supplementNot FDA-approvedOTC supplementOxiracetam is a prescription drug in some countries (e.g., South Korea, where the vascular cognitive impairment trial was run) but is not an FDA-approved drug in the USIn the US it is marketed as an unregulated nootropic supplement/research chemical rather than a prescription medicine
OxiracetamBenefits, Dosage & Interactions
Oxiracetam is a synthetic nootropic compound belonging to the racetam family, first synthesized in the 1970s. It is structurally similar to piracetam but is considered to have a higher potency in some models (Source: PubChem). Research on Oxiracetam focuses on cognition and mood.
How much Oxiracetam do people take?
The vascular cognitive impairment trial dosed oral oxiracetam at 800 mg twice daily for 36 weeks against placebo; the traumatic brain injury trial and older dementia trial also used divided daily oral dosing over multi-week courses. Route reported: Oral, in capsule or tablet form in all three cited trials. Frequency reported: Twice-daily divided oral dosing in the vascular cognitive impairment and TBI trials. These are amounts documented in the cited studies and labels for Oxiracetam — they are reported for reference, not a recommendation. Regulatory status differs by country, including between the US (FDA) and Canada (Health Canada). Confirm any amount with a licensed clinician before you take it.
See the full reported protocol and its sourcesResearched by DoseRoutine Research TeamReviewed for accuracy by Nicholas Alexander, RSE, SO, PMPLast updated Educational reference only — not medical advice. Always confirm dosing and safety decisions with a licensed clinician.
Evidence: Mixed — 3 human studies published, with results that disagree.
Evidence strengthMixed · 2/4
PreclinicalStrong human evidence
3 human studies published, with results that disagree.
Plasma half-life
Not applicable
Typical timing
in the morning
Default unit
mg
What published protocols report
Ranges documented in the literature, shown for reference. DoseRoutine does not recommend an amount — your prescriber or the product label sets the dose.
- Reported amounts
- The vascular cognitive impairment trial dosed oral oxiracetam at 800 mg twice daily for 36 weeks against placebo; the traumatic brain injury trial and older dementia trial also used divided daily oral dosing over multi-week courses[1][2][3]
Reported for Oxiracetam in the cited sources. Published ranges are not dosing advice.
References & evidence
Documents the Oxiracetam entry is written from. Each number matches an inline marker above.
- [1]Efficacy and safety of L-oxiracetam on cognitive function in patients with traumatic brain injury: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, phase 3 clinical trialLiu T, Wang J, Zhao Z, Jiang W, Zhang M, Yu Y, et al. · Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy · 2025 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 41381424
- [2]Efficacy and safety of oxiracetam in patients with vascular cognitive impairment: A multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, phase IV clinical trialLim JS, Lee J, Kang Y, Park HT, Kim DE, Cha JK, et al. · Contemporary Clinical Trials · 2023 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 36724841
- [3]Oxiracetam in the treatment of multi-infarct dementia and primary degenerative dementiaDysken MW, Katz R, Stallone F, Kuskowski M · The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences · 1989 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 2521069
References & Evidence
Sources on this page that document Oxiracetam dosing, timing and safety.
- [1]National Center for Biotechnology Information View source
Educational information only — not medical advice. Dose ranges vary by person, indication and prescriber.
What is Oxiracetam studied for?
What is Oxiracetam?Sources for this section: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Oxiracetam is a synthetic nootropic compound belonging to the racetam family, first synthesized in the 1970s. It is structurally similar to piracetam but is considered to have a higher potency in some models (Source: PubChem). Like other racetams, its primary area of interest lies in its potential effects on cognitive functions, particularly memory and attention. While not approved as a pharmaceutical drug in many countries, it has been studied for its effects in various models of cognitive decline and for its general cognitive-enhancing properties. It is often used as a dietary supplement in regions where regulations permit.
Its development stemmed from research into compounds that could modulate brain activity without acting as sedatives or stimulants in the classical sense. Early research focused on its potential in conditions characterized by cognitive impairment. In the context of dietary supplements, it is often marketed for its purported benefits in areas such as learning, memory retention, and mental clarity. However, the extent and clinical significance of these effects in healthy individuals require further investigation (Source: Examine.com).
What does the research say about Oxiracetam?
Tap a section to expand.
The precise mechanisms of action of oxiracetam, while not fully understood, are thought to involve several pathways within the brain, similar to other racetam compounds. Research suggests it may modulate the activity of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter critical for learning and memory. It is thought to enhance the release of acetylcholine and improve the efficiency of cholinergic transmission in specific brain regions (Source: DrugBank).
Additionally, oxiracetam may influence other neurotransmitter systems, including glutamate, which plays a vital role in synaptic plasticity and cognitive function. It has been proposed to enhance the density of AMPA receptors, a type of glutamate receptor, although the direct clinical relevance of this is still under active investigation. Some studies suggest it may improve cellular energy metabolism in the brain, potentially through effects on ATP synthesis or glucose utilization, which could contribute to its cognitive effects (Source: PubChem).
Furthermore, oxiracetam is thought to improve neuronal membrane fluidity, which could facilitate better communication between brain cells. It does not appear to bind significantly to common neurotransmitter receptors in a direct fashion, suggesting a more indirect modulatory effect on brain activity. Its overall action is believed to result in increased alertness, improved attention span, and enhanced memory consolidation, though these effects are primarily derived from animal studies and limited human research (Source: Examine.com).
Source for this section: Sources for How does Oxiracetam work?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Research into oxiracetam has explored several potential cognitive benefits, primarily in the areas of memory, learning, and attention.
* **Memory Enhancement:** Some studies, predominantly in animal models and older adults with cognitive impairment, have indicated that oxiracetam may improve memory acquisition and recall. For instance, research has shown improvements in verbal and non-verbal memory tasks in individuals with age-associated memory impairment (Source: MedlinePlus). However, robust evidence in healthy young adults is more limited and the effects may not be as pronounced.
* **Learning Capacity:** It is suggested that oxiracetam may facilitate learning processes. This could be due to its potential influence on synaptic plasticity and neurotransmitter systems involved in forming new memories and knowledge. Studies have explored its use in environments where enhanced learning is desired, although more research is needed to confirm these effects consistently across different populations (Source: DrugBank).
* **Attention and Focus:** Users and some preliminary studies report improvements in attention span and the ability to maintain focus on tasks. This could relate to its proposed effects on general brain metabolism and alertness, allowing for more sustained mental effort. This aspect often makes it appealing to individuals seeking enhanced productivity (Source: Examine.com).
* **Cognitive Processing Speed:** Some investigations suggest that oxiracetam might enhance the speed at which the brain processes information, leading to quicker reaction times and more efficient task completion. This is an area requiring more targeted clinical trials to fully elucidate and quantify (Source: PubChem).
It is important to note that many of these reported benefits are based on studies in specific populations or animal models, and the effects in healthy individuals or under different circumstances may vary. Clinical trials in healthy human subjects are often small or lack rigorous controls, making it challenging to draw definitive conclusions about its efficacy for general cognitive enhancement (Source: Cochrane Library, general racetam reviews).
Evidence for the cognitive effects of oxiracetam comes from a variety of sources, including animal studies, in vitro research, and limited human clinical trials.
* **Animal Studies:** Numerous animal studies have demonstrated oxiracetam's ability to improve learning and memory in models of cognitive deficit, such as those induced by scopolamine or electroconvulsive shock. These studies often show improvements in maze performance and retention tasks (Source: PubChem).
* **In Vitro and Mechanistic Studies:** Laboratory research has explored oxiracetam's interaction with neurotransmitter systems, particularly its influence on cholinergic and glutamatergic pathways. These studies provide insights into its potential mechanisms but do not directly translate to clinical efficacy (Source: DrugBank).
* **Human Clinical Trials (Cognitive Impairment):** Some human studies have investigated oxiracetam in individuals with mild to moderate cognitive impairment, including those with dementia or age-associated memory decline. These trials have sometimes reported modest improvements in memory scores, attention, and overall cognitive function (Source: MedlinePlus). However, these studies are often older, of small sample size, and may lack the methodological rigor of modern clinical trials.
* **Human Clinical Trials (Healthy Individuals):** Evidence for cognitive enhancement in healthy, young individuals is less robust. While anecdotal reports are common in the supplement community, well-controlled, large-scale clinical trials specifically designed to assess cognitive improvement in healthy populations are limited. The effects observed in impaired populations may not directly extrapolate to healthy brains (Source: Examine.com).
Overall, while there is a theoretical basis and some preliminary evidence suggesting cognitive benefits, particularly in impaired states, more extensive and rigorous human clinical trials are needed to conclusively establish the efficacy and safety of oxiracetam for cognitive enhancement in general populations. Researchers commonly study oxiracetam in a range of dosages, from 800 mg to 2400 mg per day, often divided into two or three doses. Individual needs vary significantly, and the decision to use any compound should be made in consultation with a licensed clinician (Source: Examine.com).
Oxiracetam is generally considered to have a favorable safety profile compared to many pharmaceutical drugs, but like any compound, it can cause side effects. These are typically mild and transient.
Commonly reported side effects include:
* Headaches: This is a frequently reported side effect with many racetam compounds, often attributed to increased acetylcholine demand without sufficient choline availability. Supplementation with a choline source might mitigate this (Source: Examine.com).
* Insomnia or Sleep Disturbances: Due to potential stimulant-like effects, some individuals may experience difficulty sleeping, especially if taken late in the day.
* Nervousness or Agitation: In some cases, individuals may feel restless or agitated.
* Gastrointestinal Upset: Mild digestive issues, such as nausea or stomach discomfort, have been reported.
* Dizziness: Some users may experience lightheadedness or dizziness.
Less common side effects might include anxiety or skin rashes, though these are rare. The incidence and severity of side effects can vary greatly among individuals depending on dosage, individual sensitivity, and other co-administered substances. This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
While oxiracetam is often considered relatively safe for general use, certain warnings and precautions are important to consider.
* **Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:** There is insufficient data on the safety of oxiracetam during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is generally advised to avoid its use in these situations to prevent potential, unknown risks to the fetus or infant (Source: MedlinePlus, general caution for unapproved substances).
* **Underlying Medical Conditions:** Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, particularly those affecting the brain, kidneys, or liver, should exercise caution. While no specific contraindications are widely established, altered metabolism or sensitivity could occur (Source: DrugBank, general caution).
* **Sensitivity to Stimulants:** Although not a classical stimulant, oxiracetam can have alertness-enhancing effects. Individuals sensitive to stimulants may experience exaggerated effects such as insomnia or nervousness (Source: Examine.com).
* **Allergies:** As with any substance, an allergic reaction is possible. Discontinue use immediately if signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing) occur.
* **Lack of Long-Term Safety Data:** The long-term safety profile of oxiracetam has not been extensively studied in large, well-controlled clinical trials, particularly in healthy populations. Therefore, the effects of prolonged use are not fully understood (Source: NIH ODS, general note on supplements).
This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Specific contraindications for oxiracetam are not extensively documented in official medical databases due to its status as a supplement in many regions and lack of widespread pharmaceutical approval. However, based on its general profile and common medical practice, it is advisable to consider the following:
* **Known Hypersensitivity:** Individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to oxiracetam or other racetam compounds should avoid its use. Symptoms can include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or difficulty breathing (Source: General medical practice).
* **Severe Renal Impairment:** Racetams are primarily excreted renally. Individuals with severe kidney disease or impaired renal function may have altered pharmacokinetics, leading to accumulation and potentially increased risk of side effects. Dose adjustments or avoidance may be necessary (Source: DrugBank, general racetam excretion). A licensed clinician familiar with an individual's specific medical history would need to make such a determination, and must be consulted.
* **Severe Hepatic Impairment:** While not as clearly implicated as renal function, severe liver dysfunction could theoretically alter the metabolism or excretion of oxiracetam. Caution is advised (Source: General pharmacological principles).
* **Certain Psychiatric Conditions:** Although some racetams have been explored in psychiatric contexts, individuals with severe psychiatric disorders, such as psychosis or bipolar disorder, should use oxiracetam only under strict medical supervision due to the potential for exacerbating symptoms or interacting with prescribed medications (Source: General clinical caution).
This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
While specific drug-drug interaction studies for oxiracetam are limited, potential interactions can be inferred from its proposed mechanisms of action and general racetam properties. Exercise caution when combining oxiracetam with:
* **Cholinergic Medications:** Oxiracetam is believed to influence acetylcholine. Combining it with medications that also affect cholinergic systems (e.g., anticholinesterase inhibitors used for Alzheimer's disease) could theoretically lead to additive effects or exacerbate cholinergic side effects. Dose adjustments for either compound would be user-directed and must be set by a licensed clinician.
* **CNS Stimulants:** Although oxiracetam is not a classical stimulant, its alerting properties could be additive with other central nervous system stimulants (e.g., caffeine, amphetamines, modafinil), potentially increasing the risk of nervousness, insomnia, anxiety, or elevated heart rate and blood pressure (Source: Examine.com, general caution).
* **Sedatives/Depressants:** Conversely, oxiracetam might theoretically counteract the effects of sedatives or depressants, though this interaction is less well-established.
* **Blood Thinners (Anticoagulants/Antiplatelets):** There is no strong evidence to suggest a direct interaction, but as a general precaution for any supplement, individuals on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy should consult their doctor before adding new compounds due to the theoretical, albeit unproven, risk of affecting bleeding or clotting (Source: Mayo Clinic, general supplement caution).
* **Alcohol:** Combining oxiracetam with alcohol is generally not advised. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant and can impair cognitive function, potentially counteracting any cognitive benefits of oxiracetam and possibly exacerbating side effects such as dizziness or gastrointestinal upset.
This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
The typical timing for oxiracetam administration is in the morning, or divided throughout the day. Its reported half-life of approximately 8 hours suggests that effects can last for several hours. To avoid potential sleep disturbances, it is generally recommended to avoid taking oxiracetam late in the evening. As for food, oxiracetam can typically be taken either with or without food, as its absorption does not appear to be significantly affected by meal consumption. Some individuals may prefer to take it with food to minimize any potential gastrointestinal discomfort, although this is not a universal requirement (Source: DrugBank, Examine.com).
Source for this section: Sources for When should you take Oxiracetam?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Put it into practice
Reading about Oxiracetam is the first step — DoseRoutine helps you act on it. These free tools turn what you just learned into a routine.
What interacts with Oxiracetam?
| Interacts with | Severity | Type | What happens | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any glp1 + supplement | Note | Category ruleConfidence: theoretical | GLP-1 medications slow stomach emptying, changing how/when oral supplements absorb; rapid weight loss raises the importance of protein and micronutrients.Source pending | Time oral supplements when nausea is lowest; prioritize protein and micronutrients; discuss with your provider. |
| Any supplement + medication | Note | Category ruleConfidence: theoretical | Some supplements change how the body processes medications (absorption, liver enzymes, or additive effects).Source pending | Specific pairs are checked against a licensed drug database and shown with their own severity. Always confirm with your provider or pharmacist. |
| CDP-Choline | Complementary | Compound pairConfidence: theoretical | Choline supports acetylcholine turnover boosted by the racetam.Source pending | Stack CDP-choline 250–500 mg with oxiracetam. |
Frequently asked questions about Oxiracetam
Oxiracetam is a supplement. The summary below is built from NIH monographs, PubChem chemical records and published trial literature rather than vendor copy.
Oxiracetam is commonly discussed in the context of supporting brain. Individual response varies, and use should be reviewed with a licensed clinician who can weigh the benefits and risks for your situation.
For Oxiracetam, it is typically taken in the morning. Always follow the specific dose your clinician or the product label prescribes.
Oxiracetam carries potential side effects and drug interactions, documented in NIH, Mayo Clinic, and FDA label sources. Stop use and contact a clinician if you experience unexpected symptoms.
Interaction risk for Oxiracetam comes from the rest of the stack: other supplements, prescription medicines, hormone therapy and peptides. Because Oxiracetam is usually taken in the morning, most avoidable conflicts come from what else lands in that same window. Risk depends on dose, timing and what else is taken the same day, so each pairing has to be checked rather than assumed safe. The free checker at https://doseroutine.com/interaction-checker covers Oxiracetam with no sign-up.
There is no single answer for Oxiracetam plus TRT. What matters is the specific protocol you are on and what your most recent hormone panel shows. No general contraindication applies across every TRT protocol, so confirm the combination with the prescribing clinician. See the free TRT interaction reference: https://doseroutine.com/trt-supplement-interactions
Pairing Oxiracetam with peptides has to be assessed one peptide at a time, because GLP-1 agonists, secretagogues, healing peptides and melanocortins do not share an interaction profile. Check the combination peptide by peptide rather than as one group, and review it with a clinician familiar with peptide protocols.
Published frequency for Oxiracetam varies by protocol and formulation, so the label or prescription is what sets it. It is typically taken in the morning. Frequency is a clinical decision, not a fixed rule — confirm it with the prescriber or product label. Comparison of apps that keep a schedule like this: https://doseroutine.com/best-dose-tracking-apps
The effect of a missed dose of Oxiracetam depends on the protocol and formulation you are on. Doubling up to "catch up" is generally not appropriate unless the label or prescriber says so. Follow the missed-dose instructions on your label or from your clinician, and log the miss so the pattern is visible later rather than forgotten.
For Oxiracetam the useful record is the dose, the time it was actually taken, and what else was taken in the same window. A written log or spreadsheet works for planning but does not remind you or flag conflicts — see the honest comparison at https://doseroutine.com/vs/spreadsheet and the wider roundup at https://doseroutine.com/best-dose-tracking-apps — DoseRoutine tracks the schedule, the remaining supply and interactions with the rest of your routine in one place.
The vascular cognitive impairment trial dosed oral oxiracetam at 800 mg twice daily for 36 weeks against placebo; the traumatic brain injury trial and older dementia trial also used divided daily oral dosing over multi-week courses. Route reported: Oral, in capsule or tablet form in all three cited trials. Frequency reported: Twice-daily divided oral dosing in the vascular cognitive impairment and TBI trials. These are amounts documented in the cited studies and labels for Oxiracetam — they are reported for reference, not a recommendation. Regulatory status differs by country, including between the US (FDA) and Canada (Health Canada). Confirm any amount with a licensed clinician before you take it.
Which studies looked at Oxiracetam?
Peer-reviewed research indexed in PubMed. Each entry links to the original record.
- 1.Oxiracetam and physical activity in preventing cognitive decline after stroke: A multicenter, randomized controlled trial(opens PubMed in a new tab)Eur Stroke J · 2026 · PMID 41614470 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41614470/
- 2.Co-administration of Nanowired Oxiracetam and Neprilysin with Monoclonal Antibodies to Amyloid Beta Peptide and p-Tau Thwarted Exacerbation of Brain Pathology in Concussive Head Injury at Hot Environment(opens PubMed in a new tab)Adv Neurobiol · 2023 · PMID 37480464 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37480464/
- 3.Oxiracetam(opens PubMed in a new tab)G Clin Med · 1989 · PMID 2668093 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2668093/
Sources cited on this page
Specific documents referenced by the numbered markers above. Each number matches the marker in the text.
- PubChem CID 4626(opens in a new tab)National Center for Biotechnology Information · pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/4626
Verify at
Publisher search links for Oxiracetam. These are places to check the information — they are not citations, so they are not numbered.
- DrugBank(publisher search, opens in a new tab)DrugBank Online · publisher search
- Examine.com(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Examine.com · publisher search
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements(publisher search, opens in a new tab)National Institutes of Health · publisher search
- Mayo Clinic(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Mayo Clinic · publisher search
- Cochrane Library(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Cochrane · publisher search
- PubMed literature search(publisher search, opens in a new tab)National Library of Medicine · publisher search
- DailyMed labeling archive(publisher search, opens in a new tab)U.S. National Library of Medicine · publisher search
- Wikipedia entry(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Wikipedia · publisher search
DoseRoutine compiles summaries from publicly available scientific and regulatory references. Always verify important decisions with a licensed clinician. How we source and review this information.
What is the short answer on Oxiracetam?
Plain-text summary, safe to quote verbatim:
Oxiracetam is a synthetic nootropic compound belonging to the racetam family, first synthesized in the 1970s. It is structurally similar to piracetam but is considered to have a higher potency in some models (Source: PubChem). Research on Oxiracetam focuses on cognition and mood.
Source: DoseRoutine — https://doseroutine.com/library/oxiracetam
Oxiracetam cheat sheet
DoseRoutine cheat sheet · Supplement
Oxiracetam
Oxiracetam is a synthetic nootropic compound belonging to the racetam family, first synthesized in the 1970s. It is structurally similar to piracetam but is considered to have a higher potency in some models (Source: PubChem).
Evidence
Mixed
3 human studies published, with results that disagree.
Studied range
The vascular cognitive impairment trial dosed oral oxiracetam at 800 mg twice daily for 36 weeks against placebo; the traumatic brain injury trial and older dementia trial also used divided daily oral dosing over multi-week courses
Route
Oral, in capsule or tablet form in all three cited trials
Frequency studied
Twice-daily divided oral dosing in the vascular cognitive impairment and TBI trials
Timing
in the morning
Not FDA-approvedOTC supplementOxiracetam is a prescription drug in some countries (e.g., South Korea, where the vascular cognitive impairment trial was run) but is not an FDA-approved drug in the USIn the US it is marketed as an unregulated nootropic supplement/research chemical rather than a prescription medicineBrain
Key references
- Efficacy and safety of L-oxiracetam on cognitive function in patients with traumatic brain injury: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, phase 3 clinical trial (2025)
- Efficacy and safety of oxiracetam in patients with vascular cognitive impairment: A multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, phase IV clinical trial (2023)
- Oxiracetam in the treatment of multi-infarct dementia and primary degenerative dementia (1989)
Studied ranges, not dosing advice. Not medical advice — talk to a clinician. doseroutine.com/library/oxiracetam
Cite this page
Using this in an article, AI answer, or research note? Please attribute:
DoseRoutine. (2026). Oxiracetam — Overview, Benefits & Side Effects. Retrieved from https://doseroutine.com/library/oxiracetam
What compounds are similar to Oxiracetam?
Others in the supplement category or studied for the same goals.
Which goals is Oxiracetam used for?
Other compounds studied for the same benefits as Oxiracetam.
Continue exploring
See every compound DoseRoutine catalogs for these goals.