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Perhaps everyone wants to have a ninja memory and learning capabilities that can help them ace their exams and even life.
I understand how important persistence and consistent learning is in achieving this but augmenting your practice with nootropics and other brain supplements has proven massively effective as per the clinical research.
Only, for this reason, nootropics were developed to help users achieve the results in less time.
Since then, research on nootropics has never stopped and you have multiple products in the market targeting your memory, cognition, learning, focus etc.
One such nootropic that we are going to talk about is Fasoracetam, a potent nootropic developed in the early 1990’s.
This ‘smart drug’ offers a lot on paper, although there isn’t much scientific data to suffice that.
Read through the end to know more about Fasoracetam and decide whether it should be your go-to nootropic or not!
What is Fasoracetam?
Fasoracetam, also known as NFC-1, NS-105, and LAM-105, is a nootropic that belongs to the racetam family (1).
A relatively newer member of the racetam family, it was developed over two decades ago in Japan by a pharmaceutical company named Nippon shinyaku as a therapeutic agent for those suffering from vascular dementia. Unfortunately, human clinical trials did not yield sufficient results in this department leading to the discontinuation of the nootropic.
It was until recently in 2016 that Aevi genomic medicine put Fasoracetam back into clinical trials for its potential role in treating ADHD, Autism and anxiety-related symptoms. Note that at this point in time, it is in phase 2 clinical trials supervised by Aevi genomic medicine.
How Fasoracetam Works
Just like all nootropics, it also regulates the level of different neurotransmitters found inside the brain, such as Acetylcholine, GABA, etc.
Let’s try to understand the effects of Fasoracetam on the individual neurotransmitters and then dig into the possible benefits as a result of those pathways.
Increased Acetylcholine levels
Fasoracetam upregulated the synthesis and release of the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine (ACh) in the brain (2).
In order for the body to produce ACh, it needs its precursor, choline.
Once choline crosses the blood-brain barrier, it is taken up by cholinergic nerve terminals due to high affinity choline uptake, or HACU. This uptake into the neuron is believed to be the rate-limiting step in ACh synthesis.
Fasoracetam has been found to increase HACU in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex regions, which is then used in the synthesis of ACh. It was also found that ACh release from the cerebral cortex was enhanced when taking this drug.
Thus, supplementation with Fasoracetam enhances HACU and ACh synthesis in the brain, leading to benefits of enhanced memory and learning.
Improves Glutamate Interaction
Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter, meaning that it plays an important role in motivation and excitement.
Taking Fasoracetam has been linked to the activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors, particularly in restoring the function of mGluR II and III (3).
The interaction between glutamate and its receptors may mitigate the risk of developing certain disorders associated with lower levels of glutamate.
Increasing GABA levels
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter found inside the brain. The GABA(B) receptor has been linked to the pathophysiology of depression and anxiety. When GABA levels decrease, depression, anxiety, and even insomnia levels can worsen.
Studies have found that Fasoracetam upregulates GABA receptors through receptor antagonism, increasing the number of GABA receptors in the cerebral cortex, thus relieving some of the depression symptoms (4).
Benefits and Uses
While clinical trials provide limited evidence, most of the anecdotal experiences suggest that Fasoracetam leads to improved focus, enhanced memory, better mood and cognitive advancement.
Relieves Depression
Both animal studies and user reviews tout the potent antidepressant activity of this nootropic.
Studies involving rats found out that Fasoracetam reduces depression symptoms through up-regulation of GABA(B) receptors.
This improvement was similar to that of rats taking desipramine, a common antidepressant medication. Thus, it can be said that Fasoracetam may follow similar pathways to other anti-depressant medications, and may potentially treat psychiatric disorders.
Potential Anxiolytic properties
Because Fasoracetam might relieve depression symptoms, it can be hypothesized that this drug may also exhibit anxiolytic properties. While more studies are required to confirm this property, dysfunction of the GABA-ergic system is also thought to play a role in anxiety.
Currently, this drug is being researched for its anxiolytic properties in a human clinical trial.
Treats ADHD
The glutamatergic neurotransmitter system is thought to play a role in ADHD, as per research (5).
Recently, Fasoracetam was approved to be involved in clinical trials for the treatment of those with ADHD who have a glutamate gene mutation. While this mutation is rare, this is promising for those who suffer from this cause of ADHD.
In a phase I clinical trial of 30 adolescents between 12 and 17 with ADHD and mutations in the mGluR network genes published in January of 2018, it was found that fasoracetam led to improvement in ADHD symptoms and was well tolerated. These promising results pave the way for phase II and III clinical trials (6).
Memory Loss
Animal studies suggest that this nootropic acts as a neuroprotectant, which can help prevent age-related cognitive decline while also improving memory for those with memory impairment, such as the elderly.
In a study on rats, it was found that this drug reversed memory disruption caused by baclofen, a GABA(B) receptor agonist. Therefore, researchers concluded that Fasoracetam helped to reverse chemically-induced amnesia symptoms partly through the suppression of GABA(B) receptor-mediated responses and also through an increase in ACh release in the cortex.
Boosts Energy and Concentration
While much of the evidence related to better concentration and boost in overall energy comes from anecdotal reports, there have been numerous animal studies and a few human studies that help us to understand how this compound works and what benefits it may hold.
Users report a short-term surge in focus and optimal energy following the supplementation of Fasoracetam.
Is Fasoracetam Legal?
It was until recently that the FDA approved of its use in human clinical trials.
Because it is still under phase 2 and 3 clinical trials, therefore you would have to wait before Fasoracetam is made completely legal and open to be bought.
Perhaps if you still want to buy Fasoracetam, there are no real restrictions and you can always buy it in the USA from popular nootropic vendors.
Dosage and Half-Life
As extensive human studies involving Fasoracetam have not been performed yet, there are no specific guidelines available as to what should be the optimal dose.
Also, the dosage tends to vary with the purpose of intake and the form of intake as well.
In the clinical trials involving ADHD patients, 100, 200, and 400mg doses were administered twice a day.
Users also report that the dosage of 20 mg/day, split into two doses worked pretty well for them. Again, what I would suggest is to start low and then work up your way to experience optimal benefits at your own personalized and ideal dosage limits.
This supplement is highly bioavailable, with roughly 79%-97% absorbed following oral administration. Its half-life is estimated to be between 4 and 6.5 hours.
Side Effects
Because of the limited animal-based studies involving Fasoracetam, little is known about the long-term safety profile and efficacy of the drug.
The most common side effects of this nootropic include headaches, fatigue, digestive discomfort and reduced libido.
Overdosing Fasoracetam may lead to adverse effects, such as bradycardia (low heart rate). Thus, you need to be extra precise about the dosage that you intake.
Fasoracetam User Reviews
As the research doesn’t really provide a solid idea about the nootropic, it is best if we consider anecdotal evidence and build up our opinion on that.
A Reddit user said,
“When I first started taking it I knew something was different from the other nootropics I had taken, my whole body began to tingle, and words came into process faster..
My memory recall is also substantially better than before, where I normally wouldn’t be able to remember many long-term memories that weren’t scientific facts I was able to ….”
Another user left a review saying,
“Last two days I’ve been taking around 100mg of fasoracetam daily, and have to say that its having unexpected results for me in terms of a depressive attitude.”
Yet another user said,
“My favorite racetam.”
However, there are a lot of doubtful reviews about Fasoracetam as well.
One of the users said,
“Broadly unimpressed”
Yet another dissatisfied user said,
“To me it tastes like chemical warfare. As soon as I smelt it I couldn’t believe people were taking this sublingually. Hey are you noticing any visual enhancements from Faso”
Stacking Fasoracetam
Because of the effect of Fasoracetam on the cholinergic system, it’s recommended to stack this nootropic with a highly bioavailable source of choline that is capable of crossing over the blood-brain barrier.
Your best options are Alpha GPC and Citicoline in that case. Perhaps most people also use Fasoracetam with Phenibut as well.
Let’s try to individually understand these most popular stacks.
Fasoracetam and Alpha GPC
L-Alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine, or Alpha GPC is a cholinergic compound, thus providing choline for the synthesis of Acetycholine, an essential neurotransmitter found in the brain.
Alpha GPC can cross the blood-brain barrier easily and both can optimally increase the levels of Acetylcholine within no time.
As Fasoracetam also has the end goal of increasing Acetylcholine, synergistic use of both the compounds means that you would experience increased memory, cognition, learning abilities, and focus.
Fasoracetam and Citicoline
CDP choline, more popularly known as Citicoline, is a naturally occurring chemical found inside the body. Citicoline increases the levels of Phosphatidylcholine inside the body.
Again, as the name suggests, it ensures that the Acetylcholine levels are kept optimal by providing the ingredient, which is choline.
This supplement seems to act as a memory enhancer, improves cognition, and helps in better focus and attention.
Stacking CDP Choline with fasoracetam means that benefits are going to add up and you will feel an overall change in terms of your memory and retaining power and focusing better.
Fasoracetam and Phenibut
Phenibut is a drug that is very powerful when it comes to helping anxiety, stress, depression, and more. Unfortunately, users tend to build up a tolerance very quickly owing to its property of a GABA(B) agonist.
Fasoracetam, through its antagonistic properties on GABA(B) receptors, may help to lessen the tolerance to GABA(B) agonists. These include not only Phenibut but also alcohol and Baclofen. There is a chance that this supplement may even act to counteract Phenibut overdose.
Thus, by using both these nootropics together, one will experience maximum effects related to anxiety, depression, etc with little or no adverse effects.
Where to Buy?
Foreracetam is one of those nootropics that you will not find at your local store largely because of the lack of clinical trials. The best way to purchase it is through reputable online vendors.
And, for that reason, I have picked the top 2 online vendors who not only offer authentic Fasoracetam but also top after-sales service.
Fasoracetam by Pure NootropicsPure Nootropics offer Fasoracetam capsules at a price of $19.99.
The bottle contains 60 vegetarian capsules constituting 20mg which is usually the recommended dosage of Fasoracetam, thus one bottle can last for around 2 months.
Pure Nootropics provide a certificate of analysis as well, therefore establishing the credibility and originality of the product.
With multiple payment options, such as Bitcoin, Visa card, and Mastercard, I think Pure Nootropics seem to be a feasible option to make your purchase.
[*]Enough to last for 2 months [*]Certificate of Analysis provided [*]Economical [/list][*]Only capsule form [*]Only 2 customer reviews[/list]
Fasoracetam by Nootropics DepotNootropics Depot offers Fasoracetam capsules at a price range of $14.99 to $39.99. Each serving constitutes 20mg which is enough for a day.
The two versions available at Nootropics depot are either 30ct or 90ct. Depending on how long you are planning to take Fasoracetam, you can buy either the 30 servings bottle or the 90 one!
Not only this, Nootropics Depot also offers the powder form of the supplement. Fasoracetam powder is also available in multiple quantities, including 1 gram and 5 grams. Note that the price range of Fasoracetam power is $19.99 to $59.99.
With same-day shipping and free shipping on orders above $200, Nootropic depot becomes one of the top choices to make your purchase from.
Also, the customer reviews of the product, as well as the brand, speak volumes of what Nootropic Depot offers.
Visit the store and add Fasoracetam into the bucket immediately and see the change yourself!
Read full Nootropics Depot Review
[*]Powder and Capsules are both available [*]Same-day shipping [*]Positive customer reviews[/list][*]Prices may be relatively high[/list]
Fasoracetam vs Other Compounds
Fasoracetam vs Phenibut
Phenibut is structurally similar to GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter found inside the brain. Because it is quite similar to GABA, it essentially creates an inhibitory environment inside the body, leading to calm and relaxing effects.
As it can cross the blood-brain barrier, research suggests that it is quick to create anxiolytic effects inside the body.
However, if you are using phenibut, you can expect to develop tolerance. This is where fasoracetam kicks in!
It prevents the development of tolerance and increases the anxiolytic effects of Phenibut. Thus, the question shouldn’t be which is better amongst the two. Rather one should stack together!
Fasoracetam vs Phenylpiracetam
Phenylpiracetam, a phenylated derivative of Piracetam, is a member of the racetam family and is known to upregulate the release of dopamine and norepinephrine.
Thus, one can expect improved memory, cognition, and optimal energy changes.
Studies suggest that Phenylpiracetam may prove beneficial in treating Parkinsons’ disease as well as epilepsy while Fasoracetam is known to be effective in treating ADHD.
Because both of the racetams have different mechanisms of action, they have slightly different benefits as well.
Fasoracetam vs Aniracetam
Aniracetam is another member of the racetam family which is a stimulant nootropic.
Studies have shown that this nootropic is known to work against anxiety, depression, dementia and other neurological disorders.
It works pretty similar to caffeine, thus justifying its stimulant properties.
Is Fasoracetam Legit?
Pretty difficult question to answer honestly!
I am a huge fan of clinical data supported by anecdotal evidence, and in the case of Fasoracetam, the former isn’t there to back up the user experiences.
While Fasoracetam may seem to work well on paper, I am quite skeptical about it because clinical trials haven’t been completed and long-term safety profile is not studied yet.
There are better nootropic alternatives available so maybe trying out those is a better option.
How long does it take for Fasoracetam to work?
The onset of desired effects was reported to occur within 2-4 hours following oral ingestion with an overall duration of 7-24 hours.
What is the strongest Racetam?
Coluracetam is the strongest Racetam as it increases choline levels through the HACU system that pumps the brain’s conversion of choline to acetylcholine.
Is Fasoracetam safe to use?
While it has not completed clinical trials yet, if taken within optimal limits, it can be considered a safe nootropic.
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