Coluracetam
A racetam that enhances high-affinity choline uptake (HACU) — the rate-limiting step in acetylcholine synthesis. This makes it uniquely effective at boosting acetylcholine levels, which is why users commonly report enhanced color vision, sharper visual perception, and improved memory. It was briefly studied for treatment-resistant depression.
Dosage
Standard: 20-80 mg sublingually, 2-3 times daily. Start at 20 mg to assess sensitivity. Sublingual is strongly preferred for bioavailability.
Dosages shown are for research reference only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Half-Life
2-3 hours
Administration
Sublingual (strongly preferred) or oral. Oral bioavailability is limited.
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Mechanism of Action
Coluracetam's primary mechanism is enhancement of high-affinity choline uptake (HACU) in hippocampal neurons — the rate-limiting step in acetylcholine synthesis. HACU is mediated by the high-affinity choline transporter (CHT1/SLC5A7), which coluracetam upregulates or potentiates, increasing the Vmax of choline transport into presynaptic terminals. By making this process more efficient, coluracetam increases acetylcholine production and vesicular packaging via the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) even when choline levels are normal. This enhances cholinergic transmission in the hippocampus, cortex, and retina — explaining reports of enhanced color vision and visual acuity. Coluracetam also has minor AMPA receptor positive allosteric modulation. The compound was studied for treatment-resistant depression, possibly through cholinergic modulation of mood circuits.
Regulatory Status
Investigational — studied by BrainCells Inc for depression and anxiety. Available as a research compound. Not approved by any regulatory agency.
Risks & Safety
Common
Headache, fatigue, brain fog at high doses.
Serious
Very limited human safety data — studied only in small trials.
Rare
Anxiety, irritability, suicidal ideation was reported in one clinical trial participant.
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Research Papers
1Published: January 29, 2015
AI Summary
The article reviews the effect of current antidepressants on NMDA and examines the efficacy and mechanism of ketamine. Future studies need to link the rapid antidepressant effects seen with ketamine to inflammatory theories in MDD.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Coluracetam used for?
A racetam that enhances high-affinity choline uptake (HACU) — the rate-limiting step in acetylcholine synthesis. This makes it uniquely effective at boosting acetylcholine levels, which is why users commonly report enhanced color vision, sharper visual perception, and improved memory. It was briefly studied for treatment-resistant depression.
What are the side effects of Coluracetam?
Common: Headache, fatigue, brain fog at high doses. Serious: Very limited human safety data — studied only in small trials. Rare: Anxiety, irritability, suicidal ideation was reported in one clinical trial participant.
How is Coluracetam administered?
Coluracetam is administered via sublingual (strongly preferred) or oral. oral bioavailability is limited..
What is the half-life of Coluracetam?
The half-life of Coluracetam is 2-3 hours.
Related Nootropics
Alpha-GPC
The most bioavailable choline source for the brain. Alpha-GPC crosses the blood-brain barrier efficiently and directly provides choline for acetylcholine synthesis. Used clinically in Europe for Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline. The go-to choline supplement for stacking with racetams and preventing the headaches that come from increased acetylcholine demand.
Aniracetam
A fat-soluble racetam roughly 5-10x more potent than Piracetam by weight. Known for its anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties alongside cognitive enhancement — a combination that makes it popular for social situations and creative work. It modulates both glutamate and dopamine/serotonin systems, giving it a unique mood-lifting quality that other racetams lack.
CDP-Choline
Also known as Citicoline, this is a naturally occurring compound that provides both choline and cytidine (which converts to uridine in the body). This dual action supports both acetylcholine synthesis and cell membrane repair, making it both a cognitive enhancer and a neuroprotectant. Prescribed in many countries for stroke recovery and cognitive decline.
Citicoline (CDP-Choline)
A naturally occurring intermediate in the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, the primary phospholipid in neuronal cell membranes. Citicoline provides both choline (for acetylcholine and phospholipid synthesis) and cytidine (converted to uridine, supporting RNA and synapse formation). It is prescribed in Europe and Japan for stroke recovery and cognitive decline. Cognizin is the most studied branded form.
Fasoracetam
A newer racetam that uniquely upregulates GABA-B receptors, making it potentially useful for people who have developed tolerance to GABAergic substances like Phenibut or benzodiazepines. It also enhances glutamate and acetylcholine signaling. Being studied in clinical trials for ADHD in adolescents with specific glutamate receptor gene mutations.
Huperzine A
A naturally occurring alkaloid extracted from Chinese club moss (Huperzia serrata). It powerfully inhibits acetylcholinesterase — the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine — resulting in significantly elevated acetylcholine levels in the brain. Used in Chinese medicine for centuries and now studied worldwide for Alzheimer's disease.