Nootropic profile

Nefiracetam

Nefiracetam is a fat-soluble synthetic racetam developed in Japan that modulates multiple neurotransmitter systems including cholinergic, GABAergic, and glutamatergic pathways. It has been investigated for age-related cognitive decline and shows particular promise for long-term memory enhancement.

Educational only: this is not medical advice. Always check with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement.

What is Nefiracetam?

Nefiracetam (N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-2-(2-oxo-1-pyrrolidinyl)acetamide, also known as DM-9384) was developed by Daiichi Pharmaceutical Company in Japan as a follow-up to piracetam and aniracetam.

What it does for you

Community and editorial ratings, out of 5:

🍃

Anxiety & Calm

2.0 editorial

Log in to rate

🧠

Cognitive Enhancement

3.5 editorial

Log in to rate

🎯

Focus

3.0 editorial

Log in to rate

💾

Memory

4.0 editorial

Log in to rate

☀️

Mood

2.5 editorial

Log in to rate

🔥

Motivation

2.5 editorial

Log in to rate

How to take it

  • Typical dose: 100-900 mg per day, divided into 2-3 doses
  • Common protocol: 150-300 mg taken 2-3 times daily
  • Clinical trials: Used doses of 150-450 mg three times daily (450-1350 mg/day total)
  • Fat-soluble: Take with a fat-containing meal or fat supplement for optimal absorption
  • Timing: Divide doses evenly throughout the day for consistent blood levels

Watch out for

  • Testicular toxicity: Long-term animal studies at high doses (300 mg/kg/day in dogs) showed testicular toxicity. This was a major factor in discontinuing...
  • Discontinued development: Nefiracetam is no longer being actively developed as a pharmaceutical, meaning safety data from large-scale trials is limited.
  • Side effects: Generally well tolerated in completed clinical trials. Reported side effects include headache, nausea, dizziness, and GI discomfort.
  • Regulatory status: Not approved as a pharmaceutical anywhere. Available as an unregulated research compound in most countries.
  • Male reproductive concern: Males should be particularly cautious given the animal testicular toxicity data. Long-term use is not recommended.

The science, if you're curious.

  • Nefiracetam potentiates nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) activity and enhances acetylcholine release in the hippocampus, supporting memory formation...
  • It prolongs the opening of GABA-A receptor chloride channels without affecting the binding of GABA itself, producing a unique modulatory effect that may...
  • Nefiracetam potentiates NMDA receptor currents and may enhance long-term potentiation (LTP), the synaptic strengthening process underlying memory consolidation.
  • Activates PKC and CaM kinase II in the hippocampus, enzymes involved in synaptic plasticity and memory formation.

Where to find it

  • Synthetic compound: Nefiracetam does not occur naturally and must be synthesised
  • Bulk powder: Available from specialty nootropic vendors
  • Capsules: Some vendors offer pre-measured capsules
  • Quality note: As with all synthetic nootropics, third-party certificates of analysis are essential for verifying purity and identity

Frequently asked

Nefiracetam is a fat-soluble synthetic racetam developed in Japan that modulates multiple neurotransmitter systems including cholinergic, GABAergic, and glutamatergic pathways. It has been investigated for age-related cognitive decline and shows particular promise for long-term memory enhancement.

The main benefits people report from Nefiracetam are: Anxiety & Calm, Cognitive Enhancement, Focus, Memory, Mood, Motivation.

Typical dose: 100-900 mg per day, divided into 2-3 dosesCommon protocol: 150-300 mg taken 2-3 times dailyClinical trials: Used doses of 150-450 mg three times daily (450-1350 mg/day total)Fat-soluble: Take with a fat-containing meal or fat supplement for optimal absorptionTiming: Divide doses evenly...

Testicular toxicity: Long-term animal studies at high doses (300 mg/kg/day in dogs) showed testicular toxicity. This was a major factor in discontinuing...Discontinued development: Nefiracetam is no longer being actively developed as a pharmaceutical, meaning safety data from large-scale trials is l...

Nefiracetam potentiates nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) activity and enhances acetylcholine release in the hippocampus, supporting memory formation...It prolongs the opening of GABA-A receptor chloride channels without affecting the binding of GABA itself, producing a unique modulatory effe...

Rate Nefiracetam

Log in to leave an overall rating.

What people are saying

Log in to leave a comment.

No comments yet. Be the first to share your experience.