Supplement · Nootropics & cognition
Piracetam
The original racetam nootropic: a regulated medicine in many countries.
- Evidence
- Silver· human data
- Sources cited
- 1
- Last reviewed
- 22 July 2026
Piracetam is the original 'racetam' nootropic, used medically in some countries for conditions such as myoclonus and cognitive impairment.
Evidence for enhancing cognition in healthy young people is weak; most positive data are in clinical populations. It is a prescription or regulated medicine in many countries (including the US, where it is not a legal dietary supplement), so legal status is a key consideration.