Supplement Scholar
Nootropic

Piracetam

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Piracetam. Original racetam; modulates AMPA receptors and membrane fluidity. Rx in many countries.

How it works. Modulates AMPA receptor density and membrane fluidity.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Improves cognitive deficits post-stroke (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: 1.2–4.8 g/d divided.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. No serious side effects listed at normal doses.

Stacking. Pairs well with Choline source (CDP-choline).

Forms. 1 forms. Pick one to open its profile.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Piracetam. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Piracetam. Original racetam; modulates AMPA receptors and membrane fluidity. Rx in many countries.

Molecular structureC6H10N2O2 · 142.16 g/mol

What it is

Original racetam; modulates AMPA receptors and membrane fluidity. Rx in many countries.

Food sources

Synthetic

Goals

Brain & Cognitive

How it works

Modulates AMPA receptor density and membrane fluidity.

Pathways

  • AMPA modulation

Effects

  • +Cognition (cerebrovascular) supports

What the research supports

Improves cognitive deficits post-strokemoderate

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
1.2–4.8 g/d divided
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodEither with or without food.
Best formMost evidence is based on the piracetam tablet/powder form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Headache (if choline-deficient)
  • Nervousness

Medication interactions

Anticoagulantsmoderate

Antiplatelet effects.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • Choline source (CDP-choline)Prevents racetam headache.

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

Piracetam for acute ischaemic stroke ↗
Meta-analysis · Cochrane Database · 2012

Possible cognitive benefit; mortality data inconclusive.

PubMed: Piracetam — Improves cognitive deficits post-stroke ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Piracetam and "Improves cognitive deficits post-stroke". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Piracetam — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Piracetam and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

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