Categories & Effectiveness

No categories available for this nootropic.

Dosage & Side Effects

Recommended Dosage

The commonly recommended dosage for adults in clinical studies is 1500 mg per day, often divided into two doses. While specific threshold doses aren't well-defined for general nootropic use, the 1500 mg/day level appears effective and well-tolerated in research settings. Studies primarily focus on elderly populations with cognitive impairment; dosage adjustments for other groups haven't been formally established, so starting lower is prudent.

Potential Side Effects

Common mild side effects reported include transient anxiety, irritability, restlessness, uneasiness, and insomnia. Less frequent effects can involve headache, vertigo, mild stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, rash, or urinary urgency, though these were typically mild in clinical trials. While generally well-tolerated with few drug interactions noted, caution is advised, especially when combining with other substances; consult a healthcare professional.

Interactions & Stacks

Aniracetam has been studied in combination with Cholinesterase Inhibitors (ChEIs) for cognitive impairment, showing potential benefits in some patient groups. Some users report combining Aniracetam with choline sources like Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline to potentially enhance effects or mitigate headaches, though strong clinical evidence for this specific synergy is limited. While generally having few interactions, combining Aniracetam with other psychoactive substances should be approached cautiously and ideally under medical guidance.

Benefits by Use Case

Age-Related Cognitive Decline

May help maintain cognitive function (memory, processing) and improve emotional state in individuals with mild-to-moderate dementia (Alzheimer's, vascular). Effects observed over 3-12 months in studies, but long-term consistency needs more research.

Memory Enhancement

Supports working and long-term memory processes, potentially by modulating glutamate and acetylcholine systems. Benefits are more consistently reported in populations with existing cognitive deficits.

Mood & Anxiety Support

May improve emotional stability and reduce depressive symptoms, possibly linked to effects on dopamine, serotonin, and BDNF. Anxiolytic effects seen in animal models, but human data is mixed, and anxiety can be a side effect for some.

Focus & Learning (Exploratory)

Theoretically supports focus by modulating key neurotransmitters involved in attention and executive function. Evidence mainly comes from animal models (e.g., ADHD models) or is inferred from its mechanisms; less direct human evidence for focus enhancement in healthy individuals.

Mechanism of Action

Aniracetam exerts its effects through multiple pathways in the brain. It acts as a positive allosteric modulator of AMPA-type glutamate receptors, enhancing excitatory neurotransmission crucial for learning and memory, and also modulates metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). Aniracetam increases the release of acetylcholine in key brain regions like the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Furthermore, it boosts extracellular levels of dopamine and serotonin, particularly in the mesocorticolimbic pathway, via indirect cholinergic and glutamatergic mechanisms involving nicotinic acetylcholine (nACh) and NMDA receptors. Its metabolites, N-anisoyl-GABA and p-anisic acid, also contribute to these neurotransmitter effects. Additionally, Aniracetam has been shown to increase Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) expression, potentially contributing to its cognitive and mood effects and offering neuroprotective properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Aniracetam safe?

When should I take Aniracetam?

Does Aniracetam help with anxiety?

Can Aniracetam improve memory?

How does Aniracetam work?

Is Aniracetam effective for ADHD?

What is the typical Aniracetam dose?

Can I stack Aniracetam with other nootropics?

Does Aniracetam need to be taken with fat?

Summary & Expert Opinion

Overall, Aniracetam is a well-tolerated nootropic with strong evidence supporting its use for improving memory and mood, especially in cases of age-related cognitive decline. Its strengths lie in its multiple beneficial mechanisms of action (modulating glutamate, acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin, and BDNF) and its favorable safety profile observed in clinical trials up to 12 months. However, limitations include a relative lack of long-term human data, potentially greater efficacy in individuals with existing cognitive impairment compared to healthy users, and the need for more direct evidence to support proposed mechanisms like Aβ reduction. Individuals experiencing mild-to-moderate cognitive deficits or seeking mood support alongside cognitive benefits may find Aniracetam helpful, particularly when taken consistently at studied dosages (e.g., 1500 mg/day). Those prone to anxiety or insomnia should use caution due to potential side effects, and consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended before starting, especially given its status as an unregulated compound in some regions.

Research Studies

Showing 5 of 11 studies

Aniracetam: An Evidence-Based Model for Preventing the Accumulation of Amyloid-β Plaques in Alzheimer’s Disease (2024)

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the... (2019)

Aniracetam enhances cortical dopamine and serotonin release via cholinergic and glutamatergic mechanisms in SHRSP (2001)

cholinergic mechanism dopamine release glutamatergic mechanism +2 more

Authors:

Nakamura K

Findings:

Aniracetam increases extracellular dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), basolateral amygdala, and dorsal hippocampus of SHRSP rats. This effect is mediated by its metabolite N-anisoyl-GABA acting on nicotinic acetylcholine (nACh) and NMDA receptors in the VTA and DRN, and presynaptic nACh receptors in the PFC. Another metabolite, p-anisic acid, also induces DA/5-HT release when applied locally to the PFC.

Participants:

Animal model: stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP), Rats, Inbred SHR.

Dosage:

Aniracetam was orally administered (dose not specified). Metabolites (N-anisoyl-GABA, p-anisic acid) and antagonists (mecamylamine) were locally perfused (concentrations/doses not specified).

Study Quality Assessment:

Methods mentioned: Local perfusion, Microdialysis, use of receptor antagonists (mecamylamine), Dose-Response Relationship studied (implied by MeSH term).

All Effects:

cholinergic mechanism dopamine release glutamatergic mechanism prefrontal cortex serotonin release

Aniracetam (Ro 13-5057) in the treatment of senile dementia of ...

Alzheimer's disease cognitive impairment psychobehavioural parameters +1 more

Findings:

The aniracetam group showed statistically significant improvement versus baseline in psychobehavioural parameters and differed significantly from the placebo group by the end of the 6-month study. In contrast, the placebo group showed steady deterioration. Tolerability to aniracetam was reported as excellent.

Participants:

One hundred and nine (N=109) elderly patients suffering from mild to moderate cognitive impairment fulfilling NINCDS-ADRDA criteria for probable dementia of the Alzheimer type.

Study Quality Assessment:

Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicentre clinical study. N=109. Duration: 6 months. Evaluation included clinical, behaviourial and psychometric assessments.

All Effects:

Alzheimer's disease cognitive impairment psychobehavioural parameters tolerability

Aniracetam (Ro 13-5057) in the treatment of senile dementia of Alzheimer type (SDAT): results of a placebo controlled multicentre clinical study

SDAT cognitive impairment psychobehavioural parameters +1 more

Findings:

The aniracetam group significantly differed from the placebo group by the end of the 6-month study. The aniracetam group showed statistically significant improvement versus baseline in psychobehavioural parameters, whereas the placebo group showed steady deterioration. Tolerability to aniracetam was excellent.

Participants:

N=109 elderly patients suffering from mild to moderate cognitive impairment fulfilling NINCDS-ADRDA criteria for probable dementia of the Alzheimer type (SDAT).

Study Quality Assessment:

Placebo controlled multicentre clinical study; double-blind randomized study versus placebo; N=109; Treatment duration: 6 months; Clinical, behaviourial and psychometric evaluation every other month. MeSH terms indicate: Clinical Trial, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial, Double-Blind Method.

All Effects:

SDAT cognitive impairment psychobehavioural parameters tolerability

Aniracetam Ameliorates Attention Deficit Hyperactivity ...

ADHD model anxiety reduction hyperactivity reduction +2 more

Findings:

TARP γ-8 KO adolescent mice exhibited hyperactivity, anxiety-like behaviors, impulsivity, reduced recognition memory, and impaired short-term and long-term contextual fear memory compared to WT mice. Administration of aniracetam (100 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly ameliorated these behavioral deficits in the TARP γ-8 KO mice. The study suggests aniracetam works through glutamate receptors (AMPARs) and shows potential as a novel treatment for ADHD symptoms.

Participants:

Animal model: TARP γ-8 knockout (KO) mice and wild-type (WT) littermates (C57BL/6J background). Four-to eight-week-old male mice (weight, 13.2–20.5 g) were used. n = 10 mice per group.

Dosage:

100 mg/kg aniracetam administered via intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection 30 minutes before behavioral testing.

Study Quality Assessment:

Animal model study using TARP γ-8 KO mice as an ADHD model compared to WT controls. Vehicle control used (10% 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin). Behavioral tests conducted: Open field, Cliff avoidance, Novel object recognition, Contextual fear conditioning. Statistical methods specified (ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, post-hoc tests). Sample size reported as n=10 per group. Study approved by Ethics Committee (IACUC-hebmu-2019001) and followed ARRIVE guidelines. Reviewer comments noted limitations (model generalizability, lack of direct attention measure, sample size rationale not detailed). Authors declared no competing financial interests.

All Effects:

ADHD model anxiety reduction hyperactivity reduction impulsivity reduction memory improvement

Aniracetam: An Evidence-Based Model for Preventing the Accumulation of ...

Aniracetam. An overview of its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, and a review of its therapeutic potential in senile cognitive disorders

amyloid-β reduction (proposed) cognitive enhancement memory improvement +3 more

Findings:

Aniracetam is described as a safe, effective, cognitive-enhancing drug that improves memory in human and animal studies. This paper proposes an evidence-based model suggesting aniracetam may prevent amyloid-β (Aβ) plaque accumulation by increasing α-secretase activity through two pathways: enhancing Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) expression and positively modulating metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). The text notes this is the first paper to propose this specific model and that direct research on aniracetam's effect on Aβ is lacking.

Participants:

The text describes aniracetam as improving memory in 'human and animal studies'. It cites specific clinical trials involving '109 elderly subjects' and '115 subjects'. Future research is proposed involving 'adults with mild cognitive impairment' and 'rats'. The primary text itself is a review/model proposal, not a report on a single study with its own participant group.

Dosage:

A future human clinical trial is proposed using '1,500 mg/day of aniracetam'. A future animal study is proposed using a 'daily dose of aniracetam (50 mg/kg) in rats'.

Study Quality Assessment:

The text presents an 'evidence-based model' citing numerous references. It mentions cited clinical trials were 'placebo controlled' [refs 61, 62] with durations of 'six months' [refs 61, 62] and sample sizes N=109 [ref 61] and N=115 [ref 62]. Limitations are acknowledged, including unknowns in AD neurobiochemistry, Aβ biology, long-term effects of α-secretase upregulation, and incomplete understanding of aniracetam's biochemistry (e.g., specific mGluRs modulated, specific α-secretases activated). Funding sources are disclosed ('Brain Fit For Life, LLC', 'private donors'). A conflict of interest statement is included ('author has no conflict of interest'). Data availability is stated ('All data are available in the main text'). The article is published in a peer-reviewed journal (J Alzheimers Dis) and is open access (CC BY-NC 4.0).

All Effects:

amyloid-β reduction (proposed) cognitive enhancement memory improvement neuroprotection side effects α-secretase activity (proposed)

Clinical Efficacy of Aniracetam, Either as ...

cognitive function emotional state functional capacity +2 more

Findings:

Aniracetam monotherapy preserved cognitive, functional, and psychological parameters over 12 months and improved emotional state (GDS) at 3 months. In patients with mild-to-moderate dementia (MMSE 15-25), aniracetam showed significantly better cognitive performance (MMSE) at 6 months and improved functionality (FRSSD) at 3 months compared to ChEIs. Patients on ChEIs monotherapy showed significant cognitive decline (MMSE) at 12 months. Aniracetam was well-tolerated.

Participants:

N=276 patients (mean age 71 ± 8 years, 95 males) diagnosed with cognitive disorders of variable severity (including Mild Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer's disease, and other dementias like vascular, mixed, frontotemporal). Inclusion criteria included age ≥ 50 years, diagnosis of cognitive impairment (DSM-IV), reliable caregiver, and recent neuroimaging. Exclusion criteria included severe comorbidities or other neuropsychiatric disorders. A sub-analysis focused on N=151 patients with mild-to-moderate dementia (baseline MMSE 15-25).

Dosage:

Aniracetam: 1500 mg daily fixed dose. ChEIs: Variable optimal dosages depending on the specific agent, reached after appropriate escalation. Combined treatment involved both aniracetam (1500 mg/day) and a ChEI.

Study Quality Assessment:

Prospective, open-label, comparative study. Sample size N=276, divided into four groups (no treatment, aniracetam mono, ChEIs mono, combined). Neuropsychological assessment using validated scales (MMSE, FRSSD, GDS, NPI) performed by a blinded rater at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. Attempted rough randomization for treatment allocation, but not computer-generated. Limitations acknowledged: open-label design, not placebo-controlled (no-treatment group served as control), relatively small number of patients per group, potential limitations of neuropsychological tools used, exclusion of 7 patients who switched treatment. Conflict of Interest: Authors declared no financial conflicts.

All Effects:

cognitive function emotional state functional capacity neuropsychological parameters tolerability

Clinical Efficacy of Aniracetam, Either as Monotherapy or Combined with ...

cognition emotional state (depression) functionality (ADL) +2 more

Findings:

Aniracetam monotherapy (1500mg/day) maintained cognitive, functional, and neuropsychiatric parameters over 12 months and significantly improved emotional state (GDS) at 3 months in the overall group. In patients with mild-moderate dementia (MMSE 15-25), aniracetam showed significantly better cognitive performance (MMSE) at 6 months and improved functionality (FRSSD) at 3 months compared to ChEIs alone. ChEIs monotherapy showed significant cognitive decline (MMSE) at 12 months, even in the mild-moderate subgroup.

Participants:

N=276 patients (mean age 71 ± 8 years, 95 males) with cognitive disorders (including Mild Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer's disease, and other forms of dementia like vascular, mixed, and frontotemporal). A sub-analysis focused on N=151 patients with mild-to-moderate dementia (baseline MMSE 15-25).

Dosage:

Aniracetam: 1500 mg daily fixed dose. ChEIs: Dosages were variable depending on the specific agent, adjusted based on prescribing information, clinical judgment, tolerance, and response, aiming for optimal dosages after escalation.

Study Quality Assessment:

Prospective, open-label, comparative study. N=276 allocated into four groups (no treatment n=75, aniracetam n=58, ChEIs n=68, combined n=68). Assessments via validated scales (MMSE, FRSSD, GDS, NPI) at baseline, 3, 6, 12 months. Rater blinded to treatment. Allocation described as 'roughly randomized manner' by clinicians, not computer-generated. Limitations acknowledged: open-label, not placebo-controlled, potential bias in no-treatment group selection, 7 subjects excluded post-allocation due to treatment switching, use of MMSE noted as potentially 'moderately sensitive and rather crude', relatively small number of patients per group.

All Effects:

cognition emotional state (depression) functionality (ADL) neuropsychiatric symptoms side effects

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in youths with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials and biological studies

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Categories & Effectiveness

Dosage & Side Effects

Recommended Dosage

Potential Side Effects

Interactions & Stacks

Benefits by Use Case

Age-Related Cognitive Decline

Memory Enhancement

Mood & Anxiety Support

Focus & Learning (Exploratory)

Mechanism of Action

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary & Expert Opinion

Research Studies

Aniracetam: An Evidence-Based Model for Preventing the Accumulation of Amyloid-β Plaques in Alzheimer’s Disease (2024)

Authors:

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the... (2019)

Study Quality Assessment:

Aniracetam enhances cortical dopamine and serotonin release via cholinergic and glutamatergic mechanisms in SHRSP (2001)

Authors:

Findings:

Participants:

Dosage:

Study Quality Assessment:

All Effects:

Aniracetam (Ro 13-5057) in the treatment of senile dementia of ...

Findings:

Participants:

Study Quality Assessment:

All Effects:

Aniracetam (Ro 13-5057) in the treatment of senile dementia of Alzheimer type (SDAT): results of a placebo controlled multicentre clinical study

Findings:

Participants:

Study Quality Assessment:

All Effects:

Aniracetam Ameliorates Attention Deficit Hyperactivity ...

Findings:

Participants:

Dosage:

Study Quality Assessment:

All Effects:

Aniracetam: An Evidence-Based Model for Preventing the Accumulation of ...

Aniracetam. An overview of its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, and a review of its therapeutic potential in senile cognitive disorders

Findings:

Participants:

Dosage:

Study Quality Assessment:

All Effects:

Clinical Efficacy of Aniracetam, Either as ...

Findings:

Participants:

Dosage:

Study Quality Assessment:

All Effects:

Clinical Efficacy of Aniracetam, Either as Monotherapy or Combined with ...

Findings:

Participants:

Dosage:

Study Quality Assessment:

All Effects:

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in youths with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials and biological studies

Participants:

Study Quality Assessment:

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