Boldly Go!

Nootropics are becoming common, but are still relatively new and unstudied. Few studies have been done on humans, and most of the studies that have been done have used small populations.

Piracetam has been studied more than most nootropics, and some of the findings sound very promising. These studies have indicated it might improve memory, increase intelligence, help dyslexia and improve alzheimers. Specifically, there has been a lot of research on the benefits of using Piracetam after having a stroke. Unlike many studies, these can be human based and utilize larger populations.

Brain enhancing drugs seem inevitable. It makes sense for it to be possible to help our brains by both providing the chemicals they use and by speeding up reactions.

Now. Before you start downing a bottle of Piracetam every day, be warned that there has not been much research on its long term affects.

Early research on piracetam’s mechanism of action in rats led scientists to hypothesize that the cognitive enhancing qualities of piracetam are related to its effects on adrenal steroids. One study found that removing the adrenal glands of rats that had previously been administered piracetam inactivates any effect of the associated effects on learning and cognition. (5) Another study involving adrenalectomized rats confirmed hypothesis of piracetam moderation by adrenal steroids, rats would not respond to piracetam at any dosage. (6) Further research in this area suggested that piracetam’s mechanism of action may be due to intervention in steroid-sensitive gene transcription/protein synthesis. (7) This area of animal research has diminished/lost attention due to recent research using piracetam as a treatment for many different types of disorders in humans.

-Paper published in Berkeley’s Neurochemistry Department

It seems likely that Piracetam depends on the adrenal glands, which emit various hormones to enhance human performance when we are under stress. This means that our brains might not directly utilize Piracetam. Piracetam might triggers our adrenal glands to produce a chemical(or chemicals) that increase brain activity.

This is why I’m skeptical about long term affects. Over use of the adrenal glands leads to many health problems. However, there is no proof Piracetam causes any part of the body to deteriorate due to being overworked. Piracetam is probably very good for short term use. Drugs that temporarily boost cognitive ability? People may need to start passing a drug test before taking the SAT.

It is possible that we will discover drugs that enhance mind performance without any bad side effects? In which case, there would be no reason to restrict use. Unless of course, you want to force a portion of the population to be less intelligent.