Hey friend,

One day, in my early twenties, my brain stopped working.

I couldn’t recall words, names, or phrases—stumbling mid-sentence, searching for thoughts that wouldn’t come. Even familiar faces were a blank slate for their names.

I was so fogged up I couldn’t even access my memories—it felt like they were locked away, out of reach.

My once laser-sharp focus was gone. I used to zero in on tasks with ease, but now I felt erratic, struggling to direct my attention or sustain it for long.

It was terrifying—especially after watching my grandmother’s decline from Alzheimer’s.

Even my ambition couldn’t save me from a brain that refused to think clearly or focus.

Everything spiraled.

I lost my hard-earned business, and my wife and I had to give up the self-converted travel van we’d been living and adventuring in. Life became an uphill battle, and I felt trapped, unable to reach my potential.

Searching for answers, I bounced from doctor to doctor, neurologist to neurologist, but no one had any…

After years of anguish and unanswered questions, I uncovered the root cause—mold toxicity. It wreaked havoc on my brain and nervous system, causing relentless cognitive symptoms.

Determined to heal, I fought to regain my mental clarity and function.

Fortunately, I discovered the transformative power of nootropics.

Nootropics to the Rescue

Nootropics are a class of herbs, supplements, and nutraceuticals that enhance cognitive performance, memory, and learning in healthy individuals and those with neurological disorders.

The term nootropic was coined in 1972 by the Romanian chemist and psychologist Dr. Corneliu E. Giurgea. [1]

The word originates from the Greek words "nous" (mind) and "trepein" (to bend or turn), meaning "mind-bending" or "mind-turning."

Dr. Giurgea developed the concept while researching piracetam, a cognitive enhancer he discovered in 1964.

Dr. Giurgea defined a nootropic as something that:

✓ Enhances memory and learning

✓ Improves cognitive processing and function

✓ Supports performance in adverse conditions

✓ Protects and supports brain health

✓ And is free from stimulants, toxins, and side effects

Nootropics helped bring my brain back online.

Through trial and error with herbal and supplement nootropics, I inched closer to reclaiming the sharp, focused mind I once had. Words and memories became accessible again, and clarity returned.

It wasn’t just about thinking better—it was about getting my life back…

From experiencing severe cognitive dysfunction, I realized that brain health and cognitive performance are EVERYTHING!

Despite making progress, I wasn’t back to 100%.

It was time to bring out the big guns: the racetam nootropics—the very compounds that ignited the nootropic revolution.

Turn Your Brain Back On With These 5 Nootropics (and Thrive)

1) Piracetam

Piracetam, the first synthetic nootropic, was discovered in 1964 by Dr. Corneliu Giurgea at UCB Pharma. Initially developed for motion sickness, it unexpectedly enhanced cognitive function and performance instead.

This led to its launch as "Nootropil," sparking further research and the development of the nootropic field.

Piracetam Benefits and Uses

• Enhances memory, improving memory recall and retention [2]
• Improves learning ability
• Increases attention and concentration, making it easier to stay focused on tasks
• Offers neuroprotective effects, especially in age-related neurodegenerative diseases [3] [4]
• Enhances communication between brain hemispheres, improving overall cognitive function [2]

Dosage

The standard Piracetam dosage is typically 2,400 mg per day, divided into two 1,200 mg doses.

Where to Buy

→ Get Piracetam here​

Notes

When using any racetam, pair it with a choline supplement like Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline. This boosts acetylcholine levels, enhancing the racetam's effects and reducing the risk of headaches.

2) Aniracetam

Aniracetam, a potent cognitive enhancer, is roughly 10 times stronger than piracetam.

Patented by F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG in 1978, it is prescribed in Europe under various names like Ampamet and Memodrin, while in the U.S., it's sold as a supplement.

Aniracetam has been reported to relieve depression, enhance learning and memory, improve verbal fluency, and increase sociability.

It is hands down my favorite racetam nootropic.

Aniracetam Benefits and Uses

• Enhances mood, relieves depression [5] and anxiety
• Boosts memory [6] and learning [7,8]
• Increases creativity and cognitive flexibility, promoting "out-of-the-box" thinking
• Improves verbal fluency
• Enhances sensual acuity, such as improving sensitivity to sound, touch, and sight

Dosage

The standard Aniracetam dose is typically 1,500 mg per day, split into two 750 mg doses.

Where to Buy

→ Get Aniracetam here​

3) Oxiracetam

Oxiracetam was developed in the 1970s as the third racetam nootropic and is a more potent derivative of Piracetam.

Known for its cognitive-enhancing and stimulatory effects, Oxiracetam improves attention, alertness, and memory, including long-term memory. It is widely available over-the-counter in many countries, including the U.S.

Oxiracetam Benefits and Uses

• Protects against dementia and cognitive decline [9]
• Improves short- and long-term memory [10,11]
• Enhances cognitive function, logical thinking, and attention [12]
• Supports Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) recovery [13,14]

Dosage

The standard Oxiracetam dosage ranges from 750 to 1,500 mg per day, typically divided into two equal doses.

Where to Buy

→ Get Oxiracetam here​

4) Pramiracetam

Pramiracetam, developed in the 1970s by Parke-Davis, is a fat-soluble racetam known for enhancing cognition, focus, long-term memory, and learning.

It works by increasing cerebral blood flow and influencing the acetylcholine neurotransmitter system.

Pramiracetam is available as a prescription drug in many countries under names like Pramistar, Neupramir, or Remen, but in the U.S., it is sold as an over-the-counter research compound.

Pramiracetam Benefits and Uses

• Enhances memory and memory retention [15,16]
• Supports Traumatic Brain Injury recovery [17]
• Protects against neurodegeneration and cognitive decline [18]

Dosage

The standard dose of pramiracetam generally ranges between 600 to 1,200 mg per day, often split into two doses.

Where to Buy

→ Get Pramiracetam here​

5) Phenylpiracetam

Phenylpiracetam, created in Russia by adding a phenyl group to Piracetam, has stimulant-like effects, boosting motivation, mental energy, and focus without the side effects of stimulants like Adderall, caffeine, or nicotine.

It's especially useful for those with ADHD and mental fatigue.

This nootropic is also known for enhancing physical performance, including stamina, endurance, and cold-weather tolerance, which is why it is banned in professional sports. [19]

Phenylpiracetam Benefits and Uses

• Mood enhancer with anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects [20]
• Neuroprotective and aids in stroke recovery [20]
• Reduces epileptic seizure frequency [21]
• Improves cognitive function [21]

Dosage

Phenylpiracetam is typically dosed at 100 mg, and taken twice daily.

Where to Buy

→ Get Phenylpiracetam here​

By using these racetams, I was able to rapidly enhance my cognitive function, restoring and even surpassing my previous brain power.

This journey has ignited my passion for brain health and cognitive optimization, and now I’m eager to share the knowledge and insights I’ve gained with you!

I know firsthand how it feels to have your brain working against you—when cognitive struggles make everything in life more challenging. And let's face it, life is already tough enough!

When your brain and cognition aren't functioning optimally, you…

• Can't do high-quality work
• You struggle to complete simple tasks
• You can't focus—when you do, it's fleeting
• Your work suffers and your relationships suffer
• You can't reach your full potential

These powerful compounds, which sparked the research and concept of cognitive enhancers (nootropics), can help "turn your brain back on."

They support clearer thinking, better focus, improved memory recall, enhanced verbal fluency, more effective problem-solving, increased creativity, and brain protection against decline.

Essentially, they upgrade your mental "supercomputer," leading to a more fulfilling, productive, and enriched life.

What would your life be like if your brain was firing on all cylinders? What could you achieve? How would you feel?

Hit reply and let me know.

See you next Saturday,

Onjae

P.S. Whenever you're ready, here is 1 way I can help you:

1. One powerful tool that boosted my brain healing and performance was psychedelic microdosing. The biggest barrier for many seeking its therapeutic benefits is accessibility. To help, I've created a Psychedelic Sourcing Bundle, sharing the exact trusted companies, vendors, and apothecaries I use to source high-quality, pure, and safe psychedelic plant medicines (so you never get scammed or ripped off, ever again).

References:

[1] Shorvon, S. “Pyrrolidone derivatives.” Lancet (London, England) vol. 358,9296 (2001): 1885-92. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(01)06890-8

[2] Winblad, Bengt. “Piracetam: a review of pharmacological properties and clinical uses.” CNS drug reviews vol. 11,2 (2005): 169-82. doi:10.1111/j.1527-3458.2005.tb00268.x

[3] Malykh, Andrei G, and M Reza Sadaie. “Piracetam and piracetam-like drugs: from basic science to novel clinical applications to CNS disorders.” Drugs vol. 70,3 (2010): 287-312. doi:10.2165/11319230-000000000-00000

[4] Cohen, S A, and W E Müller. “Effects of piracetam on N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor properties in the aged mouse brain.” Pharmacology vol. 47,4 (1993): 217-22. doi:10.1159/000139100

[5] Nakamura, K, and Y Tanaka. “Antidepressant-like effects of aniracetam in aged rats and its mode of action.” Psychopharmacology vol. 158,2 (2001): 205-12. doi:10.1007/s002130100849

[6] Koliaki, Chrysi C et al. “Clinical efficacy of aniracetam, either as monotherapy or combined with cholinesterase inhibitors, in patients with cognitive impairment: a comparative open study.” CNS neuroscience & therapeutics vol. 18,4 (2012): 302-12. doi:10.1111/j.1755-5949.2010.00244.x

[7] Sharma, Anup, Patricia L. Gerbarg, and Richard P. Brown. "Non-Pharmacological Treatments for ADHD in Youth." Adolescent Psychiatry, vol. 5, no. 2, 2015, pp. 154-937. DOI: 10.2174/221067660502150430154937.

[8] Cumin, R et al. “Effects of the novel compound aniracetam (Ro 13-5057) upon impaired learning and memory in rodents.” Psychopharmacology vol. 78,2 (1982): 104-11. doi:10.1007/BF00432244

[9] Baumel, B et al. “Oxiracetam in the treatment of multi-infarct dementia.” Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry vol. 13,5 (1989): 673-82. doi:10.1016/0278-5846(89)90054-7

[10] Magnani, M et al. “Oxiracetam antagonizes the disruptive effects of scopolamine on memory in the radial maze.” Psychopharmacology vol. 106,2 (1992): 175-8. doi:10.1007/BF02801969

[11] Mondadori, C et al. “The GABAB receptor antagonist CGP 36,742 and the nootropic oxiracetam facilitate the formation of long-term memory.” Behavioural brain research vol. 77,1-2 (1996): 223-5. doi:10.1016/0166-4328(95)00222-7

[12] Magnani, M et al. “Oxiracetam antagonizes the disruptive effects of scopolamine on memory in the radial maze.” Psychopharmacology vol. 106,2 (1992): 175-8. doi:10.1007/BF02801969

[13] Li, Jian-Wei et al. Zhongguo ying yong sheng li xue za zhi = Zhongguo yingyong shenglixue zazhi = Chinese journal of applied physiology vol. 29,4 (2013): 298-300.

[14] Niu, Feng et al. “Nanodelivery of oxiracetam enhances memory, functional recovery and induces neuroprotection following concussive head injury.” Progress in brain research vol. 265 (2021): 139-230. doi:10.1016/bs.pbr.2021.06.004

[15] Ennaceur, Abdelkader, et al. "A New One-trial Test for Neurobiological Studies of Memory in Rats. II: Effects of Piracetam and Pramiracetam." Behavioural Brain Research, vol. 33, no. 2, 1989, pp. 197-207, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0166-4328(89)80051-8. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

[16] Mauri, M et al. “Pramiracetam effects on scopolamine-induced amnesia in healthy volunteers.” Archives of gerontology and geriatrics vol. 18,2 (1994): 133-9. doi:10.1016/0167-4943(94)00542-7

[17] McLean, A Jr et al. “Placebo-controlled study of pramiracetam in young males with memory and cognitive problems resulting from head injury and anoxia.” Brain injury vol. 5,4 (1991): 375-80. doi:10.3109/02699059109008110

[18] Malykh, Andrei G, and M Reza Sadaie. “Piracetam and piracetam-like drugs: from basic science to novel clinical applications to CNS disorders.” Drugs vol. 70,3 (2010): 287-312. doi:10.2165/11319230-000000000-00000

[19] World Anti-Doping Agency. Prohibited List 2024. World Anti-Doping Agency, 2024, www.wada-ama.org/en/prohibited-list?page=0&q=phenylpiracetam&all=1#search-anchor. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

[20] Gromova, O A, and I Yu Torshin. “Farmakologicheskie effekty fonturatsetama (Aktitropil) i perspektivy ego klinicheskogo primeneniya” [Pharmacological effects of fonturacetam (Actitropil) and prospects for its clinical use]. Zhurnal nevrologii i psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova vol. 124,8 (2024): 21-31. doi:10.17116/jnevro202412408121

[21] Grebeniuk, O V et al. “Éffektivnost' dopolnitel'noĭ terapii fenotropilom pri lokal'no-obuslovlennoĭ épilepsii u vzroslykh” [The efficacy of add-on treatment with phenotropil in adult patients with locally-induced epilepsy]. Zhurnal nevrologii i psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova vol. 114,11 Pt 2 (2014): 27-31. doi:10.17116/jnevro201411411227-31