Description

INTRODUCTION

Piracetam is a nootropic supplement that has the ability to enhance memory and has stood the test of time making it a popular choice for those that want to enhance their cognitive abilities. It is known to allow your creative and logical thoughts to run together into a stream of higher level thinking and can increase the amount of knowledge that your brain can retain for later access.

BENEFITS AND EFFECTS

Piracetam is most known for its ability to enhance cognitive functions, even in healthy adults. Piracetam’s effects are considered less strong compared to its more modern counterparts but still remains a very popular choice for a well-rounded nootropic supplement that has stood the test of time.

Medical studies have also shown Piracetam to be beneficial in treating conditions that affect the brain such as alcoholism, Alzheimer’s disease, and children with dyslexia. Despite its clinical use, it is commonly used by healthy individuals that would like to expand their cognitive functions.

HOW IT WORKS

Interestingly enough, Piracetam doesn’t seem to show any effect on the GABAergic system even though it is a cyclic derivative of GABA. Piracetam’s mechanism of action is related to how it increases the activity of Acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is involved in memory function. It works to increase memory by making the transfer of Acetylcholine more effective. It also affects NMDA glutamate receptors which also play a role in the memory formation and learning processes. Scientists believe Piracetam works through these possible mechanisms in the brain:

Compromised neuronal cells experience a loss of fluidity which prevents signaling molecules from crossing the lipid bi-layer membrane of the corpus callosum, the part of the brain separating the left and the right hemispheres. It is believed Piracetam can restore or even increase in the membrane fluidity of these neuronal cells, making neurotransmission a more effective process. Protein synthesis is an important part of memory-storage in the brain. Piracetam can possibly cause an increase in learning and memory when they are transported by various steroids in the brain. It was noted that when steroids in the brain were blocked, the effects of nootropics were blocked.

RESEARCH DOSAGE

Based on scientific research, there have been studies that conclude that the optimal single dose size of Piracetam for an increase in cognition for adults has been shown to be 4800 mg. The dose is often recommended to be taken two or three times a day, as needed. Other studies used smaller dosages that also had measurable positive effects on cognition. For example, one study found improved cognition after 14 days of supplementing 1200 mg (split into three doses) per day.

SIDE EFFECTS

Side effects from Piracetam are considered very rare. The entire Racetam family of nootropics has been shown to be extremely safe with low toxicity rates. The few reported adverse effects include headache, anxiety, and insomnia. Headache is the most widely reported side effect which can often be remedied by stacking with a Choline supplement. Piracetam has been observed in clinical studies including Alzheimer’s patients taking 8 grams per day without any reported side effects.

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