Pyrrolidone Derivatives

Also known as:  PIR Nootropics;  Racetams

Pyrrolidone Derivatives are a group of Nootropic Smart Drugs that are based on the chemical structure of Pyroglutamate.

Nervous System

 Pyrrolidone Derivatives may enhance various aspects of Mental Function (hence their classification as Smart Drugs) - the precise effects and actions of Pyrrolidone Derivatives vary according to the individual compound and are described in the individual topics for each Pyrrolidone Derivative Smart Drug.

PROPOSED MECHANISM OF ACTION OF PYRROLIDONE DERIVATIVES

 Pyrrolidone Derivatives appear to enhance the excitability of Neurons within specific Neuronal Pathways.

 Pyrrolidone Derivatives appear to exert their effects on some molecules present in the Ion Channels or Ion Carriers of all “excitable” Cells and thereby increase excitatory responses (i.e. they potentiate existing activities rather than causing stimulatory or inhibitor effects of their own).  This leads to an increase in general neuronal sensitivity towards stimulation.  This hypothesized mechanism of action of Pyrrolidone Nootropics would account for the lack of side effects in Pyrrolidone Derivatives (agents that DO act as Agonists or Antagonists of Neurotransmitter Receptors often cause toxic side effects).