Coluracetam

Our evidence-based analysis of Coluracetam features unique references to scientific papers and anecdotal reports.

What Is Coluracetam?

Coluracetam is a new and unique member of the racetam class of synthetic nootropics. Originally developed as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and later considered as a treatment for depression and anxiety, coluracetam has become a popular nootropic known for improving mood, increasing motivation, and enhancing vision.

Coluracetam was first synthesized in 2005 by Japan’s Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation as an Alzheimer’s disease treatment. After disappointing clinical trials, coluracetam was licensed to US biotechnology firm BrainCells Inc., which started testing the compound to treat depression and anxiety. Though initial test results were positive and suggested that further study of coluracetam would be worthwhile,^‍[1] development was discontinued, and BrainCells, Inc. closed in 2014.^‍[2] Coluracetam has been available for licensing since 2012.^‍[3]

Coluracetam acts primarily as a choline uptake enhancer that selectively affects memory function.^‍[4] It specifically enhances high-affinity choline uptake, increasing levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine by providing more of the choline from which it is made. Since acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter most closely associated with memory and cognition, it is believed that this function is the primary source of coluracetam’s nootropic capabilities.^‍[5]

Coluracetam is particularly potent and requires a much smaller dose than other racetam class nootropics. It’s fast-acting, reaching high levels in plasma within 30 minutes of ingestion, but within three hours, levels are in decline.^‍[6]

Coluracetam is unregulated in the US and is sold as a dietary supplement, but its legal status varies from country to country. It cannot be legally sold in Canada and the UK except by prescription, but it can be legally imported and possessed.

Benefits and Effects of Coluracetam

There have been few documented human studies on coluracetam, so most of the information available is based on animal testing. However, research results and self-reports from users suggest that coluracetam may provide various cognitive and physical/sensory benefits.

Memory and Learning

Coluracetam has been shown to improve cognitive function and memory in rats, and in theory, similar results may translate to humans.

In a 2010 animal study, coluracetam improved artificially-induced memory deficits without producing any significant side effects. The positive results were still apparent three days after the last dose, even though coluracetam’s serum concentration was negligible.^‍[7]

Some users say coluracetam dramatically improves short-term memory and free recall,^‍[8] increases memorization and recall abilities and enhances reading comprehension,^‍[9] and increases thought and learning speed and information retention.^‍[10]

Depression and Anxiety

The Phase 2a clinical trial of coluracetam suggested that it may be effective for treatment-resistant patients with depression and anxiety.

The six-week placebo-controlled study, which was one of the few coluracetam tests involving humans, determined that a dosage of 240 mg (split into three daily doses of 80 mg) was useful in treating major depressive disorder (MDD) with comorbid generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

At the end of the test period, the overall treatment group and the placebo group scored similarly on scales for depression and anxiety. Still, there was a measurable improvement in the subset of treatment group participants who had both MDD and GAD, and who had previously failed an average of two antidepressants.^‍[11]

User reports on coluracetam’s effect on anxiety and depression vary considerably, with some saying it alleviates both^‍[12] and is a potent and reliable mood booster,^‍[13] while others say it can actually trigger depression and anxiety.^‍[14]

Eyesight

Coluracetam’s effect on vision is frequently reported by users, who say it enhances color vision, shape recognition, and optical vividness.^{‍[15]‍[16]} Some users describe the effect as “HD vision”^‍[17] while others say it makes lights brighter and intensifies contrast.^‍[18]

Though enhanced vision is one of coluracetam’s most commonly reported benefits, there is no conclusive scientific evidence to explain or confirm this effect.

How It Works

Like most racetam compounds, coluracetam works mainly by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is strongly associated with learning, memory, and cognition.

However, the way that coluracetam modulates acetylcholine levels is unique. Typically, racetams trigger acetylcholine production by stimulating the appropriate receptors, but coluracetam does so by enhancing high-affinity choline uptake, or HACU. The HACU system determines the rate at which choline is drawn into neurons for conversion into acetylcholine.

By increasing the rate at which choline is drawn into nerve cells, coluracetam promotes acetylcholine production and causes brain levels of this crucial neurotransmitter to rise.^‍[19] It has also been shown to create an increase in the high-affinity choline transporter molecule CHT1, which leads to the rapid availability of choline for uptake.

Together these actions lead to higher levels of acetylcholine, which are associated with enhanced cognition and memory.

Dosage

Most of the research on coluracetam was done on animals rather than humans, so there are no universally accepted dosing guidelines. The active dosage range is generally described as 5–20 mg, though users report a wide range of doses taken both orally and sublingually.^‍[20]

Many users note that tolerance may develop quickly,^‍[21] but there is no research data on that aspect of coluracetam.

As is true with all nootropics, it’s generally best to begin dosing at the lower end of the range to determine your reaction to the substance and increase as necessary.

Side Effects

None of the animal or human studies on coluracetam documented any side effects.

The lack of adverse side effects was considered one of the most notable aspects of the animal study in which coluracetam was shown to offset artificially induced memory deficits in rats.^‍[22]

The most commonly reported side effect associated with racetam class nootropics is headache, which can often be eliminated by taking additional choline.

Coluracetam users have also reported intermittent nausea and daytime sleepiness as negative side effects, both of which were lessened by reducing the dosage.^‍[23]

Stacking

Like most racetams, coluracetam stacks well with a choline source, such as alpha GPC, for added memory and cognitive benefits.

The recommended dose for supplemental choline is 300–600 mg daily if you’re stacking with alpha GPC and 250–750 mg daily if you’re using CDP choline.

Where to Buy

Coluracetam is only available at certain online specialty vendors. We recommend PureNootropics.net as your source for coluracetam or any other nootropics you would like to buy.

Closing Thoughts

Coluracetam is one of the newer and less familiar members of the racetam class of nootropics, but it’s a favorite with many users.

It increases levels of the “learning neurotransmitter” acetylcholine, which may boost cognition, and animal studies show that it can offset memory deficits without significant side effects.

Though there is limited human research on coluracetam, the studies that exist indicate that it may be a valuable treatment for anxiety and depression.

Many users count on it as a reliable mood lifter and memory enhancer that gives them better focus and concentration. Others say it gives them the equivalent of “HD vision,” making colors brighter, contrast more intense, and lights more radiant.

Coluracetam is a potent compound, so dosage amounts are low, and it’s known to be fast-acting. It’s sold as a dietary supplement in the US and can be legally imported into Canada and the UK in small amounts.

There’s still much to be learned about coluracetam, but it appears safe for most users when taken responsibly. If you’re interested in adding something new and different to your nootropic stack, coluracetam could be one to consider.

Planning to start a new supplementation regimen? See our medical disclaimer.