piracetam

Last updated: May 4, 2025

Piracetam is a synthetic compound derived from the neurotransmitter GABA, first developed in the 1960s. It works by influencing cell membrane fluidity and modulating key neurotransmitter systems like acetylcholine and glutamate, primarily known for its potential neuroprotective and cognitive effects. Studies document its efficacy in specific conditions like cortical myoclonus and cognitive disorders, often requiring high doses but demonstrating good tolerability.

Categories & Effectiveness
Dosage & Side Effects
Benefits by Use Case
Mechanism of Action
Frequently Asked Questions
Summary & Expert Opinion
Research Studies

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Categories & Effectiveness

Cognition

Neuroprotection & Plasticity

7/10

Strong evidence of effectiveness

Working & Long-term Memory

4/10

Moderate evidence of effectiveness

Dosage & Side Effects

Recommended Dosage

Dosage often varies significantly depending on the condition being treated, with clinical studies using high amounts. Doses up to 24 g/day have been used and reported as well-tolerated for long-term control of conditions like cortical myoclonus. While specific optimal ranges for general cognitive enhancement aren't definitively established, clinical evidence suggests efficacy sometimes requires substantial doses.

Potential Side Effects

Piracetam is generally considered well-tolerated, with a benign safety profile confirmed over decades of clinical use and post-marketing surveillance. Even high doses used in studies (e.g., 12g/day for acute stroke, up to 24g/day for myoclonus) showed adverse events similar in frequency, type, and severity to placebo, with no significant organ toxicity reported. While one large stroke study noted numerically higher mortality in the piracetam group, this was not statistically significant and was primarily linked to stroke severity and age, not the treatment itself.

Bioavailability & Half-Life

Piracetam demonstrates good bioavailability when taken orally, meaning it is effectively absorbed into the bloodstream. Studies have examined its availability and plasma clearance in humans, indicating it circulates in the body before being eliminated. While specific details on peak times and metabolic pathways require deeper investigation, it is known not to undergo significant metabolism and is primarily excreted unchanged via the kidneys.

Interactions & Stacks

Piracetam may have synergistic effects when combined with certain antiepileptic drugs, potentially potentiating their action. Studies suggest it can enhance the anticonvulsant effects of drugs like carbamazepine and facilitate diazepam's action against certain types of convulsions. Caution is always advised when combining substances; consult with a healthcare professional regarding potential interactions.

Benefits by Use Case

Cortical Myoclonus

Effectively reduces symptoms of involuntary muscle jerks originating in the brain's cortex. High doses are often required for sustained control.

Cognitive Disorders & Dementia

Shows efficacy in improving cognitive function in individuals with certain cognitive disorders or dementia. Benefits may be more pronounced with consistent, sometimes high-dose, use.

Dyslexia

Studies suggest potential benefits for improving reading abilities in children with dyslexia. Consistent use may be necessary to observe effects.

Vertigo

Documented efficacy in managing symptoms of vertigo. Mechanism likely relates to its effects on neurotransmission and microcirculation.

Mechanism of Action

Piracetam, a derivative of GABA, is thought to exert its effects primarily by restoring and improving cell membrane fluidity, particularly in aging or damaged neurons. This action helps normalize membrane function, including transport and signaling. It modulates several neurotransmitter systems, enhancing cholinergic (acetylcholine) and glutamatergic (especially AMPA receptor) function, which are crucial for learning and memory. Additionally, piracetam possesses neuroprotective and anticonvulsant properties, improves neuroplasticity (the brain's ability to adapt), reduces red blood cell adhesion to blood vessel walls, inhibits vasospasm, and enhances microcirculation, contributing to better brain health and function.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Piracetam safe?

What is Piracetam used for?

How does Piracetam work?

What is a typical Piracetam dose?

Does Piracetam interact with other drugs?

How quickly does Piracetam work?

Summary & Expert Opinion

Piracetam is a foundational nootropic with decades of research supporting its use for specific neurological and cognitive conditions. Its primary strengths lie in its documented efficacy for cortical myoclonus, potential benefits in certain cognitive disorders, and its generally favorable safety profile even at high doses. However, its effectiveness for cognitive enhancement in healthy individuals is less consistently supported, and significant benefits often require substantial, consistent dosing. Individuals diagnosed with conditions like cortical myoclonus, vertigo, or specific cognitive impairments may find Piracetam beneficial under medical guidance. Those seeking general cognitive enhancement might explore other options, and caution is advised regarding dosage and potential interactions, particularly with antiepileptic drugs.

Research Studies

Showing 5 of 7 studies

A 2010 systematic review and meta-analysis of published randomised controlled trials of the effect of both modafinil and ... (2010)

Piracetam: A Review of Pharmacological Properties and Clinical Uses (2006)

cognitive disorders cortical myoclonus dementia +3 more

Authors:

Bengt Winblad

Findings:

Piracetam, a GABA derivative, potentially restores cell membrane fluidity. It modulates neurotransmission (cholinergic, glutamatergic), has neuroprotective/anticonvulsant properties, improves neuroplasticity, reduces erythrocyte adhesion, hinders vasospasm, and facilitates microcirculation. Its efficacy is documented in cognitive disorders, dementia, vertigo, cortical myoclonus, dyslexia, and sickle cell anemia, and it is generally well-tolerated.

Dosage:

High doses are sometimes necessary

All Effects:

cognitive disorders cortical myoclonus dementia dyslexia sickle cell anemia vertigo

A double blind investigation of piracetam (Nootropil) vs placebo in geriatric memory (1977)

A large-scale, 12-week trial of high-dose piracetam

adverse events mortality safety +2 more

Findings:

High-dose piracetam (12g IV bolus, then 12g/day for 4 weeks, maintenance for 8 weeks) in acute stroke patients (N=927) showed a similar safety profile (adverse events, bleeding risk) to placebo over 12 weeks. Mortality was numerically higher but not significantly different from placebo, and primarily linked to stroke severity and age, not treatment. Doses up to 24g/day were also reported as well-tolerated for long-term control of cortical myoclonus.

Participants:

N=927 patients with acute ischemic stroke (PASS study); also mentions use in patients with cortical myoclonus.

Dosage:

PASS study: One intravenous bolus injection of 12 g piracetam, then 12 g daily for 4 weeks, followed by maintenance treatment for 8 weeks. Also mentions doses up to 24 g/day for long-term control of cortical myoclonus.

Study Quality Assessment:

Randomized multicenter placebo-controlled study (PASS); N=927; Safety assessed via adverse events, abnormal laboratory test results, and mortality; Logistic regression used for mortality analysis; References post-marketing surveillance over 25 years.

All Effects:

adverse events mortality safety stroke treatment tolerability

Drug therapy and memory training programs: a double-blind randomized trial of general practice patients with age-associated memory impairment

Piracetam and other structurally related nootropics

Prescription stimulants' effects on healthy inhibitory control, working memory, and episodic memory: a meta-analysis

episodic memory inhibitory control working memory

Authors:

C.J., Farah M.J.

Participants:

Healthy

Study Quality Assessment:

Meta-analysis

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Categories & Effectiveness

Cognition

Neuroprotection & Plasticity

Working & Long-term Memory

Dosage & Side Effects

Recommended Dosage

Potential Side Effects

Bioavailability & Half-Life

Interactions & Stacks

Benefits by Use Case

Cortical Myoclonus

Cognitive Disorders & Dementia

Dyslexia

Vertigo

Mechanism of Action

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary & Expert Opinion

Research Studies

A 2010 systematic review and meta-analysis of published randomised controlled trials of the effect of both modafinil and ... (2010)

Participants:

Study Quality Assessment:

Piracetam: A Review of Pharmacological Properties and Clinical Uses (2006)

Authors:

Findings:

Dosage:

All Effects:

A double blind investigation of piracetam (Nootropil) vs placebo in geriatric memory (1977)

Participants:

Study Quality Assessment:

A large-scale, 12-week trial of high-dose piracetam

Findings:

Participants:

Dosage:

Study Quality Assessment:

All Effects:

Drug therapy and memory training programs: a double-blind randomized trial of general practice patients with age-associated memory impairment

Authors:

Piracetam and other structurally related nootropics

Prescription stimulants' effects on healthy inhibitory control, working memory, and episodic memory: a meta-analysis

Authors:

Participants:

Study Quality Assessment:

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