One of the most popular categories of Nootropics today is a powerful assortment of brain-boosters called Racetams. There are many different Racetams, and all of them affect your brain in different ways. Recently on this blog, we broke down all the benefits and usage of Piracetam, and today we’ll be looking and an equally popular variety called Pramiracetam. But before we dive deep, let’s take a look back at the Racetam family and get some background on them as Nootropics.
The Role of Racetams
Racetams are manufactured Nootropics and contain many of the effective properties of natural ones. Within the family of Nootropics, Racetams are identified by the similarities in their chemical structures, and they all have a wide array of therapeutic effects on the body. Many of them operate by increasing the flow of blood, oxygen, glucose, or other nutrients through the body. The more your brain is supplied with these elements, the better your brain will function. That means heightened concentration and focus, increased brain stamina, and a reduction in the degeneration of brain cells.
For the most part, Racetams trigger the glutamate receptors that are contained within the same cells as the cholinergic receptors. Glutamate and acetylcholine, two important neurotransmitters, play a vital role in cognitive function and human action, and are on the receiving end of these receptors.
Glutamate exists in various parts of the body, but its highest concentration is in the nervous system and brain. It is responsible for making sure signals between nerve cells send correctly, and it plays an extremely important role in learning and memory.
Acetylcholine, on the other hand, is the most widely used neurotransmitter in the body, and is responsible for activating cholinergic receptors. At the center of the parasympathetic nervous system, Acetylcholine works to restore the feeling of normalcy after a stressful incident, and works to restore calmness. It’s also the neurotransmitter that signals muscles to contract and/or flex, making it incredibly important for athletes. Most importantly though, the brain uses Acetylcholine for cognition, which gives us the ability to learn, retain, and connect memories and information.
Given the importance of these two neurotransmitters, it’s easy to see why Racetams can be such an important, and often overlooked, way to improve your well-being.
What is Pramiracetam?
Discovered back in the late 1970’s, Pramiracetam is a descendant of the pioneering Nootropic supplement Piracetam, however, in its purest form, it is up to 30 times more potent than its ancestor. It has shown to improve overall cognition, learning, long-term memory, recall, and concentration. It was originally studied as a possible treatment for people who suffer from Alzheimer’s, or other brain related injuries, as well as a possible treatment for an array of central nervous system disorders.
Pramiracetam has been shown to boost overall cognition in young adults with memory problems. It has also shown, through clinical studies, to aid in improving the memory of healthy older adults who experience natural memory loss.
People who have used Pramiracetam have noticed better overall brain function, productivity, and focus, which have made it a top Nootropic among students and others who want to boost their mental capabilities.
Pramiracetam, although not approved by the FDA to be used medically or as a dietary supplement in the United States, is legal, and may be purchased without a prescription. Though it is not readily available in stores, the best place to buy Pramiracetam would be online.
The most recommended form is Pramiracetam pills or capsules. It is also available in powder form, although most experts and users would agree to only buy in powder form only as a last resort, due to it’s foul taste, and the fact that it does not mix well with water. As always, it’s best to buy from sellers who share their testing and quality of ingredients on their website, to ensure you’re getting quality supplements.
Although Pramiracetam has some amazing benefits, it may be a little too potent to recommend to first-time Nootropic users, or to those looking for a one-time dose. Because of its strength, it might be a good idea to take Pramiracetam by itself, before stacking it with other Nootropics, so that you have a full understanding of its effects on your body.
How Pramiracetam Works
Pramiracetam works by releasing neurotransmitters, which are the brain chemicals that send signals from one neuron to another, as well as to gland or muscle cells.
Unlike other Racetams, Pramiracetam works in an indirect manner to affect the brain. While other Racetams act by stimulating precise neurotransmitter receptor locations to boost the creation and release of neurotransmitters, Pramiracetam does not directly affect changes in neurochemical levels. Rather, the main process of Pramiracetam is that it increases the rate of choline binding in the hippocampus, which is the part of the brain related to learning, emotions and the creation of new memories.
A forerunner of Acetylcholine, Choline is a neurotransmitter deeply involved with the cognitive process, including focus, memory and learning.
Pramiracetam indirectly regulates the release of Acetylcholine, and increases the activity in the hippocampus by prompting choline uptake. Since the hippocampus is the part of the brain that is fundamental to memory function, the stimulation created by Pramiracetam improves both the creation of new memories, and the retention of long-term memories. Cerebral blood flow also increases with activity in the hippocampus, which boosts alertness and enhances overall cognitive abilities.
There have been other functions attributed to Pramiracetam as well. According to some researchers, aside from its effect on the brain, Pramiracetam also aids secondary sites, outside the brain, that rely on the adrenal glands. According to some animal studies, Pramiracetam may also improve the fluidity of the membranes inside the brain that promote cell signaling.
Unlike other Nootropics within the Racetam family, Pramiracetam does not seem to seriously alter emotional states. This is because it does not affect the release and production of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, GABA, and serotonin.
Pramiracetam is not water soluble, however it is fat soluble, which means it is more easily absorbed into the bloodstream through fatty acids. Because of this more potent delivery system, once you take Pramiracetam you might feel the full effects of the drug in as little as 30 minutes. Pramiractam’s half-life is typically about 4 to 6 hours, which is longer than most comparable Nootropics, however those numbers may differ from person to person. In some cases the half-life was as little as 2 hours, while in others it was as much as 8. It may all depend on the amount of body fat, in addition to what you eat when you take a dosage.
Pramiracetam Benefits
May Help with Focus and Learning
By increasing choline uptake in the hippocampus, Pramiracetam indirectly fuels the production of acetylcholine, which is an important neurotransmitter that is strongly associated with cognition and learning.
Animal studies demonstrate that Pramiracetam supports the mechanisms that improve fundamental memory and learning, by boosting neuronal type NOS (nitric oxide synthase) activity in the hippocampus. Crucial to all cognitive facets, NOS activity correlates to brain plasticity, and neural development.
May Help with Memory
For young adults who have cognitive issues related to brain injuries, and older adults suffering memory loss, Pramiracetam has shown to be an effective treatment.
By stimulating both the hippocampus, and by reducing forgetfulness by acting as an anti-amnesic, research has shown Pramiracetam helps to improve memory. Many users report better memory recall resulting from the dual action created by Pramiracetam.
May Help with ADHD
Pramiracetam may help ADHD patients feel more perceptive and responsive, when faced with an undertaking that involves intense brain power, instead of feeling depleted.
Unlike amphetamines, that are commonly prescribed for ADHD, Pramiracetam should not create any noticeable stimulant effects, which means that users should be able to concentrate without feeling too anxious. Those affected by ADD, or ADHD, self-report that they notice an increase in concentration, without the noticeable side effects usually felt with traditionally prescribed medications.
People diagnosed with ADHD find it difficult to stay still for very long, and feel more at ease when constantly moving. However, some users of Pramiracetam say it helps them to be still, which relieves fidgeting, and leads to better focus.
Negative Effects
Even at high dosages, there have been few adverse effects associated with Pramiracetam. In some cases, side effects were felt at higher dosages, so in order to reduce those, you may simply reduce the amount taken. Pramiracetam is considered to be safe, and well-tolerated, due to its very low toxicity.
Side effects that have been reported include; gastrointestinal distress, anxiety and headaches. In some self-reports, users have indicated Pramiracetam dulls their emotions. However, since many of our life/work decisions are based in logic, rather than emotions, this could be a good, or bad thing, depending on your unique body chemistry. Some would call it, “emotional objectivity”.
To help prevent headaches from taking Pramiracetam, it may help to take it with a Choline supplement. Choline depletion is often associated with taking Racetam Nootropics.
Taking Pramiracetam for an extended period of time has shown no adverse effects, and it is not considered to be addictive.
Pramiracetam Dosage
Dosage will vary from person to person, like most Nootropics do. There have been some suggested dosages that start at 300mg, two times a day. Some studies have indicated that a good starting Pramiracetam dose is a daily total of 1200mg, divided into two or three doses per day. The higher dosage is not indicative of being an optimal dosage, but it may be both well tolerated, and effective. It is probably best to begin with the lower dosage, and adjust the dosages as needed.
Consult with your doctor, or health care professional, before beginning any new dietary supplements. When starting your first Pramiracetam dose, it may be useful to note the time and dosage amount, as well as when Pramiracetam effects are noticed, and when they begin to diminish. This will allow you to adjust dosage, and timing, as needed.
How Should You Take Pramiracetam?
Most people prefer to take Pramiracetam in capsule or pill form. Due to its strong taste, and the fact that it is not water soluble, most people do not take it in powder form. It is recommended to take Pramiracetam with a quality fat, such as an unrefined, cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil, MCT oil, or coconut oil.
Because Pramiracetam is fat soluble, and absorbed primarily in the intestines, if it is not taken with a supplemental fat, you should not expect to receive many of the positive cognitive effects.
**A word of caution, do not take Pramiracetam under the tongue as it will burn the lining of the mouth.**
Pramiracetam may be taken with food, but make sure the meal has enough fatty acids to help with absorption. Some examples are:
- Avocados
- Nuts
- Whole eggs or egg yolks
- Fatty fish, like Salmon
- Full-fat dairy products
Stacking with Pramiracetam
Pramiracetam and Choline
Choline is a building block for acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter that aids in memory and learning. If not enough choline is in your diet, it may affect cognition, the ability to process information, memory, and learning. Taking Pramiracetam boosts the activity of acetylcholine, which results in an uptake in choline in the hippocampus.
Pramiracetam and Alpha GPC
Considered a potent Nootropic on its own, Alpha GPC may be stacked with Pramiracetam to help replace acetylcholine levels, and to enhance its benefits. Alpha GPC may improve the memory boosting abilities of Pramiracetam as it metabolizes. It may also act as an oxidative stress reducer to help protect the brain.
Pramiracetam and Noopept
Another Nootropic, that is also considered popular as a supplement, to aid in improving mental capabilities, is Noopept. Both Pramiracetam and Noopept are considered to be two of the most powerful Nootropics available. Similar to Pramiracetam, Noopept also aids in modulating the acetylcholine in the brain.
Known for improving verbal sharpness, and problem solving skills, Noopept has also been shown to reduce anxiety, enhance mood, and improve long-term brain health.
By combining both Pramiracetam and Noopept, it aids in filling in the gaps left by the other. By stacking both, you may have a combined improvement in concentration, memory, and focus along with stress reduction, and a feeling of well being.
Conclusion
Pramiracetam is a descendant of the original Nootropic, Piracetam, but it is substantially more potent. It has been shown to boost memory, and increase overall cognition.
Some of the benefits of Pramiracetam include that it is generally safe to use, it’s well tolerated by the body, and it has very few adverse side effects. Its benefits can be felt rather quickly, and it has a relatively long half-life. It may be taken on it’s own, or stacked with other Nootropics. People who take Pramiracetam have said that it helps them to study better, remember more clearly, and they enjoy increased alertness.
Some of the downsides to using Pramiracetam are its price, which tends to be more expensive than other Racetam Nootropics, and its strong taste. In some cases, users have also reported that Pramiracetam dulls their emotions and leads to disengagement, but that could arguably be a good thing, as the dulling brings with it relief from social anxiety.
Overall, if you are looking to improve your mental agility, memory, and learning, while using a supplement that is considered to be safe and effective, then Pramiracetam may be the right Nootropic for you.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.