What Is Aniracetam?
Aniracetam is a fat-soluble racetam nootropic developed by Hoffmann-La Roche in the 1970s. It is approximately 5 to 10 times more potent than piracetam by weight and has a shorter half-life (1 to 2.5 hours). Aniracetam is prescribed in Japan and some European countries for cognitive impairment, while it remains unscheduled in Canada and the United States.
How Aniracetam Works
Aniracetam modulates AMPA receptors (like piracetam) but also affects metabotropic glutamate receptors and has documented anxiolytic properties. It increases acetylcholine release in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Unlike piracetam, aniracetam also modulates dopamine and serotonin transmission, which may explain its reported effects on mood and anxiety reduction. Its fat-solubility means it should be taken with a fat-containing meal for optimal absorption.
Aniracetam Dosage
Standard research dose: 750 to 1,500 mg per day, divided into 2 to 3 doses due to the short 1 to 2.5 hour half-life. Must be taken with food (fat-soluble). Choline co-supplementation is recommended, as with all racetams.
Clinical Evidence
A 1993 study in Psychopharmacology found that aniracetam improved cognitive performance in elderly subjects with mild cognitive impairment. A 2001 study in the European Journal of Pharmacology demonstrated anxiolytic effects in animal models through modulation of dopamine and serotonin. However, large-scale human RCTs are limited. Most clinical data comes from Japan, where aniracetam (Draganon) has been prescribed since the 1990s.
Aniracetam vs Piracetam: How They Compare
Aniracetam and piracetam are both racetams that modulate AMPA receptors and enhance cholinergic function. Piracetam is water-soluble, has a longer half-life (5 hours vs 1-2.5 hours), requires fewer daily doses, and has a much larger body of clinical trial data (60+ trials, Cochrane review). Aniracetam offers additional anxiolytic properties but requires more frequent dosing and must be taken with food. For researchers seeking a well-studied racetam with the broadest evidence base, piracetam is the standard choice.
Legal Status in Canada
Aniracetam is not a controlled substance in Canada. It is not scheduled under the CDSA and is available for research purposes.
Related Resources
- Piracetam Dosage Guide
- Piracetam Side Effects
- Buy Piracetam in Canada
- The Complete Guide to Racetam Nootropics
Explore More About Piracetam
Order Piracetam (1200 mg tablets, 100-count)
Shipped from Canada. Discreet packaging. 350+ cryptocurrencies accepted.
Elite Bio Supply sells research compounds for research purposes only. This content does not constitute medical advice. The information above is based on published clinical literature and is provided for informational purposes. Consult a qualified physician before starting any protocol.