The Ultimate Guide for the Racetams: Usage, Types & Benefits

As far as nootropics go, the racetams are probably the most fundamental compounds. They are a series of compounds designed specifically for their ability to enhance cognitive function. They most soundly fit the definition of nootropic.

There are a lot of different racetams out there, but five of them are more popular and well-studied than the rest. These are piracetam, oxiracetam, aniracetam, phenylpiracetam, and noopept, which isn’t technically a racetam but shares a number of similar functions and is often lumped into the same category.

Quick Racetams FAQ:

These are some of the most common questions that we get regarding racetams. We’ll outline the answers quickly so that you have a basic understanding of their function before we move forward.

What are racetams?

Racetams are a group of chemical compounds that improve cognitive function. They mostly interact with the brain’s cholinergic system which is heavily involved in memory formation and recall, as well as logical thinking and other aspects of cognition.

Racetams all have the same chemical backbone: a pyrrolidone nucleus. Piracetam was the first racetam and since it became popular more than twenty other racetams have been produced.

How do racetams work?

Racetams all function a bit differently, and there isn’t a whole lot of research explaining their exact function. As such we can’t really offer an overall explanation as to ‘how racetams work.’ You might say that they work by their influence on the cholinergic system, and this is mostly true, however, some nootropics such as aniracetam aren’t believed to actually have much influence on choline.

In either case we will explain in more detail how the five best racetams work in the sections below.

Are racetams safe?

Due to the relatively low amount of research that has been done on racetams, researchers haven’t been able to specify the exact safety profile of the racetams. However, many nootropic advocates have been able to use the racetams for months without experiencing any serious side effects.

As with any supplement, it’s important that you cycle your racetams. Don’t use any supplement for more than a couple of weeks at a time, making sure that you take a break of at least a week between cycles. This ensures that your body doesn’t become dependent on the substance.

Racetams Benefits

There are lots of different benefits associated with the racetams. Some racetams are better at providing specific benefits than others. Here’s an outline of the benefits you can expect to enjoy with the racetams.

• Improved memory. Many racetams can improve both short and long-term memory recall as well as the ability to commit information memory.
• Increased problem-solving. Racetams have the ability to enhance your ability to solve creative and logical problems.
• Improved creativity. Some racetams can stimulate creativity which can improve artistic skills and problem-solving.
• Enhanced verbal fluidity. Racetams help you gather and articulate your thoughts which can improve overall verbal fluidity.
• Decreased anxiety. Some racetams, especially aniracetam, function as anxiolytics.
• Balanced mood. Racetams can help to regulate mood (although sometimes this manifests as coldness or logical, rather than emotional, thinking)

How to Use Racetams

Most racetams are sold in one of two forms, either as a capsule or in bulk powder. Capsules already contain a pre-weighed dosage of your racetam compound, whereas with bulk powder you can measure out your own dosages. The bulk powder is significantly cheaper than capsules.

Racetams can be used for different purposes. Generally, though, the specific amount and frequency that you’ll want to use them will be indicated on the product as you purchase it. We will also outline some information in the sections below on the proper dosage and timing for racetam usage.

Racetams for ADHD

Many people have found success using racetams for ADHD. Racetams can help to stimulate focus and concentration as well as improving overall cognitive performance. Some racetams, such as phenylpiracetam, can be used on an as-needed basis because their effects are so obvious. Other racetams, like piracetam, may provide a more sustained benefit when used consistently.

Different Types of Racetams

Here’s a quick outline of some of the best racetams. This list of racetams covers all of the products that we sell on our site.

Piracetam

Piracetam was the first racetam synthesized and it’s considered the go-to for a well-rounded racetam experience. It’s known to boost memory, protect the brain and increase the capacity for logical thinking.Piracetam is known to help enhance focus. It can help people with ADHD and can even help those who struggle with dyslexia.

Piracetam dosage is a bit higher than many of the other racetams. The recommended dosage is between 1,300 to 1,600 mg, 2 or 3 times per day.

Phenylpiracetam

Phenylpiracetam is the strongest racetam, the one that really packs a punch. It’s easy to go overboard with this one and fall victim to overstimulation. However, when dosed properly it can be very useful for enhancing focus and even physical energy levels.

Some find that it can also reduce anxiety and depression due to its affinity with the GABA system. It also helps to improve the delivery of nutrients to the brain.

Due to its high potency, the recommended dose is only 100 mg, once or twice daily.

Aniracetam

Aniracetam is another powerful supplement that has a stronger effect on the glutamate system. Because of this, it is one of the best racetams for people interested in managing their anxiety.

Aside from that, aniracetam still provides many of the benefits attributed to other racetams. It helps to improve focus and concentration, boosts memory recall and formation, and can provide a slight stimulating effect.

Currently the recommended dose is 750 mg, twice daily.

Oxiracetam

Oxiracetam is one of the older racetams and is directly related to piracetam. It has similar benefits and is less prone to causing side effects than many of the other compounds.

Oxiracetam has more of a stimulating effect when compared to some other racetams and seems to work by increasing blood flow to the brain. This makes it a potential compound for people who struggle with cognitive issues due to difficulties with cerebral blood flow.

The current recommended dosage is between 750 to 1,500 mg daily, split into two separate doses.

Noopept

Noopept is a powerful nootropic that can quickly enter into the brain, boosting levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and thus improving the rate at which the brain builds new cells. It’s extremely potent and fast-acting.

Noopept, however, is not a racetam. It’s still an effective nootropic, but it doesn’t have the same pyrrolidone backbone or even the same functions as a racetam. Nonetheless, it remains fantastic for boosting memory, cognitive function, focus, and anxiety.

Noopept vs. Racetams

Compared to the racetams, noopept is extremely potent, with dosage recommendations between 1mg – 30mg daily. However, noopept should be taken sublingually (under the tongue) because it’s not absorbed well through the stomach.

Noopept’s effects are much more apparent and obvious than any of the racetams, except for perhaps phenylpiracetam. It’s also more important to be cautious with dosing. A 30 mg dose, for example, might be a good amount of noopept if taken orally, but if the same dose was taken sublingually the user would almost certainly become overstimulated.

Where to Buy Racetams

If you’re looking for racetams for sale, look no further than Cerebra Nootropics. We have a reliable stock of all the best racetams that you can buy today.