Ociracetam is a potent nootropic that conjures significant cognitive strengths. Discover what it can do, how it works, and if it’s safe, right here in this helpful guide.
If you’re interested in nootropics and what they can do for our cognitive skills and health, then you’ve likely stumbled upon the word ‘Oxiracetam’. But what exactly is it?
In a nutshell, Oxiracetam is respected for its potential to boost brain function – which sounds like the perfect solution if you’re looking for the best cognitive supplement. But how does it work? And more importantly, is it right for you?
I’m fascinated by all things nootropic, and have trialed and studied most over-the-counter nootropics. Here’s what we know about Oxiracetam, and its place in cognitive enhancement.
Introduction
Oxiracetam is part of the racetam family – a class of drugs that were originally discovered for their calming effects and cognitive benefits, and have since been developed into a number of synthesized versions (meaning they’re not naturally occurring).
Oxiracetam is one of them, and is believed to have a specific capacity for heightening memory and various cognitive faculties. It can also be refered to as 4-Hydroxy-2-oxopyrrolidine-N-acetamide and ISF-2522, though for obvious reasons Oxiracetam is its most familiar name.
Another racetam you may have heard of is Piracetam. Piracetam is similar in nature, in that it’s a nootropic with neuroprotective qualities. However, Oxiracetam is roughly fives times more potent than Piracetam.
This powerhouse compound has an impressive knack of boosting your acetylcholine levels. For the uninitiated, acetylcholine is a quintessential neurotransmitter in our brain that heavily influences our learning capabilities and memory retention. It’s the secret sauce that enables us to remember where we left our keys, or the details of that brilliant article we read last week.
What really drew me to Oxiracetam, though, is its applicability to everyday life. It’s not just about acing exams or being a whiz at trivia nights. Whether it’s learning a new language, mastering a new recipe, or getting more out of your reading, an Oxiracetam-fueled brain seems to have that extra edge, that extra gear that makes challenges more achievable and life a little easier.
How Oxiracetam Works
There are a number of ways Oxiracetam gets to work in our brains, massaging them into peak performance. Two ways in particular are of significant importance.
Firstly, Oxiracetam boosts memory and cognition by modulating AMPA receptors in the brain – these receptors work like control channels, overseeing and regulating synaptic transmission. Oxiracetam also increases the density of binding sites for neurotransmitters on AMPA receptors.
In layman’s terms, this gives us a stimulant effect without the negative side effects, which has a very positive impact on our memory and cognition.
In double-blind, placebo controlled trial involving 65 patients diagnosed with primary degenerative dementia, patients were given either 800mg of Oxiracetam twice a day for 12 weeks, or a placebo.
After 6 and 12 weeks of treatment, researchers found a significant difference in the ‘quality of life’ scale in favor of Oxiracetam, plus positive improvements in memory.
The second significant way in which Oxiracetam works is how it boosts the availability of acetylcholine (ACh) in the brain. For us, this means improved short-term and long-term memory, and reduced brain fog, thanks to Oxiracetam’s ability to boost sensitivity of ACh receptors.
Oxiracetam even demonstrates the ability to repair these receptors when damaged, which gives us a huge advantage in our learning and memory.
Augmenting the release of neurotransmitters such as glutamate, acetylcholine, and D-aspartic acid from activated neurons is yet another way this nootropic works in the brain. This increased release enhances neuron firing, eventually resulting in improved cognitive processes and a heightened state of alertness.
To conclude, Oxiracetam’s functions in the brain are multi-faceted, confirming its promise as a potent nootropic.
Oxiracetam Side Effects
Side effects are a serious cause for concern when reading up on any new ingredient or supplement. Whatever you do, always ensure you consult with a medical professional prior to supplementing with anything new. This is incredibly important, especially if you have a medical condition or concern, or are taking medication.
Like any nootropic, Oxiracetam isn’t free from occasional adverse reactions that could affect some users.
The good news is that Oxiracetam is non-toxic, and therefore considered well-tolerated and safe to use. Side effects are rare, but can include anxiety, fatigue, headaches, nervousness and nausea.
These negative effects are often the result of unusually high doses of the nootropic.
Important: What you must be aware of is that Oxiracetam – and any other racetam, for that matter – must be taken with a quality choline supplement.
This is to ensure you have enough choline in your body, otherwise your body may struggle with the amount of acetylcholine being used for mental performance and memory, and can cause what’s known as a racetam headache.
So long as you’re supplementing with choline and have been given the go-ahead from your doctor, Oxiracetam is safe to use. As we all have unique tolerances though, always pay attention to how your body responds.
Oxiracetam Recommended Dosage
Between 750 mg to 1,500 mg per day, divided into two separate doses – one in the morning and another in the early afternoon, far apart from bedtime.
What You’ll Feel When Supplementing With Oxiracetam
The sensation of taking Oxiracetam is very noticeable. Nootropics are usually quite slow to make an appearance, but the effects of Oxiracetam will fast become obvious.
This will be a welcome reaction as opposed to an overwhelming one, where you’ll see a positive uplift in your mental vitality, sharpening your focus and cognitive clarity in no time.
This mental strength and focus feels calm, though – even though you’ll be reacting much quicker to things, you’ll feel patient in your decisions and more confident in your actions, even when working on intricate tasks. You’ll notice precision in your thought-processes, and a stronger memory, both short- and long-term.
You’ll also notice better mental endurance, allowing you to concentrate for long periods without mental exhaustion that destroys productivity. You won’t feel that awful cranky energy on Oxiracetam, either – it’s a strangely subtle yet obvious difference.
Of course, effects will vary from person to person; but Oxiracetam’s solid reputation is a strong indication that many users experience the same significant improvements.
Oxiracetam Summary
Oxiracetam is a remarkable nootropic that holds buckets of promise and potency, with minimal side effects. It’s a powerful tool for boosting memory, sharpening focus, and enhancing cognitive energy with truly astonishing improvements.
As good as it sounds, always be cautious, always seek professional advice first, and always stick with the recommended dose. After all, the journey towards cognitive enhancement should be a safe and well-informed one. With Oxiracetam, that journey seems to be a promising one.
Sources:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1436656/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1414239/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5577264/
