The so-called "
Father of the Smart Drugs". Produced originally by UCB Pharmaceuticals. The term
nootropic was coined after this
drug was invented. Piracetam causes an increase in
memory and
learning in healthy people. It also protects neurons under conditions of
hypoxia (oxygen starvation). It is almost completely non-toxic.
One of the "best" (my personal favorite) effects of Piracetam is that it enhances communication between the left and right hemispheres of the brain, causing bursts of creativity.
There are many other nootropics available, including Pramiracetam, Aniracetam, Oxiracetam, Deprenyl, centrophenoxine (Lucidril), Hydergine, and Dilantin.