Nootropics is a blanket term that covers a wide range of compounds that affect brain function and brain health. More specifically, they have an effect on cognitive function – predominantly memory, creativity, executive functions and motivation. These compounds can be found in a range of products from prescription drugs like Modafinil to over-the-counter supplements and are often referred to as smart drugs or brain supplements.
However, not all nootropics are created equal and their effects can vary widely from individual to individual. That’s why, if you’re just starting out with these products, it’s best to find out what works for you by using single compounds then working up to stacks IF you need to.
The Racetam Family – A Powerful Group Of Nootropics
The racetam group of nootropics includes the popular and widely used Piracetam, Aniracetam and Oxiracetam. Racetams as a family help to enhance brain metabolism and improve communication between the 2 hemispheres of your brain.
It’s thought that increasing communication between the two sides of the brain improves formation of ideas. This leads to more efficient memory and elevated levels of thinking. Clinically, racetams have been used in the treatment of
- Alzheimer’s
- Dyslexia
- Reduced cognitive function in elderly patients
- “Forgetfulness” and ailing memory in aging patients who are not otherwise suffering any other cognitive decline
Aniracetam – Great For Your Social Life
Aniracetam, as the name indicates, is one of the 3 popular members of the racetam family of nootropics. Whilst it’s much stronger than Piracetam, it also has a much shorter life span of just two to three hours so at least 2 doses throughout the day are generally required for continual effects. As a nootropic, Aniracetam improves memory and cognition but unlike many other nootropics, it is also an anxiolytic. This means it helps reduce anxiety and improve mood whilst also boosting creativity, memory retention, comprehension and verbal fluency. These properties make it a popular nootropic for social situations. Aniracetam is fat-soluble.
Recommended Aniracetam Dosage Rates
Although human research into the most effective Aniracetam dosage rates is limited, there is anecdotal evidence that taking between 1,000-1,500 mg orally throughout the course of a day appears to provide good results. However, dose rates as low as 400 mg daily have also been taken with some effectiveness. When using the higher dose rates, it’s customary to split it over 2 doses taken with meals.
The supplement is available in both powder and capsule form but as the powder is very bitter, capsules are the more popular option for many people.
Oxiracetam – Five Times More Powerful Than Piracetam
Oxiracetam is one of the three basic members of the racetam family of compounds. The other two are Piracetam and Aniracetam. Oxiracetam is 5 times stronger that Piracetam and seems to improve excitatory neurotransmitter release ie it has mildly stimulating properties which helps improve mental energy, alertness, focus and attention span. Oxiracetam also assists with memory development and clinically is used to help offset cognitive decline, and improve learning. So in a nutshell, it
- Increases energy and lessens mental fatigue
- Encourages analytical memory processes and thinking
- Improves focus, perception and alertness
Recommended Oxiracetam dosage is 400 – 2,400 mg daily. Oxiracetam is also well tolerated by the body.
Phenylpiracetam – Piracetam Plus Phenyl
Phenylpiracetam, also known as Phenotropil, is a derivative of the racetam compound Piracetam. However, it’s demonstrably more powerful than the original compound, requiring less to be taken to achieve the same results. This is because it has had a phenyl group molecule added to the molecular structure, which improves its passage through the brain-blood barrier and also gives it similar psychostimulatory properties to phenethylamine nootropics like Adderall.
Although Phenylpiracetam is a relatively new nootropic, it’s nevertheless been noted that the body can build up tolerance to it quite quickly. Therefore, it is recommended that use is restricted to when most required or cycled with other nootropics regularly. Phenylpiracetam is particularly beneficial for improving learning and studying capacity. As a stimulant, it helps sharpen focus and reduce brain fog caused by late night cramming sessions. It enhances memory retention, improves motivation and mood as well as reduces stress and anxiety.
Phenylpiracetam can be used by athletes to help reduce the negative effects of stress, and to increase stamina, endurance and recovery. It has also been shown to increase tolerance to the cold. However, it is on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of banned substances because of its cold resistance and psychostimulatory properties.
Pramiracetam – A Powerful Derivative Of Piracetam
Pramiracetam is a derivative of the racetam compound piracetam and is considerably more powerful, especially when it comes to boosting long-term memory, focus, learning ability, sensory perception, alertness, and even improving overall brain function. It’s one of the strongest nootropics available and has often been compared with Ritalin.
In Europe Pramiracetam is prescribed for the treatment of disorders like ADHD, dementia and dyslexia as well as for use in treating memory and neurological problems caused by illnesses such as Alzheimer’s. In the US, it has not been approved for any specific purpose by the USFDA but has been researched as a promising treatment for a range of disorders of the central nervous system as well as for memory loss and cognitive issues associated with brain injury and Alzheimer’s.
Noopept – A Powerful Nootropic
Noopept is a peptide rather than a racetam and is amongst the strongest and most effective Nootropic supplements available. It is used to boost memory, focus and concentration, motivation, energy, mental alertness, learning capacity and mood. Noopept is also regarded as a neuroprotectant because it improves production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), an important protein involved in brain plasticity and dopaminergic neuron survival. There are also indications that Noopept may act like an antioxidant in helping to remove toxins and poisons from the brain and reducing oxidative stress. Researchers believe this could help reduce damage to brain cells caused by alcohol abuse.
Find The Right Nootropic Stack
Using a nootropic stack is a popular way of broadening the effects of nootropic supplements. The various racetams in particular are often mixed and matched into stacks to provide more brain and cognitive boosting benefits. Many good nootropic stacks also include a choline component such as Alpha GPC, a natural choline compound or a nootropic like Body Brain Energy. Choline is a macronutrient vital for normal brain development and nerve function. In the brain, it’s turned into acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in the learning process.
Alpha BRAIN – The Natural Brain Booster
Alpha BRAIN is often included in popular racetam nootropic stacks because it doesn’t contain racetams but does contain Alpha GPC and Huperzine A, a plant derived compound that maintains elevated choline levels in the brain.
Most of the common nootropics, like the racetams, are manufactured synthetically in laboratories. That’s because these specific compounds are not found in nature. Alpha BRAIN however is one classified nootropic that is predominantly derived from plant compounds and amino acids. It includes several herbs that have been used for centuries to enhance cognitive function and for their powerful antioxidant properties. Plus amino acids and Vitamin B6.
Unbiased Nootropics Review Site
If you’re looking for an honest, unbiased nootropics review site you’ve come to the right place. At Crank It we’re all about providing genuine reviews and factual information about health related supplements and products, and everything to do with good health!
Popularity Of Nootropic (Neutropic) Supplements Growing Rapidly
Nootropic or neutropic is the name given to a group of drugs, supplements or similar substances that are used to enhance or improve cognitive function and brain health. They are also commonly referred to as cognitive enhancers, brain supplements or smart drugs. In particular, these drugs and supplements affect memory, motivation, creativity and executive functions. Their use by healthy individuals, without any medical indications that they’re actually required, remains a contentious issue amongst health professionals. Despite this, sales of ‘smart’ supplements globally exceeds US $1 billion annually and is growing!
Nootropics Depot – A Site The Specializes In Brain Supplements
If you’re looking for a wide range of nootropic supplements and nootropic compounds to make your own nootropic stack or to find out which one works best for you, there are several reputable online vendors like Nootropics Depot that specialize in these supplements.
