thumb|105px|class=skin-invert-image|[[2-Pyrrolidone]]

thumb|105px|class=skin-invert-image|[[Piracetam]]

Racetams, also sometimes known simply as pyrrolidones, are a class of drugs that share a pyrrolidone nucleus. Many, but not all, specifically have a 2-oxo-1-pyrrolidine acetamide (piracetam) nucleus. Some racetams, such as piracetam, aniracetam, oxiracetam, pramiracetam, and phenylpiracetam, are considered nootropics. Phenylpiracetam is also a stimulant.

Racetams are understood to work by allosterically modulating glutamate receptors, specifically AMPA receptors, leading to Ca<sup>2+</sup> influx that is excitatory. Racetams are posited to enhance memory through interaction with glutamate receptors in the central nervous system.

Phenylpiracetam, unique among racetams in being a phenethylamine and stimulant, is an atypical dopamine reuptake inhibitor.

Anticonvulsant racetams, including levetiracetam, brivaracetam, and seletracetam, act as synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) ligands. A newer analogue of these agents, padsevonil, is no longer a racetam itself but is much more potent in comparison and interacts with not only SV2A but also synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2B (SV2B) and synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2C (SV2C). It is currently the only racetam known to possess this action.

List of racetams

{| class="wikitable sticky-header"

! Structure !! Name

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| 125px|class=skin-invert-image || Piracetam

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| 125px|class=skin-invert-image || Oxiracetam

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| 125px|class=skin-invert-image || Phenylpiracetam / Fonturacetam

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|-

| 125px|class=skin-invert-image || Phenylpiracetam Hydrazide / Fonturacetam Hydrazide

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| 125px|class=skin-invert-image || Aniracetam

|-

|-

| 125px|class=skin-invert-image || Pramiracetam

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|-

| 125px|class=skin-invert-image || Seletracetam

|-

|-

| 125px|class=skin-invert-image || Levetiracetam

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|-

| 125px|class=skin-invert-image || Coluracetam / BCI-540

|-

|-

| 125px|class=skin-invert-image || Fasoracetam

|-

|-

| 125px|class=skin-invert-image || Brivaracetam

|-

|-

| 125px|class=skin-invert-image || Dimiracetam

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|-

| 125px|class=skin-invert-image || Methylphenylpiracetam / E1R

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| 125px|class=skin-invert-image || Nebracetam

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|-

| 125px|class=skin-invert-image || Nefiracetam

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|-

| 125px|class=skin-invert-image || Omberacetam / Noopept

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| 125px|class=skin-invert-image || Rolziracetam

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|-

| 125px|class=skin-invert-image || Cebaracetam

|-

|}

Chemistry

Racetams are 2-pyrrolidone derivatives and may sometimes be referred to simply as pyrrolidones (2-oxopyrrolidines). They may be referred to as "racetam-like".

Society and culture

Legality

Australia

All racetams are schedule 4 substances in Australia under the Poisons Standard (February 2020). A schedule 4 substance is classified as "Prescription Only Medicine, or Prescription Animal Remedy – Substances, the use or supply of which should be by or on the order of persons permitted by State or Territory legislation to prescribe and should be available from a pharmacist on prescription."