Comment · Mon, February 10, 2014 · Ceretropic
Need a real answer: Is there any confirmation to adderall + -racetams causing excitotoxicity under normal circumstances?
Original post in this thread
[deleted] · 13 points
In my case, I'm using noopept (I know it's not technically a -racetam). I have searched the internet a pretty decent amount and I have yet to find a solid answer or specifics. I have seen many differing opinions and I lack a reputable source to confirm the claims. Thank you
What they were answering
Direct reply to the original post — see the thread post above.
u/MisterYouAreSoDumb · Ceretropic
I will copy my post again:
There is no evidence that piracetam or other racetams exacerbate excitotoxicity at either the NMDA or AMPA receptor sites. In fact, there is evidence that racetams not only increase the influx of calcium and potassium though the various ion channels to enhance transmission, but also close the channel to protect from too high of concentrations as well.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9195198
The results suggest that piracetam and GVS-111 suppression of voltage-activated calcium and potassium currents of the neuronal membrane may regulate (both up and down) Ca2+ influx into neurons.
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http://ebm.rsmjournals.com/content/early/2012/10/05/ebm.2012.012128
We found that piracetam inhibited native CaV2.2 channels in superior cervical ganglion neurons in a dose-dependent manner
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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1059131197800222
This one found that piracetam protected from a known calcium and sodium channel convulsant.
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https://asm.confex.com/ipa/2003_Geneva/techprogram/paper_2223.htm
Our results allow to suggest that a desirable profile of action of nootropics should include a selective suppression of slow-inactivatng potassium currents without affecting (or with augmentation of) the fast-inactivating A-current.
So I cannot find any evidence of any racetam exacerbating excitotoxitiy at either the AMPA or NMDA sites. However, there are studies showing that they modulate both the influx and blockage of Ca2+ and K+ through their respective ion channels. They also increase membrane fluidity, which provides other neuroprotective benefits aside from their effects at the ion channels. All evidence points to them being perfectly safe and neuroprotective.
I cannot say for sure on tolerance, though. I have a feeling that racetams accelerate stimulant tolerance. That seems to be a more complex mechanism surrounding the NMDA receptors.