Nootropics, or “smart drugs,” are a class of cognitive-enhancing supplements that improve mental functions such as memory, creativity and focus. Racetams are a type of nootropic supplement that was developed in the 1970s and are some of the most popular brain boosters on the market. But what are racetams, and how do they work? This article will explore the history, benefits and side effects of this unique category of supplements. Stay smart!
Are all racetams similar?
No, all racetams are not similar. The biggest difference between them is how they interact with the acetylcholine receptors in the brain. Some racetams, like piracetam, bind directly to these receptors, while others, like aniracetam, seem to indirectly affect them. This difference in activity can result in different benefits for each racetam. For example, piracetam is thought to improve memory and cognitive function, while aniracetam is thought to improve mood and reduce anxiety.
History of Racetams
The racetams were discovered in the 1960s by a Romanian chemist named Dr. Corneliu Giurgea. He synthesized Piracetam, the first racetam, while working on a project to develop new medications for cognitive impairment.
Dr. Corneliu Giurgea was a Romanian chemist and psychologist who is considered to be the father of nootropics. He developed the concept of “smart drugs” in the early 1970s, and is credited with coining the term “nootropic.”
Dr. Giurgea’s research focused on understanding how different substances could improve cognitive function and protect the brain from damage. He was particularly interested in substances that could enhance memory, learning, and concentration. His work laid the foundation for modern nootropic research, and many of the drugs currently used as nootropics are based on his original formulations.
What Do Racetams Do?
Racetams are a family of synthetic drugs that share a common structure. They are all believed to enhance cognitive function, though the specific mechanisms by which they do so are not yet fully understood. Some research suggests that racetams may work, in part, by modulating levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.
The most well-known and studied racetam is piracetam. Preliminary evidence suggests that it may be effective for treating symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Other racetams such as aniracetam and oxiracetam have also been shown to improve cognitive function in healthy adults.
Types of Racetams
There are many different types of racetams, but some of the most popular include piracetam, aniracetam, and oxiracetam. These drugs are all considered cognitive enhancers and are believed to improve memory, intelligence, and focus. They work by increasing the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain and by stimulating nerve growth.
Piracetam:
Piracetam is a nootropic agent that was first synthesized in 1964. It is a cyclic derivative of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, meaning it reduces the nerve activity. Piracetam increases blood flow to the brain and appears to protect brain cells from damage. It has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and stroke.
Piracetam is sold as a dietary supplement in the United States and many other countries. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved piracetam as a drug to prevent or treat any medical conditions.
Effects:
Piracetam is a nootropic agent that is believed to increase blood flow to the brain, and it is also thought to protect brain cells from damage. Some research suggests that piracetam may improve cognitive function in Alzheimer’s patients and people with dementia, while other research indicates that piracetam may improve memory, learning, and thinking skills in healthy adults. However, more research is needed to determine the full extent of piracetam’s effects on cognitive function.
Piracetam has also been shown to have some benefits for individuals with dyslexia and autism spectrum disorder, and it may help to improve symptoms such as poor attention span, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity.
Piracetam has been shown to improve impaired cognitive function in patients with dysarthria, a speech disorder caused by damage to the motor control areas of the brain. However, it is not a cure for speech disorders and will not reverse the damage that has already been done.
Side Effects:
Symptoms of general excitability, including anxiety, sleeplessness, irritability, agitation, tremor, and hyperkinesia, are occasionally reported. Increased sweating, depression, weight gain, somnolence, clinical depression, weakness, increased libido, and hypersexuality are among the reported negative effects.
Piracetam has been reported to cause the following adverse effects in humans: hyperkinesia, weight gain, nervousness, drowsiness, sadness, and fatigue.
Piracetam inhibits platelet aggregation, which is one of the causes of stroke. It also reduces fibrinogen levels and hence is not recommended for individuals who have had a cerebral hemorrhage.
Aniracetam:
Aniracetam is a nootropic drug that was originally developed in the 1970s in Europe. It is classified as a racetam drug, and it is said to be about 30 times more potent than Piracetam.
Aniracetam is reported to improve cognitive function, memory, and creativity. It also has anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and antidepressant effects. Additionally, it appears to have beneficial effects on social interactions and communication. Aniracetam is available as a prescription drug in some countries, but it is also available as a supplement in the United States.
Effects:
Aniracetam is a nootropic agent that is known to improve cognitive function and memory. It also has anxiolytic and antidepressant effects, and may help protect the brain from damage. Additionally, Aniracetam may increase communication between the left and right hemispheres of the brain, which can lead to better creativity and problem-solving skills. Overall, Aniracetam is a highly beneficial nootropic agent that can improve a wide range of cognitive functions.
Side Effects:
The most commonly reported side effects of aniracetam are headache, stomachache, and nausea.
Some other potential side effects include anxiety, insomnia, dizziness, and irritability. Because aniracetam crosses the blood-brain barrier more easily than some other nootropics, it’s possible for users to experience more intense side effects such as headaches and anxiety. It’s important to start with a low dose of aniracetam and increase gradually to find the optimal dosage for you.
Oxiracetam:
Oxiracetam is a racetam drug that is used for cognitive enhancement. It is said to improve memory, focus, and energy levels. It is also used as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Oxiracetam belongs to the family of drugs known as racetams. These drugs are all derived from Piracetam, the first racetam drug ever developed. All racetams work by enhancing communication between cells in the brain. This increased communication leads to better overall cognitive function.
Oxiracetam is thought to be one of the most potent members of the racetam family. It is said to be up to 15 times more potent than Piracetam.
Effects:
The effects of oxiracetam are largely unknown because the drug has not been extensively studied. Some research suggests that it may improve cognitive function, memory, and ability to learn new information. It may also help protect against age-related damage to the brain. However, more research is needed to determine the full range of potential benefits and side effects.
Oxiracetam is a member of the racetam family of drugs, which are thought to work by enhancing levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. It is available in both pill and powder form, and is typically taken two or three times per day.
Side effects:
The most common side effects of oxiracetam are headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Oxiracetam is a nootropic drug that is used to improve cognitive function. It is a stimulant and can cause nervousness and anxiety in some people. Oxiracetam can also increase blood pressure and heart rate, and should not be taken by people with high blood pressure or heart disease.
