Piracetam, a derivative of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), has a variety of physiological effects that may result, at least in part, from the restoration of cell membrane fluidity. At a neuronal level, piracetam modulates neurotransmission in a range of transmitter systems (including cholinergic and glutamatergic), has neuroprotective and anticonvulsant properties, and improves neuroplasticity. At a vascular level, it appears to reduce erythrocyte adhesion to vascular endothelium, hinder vasospasm, and facilitate microcirculation.
   In rodent studies, the piracetam like nootropics are capable of achieving reversal of amnesia induced by, e.g., scopolamine, electroconvulsive shock and hypoxia.

Medical Uses of Piracetam
Piracetam is used in cognitive disorders and dementia, vertigo, cortical myoclonus, dyslexia, and sickle cell anemia. Piracetam has neuroprotective and antithrombotic effects which may help to reduce death and disability in people with acute stroke, however there is still no proof that piracetam is effective for this purpose. Many people use piracetam as a nootropic or mind booster.

Piracetam and Cognition
Piracetam prevents cognitive decline in coronary artery bypass: a randomized trial versus placebo.
Ann Thorac Surg. 2006 Oct;82(4):1430-5. Department of Neurology, University of Targu-Mures, Targu Mures, Romania.
 Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) can be associated with postoperative cognitive impairment and ischemic stroke. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of piracetam to treat the cognitive impairment after CABG in an investigator-initiated, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. METHODS: Patients undergoing CABG (n = 98) were randomized to placebo (n = 48) or piracetam (n = 50). Study drugs were administered intravenously (150 mg/kg daily; 300 mg/kg on the day of surgery) from the day before surgery to 6 days after surgery, then orally (12 g/day) up to 6 weeks after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Six weeks after CABG, cognition was significantly improved in patients treated with piracetam.

Piracetam emails
Q. Does your research group have more information about Picamilon and Piracetam? Do you think they will enhance cognition?
   A. It appears that piracetam does have a role to play in cognition.

Q. Do you have any opinion on piracetam? Are you planning to do more reviews of other nootropics any time soon?
   A. I have focused mostly on natural herbs and nutrients as mind enhancers, and not as much on piracetam or other nootropics. I personally have not taken a piracetam pill.

Additional nootropic links
Aniracetam nootropic
Oxiracetam nootropic