Rankings / Cognitive — Nootropics
Piracetam
Cognitive · Racetam
Tier C+
What this is
Gouhie 2024 meta-analysis in adults with memory impairment could not definitively establish an effect on memory (heterogeneous data). Older 2002 Waegemans meta found modest global benefit in elderly cognitive impairment. Approved in many EU countries for cortical myoclonus and age-related cognitive decline. Generally very well tolerated.
Mechanism
Parent racetam; modulates AMPA and NMDA receptor function; increases membrane fluidity; enhances cerebral blood flow and glucose utilization; mechanism not fully characterized
Dose & route
1.6-4.8 g/day PO in divided doses; attack dose up to 9.6 g/day
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38878641/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK69241/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3648782/
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This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.