# Have you tried Piracetam? Are you any smarter? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 14, 2009, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-tried-piracetam-are-you-any-smarter/481297 "2009-01-14T19:10:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Jettboy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/85e7bf/32.png) [@Jettboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jettboy)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2009, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-tried-piracetam-are-you-any-smarter/481297/1 "2009-01-14T19:10:02Z")
**From Wikipedia:** _“Piracetam (brand name: Nootropil, Qropi, Myocalm, Dinagen, Synaptine) is a nootropic. It is a drug which is claimed to enhance cognition and memory, slow down brain aging, increase blood flow and oxygen to the brain, aid stroke recovery, and improve Alzheimer’s, Down syndrome, dementia, and dyslexia…”_ I’ve heard about it, and I can easily find it (it’s NOT a controlled substance; several places that sell vitamins and suplements carry it). I’m curious, but I’d like to hear from anyone who’s actually tried it before I make a purchase. Did Piracetam usage actually make you feel smarter? Cause a noticable increase in memory? More aware? More creative? Any side effects? ---
**Author:** ![Washoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/ecae2f/32.png) [@Washoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Washoe)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2009, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-tried-piracetam-are-you-any-smarter/481297/2 "2009-01-14T20:46:16Z")
It definitely helps me multitask better. I think it’s the only nootropic that actually works, and I’ve tried 'em all. If you like it, you can buy in bulk from [Bulk Nutrition](http://www.bulknutrition.com/?products_id=912) for about $33.00/kilogram. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2009, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-tried-piracetam-are-you-any-smarter/481297/3 "2009-01-14T23:23:29Z")
> [@Jettboy](#): > > Qropi, Myocalm I had a cousin named Qropi the Myocalm… Nootropics like Piracetam have been shown to be effective in certain cognitive disorders along with a few other specific diseases, but well-designed studies showing effectiveness in ‘cognitive enhancement’ seem to be lacking still. [http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/119920648/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0](http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/119920648/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0) ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2009, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-tried-piracetam-are-you-any-smarter/481297/4 "2009-01-14T23:24:35Z")
> [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](#): > > Nootropics like Piracetam have been shown to be effective in certain cognitive disorders along with a few other specific diseases, but well-designed studies showing effectiveness in ‘cognitive enhancement’ seem to be lacking still. So, still better off staying at a Holiday Inn Express tonight? ---
**Author:** ![Washoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/ecae2f/32.png) [@Washoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Washoe)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2009, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-tried-piracetam-are-you-any-smarter/481297/5 "2009-01-14T23:30:14Z")
**QtM** , your link doesn’t work. Members only site, I think. ---
**Author:** ![Interconnected\_Series\_of\_Tubes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/13edae/32.png) [@Interconnected\_Series\_of\_Tubes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Interconnected_Series_of_Tubes)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2009, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-tried-piracetam-are-you-any-smarter/481297/6 "2009-01-14T23:47:26Z")
Well, it’s notoriously hard to even define intelligence, let along measure it on some kind of quantifiable scale. I’ve been taking it for a while and subjectively, there’s a definite, noticeable difference when on piracetam than when not. It also makes me much more sensitive to caffeine - anecdotal, but there you have it. ---
**Author:** ![Bad\_Astronaut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e19adc/32.png) [@Bad\_Astronaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bad_Astronaut)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2009, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-tried-piracetam-are-you-any-smarter/481297/7 "2009-01-15T00:28:33Z")
> [@Interconnected\_Series\_of\_Tubes](#): > > Well, it’s notoriously hard to even define intelligence, let along measure it on some kind of quantifiable scale. > > I’ve been taking it for a while and subjectively, there’s a definite, noticeable difference when on piracetam than when not. It also makes me much more sensitive to caffeine - anecdotal, but there you have it. Have you tried unknowingly replacing it with a placebo? ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2009, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-tried-piracetam-are-you-any-smarter/481297/8 "2009-01-15T01:45:03Z")
> [@Washoe](#): > > **QtM** , your link doesn’t work. Members only site, I think. Hm. I’m not a member of that site, and it works for me. > [@](#): > > Piracetam, a derivative of the neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), has a variety of physiological effects that may result, at least in part, from the restoration of cell membrane fluidity. At a neuronal level, piracetam modulates neurotransmission in a range of transmitter systems (including cholinergic and glutamatergic), has neuroprotective and anticonvulsant properties, and improves neuroplasticity. At a vascular level, it appears to reduce erythrocyte adhesion to vascular endothelium, hinder vasospasm, and facilitate microcirculation. This diverse range of physiological effects is consistent with its use in a range of clinical indications. Its efficacy is documented in cognitive disorders and dementia, vertigo, cortical myoclonus, dyslexia, and sickle cell anemia. While high doses are sometimes necessary, piracetam is well tolerated. Wasn’t all that interesting, anyway… ---
**Author:** ![samclem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9a28c/32.png) [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2009, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-tried-piracetam-are-you-any-smarter/481297/9 "2009-01-15T02:11:10Z")
Since the OP is looking for opinions, let’s move this to IMHO. **samclem** Moderator, General Questions ---
**Author:** ![samclem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9a28c/32.png) [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2009, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-tried-piracetam-are-you-any-smarter/481297/10 "2009-01-15T02:12:40Z")
> [@Washoe](#): > > **QtM** , your link doesn’t work. Members only site, I think. Cookies enabled site. ---
**Author:** ![Speaker\_for\_the\_Dead](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c77e96/32.png) [@Speaker\_for\_the\_Dead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Speaker_for_the_Dead)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2013, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-tried-piracetam-are-you-any-smarter/481297/20 "2013-04-28T18:26:36Z")
For interest’s sake, I take levitiracetam, a related drug, for epilepsy. No improvement in my cognition, sadly. ---
**Author:** ![Spud](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spud/32/347_2.png) [@Spud](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spud)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2013, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-tried-piracetam-are-you-any-smarter/481297/21 "2013-04-28T19:26:24Z")
> [@runner pat](#): > > You revived an old thread just to promote a product/website. That’s spam. Don’t forget “You registered today to…” and “this is the one and only thread he has posted to.” ---
**Author:** ![codinghorror](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/codinghorror/32/4242_2.png) [@codinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/codinghorror)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2021, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-tried-piracetam-are-you-any-smarter/481297/22 "2021-03-09T22:53:02Z")
A very … uh… “experimental”… friend of mine absolutely swears by this stuff. One of the more common nootropics. > **[Piracetam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piracetam)** > > Pages for logged out editors learn more > > > Piracetam is a drug marketed as a treatment for myoclonus. It is also used as a cognitive enhancer to improve memory, attention, and learning. Evidence to support its use is unclear, with some studies showing modest benefits in specific populations and others showing minimal or no benefit. Piracetam is sold as a medication in many European countries. Sale of piracetam is not illegal in the United States, although it is not regulated nor approved... Can’t say I’ve noticed a lot from it myself. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2021, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-tried-piracetam-are-you-any-smarter/481297/23 "2021-03-09T23:13:46Z")
I tried it for a few months several years ago (maybe even prompted by this thread). Didn’t seem to do a thing. Caffeine is infinitely more effective as a cognitive enhancer as far as I’m concerned. Maybe I’ll try it again since I have the better part of a kilogram still left. ---
**Author:** ![codinghorror](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/codinghorror/32/4242_2.png) [@codinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/codinghorror)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2021, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-tried-piracetam-are-you-any-smarter/481297/24 "2021-03-09T23:25:08Z")
This friend is also, shall we say, a combiner. There is some data: > **[Piracetam potentiates neuronal and behavioral effects of ketamine](https://rrpharmacology.ru/article/35530/)** > > Introduction: Ketamine has a fast, but short-term antidepressant effect. To support the therapeutic effect, repeated administrations of the drug are needed, which causes cognitive disorders. The drugs with cerebroprotective action can potentially... ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2021, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-tried-piracetam-are-you-any-smarter/481297/25 "2021-03-09T23:25:53Z")
> [@Dr.Strangelove](#): > > I tried it for a few months several years ago (maybe even prompted by this thread). Didn’t seem to do a thing. Caffeine is infinitely more effective as a cognitive enhancer as far as I’m concerned. Maybe I’ll try it again since I have the better part of a kilogram still left. > **[Piracetam benefits, dosage, and side effects](https://examine.com/supplements/piracetam/)** > > Piracetam: The latest and most important research. Expert analysis and supporting evidence for practical effects, potential risks, and more. > Piracetam has a history of being used to treat cognitive impairment. **According to a meta-analysis on human studies, piracetam improves general cognition when supplemented by people in a state of cognitive decline** , such as the kind that comes with aging. Though piracetam may be a useful supplement for improving longevity, it offers limited benefits for healthy people. > > **Healthy people supplementing piracetam do experience little to no cognitive benefit.** Though piracetam supplementation in healthy people is understudied, preliminary evidence suggests that piracetam is most effective for older people. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2021, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-tried-piracetam-are-you-any-smarter/481297/26 "2021-03-10T02:34:15Z")
IIRC, that’s pretty much where the science was at when I last tried it. But it appears to be an extremely safe supplement and so I figured it wouldn’t hurt to try. No, I’m not going to speedball it with ketamine. I do think my memory has degraded ever so slightly in the past year. Most likely, this is due to working from home, the attendant lack of conversation, and therefore a reduction in memory reinforcement. Hard to say. Might worth trying again, just to see. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2021, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-tried-piracetam-are-you-any-smarter/481297/27 "2021-03-11T01:49:12Z")
As is generally the case with supplements touted to have health benefits (in comparison to drugs), there are problems with lack of solid clinical trial evidence and the potential for poor correlation between what the label says and what’s actually in there. A neurologist notes: “The primary plausibility problem with the PIED category of drugs is that they are further extrapolating from data in disease states to the enhancement of otherwise healthy function. Just because a drug may enhance memory function in someone with Alzheimer’s disease, that does not mean it will enhance memory function to supernormal in a healthy individual.” > **[The PIED Piper of Nootropics](https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/the-pied-piper-of-nootropics/)** > > Nootropics are an emerging class of drugs that are designed to enhance cognitive function. They are part of a broader category of drugs known as performance and image enhancing drugs (PIED) which are