Comment · Sat, July 9, 2016 · Ceretropic & Nootropics Depot
Fasoracetam
Original post in this thread
iamgoingbald666 · 26 points
Hello /r/Nootropics
I have a couple of general questions regarding Fasoracetam. I searched this sub (I think I read every topic and most of the comments) and a couple other sites regarding info on this substance. However, it never hurts to get more anecdotes. So as for the questions:
1. What have you found to be the most effective dose (dose AND # of times dosed a day)?
2. In addition, what RoA (route of administration) have you found most effective (sublingual or oral)?
3. Have you found it more beneficial taken on an empty stomach or with food?
4. What are the acute and long term effects for you?
I have read anecdotally that Fasoracetam has given people a mood, concentration, and focus boost (general motivation boost, the reason I want to try it). I have also read that it helps with anxiety as well (this is not as much of a problem for me, and not the reason I am looking into the substance, but I digress). Additionally, the effects are supposedly increased as the substance is used more.
Essentially I am looking for any and all anecdotes for this substance; good or bad.
What they were answering
homosuperiorr · 3 points
it is a drug that can give excitotoxicity
Could anyone confirm this? Or just give the explanations which particular mechanism may induce it?
/u/MisterYouAreSoDumb
u/MisterYouAreSoDumb · Ceretropic & Nootropics Depot
Have you read my recent blog on racetams? There is a section on Fasoracetam and its mechanisms.
Essentially Fasoracetam modulates the metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). The mGluRs are not ionotropic receptors like NMDA/AMPA, and do not directly control ion channels like other glutamate receptors. They are actually receptors that modulate downstream signal cascades, and affect other receptors and systems. This means they are not like activating ion receptors, and are not directly controlling influx of calcium/sodium/potassium into cells. They are modulating the excitability/expression of other receptors and ion channels, and affecting pre/postsynaptic responses.
One cool thing about Fasoracetam is how it affects the expression of the GABAb receptors. GABA receptors are actually negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase via PTX-sensitive G-proteins. Fasoracetam modulates adenylate cyclase, which consequently goes on to affect expression of GABAb. It is NOT directly binding to GABAb, and is not a GABAb antagonist like many state. It's the modulation of adenylate cyclase that causes that downstream effect.
Now for the question of excitotoxicity, there is no evidence it causes it. However, the fact that it modulates mGluRs, which can affect NMDAR expression, means that if you pair it with a strong AMPA/NMDA activator, it might make excitotoxicity worse. Excessive amounts of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) has been found to cause more damage to neurons in the presence of group I mGluR agonists. However, mGluR groups II and III reduce NMDAR activity. Fasoracetam is a modulator of mGluRs, but we don't know the exact subtypes. So while the mechanism is possible for exacerbating excitotoxicity when paired with other NMDA/AMPA stimulating compounds, or in cases of excitotoxic diseases, it is not proven yet, nor should it be a big issue with healthy people. Nevertheless, its actions on mGluRs could pose a possible mechanism for an interaction with other stimulating compounds, or in cases of disease states.