The Inner Workings of Racetams

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Racetams are a family of supplements known as nootropics. This comes from the Greek meaning ‘mind-turning,’ due to their ability to affect brain and cognitive functions. There are a number of supplements classified within this racetam family and the inner workings of each, including their mechanisms of action are all fairly similar. Yet, at the same time, each of these supplements can offer slightly different benefits and results. How does each of the major racetams work? Can they be taken together, or in different combinations?

Piracetam Review

The first nootropic was Piracetam, first synthesized in 1964 by a Belgian pharmaceutical company. It does appear to have some interesting effects and benefits upon improving cognitive functions, especially in those suffering from age-related mental decline. There is also no toxicity to this supplement.

Despite the fact that this has been on the market for a number of years, the mechanisms of action are still not entirely understood. It appears to enhance membrane fluidity by interacting directly with cell membranes. It controls excessive excitation within the brain largely by binding to both glutamate receptors and affecting the levels of circulating acetylcholine.

Aniracetam Review

Another entry into the racetam family, Aniracetam, is more potent than Piracetam. It also is one of the few fat-soluble racetam members and this may be why many consider it to be more effective. This one is more geared towards improving creativity and holistic thinking, rather than Piracetam which seems to exert mild effects in a more general fashion. Aniracetam also has shown a surprising efficacy in helping to reduce feelings of anxiety and low moods.

The mechanism of action in this supplement is believed to be a positive modulation of certain excitatory receptors in the brain known as AMPA receptors. It also decreases the rate of receptor desensitization. This may be why the effects typical manifest as controlled and prolonged neurological stimulation.

Oxiracetam Review

The main benefit of Oxiracetam is potency. It is actually quite similar to the original Piracetam, improving many of the same processes. These beneficial processes include improving the effectiveness of brain training games, boosting memory, improving general cognitive function, repairing damage done by excessive alcohol consumption, and possibly effective in dealing with cognitive disorders and age-related memory loss.

Oxiracetam is fast acting and believed to effect the production of both acetylcholine and glutamate. These neurotransmitters play an important role in our ability to sustain attention in the CNS. This is also likely why short-term memory and learning are positively affected.

Bottom Line

While all the members of the racetam family do have essentially similar mechanisms of action, we should still keep in mind a number of other factors. First, each supplement will affect different people in different ways. Also, the potency can vary considerably from supplement to supplement. Also bear in mind that stacking different nootropics and ractems may provide a synergistic effect, this should be done carefully and under controlled circumstances.

The Top 3 Mood Boosting Nootropics

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Many people are looking for safe and natural methods to help boost or improve their mood. Whether this means combating mood disorders or to improve concentration and help with a loss of memory, there are a number of supplements which can help. It has been estimated that nearly 10% of all Americans have some form of depression. This probably does not even include those with mild memory problems or those suffering from temporary mood issues. Some of the top nootropic supplements, a few of which are also considered to be cognitive enhancers, may be just what the doctor ordered.

Aniracetam

This is a well-documented memory supplement that is a favorite mood booster for many. One of its specific effects seems to be increasing energy levels, which helps to improve motivation. Users are better able to actually get started on projects and accomplish needed tasks. There are also more subtle (although still quite noticeable) effects on feelings of well-being. It should also be noted that not everyone will have these exact same reactions, so feel free to try one of the others on the list.

Sulbutiamine

Many times, a poor mood is the result of chemical imbalances within the brain or simply an ineffective method of transmitting some of the brain hormones. A good example of this would be dopamine, which scientists believe responsible for mood and movement. Sulbutiamine actually seems to have the effect of increasing the amount of dopamine circulating within the brain. Many people who have shyness often also have low dopamine levels. Interestingly enough, there does not appear to be any kind of amphetamine-like stimulation as a side effect. You can buy sulbutiamine here.

Noopept

This is another nootropic that is actually a bit similar to Aniracetam. Researchers think that they both effect dopamine and serotonin receptor sites in a similar fashion. Noopept is actually a bit stronger than Aniracetam, so it is certainly possible that one might be more to your liking than another. This supplement does appear to increase feelings of well-being and enhancing motivation. There have also been reports of some anxiolytic effects, although this does not occur in all users.

Nootropics have been studied fairly extensively, especially in recent years. There is also a lot of anecdotal evidence and user reports to indicate that they do have a positive mood-boosting effect. If this is something that sounds interesting, be sure to try one or all of these different mood-booster supplements.