Oxiracetam
Oxiracetam
A potent racetam nootropic that enhances memory, learning, and logical thinking with mild stimulant properties.
Oxiracetam is a racetam nootropic developed in the 1970s that is more potent than piracetam. It's known for enhancing memory formation, learning capacity, and logical thinking. Users often report improved verbal fluency and clearer thinking. It has mild stimulant properties without the jitteriness of caffeine. Like other racetams, it works best when combined with a choline source.
Mechanisms of Action
AMPA Modulation
Positive modulator of AMPA receptors
Cholinergic Enhancement
Increases acetylcholine utilization
Mild Stimulation
Subtle energizing effect
Recommended Dose
800-2400mg daily in divided doses
Loading: Not required; effects build over 1-2 weeks
Optimal Timing
- Morning and early afternoon
- Divided into 2-3 doses
- With choline source
Can be taken without food
Best Form
Oxiracetam powder or capsules
Available as powder (economical) or capsules. Has slightly bitter taste.
Duration
Minimum: 4 weeks
Optimal: 12 weeks
Cycling: 8-12 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off
Note: Mild stimulant effect - avoid evening doses. Water-soluble and well-absorbed. Combine with Alpha-GPC or CDP-Choline.
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Memory Enhancement
Improved memory formation and recall
Logical Thinking
Enhanced analytical and logical processes
Verbal Fluency
Improved word recall and articulation
Headache
Without adequate choline
Popular for studying and analytical work
Who Should NOT Take This
- Severe kidney impairment
Drug Interactions
May have anticoagulant effects; use caution with blood thinners
Has mild stimulant properties; may be additive with other stimulants
May counteract anticholinergic effects as racetams enhance acetylcholine
Possible Side Effects
Tip: Take with choline source
Tip: Avoid evening doses
Tip: Reduce dose
Warnings
- Not FDA-approved in US
- Combine with choline to prevent headaches
- Has mild stimulant effect - avoid late doses
Top studies from 14+ peer-reviewed papers
Wang B et al. • Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences (2020)
“The clinical effect is definite.”
Key Findings:
- The combined group had the highest effective rate and the total effective rate was 93.3%.
- The combined use of nicergoline and oxiracetam can significantly improve the severity of symptoms and quality of life in patients with vascular cognitive impairment after stroke.
- Conclusion: Nicergoline and oxiracetam are effective drugs in the treatment of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI).
- The combined use of nicergoline and oxiracetam is better than that of nicergoline alone.
Yi Z et al. • Journal of nanoscience and nanotechnology (2020)
“Based on the current clinical evidence, olacetam is more effective and safer than alternatives in the treatment of vascular cognitive dysfunction.”
Key Findings:
- The results of the meta-analysis showed that compared with placebo and other medications, oxiracetam significantly improved the mental status of patients, Concise Mental State Checklist score [mean difference (MD)= 5.29, P < 0.01] and Montreal Cognitive Assessment score (MD = 4.32, P < 0.01).
- The Barthel Index demonstrated that oxiracetam significantly improved the quality of the daily life of patients (MD = 18, P < 0.01), but there was no difference between olacetam and placebo or other medications in the rating of activities of daily living (ADLs).
- The total effective rate of olacetam was significantly higher than that of other treatments (P < 0.01).
- Compared with placebo and other medications, the safety of oxiracetam was not significantly different (P > 0.05).
Perng CH et al. • Psychopharmacology (2018)
“The most effective intervention for dementia available is symptomatic treatment for vascular dementia.”
Key Findings:
- The pooled standardized mean difference of the treatment effects on cognitive dysfunction was 0.439 (95% confidence interval 0.374, 0.504).
- The most effective intervention for dementia available is symptomatic treatment for vascular dementia.
- Antipsychotic treatment for dementia alleviates cognitive dysfunction less effectively than does symptomatic treatment.
- Alternative therapies are also effective at present.
Lim JS et al. • European stroke journal (2026)
“Oxiracetam did not demonstrate benefit in preventing PSCI in high-risk patients.”
Key Findings:
- Oxiracetam did not demonstrate benefit in preventing PSCI in high-risk patients.
- These findings support the recent regulatory decision to suspend its use in South Korea.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Zhang T et al. • European journal of pharmaceutical sciences : official journal of the European Federation for Pharmaceutical Sciences (2024)
“(S)-oxiracetam was safe and tolerated with favorable pharmacokinetic profiles at all study doses, providing dosing evidence for further efficacy evaluation.”
Key Findings:
- In the SAD study, no chiral transformation was observed. 55.03% and 36.16% of (S)-oxiracetam was excreted unchanged in urine and feces, respectively.
- (S)-oxiracetam was safe and tolerated with favorable pharmacokinetic profiles at all study doses, providing dosing evidence for further efficacy evaluation.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Study Type Distribution
Goals This Supplement Supports
Related Goals
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement.