Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesSide EffectsPrecautionsDosageToxicityInteractionsHow to StoreSimilar SupplementsSources & What to Look For
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
Side Effects
Precautions
Dosage
Toxicity
Interactions
How to Store
Similar Supplements
Sources & What to Look For
Aniracetamis a supplement that may support brain functions such as memory.It affects chemicals in the brain such asacetylcholine, dopamine, and serotoninalong with certain receptors (binding sites) such asalpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid(AMPA)-sensitiveglutamatereceptors.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved aniracetam as a prescription product.Likewise, Japan removed it from its market, despite aniracetam’s use for certain mental health conditions.However, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) included aniracetam in its 2022 list of nationally authorized medical products.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs.That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Supplement FactsActive ingredients (s): AniracetamAlternative name(s): 1-(4-methoxybenzoyl)-2-pyrrolidinone,Ampamet, Memodrin, Referan, Draganon, SarpulLegal status: Over-the-counter (OTC) supplement. (United States)Suggested dose: May vary based on the dosage form and medical condition.Safety considerations: Children, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. Potential medication interactions.
Supplement Facts
Active ingredients (s): AniracetamAlternative name(s): 1-(4-methoxybenzoyl)-2-pyrrolidinone,Ampamet, Memodrin, Referan, Draganon, SarpulLegal status: Over-the-counter (OTC) supplement. (United States)Suggested dose: May vary based on the dosage form and medical condition.Safety considerations: Children, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. Potential medication interactions.
Uses of Aniracetam
More recent, high-quality, long-term research on aniracetam is necessary.
Memory
One clinical trial suggested that aniracetam benefited memory problems.Participants were divided into the following four groups:
This study used the following AD medications:
While the results look promising, more recent, long-term research with higher quality and larger clinical trials is necessary.
Mild Cognitive Impairment vs. Alzheimer’s Disease
Mood
In a study, results suggested aniracetam improved mood in people with memory problems.
Healthcare providers prescribed aniracetam to people in Japan for mental health conditions, such asanxiety, agitation, ordepression.
However, it’s presently removed from the Japanese market because of study results.
Due to conflicting results, more recent research with a larger group of people is needed.
Learning
In a review, aniracetam had stimulating effects. The researchers suggested this may help some children withattention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD).
In particular, the stimulating effects of aniracetam might address some of the learning and language problems that some children with ADHD experience.
This article, however, also stated the need for additional clinical trials.
What Are the Side Effects of Aniracetam?
Like many medications and supplements, side effects are possible with aniracetam.
Common Side Effects
Aniracetam seems well-tolerated. However, some common short-term side effects may include:
Severe Side Effects
One article suggested there were no serious safety issues with aniracetam.
However, a severe allergic reaction is a serious side effect possible with any medication.
If you’re having asevere allergic reactionto aniracetam, symptoms may include breathing difficulties, itchiness, and rash.
Call 911 and get medical help immediately if you have a severe allergic reaction or any of your symptoms feel life-threatening.
A healthcare provider may advise against taking aniracetam if any of the following applies to you:
Dosage: How Much Aniracetam Should I Take?
Some healthcare providers may recommend that children take 750 milligrams (mg) orally twice daily to address learning or language problems with ADHD.
As for improving memory, function, and mood in older adults with dementia, 1,500 milligrams of aniracetam per day might help.
While there are some studies on aniracetam in humans, more recent, larger, longer-term, and well-designed clinical trials are still necessary.
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your needs.
What Happens If I Take Too Much Aniracetam?
There is little information about aniracetam toxicity in humans.
Extremely high doses of aniracetam might result in mood changes and severe insomnia.
Since aniracetam may also have stimulating effects, it might increase your heart rate and blood pressure, similar to other ADHD stimulant medications—like Ritalin (methylphenidate).
One study suggested aniracetam didn’t have significant medication interactions.
However, since aniracetam might affect various brain chemicals, this supplement may interact with other medications that also affect similar brain chemicals.
For example, aniracetam might interact with the following:
If aniracetam does have stimulating effects that increase blood pressure and heart rate, aniracetam might also interact with blood pressure medications—likeZestril (lisinopril).
It is essential to carefully read a supplement’s ingredients list and nutrition facts panel to learn which ingredients are present and how much of each ingredient is included. Please review this supplement label with a healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
How to Store Aniracetam
Since storage instructions may vary for different supplements, carefully read the directions and packaging label on the container.
Keep your medications tightly closed and out of the reach and sight of children and pets, ideally locked in a cabinet or closet.
The optimal storage condition for medicines is usually in a cool and dry place.
Discard after one year or as indicated on the packaging.
Avoid putting unused and expired medicines down the drain or in the toilet. Visit the FDA’s website to know where and how to discard all unused and expired medicines.You can also find disposal boxes in your area.Please ask a pharmacist or healthcare provider any questions about how to take care of your medications or supplements.
Aniracetam is chemically similar to piracetam, which may also have similar effects.
Aniracetam might be more stimulating, and piracetam may have more calming effects.
Aniracetam may have potential uses for memory, mood, and ADHD.Potentially similar supplements may include the following:
Don’t combine multiple supplements until you first discuss them with a healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Checking in can help you avoid possible interactions and side effects and ensure you’re giving these supplements a fair trial at appropriate doses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aniracetam is likely only available in a capsule dosage form.
In general, to safely take supplements—like aniracetam—inform your healthcare provider about any medication change.This includes OTC, herbal, natural medications, and supplements.They can help prevent possible interactions and side effects. They can also ensure you’re giving aniracetam a fair trial at appropriate doses.
Sources of Aniracetam & What to Look For
There are only a few sources aniracetam.
Food Sources of Aniracetam
There is little information about food sources of aniracetam.
Aniracetam Supplements
Aniracetam is likely only available in a pill dosage form, such as capsules.
Talk with a pharmacist or healthcare provider if you have trouble swallowing pills. They may recommend the pop-bottle method, lean-forward technique, or other options.
Aniracetam is not available in vegetarian or vegan forms.
Your specific product will depend on your preference and health goals. Each product may also work a bit differently.
Summary
Aniracetam is a supplement with possible effects on supporting brain health, such as learning and memory. It could also improve mood.
However, like many medications and supplements, side effects and medication interactions are still possible.
More recent, high-quality, long-term, and extensive clinical trials are still necessary to evaluate aniracetam’s effectiveness and safety.
Before taking aniracetam, contact your healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist, or pharmacist to help you safely achieve your health goals.
22 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
PubChem.Aniracetam.
National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences: Inxight Drugs.Aniracetam.
Cohen PA, Avula B, Wang YH, Zakharevich I, Khan I.Five unapproved drugs found in cognitive enhancement supplements.Neurol Clin Pract. 2021;11(3):e303-e307. doi:10.1212/CPJ.0000000000000960
European Medicines Agency.List of nationally authorised medicinal products: aniracetam.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Facts about dietary supplements.
Koliaki CC, Messini C, Tsolaki M.Clinical efficacy of aniracetam, either as monotherapy or combined with cholinesterase inhibitors, in patients with cognitive impairment: a comparative open study.CNS Neurosci Ther. 2012;18(4):302-312. doi:10.1111/j.1755-5949.2010.00244.x
Sharma A, Gerbarg PL, Brown RP.Non-pharmacological treatments for ADHD in youth.Adolescent Psychiatry (Hilversum). 2015;5(2):84-95. doi:10.2174%2F221067660502150430154937
Love RWB.Aniracetam: An evidence-based model for preventing the accumulation of amyloid-β plaques in Alzheimer’s disease.J Alzheimers Dis. 2024;98(4):1235-1241. doi:10.3233/JAD-231247
National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary supplement label database.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Where and how to dispose of unused medicines.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.7 things to know about dietary supplements for cognitive function, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.9 things to know about complementary health approaches for ADHD for children and teens.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Mental health.
Chang JP, Su KP, Mondelli V, Pariante CM.Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in youths with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials and biological studies.Neuropsychopharmacology. 2018;43(3):534-545. doi:10.1038/npp.2017.160
Mocking RJT, Steijn K, Roos C, et al.Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for perinatal depression: a meta-analysis.J Clin Psychiatry. 2020;81(5):19r13106. doi:10.4088/JCP.19r13106
Appleton KM, Voyias PD, Sallis HM, et al.Omega-3 fatty acids for depression in adults.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021;11(11):CD004692. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004692.pub5
MedlinePlus.A guide to herbal remedies.
Schiele JT, Schneider H, Quinzler R, et al.Two techniques to make swallowing pills easier.The Annals of Family Medicine. 2014;12(6):550-552. doi:10.1370/afm.1693
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
