

While aniracetam exhibits some MAOI-A activity, it isn’t strong enough to formulate strict contraindications when it comes to below medication classes. However, it is advised to start with low doses and increase them (if needed) with caution.

• SSRI / SNRI;
• TCAs (imipramine and clomipramine in particular);
• stimulants;
• MAOIs (extreme caution is advised);
• noradrenergic agents such as atomoxetine and bupropion.

Dosage

Aniracetam is fat-soluble, and as such is best taken with food, however, it can also be ingested on empty stomach, as it can be later absorbed from the small intestine.

It’s a short acting substance (3 up to 5 hours), and can be taken as needed. For more permanent nootropic effects, it is advised to take it three times a day over a 4-6 week period. Such cycle can be repeated after a two-week break.

Some people experience the effects of aniracetam with doses as low as 300 mg; it has a broad therapeutic margin, in that according to official guidelines the maximum daily dose is 4500 mg. For some individuals, a daily dose as high as 7500 mg appears to be well tolerated. It is important not to exceed 2500 mg in a single dose, though, as dosing higher greatly increases the incidence of adverse effects.