Like most nootropics, Pramiracetam
affects the release of neurotransmitters, brain chemicals that transmit
signals from one nerve cell to another. But pramiracetam does it
indirectly, in a manner somewhat different from the usual actions of
racetam supplements, and it stimulates the brain in other ways as well.
Most racetams work by directly stimulating specific neurotransmitter
receptor sites and thus increasing production and release of specific
neurotransmitters, but pramiracetam doesn't directly result in changes
in neurochemical levels, and it doesn't appear to have an affinity for
any major neurotransmitter. Its primary direct action is a significant
increase in high-affinity choline uptake in the hippocampus.
Choline is a precursor of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter
profoundly involved in all cognitive processes, including learning
speed, memory, and concentration.
By stimulating choline uptake, pramiracetam indirectly modulates the
release of acetylcholine and stimulates increased activity in the
hippocampus. Because this part of the brain is essential to memory
function, the general stimulation that pramiracetam creates can improve
both the formation of new memories and the retention of reference or
long-term memories. The increased activity in the hippocampus also
increases cerebral blood flow, which enhances alertness and improves
cognitive abilities in general.
Pramiracetam may have other mechanisms of action as well.
Researchers have hypothesized that in addition to its effect on the
brain, pramiracetam acts in peripheral sites outside the brain that rely
on the adrenal glands.
Animal studies suggest that pramiracetam may also increase or restore brain membrane fluidity, which facilitates cell signaling.
Unlike many other racetam class nootropics, pramiracetam doesn't
appear to actively alter either wakefulness or emotional states. This
can be explained by pramiracetam's limited influence on the production
and release of the neurotransmitters that have the greatest effect on
mood and anxiety levels such as serotonin, GABA, and dopamine.
Pramiracetam is fat soluble rather than water soluble, which means
it is absorbed into the bloodstream via fatty acids. It reaches peak
concentrations and maximum bioavailability relatively quickly, generally
within 30 minutes, and it has a moderately long half-life of 4.5-6.5
hours.
