This is a nootropic supplement that belongs to the Racetam family and helps to provide a cognitive boost when consumed. The supplement has a history of being utilized to treat cognitive impairment. According to the experts, consumption of the supplement has been found to help in improving cognitive ability especially among people who are aging. The main Piracetam effects include better memory, mood, and focus.
As a nootropic supplement that helps to boost the cognitive process, it also helps to improve the attention span of the user, therefore, ensuring that they are able to focus on what they are doing. The supplement was one of the first racetams to be developed and has had a long history of use in the medical field.
The supplement was created synthetically in 1964 by a Belgium Lab called UCB. It was produced as a drug to help in improving corpus callosum communication. Corpus callosum refers to a section of the brain which is known to manage all communications between the two brain hemispheres.
The supplement structure is similar to the amino acid, Pyroglutamate, but differs only by a single side chain. The supplement has been produced under several names over the last 40 years like Cerebrospan, Encefalux, Nootron, and Nootropil.
Piracetam Benefits
Some of the benefits of using Piracetam are:
- Improves memory and learning
The supplement has been found to improve memory as well as learning. This has made the supplement to be widely used in the academic field by students. Improved memory and learning ability allow the user to be able to retain more information which becomes handy when the individual is tackling exams. Improved memory and learning capability allow one to retain information for long periods. Piracetam effects and benefits include improved overall clarity of thought, better long-term memory function, and better focus.
- Improved concentration
In everyday tasks such as learning, operating of machinery as well as driving, concentration is a vital factor that helps to ensure everything is done as required therefore avoiding mishaps and accidents. Accidents are known to lead to severe injuries as well as death in certain circumstances.
The supplement when taken is able to cross the blood-brain barrier finally interacting with Acetylcholine and glutamate receptors. These neuroreceptors are known to be responsible for memory and cognition. While the effects of the supplement may be different for each and every person, users have reported an increase in memory and thought process which has led many to remember past events with ease. Increased blood circulation in the brain increases concentration and focus too.
- Improved sensory perception
The supplement has been found to increase Acetylcholine activity which is linked to enhanced sensory perception. This helps users to be able to distinguish small detail, especially in sight, smell and touch. Thanks to improved sensory perception, users have also reported having enhanced ability to recall visual, auditory and olfactory experienced finally being able to connect them to various memories. One of the improvements that users of the supplement will notice is the increase in the vibrancy of colors.
- Improved mood
Users have noticed increased levels of energy both mental and physical. According to experts, seniors who have cerebrovascular disease usually experience depression symptoms and when the supplement is administered, it helps in improving brain circulation thanks to the active ingredients in the supplement which help in lessening depression and brighten one’s mood.
Piracetam Dosage
The supplement has a wide range of doses. One can begin with a low baseline dosage of 400 mg. A median dose of 800 mg can also be taken on a single sitting. This amount can be taken three times in a day with zero toxicity effects.
According to experts, the best dosage for the supplement that works better for most people is a higher doses. 4 grams has been found to have noticeable effects especially after 1 to 4 hours after administration. Therefore it is important to plan your day in order to maximize the benefits of the supplement.
For first time users, they may need to increase the dose in order to experience its benefits. This can be achieved in two ways:
- One can start with a loading dose which is a common practice with many supplements that involve double or triple doses for short periods of time. This method should only be attempted with water-soluble and easy to tolerate compounds.
- One should also take the supplement, therefore, letting the effects to build up for a period of 3 weeks. Supplement users can use lower doses of between 1200 to 1600 mg in a day, therefore, allowing for enough time for the effects to build up. The main Piracetam effects include better memory, mood, and focus.
Side Effects
Piracetam has a limited number of side effects that have been reported. Side effects may occur but only when a high dose is taken. Today, there is limited data to indicate that the supplement has caused any fatalities or serious health complications. Common side effects users will experience include:
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Gastrointestinal issues
The above side effects may occur due to ACH receptor “burning out”. This is brought about by a supplement that has choline source such as Piracetam. When you consume the supplement and you experience the above side effects, it’s important to discontinue use until consultation with a doctor.
Long-Term Use
Users who take the supplement on a long term basis, are bound to improve cognition especially among the aging, improve oxygenation levels in the brain which in turn improves attention span. The supplement also helps to correct reading disorders as well as dyslexia among children.
Short-Term Use
The supplement has been found to improve memory and learning capability, leads to improved mood, reduces brain trauma, reduces anxiety levels as well as improving focus and alertness. The main Piracetam effects when used over the short-term include better memory, mood, and focus.
Research
The supplement has undergone several research studies since it was first formulated. Below are links to some of the research studies conducted on the supplement.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12006732
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23042218
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8061686
http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/more/nicholas20120320
http://www.worldhealth.net/news/piracetam_-the_original_smart_drug/
Legal Status
The supplement has not been approved by the US FDA for use, especially as a medical drug. Other countries have approved the supplement for human use and doctors usually prescribe it to their patients. This is not a controlled substance, therefore, it is legal to possess, consume and purchase.
Online Reviews
Piracetam is a supplement and a nootropic that is formulated with active ingredients which promote various benefits in the body. Some of the benefits that users will gain include improved focus heightened sensory function, reduced anxiety levels, improved vasodilation and reduced brain trauma among others. Most user reviews put the Piracetam effects at entirely positive, and tell of mood improvements that result in diminished depression and anxiety.
It is important to ensure that you keep up with the daily dose, therefore, preventing the onset of side effects as well as any other problems.
Final Thoughts
As a nootropic, the supplement will help to improve various functions associated with the brain. Some of the benefits people will be able to gain include improved focus, improved mood, helps in treating reading problems and dyslexia.
The supplement is not approved by the FDA as a medical drug but it is widely accepted as a supplement, therefore, one can possess, purchase and use it. The FDA has not conducted formal testing on the supplement.
Leave a Reply