Pramiracetam is a synthetic derivative of piracetam, the first laboratory-created nootropic, but is significantly more potent.
| Items | Specifications |
| CAS | 68497-62-1 |
| MF | C14H27N3O2 |
| MW | 269.38 |
| EINECS | 806-175-7
|
Melting point
| 47-48° |
| Storage | Sealed in dry,2-8°C |
1) May Affect Memory
One of the most common claims about pramiracetam is that is can boost memory. However, the only studies that speak to this potential effect so far have looked either at animal models, or human patients with specific health conditions.
For example, one pilot study of 35 elderly volunteers with memory loss reported that those who received pramiracetam showed greater improvements in memory than those who received memory training, as well as those who did not receive either.
In another study (double-blind randomized controlled trial) of four young men with brain injury, pramiracetam was reported to improve both short- and long-term memory. This effect supposedly lasted for up to 1 full month after the treatment was discontinued
Unfortunately, both of these studies have some major limitations. For one, they have only very small sample sizes, and much larger samples will be needed before these effects can be confirmed. Secondly, the studies only looked at people with specific brain-related health conditions, so it’s not possible to say with certainty whether similar effects would be seen in ordinary healthy users of pramiracetam.
In addition to these inconclusive human studies, there is some preliminary evidence from animal studies as well.
For example, one animal study reported that seven weeks of treatment with pramiracetam may have increased long-term memory and learning ability in rats .
Similarly, another study reported that pramiracetam may have improved object-recognition memory in rats.
2) May Be “Neuro-Protective”
A handful of studies have looked at pramiracetam’s potential to protect the brain from the negative effects of other toxins or drugs.
In one study (double-blind randomized controlled trial) of 24 young and old healthy volunteers, it was reported that pramiracetam partially reduced the memory loss caused by scopolamine, a drug that produces temporary amnesia.
In another study (prospective cohort) of 65 patients with head injuries, pramiracetam reportedly worked better than piracetam at reducing symptoms associated with amnesia.
According to one animal study, pre-treating rats with pramiracetam prevented some of the memory loss caused by substance that causes amnesia (hemicholinium-3) .
Finally, another early animal study reported that pramiracetam may partially prevent some memory loss in mice caused by electric shocks.
All in all, however, the evidence for these effects is still highly inconclusive, and more research will definitely be needed.
3) May Affect Recovery from Brain Injuries
A few studies have also investigated pramiracetam’s potential to help the brain recover from injury or trauma.
According to one preliminary study (prospective cohort) of 65 people with mild brain injury, pramiracetam was reported to reduce headaches, dizziness, and nausea more effectively than piracetam .
Another study (double-blind randomized controlled trial) of four men with severe brain injuries reported that six weeks of pramiracetam supplementation significantly improved their memory compared to an inactive placebo treatment . However, the sample size of this study is very small.
Chronic cerebrovascular insufficiency refers to a number of conditions in which the arteries supplying blood to the brain are blocked, which can potentially lead to memory loss and other negative cognitive symptoms. According to one early study, pramiracetam reportedly improved memory decline in chronic cerebrovascular insufficiency patients .
The existing human studies used a total daily intake of 1200 mg of pramiracetam, divided into two or three doses per day.
They did not indicate that this dosage was optimal, but it was found to be both effective and well-tolerated and may be a good reference point in determining personal dosage needs.
It is always wise to start with the lowest possible effective dose and adjust amounts as needed.
The fact that pramiracetam is fat rather than water-soluble means that mixing the powder with water or any nonfat liquid is difficult; instead of dissolving, it will simply float on the surface. Some users report dissolving their dose of pramiracetam powder with a small amount of oil, which may also enhance absorption and bioavailability.
Many individuals opt to take pramiracetam in capsule form due to its pungent flavor.
Improved Memory
Pramiracetam is a proven memory enhancer, extensively tested over several decades and shown effective in both animal studies and clinical trials of young adults with cognitive impairment due to brain injuries.
Pramiracetam improves memory both by stimulating the hippocampus, the part of the brain primarily responsible for the creation of new memories and by acting as a potent anti amnesic that reduces forgetfulness.This dual action makes pramiracetam a very effective memory booster. Many users also report significant improvement in recall speed, a claim that has been corroborated by animal studies.
Increased Alertness and Expanded Learning Capacity
Pramiracetam’s reputation as a general cognitive enhancer that increases alertness and expands learning capacity has made it a popular choice among students seeking a reliable study aid.
Though no human studies on these specific effects have been documented, animal studies indicate that pramiracetam contributes to the mechanisms underlying learning and memory improvement by increasing neuronal type nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity in the hippocampus. NOS activity is associated with neural development and brain plasticity, both of which are crucial to all aspects of cognition.
Pramiracetam is also known to increase high-affinity choline uptake in the hippocampus, thus indirectly fueling the production of acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter that is strongly associated with learning and cognition.
Dementia Treatment
Open-label trials in patients with primary degenerative dementia show that Pramiracetam effectively reversed amnesia, significantly enhancing recall and reducing forgetfulness.[16]
In other studies, which measured the effects of pramiracetam and other racetam-class nootropics on patients with mild to moderate dementia, there were measurable improvements to cognition and memory. These results are likely explained, at least in part, to the nootropic’s enhancement of existing neurotransmitters.
Though pramiracetam has not been approved as an Alzheimer’s treatment in the US, it typically prescribed in Europe for treatment of dementia and other cognitive issues related to Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological disorders.
Social Fluency
While there is no documented research on pramiracetam’s effect on social fluency, many users report that it makes them more conversationally creative and socially fluent. This effect may be explained, at least in part, by pramiracetam’s reputed emotional blunting effect,[18] which is sometimes described as similar to that of Ritalin. This effect may reduce social anxiety and, in turn, enhance social fluency.
Neuroprotective Capabilities
Pramiracetam is known to have considerable neuroprotectant effects, capable of improving cognition in humans who have experienced brain trauma.
Studies have also shown it to have a demonstrable neuroprotective effect when used during coronary bypass surgery and in the treatment of cognitive disorders of cerebrovascular origin.
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