Understanding Piracetam Dosage

Piracetam may not be the most powerful nootropic currently on the market but it offers a slew of cognitive benefits backed by decades of research.  The best part is that it has nearly no side effects, which has made it one of the most popular supplements of its kind. However, like with any supplement, one has to be fully aware of the right Piracetam dosage to ensure maximum benefits from its usage.

Multiple studies have been conducted in which Piracetam has presented positive effects on the brain’s performance, mood, focus, and memory function. On the other hand, there have also been studies in which the effects weren’t nearly as impressive. Considering all other factors were equal, it isn’t far-fetched to conclude that dosage was the main contributing factor to the differences between studies.  Thus, research has revealed that Piracetam’s positive results are highly dependent on the amount of the supplement ingested. It appears that many are taking insufficient dosages of the supplement to experience any benefits over the short-term.

Furthermore, it could be possible that this particular nootropic must be taken in a higher dosage initially, essentially a loading or attack dosage, or for an extended period of time to experience any noticeable effects.  Additionally, dosages also vary depending on the purpose of taking the compound. It is often used to treat certain conditions, like dyslexia and breath-holding spells in children, or cognitive decline in the elderly. In such cases, dosages not only vary by the condition being treated but also according to body weight and age.

What is the Correct Piracetam Dosage?

When taken by healthy people as a supplement to improve cognitive function, there is no real recommended dosage for piracetam. At least not one that is medically recommended. This doesn’t mean that guidelines aren’t available, especially considering that its usage is widespread in other countries.  The best way to determine the ideal dosage is to look at the various clinical and academic studies that have been conducted on this supplement.  A wide range of doses have been employed, started from 1.2 grams and going up to as much as 9.6 grams per day, though most fall somewhere between 3 and 5 grams daily.

For example, when used to treat breath-holding spells or dyslexia in children, a dosage ranging between 40 and 50 mg per kg is recommended. Another example is a clinical trial that was conducted on children suffering from closed craniocerebral trauma in which dosages ranging between 1.6 and 2.4 grams per day were administered for 30 days, which led to a significant improvement in higher mental function, motor function, and cognitive activity.

Based on studies, trials and anecdotal evidence, it appears that the most effective dosage to see short-term results is 1.6 g taken three times per day, though results have been noticeable with dosages ranging anywhere from 1.2 grams to 4.8 grams. It’s important to spread out the dose over the course of the day because Piracetam has a short half-life.

Like with any supplement, you should start off at the lowest possible dosage that is still effective. This way you can make sure you don’t have any adverse reactions to the supplement. It should be noted that Piracetam has few side effects and those have presented in very few cases, but you should still take the safest option of starting off small as every person’s body can have a different reaction.

The best Piracetam dosage to maximize benefits will vary from one person to the next. While these guidelines should certainly provide an effective starting point, the most important metric will be your own reactions.  You must find what works with you.  This could be 1 gram of capsules a day or grams of raw powder.  Listen to what your body is saying and pay attention to how it is reacting and it won’t be long before you find the best piracetam dosage for your particular needs.

Nicole Sanders
 

Hi, I'm Nicole, chief editor at Nootropics Revealed. Learn more about me and my mission here.