Skip to content

Cognitive & Neuroprotective

Aniracetam

Fat-soluble racetam that positively modulates AMPA receptors; modest evidence in dementia, unapproved in the U.S.

RestrictedEvidence level 3 of 5: Limited human dataAlso: Ro 13-5057, 1-(4-methoxybenzoyl)-2-pyrrolidinone, Ampamet, Memodrin

Overview

Aniracetam is a synthetic, fat-soluble member of the racetam family developed in the 1970s. Unlike the peptides in this catalog, it is a small molecule. It acts as a positive allosteric modulator of AMPA-type glutamate receptors, slowing their desensitization and strengthening fast excitatory signaling involved in learning. It also influences cholinergic, dopaminergic and serotonergic transmission, which may explain reported anxiety-reducing effects. It is absorbed poorly without dietary fat and broken down quickly into active metabolites. Prescribed in parts of Europe for cognitive disorders of aging, it has small, older trials showing modest benefits in dementia. In the U.S. it is not approved, and FDA does not consider it a lawful supplement ingredient.

Classification
Small molecule — racetam-class nootropic (not a peptide)
Route
Oral
Half-life
~0.5–2.5 hours (oral); converted to active metabolites

Mechanism of action

Primary targetAMPA receptor (positive allosteric modulator)
  1. Oral absorption with fatLipophilic compound absorbed best with a fat-containing meal; rapid first-pass metabolism.
  2. AMPA receptor bindingSlows receptor desensitization, prolonging glutamate-evoked currents.
  3. Enhanced synaptic transmissionStronger fast excitatory signaling supports long-term potentiation.
  4. Cholinergic and monoamine effectsMetabolites increase acetylcholine release and modulate dopamine and serotonin.
  5. Cognitive and mood effectsImproved attention and verbal fluency; anxiolytic effects in animal models.
Downstream effects
  • Modest cognitive support
  • Reduced anxiety (animal data)
  • Improved verbal fluency

Researched for

  • Mild-to-moderate dementia
  • Post-stroke cognitive impairment
  • Anxiety with cognitive complaints
  • Age-related cognitive decline

Research notes

  • Small RCTs in the 1980s–90s reported modest improvements in cognitive scores in Alzheimer's-type dementia.
  • Koliaki et al. (2012) open-label study found benefits on cognition and mood in mild dementia versus cholinesterase inhibitors.
  • Animal data show anxiolytic effects via cholinergic, dopaminergic and serotonergic interplay.
  • No modern, adequately powered trials; enhancement in healthy people is unproven.

Reported side effects

  • Headache (often without a choline source)
  • Insomnia if taken late
  • Nausea or GI upset
  • Restlessness or anxiety at higher doses

Contraindications & cautions

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Severe hepatic or renal impairment
  • Seizure disorder (caution)
  • Competitive athletes (doping-rule uncertainty)

Lab monitoring

  • CBC, CMP
  • Liver enzymes
  • Thyroid panel
  • Vitamin B12, folate, vitamin D
  • Fasting glucose, HbA1c

Dosing and pricing for Aniracetam

Dosing references and compound pricing are available to established patients in the secure portal after a medical evaluation.

Ready to take control of your health?

Start with a 60-minute physician evaluation, virtually in seven states or in person in Reston, Virginia.

Request a consultation 703-400-5314

Cash-pay. HSA and FSA accepted. Monday–Friday, 10 AM – 2 PM (virtual and in person).