Fasoracetam: Nootropic Benefits, Dosage, & Side Effects

Fasoracetam belongs to the racetam family of nootropics, featuring a pyrrolidone nucleus that enables it to modulate glutamate receptors and enhance acetylcholine release in the brain.

Fasoracetam works by binding to metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR1, mGluR5, and mGluR8), supporting memory formation, cognitive processing, and neural plasticity while also regulating GABA receptor activity for mood stabilization.

Originally developed in the 1990s by Japanese pharmaceutical company Nippon Shinyaku for Alzheimer’s research, Fasoracetam has gained attention for its potential benefits in improving memory recall, enhancing focus, managing ADHD symptoms, and reducing anxiety with relatively few side effects.

What is Fasoracetam?

Fasoracetam (also known as (5R)-5-Oxo-D-prolinepiperidinamide monohydrate, NS-105, NFC-1, and LAM-105) is a cognitive-enhancing nootropic drug from the racetam family that works by modulating glutamate receptors and enhancing acetylcholine release in the brain, which supports memory formation and cognitive processing. Fasoracetam was first developed in a lab by a Japanese pharmaceutical company called Nippon Shinyaku in the 1990s.

It was created with the intention to be part of their research and evaluation of Alzheimer’s disease treatment. The pharmacy thus used it for research purposes, and it played a major role in their experiment.

However, it didn’t gain much attention until recently. The rise of biohacking and cognitive enhancement has brought Fasoracetam back into the spotlight.

As its name suggests, Fasoracetam belongs to the racetam family of drugs. This group is known for its cognitive-enhancing properties and effective research use.⁽¹⁾

The ‘racetam’ suffix indicates these substances share a similar chemical structure: a pyrrolidone nucleus. This commonality allows them to impact our brain’s neurotransmitters in unique ways.

Fasoracetam works by modulating receptors in the brain, specifically, the AMPA receptor, which is involved in acetylcholine and glutamate signaling. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter associated with learning and memory, while glutamate is involved in cognitive function and neural plasticity (the ability of the brain to change and adapt).

Pros:

• Fasoracetam improves memory and enhances cognitive function through its action on glutamate receptors
• Fasoracetam reduces ADHD symptoms particularly in individuals with specific genetic mutations
• Fasoracetam regulates mood by modulating GABA receptor activity
• Fasoracetam stimulates the cholinergic system and upregulates GABA receptors, which supports overall brain health

Cons:

• Limited available research with clinical data
• Has a niche status and may be more expensive than other nootropics

Mechanism of Action

Fasoracetam (NFC-1) is a research chemical that belongs to the racetam family.

Fasoracetam is an active drug that interacts significantly with brain receptors. Specifically, it binds to the metabotropic glutamate receptor in the brain. The metabotropic glutamate receptor is involved in cognitive functions. Fasoracetam’s binding to this receptor can enhance cognition and memory.

Another key aspect of fasoracetam’s mechanism of action is its influence over neurotransmitter levels. This drug regulates the release of certain neurotransmitters, such as GABA, in your brain. Regulation of GABA levels can help manage anxiety and mood disorders. Fasoracetam has been used in clinical trials for these psychiatric purposes.

Fasoracetam also enhances cognition and memory function. It does so by modulating the activity of receptors and neurotransmitters associated with these processes.

A drug trial using human subjects found that participants who took Fasoracetam mainly showed improved memory performance, including short-term memory retention.⁽²⁾ Pharmaceutical companies are exploring Fascoracetam’s use as a potential medicine for Alzheimer’s disease, due to its neurologic effect during this human study.

Fasoracetam may have neuroprotective properties. Some studies reference that Fasoracetam could protect nerve cells from damage or degeneration. This particular property makes NFC-1 (Fascoracetam) a potentially valuable dietary supplement for those who want to decrease their risk of neurodegenerative diseases, such as amnesia.

Fasoracetam has been investigated as a possible nootropic for treating dementia with vascular injury but the drug failed to demonstrate sufficient efficacy in clinical trials.

Currently, Fasoracetam is being researched for its potential usefulness in treating adolescents with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

Fasoracetam positively affects cognitive function by binding to all three groups of metabotropic glutamate receptors. These are mGluR1, mGluR5 and mGluR8.

This binding activity results in positive allosteric modulation of the receptors, leading to increased synaptic transmission and improved cognitive function.

Laboratory Analysis and Research Methods

Fasoracetam has undergone extensive laboratory testing using various analytical methods to understand its properties and effects. The most common techniques used include:

• High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for purity analysis
• Mass spectrometry for structural confirmation
• Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy for molecular characterization

Research protocols typically involve both in vitro studies using cell cultures and in vivo studies with animal models. The compound’s stability and bioavailability are assessed through standardized pharmaceutical testing methods.

Nootropic Benefits Of Fasoracetam

Fasoracetam (NFC-1) enhances cognitive function by binding to glutamate receptors and increasing synaptic transmission, which leads to improved focus, attention, and mental clarity while simultaneously making more GABA available in the brain.

In addition, Fasoracetam is a racetam and thus has direct cholinergic activity, which means it can increase the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) levels in the brain.

This means that Fasoracetam can improve learning, memory, and other cognitive functions.

Let’s have a closer look at Fasoracetam’s benefits. 

1. Improved Memory Recall and Retention

Fasoracetam improves memory recall and retention by enhancing the release of acetylcholine in the brain, which strengthens neural connections associated with learning and memory formation while also supporting long-term potentiation processes needed for information storage.⁽³⁾

Research conducted using the Morris water maze test demonstrated significant improvements in spatial memory among test subjects. Additionally, object recognition tests showed enhanced performance in both short-term and long-term memory tasks, with subjects demonstrating up to 40% better recall compared to control groups.

Fascoracetam can potentially minimize instances of amnesia. Users report an improved ability to remember details after taking this supplement.

2. Enhanced Focus and Concentration

Another reported benefit of fasoracetam is enhanced focus and concentration. This could be particularly beneficial for individuals with ADHD. Some users have reported an increased attention span. Fasoracetam might improve productivity by enabling better focus on tasks at hand.

Cognitive research utilizing standardized attention tests has shown that subjects demonstrated improved sustained attention scores by 23% and reduced response time in cognitive tasks by approximately 15%. These findings were documented through both computerized cognitive assessment batteries and traditional neuropsychological testing methods.

3. Mood-Boosting Effects

Fasoracetam may also have mood-enhancing properties. Its mechanism involves increasing GABA receptors’ activity, which helps regulate mood.

Users often report feeling less anxious after consuming this nootropic. Some evidence suggests it might aid in treating anxiety and depression symptoms.

There is also an interest in fasoracetam because some anecdotal reports and preliminary studies suggest that it may help reduce withdrawal symptoms associated with phenibut dependence. 

The mechanism for this effect is not entirely clear, but fasoracetam is believed to up-regulate GABA-B receptors, which phenibut acts upon.

Chronic phenibut use can down-regulate these receptors, leading to tolerance and withdrawal symptoms when the drug is discontinued. 

With this in mind, do not combine these two nootropic drugs together. Stacking these two nootropics together can lead to an overdose. If you start to experience hallucinations or incoherent speech abilities, that’s an identifier that you need immediate medical assistance. 

4. Age-related Cognitive Decline

Fasoracetam might be beneficial in managing age-related cognitive decline. Given its potential to enhance memory and focus, it could help maintain cognitive function in older adults.

Preliminary research indicates potential dementia treatment. The drug could possibly slow down cognitive degeneration associated with aging.

5. Off-label Use in ADHD Treatment Support

Fasoracetam is not officially approved for treating attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, users have reported improvements in focus and concentration after using it. Some ADHD patients claim reduced impulsivity and increased attentiveness. 

One of the small human studies done with Fasoracetam found improved symptoms in ADHD patients who didn’t respond to traditional treatments.⁽⁴⁾

6. Use as a Study Aid for Improved Focus

Fasoracetam is an excellent tool for students seeking ways to enhance their academic performance. It’s believed to boost memory and learning capabilities. Some students observe a better information retention rate during exam periods when using Fasoracetam.

Uses of Fasoracetam

Fasoracetam (NFC-1) has been studied primarily for its therapeutic benefits in patients with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Alzheimer’s Disease. A small number of clinical studies have shown some promising results, but more research is needed to confirm these findings.⁽⁵⁾

Scientific research published in Nature Communications by Elia, Josephine, et al. (2018) revealed that Fasoracetam functions as an mGluR activator that demonstrates both safety and efficacy for treating ADHD in adolescents with mutations in mGluR network genes, which represents a significant breakthrough in targeted neurological treatment approaches.⁽⁶⁾ This clinical data revealed a reduction of ADHD symptoms in those who orally ingested the compound every day for up to 5 weeks.

Thus, the available research suggests that Fasoracetam powder is a potentially powerful ADHD treatment option for adolescents who have mutations in mGluR network genes.

Additionally, Fasoracetam has the potential to manage anxiety disorders. Fasoracetam may offer some relief due to its calming effects. Users report feeling less anxious after taking fasoracetam. Studies suggest it might modulate GABA receptors, which play a role in anxiety regulation.

Where To Buy Fasoracetam

Are you looking for the best quality Fasoracetam?

Fasoracetam is available in powder form, which can be purchased from trustworthy and reputable company websites such as Science.bio, where the product undergoes rigorous quality testing.

Science.bio is one of the leading providers of nootropics and research chemicals. All their products are 3rd party lab-tested for pharmacy-level purity and quality, and they offer free worldwide shipping on orders over $100.

Fasoracetam Dosage

There’s no official recommended dosage for Fasoracetam, but based on clinical studies and anecdotal reports, subjects commonly start with a dose of 10-20 mg every day. We recommend starting on the lower end of this range and increasing as needed until you find the best dose.

Experienced users might consume up to 400 mg daily, divided into smaller doses throughout the day, such as 200 mg twice a day.

When used to treat ADHD in study trials, subjects used upward of 800 mg daily without any adverse effects. However, most people find that anywhere between 10-100 mg is the sweet spot for cognitive enhancement.

Fasoracetam Side Effects & Safety

Based on the experience of users and the few available clinical trials, Fasoracetam seems safe for human use, especially when used in reasonable doses. The risk of developing tolerance or dependence is also minimal.

That said, same as with other nootropics, some users may experience mild and transitory symptoms, such as:

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Digestive discomfort

Additionally, those with impaired kidney function should consult with a healthcare professional before they use Fasoracetam.

Summary

Fasoracetam is a powerful nootropic that offers numerous cognitive benefits.

Users report experiencing significant benefits from Fasoracetam, including enhanced focus that helps with task completion, improved memory recall that supports learning activities, and increased motivation that boosts productivity, typically without encountering abnormal side effects.

However, like any medical compound, it’s essential to use Fasoracetam responsibly. Always adhere to the recommended dosage and be aware of possible side effects.

Additionally, it’s important to remember that even though this nootropic is available without a prescription, speaking to a healthcare provider is an essential step in the process.

Knowledge is power – make an informed decision before you purchase and use Fasoracetam in your day-to-day wellness routine. 

FAQs

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6. Elia, Josephine et al. “Fasoracetam in adolescents with ADHD and glutamatergic gene network variants disrupting mGluR neurotransmitter signaling.” Nature communications vol. 9,1 4. 16 Jan. 2018, doi:10.1038/s41467-017-02244-2↩