Aniracetam
Fat-soluble racetam that modulates AMPA receptors for cognitive enhancement while reducing anxiety through serotonin and dopamine pathways.
Aniracetam is a fat-soluble racetam nootropic that was developed in the 1970s. It's more potent than piracetam and has a unique profile that includes both cognitive enhancement and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects. It works by modulating AMPA receptors, enhancing cholinergic transmission, and affecting dopamine and serotonin systems. The combination of cognitive and mood benefits makes it popular among nootropic users.
Positive modulator of AMPA receptors
Increases acetylcholine activity
Modulates mood neurotransmitters
How Aniracetam works — from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta — pathways are being refined and expanded.
750-1500mg daily in divided doses
Loading: Not required
Take with food
| Form | Type |
|---|---|
| 💊Aniracetam powder or capsules | Recommended |
Available as powder or capsules. Powder has bitter taste. Take with fatty meal or fish oil.
Minimum: 4 weeks
Optimal: 12 weeks
Cycling: 8-12 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off; some use continuously
Note: Fat-soluble; must be taken with food containing fat for proper absorption. Short half-life (1-2 hours) requires multiple daily doses.
Improved memory, focus, and verbal fluency
Reduced social and general anxiety
Enhanced creative thinking and idea flow
Effects last only 2-3 hours per dose
May provide dual cognitive and anxiolytic benefits
Synergistic effects with other racetams; adjust doses
Tip: Take with choline source
Tip: Take with food
Tip: Avoid evening doses
Top studies from 14+ peer-reviewed papers
Perng CH et al. • Psychopharmacology (2018)
“The most effective intervention for dementia available is symptomatic treatment for vascular dementia.”
Deutschenbaur L et al. • Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry (2016)
“Based on glutamatergic signaling, a number of therapeutic drugs might gain interest in the future.”
Koliaki CC et al. • CNS neuroscience & therapeutics (2012)
“Our findings indicate that aniracetam (a nootropic compound with glutamatergic activity and neuroprotective potential) is a promising option for patients with cognitive deficit of mild severity.”
Zhong J et al. • Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica (2007)
“Shenwu gelatin capsule has certain effects on mild cognitive impairment.”
O'Neill MJ et al. • Current drug targets (2007)
“The present review summarises studies into the effects of AMPA receptor potentiators (with a focus on the biarylpropylsulfonamides) in rodent models of depression and Parkinson's disease.”
What would you like to do next?
Phosphatidylserine
8.5/10Key brain membrane phospholipid that facilitates neurotransmitter release, memory formation, and post-exercise cortisol reduction.
Omega-3
9/10Essential fatty acids critical for brain health, mood regulation, and reducing inflammation throughout the body.
Piracetam
9/10First-ever nootropic (1972) that improves membrane fluidity and AMPA receptor function — decades of safety data for cognitive enhancement.
Alpha-GPC
8.5/10Crosses the blood-brain barrier to fuel acetylcholine synthesis — supports focus, memory, and power output in athletes.
Tap node to isolate • Pinch to zoom • Tap edge for research