Piracetam
Piracetam (brand name: Nootropil) was the first of a class of substances classified as nootropics, substances which purportedly enhance mental performance. It was first synthesized in 1964 and is approved for sale by prescription in most countries. Piracetam has not been approved by the FDA for use in the United States, but it is legal to use and import piracetam on a personal use basis. Piracetam is a pyrrolidone derivative, and has several analogues, sometimes referred to as "racetams". Here is a list of them: Piracetam (water-soluble)Aniracetam (fat-soluble, preferred in Japan)Oxiracetam (water-soluble)Pramiracetam (fat-soluble)EtiracetamLevetiracetamNefiracetamRolziracetamNebracetamFasoracetamColuracetam The racetams work by activating glutamate receptors that are colocalized with
cholinergic receptors, thus increasing the firing of the latter. The racetams
thus increase memory capacity by nearly the same method as the
acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.
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