Oxiracetam

Oxiracetam, as a member of the most widely recognized nootropic class, is a synthetic drug that shares many qualities of its parent compound, piracetam, from which it differs by the presence of a hydroxyl group at the fourth carbon atom in the pyrrolidone ring.

Oxiracetam is generally well absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract, with bioavailability ranging from 56% to 82%. It reaches its highest concentration in the blood within one to three hours after ingestion, and while it has an approximate half-life in the body of 6 to 8 hours, it remains detectable even after 96 hours. It crosses the blood-brain barrier and reaches its highest concentration in the septum pellucidum, hippocampus (crucial area for memory formation) and cerebral cortex, as well as in the striatum. It is known to affect various functions of the central nervous system; yet, its exact mechanism of its action has not been fully understood.

According to current state of knowledge, its positive impact on the nervous system primarily arises from its influence on the functioning of essential neurotransmitters, namely acetylcholine, dopamine, and glutamate. Oxiracetam supplementation offers a significant advantage by enhancing two essential cognitive functions: the processes of learning and memory retention.  The observed effect can be attributed directly to the enhancement of acetylcholine secretion. Furthermore, oxiracetam enhances neuronal connectivity, thereby improving the efficiency of information transmission. Subsequently, the process of acquiring knowledge is facilitated, resulting in increased efficiency and speed. The cognitive processes of the mind enable it to absorb a greater volume of information while concurrently preserving clarity and steering clear of overstimulation. The enhanced function of acetylcholine also contributes to memory, particularly in the realm of information retrieval. The influence of glutamate on neuronal signaling serves to potentiate this effect significantly. Furthermore, acetylcholine plays a crucial role in the capacity to concentrate. When its activity reaches an optimal level, maintaining concentration on a specific task becomes significantly easier. Consequently, distractions are suppressed, which translates into elevated productivity levels.

Oxiracetam enhances the activity of acetylcholine within the central nervous system, with particular emphasis on the hippocampus, a structure that plays a vital role in memory processes. It has been shown to enhance the neuronal reuptake of choline, a crucial substrate for the production of this neurotransmitter, by 30%. This mechanism enhances the activity of acetylcholine, which subsequently contributes to improved memory capacities. It has been observed by scientists that the effects of oxiracetam on memory are significantly enhanced when it is administered consistently, as opposed to being taken as a one-time dose. Significantly, the effects persist beyond the duration of supplementation, remaining evident even four months following the final administration.

Numerous studies have consistently demonstrated that oxiracetam plays a role in the activation of long-term potentiation (LTP), potentially through the stimulation of specific neuronal signals. Consequently, the acquisition of new knowledge and abilities becomes more manageable.

The enhancement of overall mood can be attributed to dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a vital role in ensuring mental well-being. Research indicates that oxiracetam has an impact on dopamine secretion and plays a role in preventing its reduction under challenging circumstances. Furthermore, the impact on other excitatory neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine and glutamate, holds significant relevance.  The optimal combination of their activities facilitates the maintenance of a positive mood and helps sustain motivation.

It can also be stated that oxiracetam facilitates the acquisition of knowledge through the provision of energy.  Numerous research studies assert that oxiracetam possesses psychostimulatory properties. Primarily, it enhances the activity of glutamate, which serves as the principal excitatory neurotransmitter. This compound functions as a positive allosteric modulator for its respective receptors. This process facilitates a more seamless interaction between receptors and the molecules of this neurotransmitter. This results in a significant increase in energy levels and an enhancement of cognitive functions. Furthermore, oxiracetam enhances the function of acetylcholine. The outcome is an enhancement in the brain’s ability to process information effectively. Consequently, the mind is capable of achieving its highest level of performance.

Oxiracetam enhances memory through several mechanisms, including the reduction of neuronal damage, the modulation of brain metabolism, the increase of cerebral blood flow, and the inhibition of astrocyte activation.

The collective actions described serve to safeguard healthy neurons, enhance brain plasticity, and support the neurotransmitters that are essential for the creation, maintenance, and sharing of memory. Oxiracetam proves to be an exceptionally beneficial supplement for the acquisition of knowledge and the execution of tasks that necessitate logical reasoning and require a certain level of thought organization. Furthermore, the supplementation of oxiracetam leads to an increase in dopamine levels. The stimulation of the so-called “reward system” by this neurotransmitter underscores its significance in fostering a positive mood and enhancing motivation, particularly when it interacts with acetylcholine. In conclusion, oxiracetam serves as a remarkable enhancement to the cognitive abilities of the mind.

The above findings correspond with anecdotal reports, in which oxiracetam is oft portrayed as both academic and physical performance booster. Among its users, it is valued for its long action duration (typically 8-10 hours). While some people use it to ace their science classes, others take advantage of its stamina enhancing properties in long-distance running or swimming. Some accounts suggest that oxiracetam might have very down-to-earth applications, as it seems to help to increase the ability to carry out mundane tasks or chores.

Numerous metabolic processes occurring within the brain render neurons vulnerable to oxidative damage resulting from byproducts. Oxiracetam serves to mitigate such effeccts through its inherent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

In a double-blind trial on 12 healthy volunteers, oxiracetam mitigated the scopolamine-induced deterioration of neuropsychological performance (i.e., semantic memory, word recall tests, reading). Consistent with these findings, its use for 2–6 months in people above the age of 65 improved certain of their cognitive deficits of nonspecific aetiology. It has, unfortunately, failed to produce improvement in cognitive function of patients with Alzheimer’s Disease, however, it is noteworthy to mention that its effects were assessed after merely a month of treatment. Interestingly enough, no adverse effects were reported in either of the aforementioned studies.

 

Benefits of taking oxiracetam

• increased wakefulness;
• analysis enhancement;
• better thought connectivity;
• focus enhancement;
• ability to sustain concentration over long periods of time;
• boost in motivation;
• higher energy levels;
• memory enhancement;
• dream potentiation;
• improved mood;
• visual acuity and color enhancement;
• auditory enhancements;
• improved physical performance;
• might alleviate certain symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Sensory Processing Disorder;
• potential adjunct treatment for ADHD.

Side effects

Oxiracetam is generally well-tolerated. The below side effects are relatively mild, and can be mitigated by dosage and / or administration timing adjustment or proper choline supplementation.

• headaches;
• insomnia;
• gastrointestinal discomfort;
• nervousness.

Dosage

Oxiracetam is best taken without food, with its typical doses ranging from 400 to 1200 mg once or twice per day. It is generally discouraged to dose as high as 2400 mg (single dose), as it often results in contradictory effects relative to expected benefits.

It might be ingested in capsule form, however, given that oxiracetam has a mildly sweet taste, it is also common to dissolve oxiracetam powder in water and drink the solution.