Racetams

The legal status of racetams varies by country. In some European countries piracetam is available as a prescription medication. In the US, racetams are not FDA-approved but are sold as supplements or research chemicals. Always check local regulations before purchasing.

Racetams may increase acetylcholine turnover in the brain. Without adequate choline intake, this can lead to headaches, which is the most commonly reported side effect. Adding a choline source (like citicoline or alpha-GPC) is a standard practice in the nootropic community.

Piracetam is typically considered the starting point because it has the longest track record and the most published safety data. It is also the mildest of the racetams. However, "best" depends on individual goals and tolerance, and none of these compounds have strong regulatory approval for general cognitive enhancement.