Piracetam
Positive allosteric modulator of AMPA-type glutamate receptors, enhancing ion channel conductance without direct agonism. Increases membrane fluidity in neuronal lipid bilayers and improves mitochondrial electron transport chain efficiency. Secondary effects on acetylcholine turnover and cerebrovascular blood flow contribute to its procognitive profile.
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- PMID:12006732Piracetam--an old drug with novel properties? — Pharmacol Rep, 2005
- PMID:19527187A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of piracetam — J Psychopharmacol, 2010
- PMID:15374324Piracetam improves mitochondrial dysfunction following oxidative stress — Br J Pharmacol, 2004
Piracetam is the original racetam. Synthesized in 1964. Over 50 years of clinical use. The compound that defined the word nootropic before the word existed. It does not produce euphoria. It does not produce stimulation. What it does is increase the signal-to-noise ratio in glutamatergic transmission. Most people underdose it, abandon it in two weeks, and conclude it does nothing. The effective protocol is 4.8g/day for 8-12 weeks. Patience is the active ingredient.
This is not medical advice
Discuss with a licensed clinician before starting, stopping, or changing any compound. This page documents what the research literature describes — it is not a prescription.
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