We use essential cookies (authentication, your saved goals/stack) by default. With your permission we’ll also enable privacy-respecting analytics (Vercel Web Analytics, anonymous load-time metrics) and error-replay diagnostics (Sentry — DOM snapshots only when an error fires) so we can fix bugs faster. Learn more about cookies
Oxiracetam
Racetam nootropic that sharpens memory formation, logical thinking, and verbal fluency with mild stimulant effects — best paired with choline.
Research compound — not a dietary supplement
Oxiracetam is a research compound, not a regulated dietary supplement. It is sold for research or off-label use. The evidence below is largely preclinical (animal and in-vitro) or early-stage, so no evidence score is assigned. This page is provided for transparency and education — it is not a recommendation to use. Consult a qualified healthcare provider, and be aware that purity, dosing, and legal status vary by jurisdiction.
What the evidence says
Most Oxiracetam studies are mechanism or observational rather than RCTs that measure a clinical effect — keep findings provisional.
Most evidence is from high-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 1985–2026 with a typical study size of 120 participants.
Based on 24 studies · 2 meta-analyses · 19 RCTs · 264 total participants
Confidence
High confidenceWhat the studies found
By outcome
Meta-analyses show cognitive benefit in vascular dementia and TBI patients, but a large RCT found no benefit for post-stroke decline and there is no evidence in healthy users.
20 rigorous studies
16 randomized trials · 2 meta-analyses · 2 systematic reviews
Our evidence rating for Oxiracetam is accountable to this entire body of rigorous research indexed in PubMed — not a hand-picked subset.
PubMed · as of Jul 2026
Oxiracetam is a racetam nootropic developed in the 1970s that is more potent than piracetam. It's known for enhancing memory formation, learning capacity, and logical thinking. Users often report improved verbal fluency and clearer thinking. It has mild stimulant properties without the jitteriness of caffeine.
Like other racetams, it works best when combined with a choline source.
Positive modulator of AMPA receptors
Increases acetylcholine utilization
Subtle energizing effect
How Oxiracetam 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.
Popular for studying and analytical work
Has mild stimulant properties; may be additive with other stimulants
May counteract anticholinergic effects as racetams enhance acetylcholine
Tip: Take with choline source
Tip: Avoid evening doses
Tip: Reduce dose
Oxiracetam has an evidence score of 5/10 — moderate evidence based on 18 indexed studies, including 2 meta-analyses. Racetam nootropic that sharpens memory formation, logical thinking, and verbal fluency with mild stimulant effects — best paired with choline. Representative study: PMID 29502274.
The commonly studied dose of Oxiracetam is 800-2400mg daily in divided doses. Research points to an estimated optimal dose around 1600mg, with a minimum effective dose near 800mg. Individual response varies — start low and adjust.
The best time to take Oxiracetam is in the morning. Taking it with food is preferred. Oxiracetam is a water-soluble racetam nootropic that modulates AMPA and cholinergic neurotransmission.
Oxiracetam is generally well-tolerated and considered safe for most healthy adults at recommended doses. The most commonly reported side effects are headache, insomnia, nervousness. Use caution if any of these apply to you: Severe kidney impairment.
Citicoline
Probably helpsDual precursor to acetylcholine and phosphatidylcholine — enhances memory, focus, and brain cell membrane repair.
Caffeine
Likely helpsBlocks adenosine receptors to boost alertness, reaction time, and endurance — one of the most proven ergogenic aids.
Alpha-GPC
Likely helpsCrosses the blood-brain barrier to fuel acetylcholine synthesis — supports focus, memory, and power output in athletes.
Huperzine A
Likely helpsAcetylcholinesterase inhibitor from club moss, studied mainly for Alzheimer's and dementia; cognitive evidence is mixed and limited by trial quality.
Explore: Best supplements for Focus, Memory & MoodBest supplements for Athletic Performance
Reviewed by Dr. Baher Al Hakim · Last reviewed May 2026 · evidence from 24 studies · how we score · editorial policy
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.
Tap node to isolate • Pinch to zoom • Tap edge for research