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Piracetam: Difference between revisions
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{{SubstanceBox/Piracetam}} | {{SubstanceBox/Piracetam}} | ||
'''Piracetam''' ('''2-oxo-1-pyrrolidine acetamide''') is a [[psychoactive class::nootropic]] | '''Piracetam''' ('''2-oxo-1-pyrrolidine acetamide''') is a [[psychoactive class::nootropic]] substance of the [[chemical class::racetam]] class. It is a derivative of [[GABA]]. | ||
In the | Piracetam was first synthesized in 1964 by Corneliu E. Giurgea and other scientists at the Belgian pharmaceutical company UCB.{{citation needed}} | ||
In the United Kingdom, piracetam is prescribed mainly for myoclonus (spasmodic jerky contraction of groups of muscles),<ref>Nootropil (piracetam) - Net Doctor | http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/100001864.html</ref> but is used off-label for other conditions. In the United States, it is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for any medical use and it is not permitted to be sold as a dietary supplement. However, it is still readily available and sold through online vendors. As a "smart drug", it is reported to enhance cognitive functions including memory, intelligence, and attention.<ref>Piracetam FAQ - Fooling the Bladder Cops by Christ Schoon (maintained by Erowid) | https://www.erowid.org/smarts/piracetam/piracetam_faq.shtml</ref> | |||
The active dose of piracetam is 100 times than that of [[noopept]],{{citation needed}} making it both the earliest and least potent [[racetam]]. The standard piracetam dose for adults is between 1,200-4,800mg a day. The largest effective dose is 1,600mg taken three times a day for a total of 4,800mg. | |||
==Chemistry== | ==Chemistry== | ||
Piracetam, or 2-oxo-1-pyrrolidine-acetamide, is a synthetic compound of the [[racetam]] family. Racetams share a pyrrolidine nucleus, a five member nitrogenous ring with a ketone bonded oxygen at R<sub>2</sub>.<ref>Piracetam and piracetam-like drugs: from basic science to novel clinical applications to CNS disorders. | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20166767</ref> This 2-pyrrolidone ring is bound to the terminal carbon of an acetamide group, an ethyl amide chain with a ketone bond (C=O) at the alpha carbon. | Piracetam, or 2-oxo-1-pyrrolidine-acetamide, is a synthetic compound of the [[racetam]] family. Racetams share a pyrrolidine nucleus, a five member nitrogenous ring with a ketone bonded oxygen at R<sub>2</sub>.<ref>Piracetam and piracetam-like drugs: from basic science to novel clinical applications to CNS disorders. | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20166767</ref> This 2-pyrrolidone ring is bound to the terminal carbon of an acetamide group, an ethyl amide chain with a ketone bond (C=O) at the alpha carbon. | ||
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No fatal overdoses associated with piracetam use have been reported as of 2016. In animal models (rodents, dogs, and marmoset), an [[LD50|LD<sub>50</sub>]] failed to be established at the dosage of 8-10g/kg. | No fatal overdoses associated with piracetam use have been reported as of 2016. In animal models (rodents, dogs, and marmoset), an [[LD50|LD<sub>50</sub>]] failed to be established at the dosage of 8-10g/kg. | ||
Regardless, it is strongly recommended that one use [[responsible drug use|harm reduction practices]] when using this | Regardless, it is strongly recommended that one use [[responsible drug use|harm reduction practices]] when using this substance. | ||
===Lethal dosage=== | ===Lethal dosage=== | ||
The median lethal dosage (LD50) of piracetam has not been officially published as it has low abuse potential, but the typical dosage is two grams once to three times a day. | The median lethal dosage (LD50) of piracetam has not been officially published as it has low abuse potential, but the typical dosage is two grams once to three times a day. | ||
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===Dependence and abuse potential=== | |||
The chronic use of piracetam can be considered as [[Addiction potential::not addictive with a low potential for abuse]]. It does not seem to be capable of causing psychological dependence among certain users. | The chronic use of piracetam can be considered as [[Addiction potential::not addictive with a low potential for abuse]]. It does not seem to be capable of causing psychological dependence among certain users. | ||
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Piracetam showed nonselective MAO activity in a rat study.<ref>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3137089</ref><ref>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3709792</ref> Piracetam and [[MAOIs]] are a potentially dangerous combination. It is likely that MAOIs could increase the effects of piracetam unpredictably. Taking this chemical while on prescription MAOIs is strongly discouraged. | Piracetam showed nonselective MAO activity in a rat study.<ref>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3137089</ref><ref>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3709792</ref> Piracetam and [[MAOIs]] are a potentially dangerous combination. It is likely that MAOIs could increase the effects of piracetam unpredictably. Taking this chemical while on prescription MAOIs is strongly discouraged. | ||
==Legal | ==Legal status== | ||
{{legalStub}} | {{legalStub}} | ||
Piracetam, being a member of the [[racetam]] family, currently is legally available to buy and sell in most countries, but may still vary by region. | Piracetam, being a member of the [[racetam]] family, currently is legally available to buy and sell in most countries, but may still vary by region. | ||
*'''United Kingdom''' | *'''United Kingdom:''' Piracetam and other racetams are prescription only drugs; however, there is no penalty for possession or importing them. | ||
*'''New Zealand''' | *'''New Zealand:''' Piracetam is considered a prescription drug, and as such will be seized by the Ministry of Health. It is not able to be imported without a signed note from a doctor. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||