What does a nootropic drug mean? Nootropics: action, indications, list of modern and effective, reviews

Nootropics are neurometabolic stimulants, drugs for influencing the higher mental functions of the brain.

The best nootropics, in contrast to psychostimulants, cause an increase in activity when stimulating nerve cells of a quantitative rather than qualitative nature. In this case, the following therapeutic effects are observed:

• sedative (sedative);
• psychostimulating;
• antidepressant;
• antiasthenic (reduction and cessation of lethargy and weakness);
• mnemotropic (improving learning and memory);
• antiepileptic;
• adaptogenic;
• nootropic (improving speech, attention, thinking), etc.

Increasing concentration enzyme adenylate cyclase, nootropics activate its action in nerve cells.

Exactly this the substance is necessary for the synthesis of ATP by the cell - the main source of energy in the implementation of biochemical and physiological processes.

According to their effect, all nootropics are divided into 3 groups:

1. Drugs that stimulate metabolic processes;
2. Medicines that have a positive effect on vascular system (vasotropic drugs);
3. Means for stimulating memory and learning processes.

The drugs are used in the treatment and prevention of a number of neurological and psychological disorders:

• deterioration in thinking skills;
• decreased mental and physical activity;
• the effects of toxic substances on the brain;
• neuroinfection (encephalitis, poliomyelitis);
• senile dementia;
• consequences of traumatic brain injury;
• ischemic stroke, enuresis, stuttering, etc.

Medicines can be prescribed not only for patients with the above diseases, but also for completely healthy people experiencing increased stress on the psyche and nervous system.

It is quite difficult to figure out the list of the most popular nootropics yourself, so it is best to use a medical consultation. We will tell you about several drugs that top the ranking of nootropics.

Table of the best nootropic drugs

Drug name	Classification	Alcohol compatibility	Age restrictions	Doctor's prescription	Drug price
	Nootropics (neurometabolic stimulants)	absolutely incompatible	from one year	needed	from 254 rub.
	Bad	undesirable	from 12 years old	over the counter	from 2710 rub.
	Bad	undesirable	from 14 years old	over the counter	from 891 rub.
	nootropic drugs	undesirable	from 12 years old	without a doctor's prescription	from 489 rub.
	nootropics, anxiolytics	absolutely incompatible	from 8 years old	needed	from 24 rubles.
	nootropics, correctors of cerebrovascular accidents	often used in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal symptoms.	from 3 years old	needed	from 76 rubles.
	nootropic drugs	does not enter drug interactions with alcohol	from 18 years old	over the counter	from 323 rub.

Nootropil

The second name of the drug is Piracetam, according to the name of the active substance. Available in the form of tablets, syrup (including for children), capsules, injection solutions.

It is prescribed for diseases of a neurological and psychiatric nature, used in narcology and pediatrics, for the treatment of sickle cell anemia (as part of combination therapy).

Contraindicated in cases of impaired renal function, hemorrhagic stroke, component intolerance. At doses above 5 g / day, the likelihood of side effects is high.

Phenibut

Double-acting nootropic:

1. stimulates blood circulation and metabolism;
2. has a sedative effect.

The active substance is hydrochloride. The drug is available in tablet form. Appointed for:

• Asthenic and anxiety-neurotic states;
• Meniere's disease, dizziness, for the prevention of motion sickness;
• Stuttering and tics in children;
• For the prevention of anxiety.

Contraindications: individual intolerance, liver failure, periods of pregnancy and lactation. With caution - with lesions of the gastrointestinal tract.

the main thing active substance - nicotinoyl-gamma-aminobutyric acid, the drug is available in the form of tablets and solution for injection.

The drug has a number of therapeutic effects:

• stimulating metabolism;
• antihypoxic;
• antioxidant;
• moderately tranquilizing;
• selective detoxification (in relation to alcohol).

It is prescribed for the treatment of the following diseases or conditions:

• Ischemic cerebral stroke (at various stages and varying degrees of severity);
• Vegeto-vascular dystonia;
• Asthenic conditions;
• Traumatic brain injury;
• During periods of rehabilitation;
• For preventive purposes, etc.

In list main contraindications: chronic and acute kidney pathologies, individual intolerance to the components, periods of pregnancy and breastfeeding.

The drug belongs to the group of nootropics, has anti-anxiety, vegetative stabilizing, neuroprotective effect. Unlike other drugs in this group, it has a positive effect on all elements of memory: processing, storing, retrieving data.

Available in pill form, it is prescribed for the treatment of:

• asthenic conditions;
• encephalopathy of various origins;
• consequences of brain injuries.

It is possible to use the drug for diseases that cause impairment of cognitive functions and a decrease in intelligence.

Contraindicated in childhood, during pregnancy and lactation, with impaired renal and liver function, individual intolerance, impaired absorption of lactose and glucose.

Which nootropic to choose?

When choosing a medicine, you should pay attention to the following indicators:

1. the effectiveness and breadth of the therapeutic spectrum (indications for use);
2. safety (list of contraindications and side effects);
3. the width of the dose range (the possibility of using various therapy regimens);
4. interdrug exposure (the possibility of using in monotherapy and complex treatment);
5. economic affordability.

However, even the most powerful nootropics will not be able to cure the disease if used incorrectly. Therefore, the main selection criterion is the doctor's recommendation after extensive diagnostics.

Sources

1. Titova, N.V. Modern look on nootropic therapy / N.V. Titova // Neurology. Psychiatry. 2007. - T. 15, No. 24.
2. Vilensky, B.S. Stroke: prevention, diagnosis, treatment Text. / B.S. Vilensky. 2nd ed., Add. - SPb .: Foliant, 2002 .-- 397s.
3. Hultsch, D. F., & Hertzog, C. (1989). A manual of twenty-five three-tiered structurally equivalent texts for use in aging research. Collaborative Research Group on Cognitive Aging Technical Report No.2. University of Victoria and Georgia Institute of Technology.
4. Lachman, M. E. (1983). Perceptions of intellectual aging: Antecedent or consequence of intellectual functioning? Developmental Psychology, 19,482-498.
5. Fisher, G. D. Pharmacology of nootropics / G. D. Fisher, K. A. Wustman, E. S. Rudolph. -M., 1989.-S. 156.
6. James, L. E., Fogler, K. A., & Tauber, S. K. (2008). Recognition memory measures yield disproportionate effects of aging on learning face-name associations. Psychology and Aging, 23 (3), 657-664. doi: 10.1037 / a0013008

Disclaimer: Dear friends! The article is for informational purposes only. You need to understand that most of the drugs that will be described are prescription drugs. This article does not call for using something ourselves, and even more so, self-medicating. The article is intended to raise your awareness, including when communicating with your doctors. Only doctors can prescribe treatment for you, prescribe the correct dosage for you, determine the absence of direct and relative contraindications. This is very important because self-medication is unacceptable - as a rule, it often leads to undesirable consequences. Remember this as you read this article!

Often, when I comment on some articles and comments on medical topics, I was repeatedly asked to tell in more detail about nootropics, I intend to set out in this article about what nootropics are and what they are eaten with. This will be convenient for those who are interested in this topic, as well as for me - now, when asked to tell in more detail about nootropics, I will refer to my own article, I hope you will too.

I'm sure many of you have heard that there is special group drugs and biologically active substances, which is called "Nootropics".

Given the high popularity of this topic and the presence of a mass of myths that often accompany articles on this topic on about medical and other resources - with this series of articles I would like to consider an extensive class of nootropics, and in addition, classify them according to the following drugs:

• mechanism of action.
• safety.
• efficiency.
• the presence or absence of a long-term effect.
• toxicity.

This topic is very extensive, so in this article we will only consider the definition of nootropics, their main groups and mechanisms of action. Also, in this article we will look at widespread myths directly related to nootropics and their use.

So what are nootropics?

Medicines or other biologically active substances that can stimulate mental activity, enhance cognitive (cognitive) functions, improve memory and increase the ability to learn. In addition, some nootropics increase the brain's resistance to extreme stress. For example, such as excessive mental stress or "oxygen starvation" of the brain.

Consider the common myths about nootropic drugs.

Myth 1. Nootropics instantly "accelerate" the brain to unprecedented speeds, allowing you to perform extremely extraordinary tasks and overcome excessive loads (here you can recall the popular film about the invented drug NZT-48).

R. Nootropics will never make you a "superman" (roughly speaking, if you do not know how to solve triple integrals, then even taking any of the drugs, this knowledge will not appear in your head). However, the learning process will be much easier and if you have diligence, nootropics will significantly contribute to learning and other brain activity.

Myth 2. Nootropics, which are very harmful, toxic, have long-term effects, so their use is completely inappropriate.

R. In general, drugs in this group do not have long-term harmful effects, and a huge part of them, in addition, have long-term positive potential. The toxicity of most of them is extremely low. (keep in mind that there are exceptions, which we will discuss further).

Myth 3. Nootropics, even with a single use, give a strong, pronounced effect.

R. Almost all nootropic drugs have extremely low efficacy in a single application (moreover, dosages do not play any role at all), however, course use often gives a pronounced positive effect. (again, there are exceptions - we'll cover them too).

Now let's briefly consider the main mechanisms of action of nootropic drugs:

1. General metabolic (improving the energy state of neurons - increasing aTP synthesis, antihypoxic and antioxidant effect).
2. Activation of plastic processes in the central nervous system, including the stimulation of neuroplasticity (the formation of new neurons and synaptic connections between them).
3. Strengthening, modulation of synaptic transmission processes in the central nervous system.
4. Modulation of the activity of GABA / GLU receptors responsible for inhibition of "excessive" activity of the central nervous system.
5. Other mechanisms of action.

Now comes the fun part - the practical part.

We will look at some of the most "notorious" drugs. It just so happened that all the most widely advertised drugs in this review, in fact, are "dummies". Patients and "suffering" drink them literally by handfuls, but they do not notice any positive effect. Why? Let's get started.

Glycine.

This drug is widely used due to its wide availability without a doctor's prescription and low cost.

As a "sedative", glycine is completely ineffective. It is also ineffective as a nootropic and in any other pharmacological aspect.

A natural question arises - why?

The fact is that glycine is a common amino acid found in almost any dietary protein. Any protein entering our stomach is broken down by enzymes to amino acids, which are absorbed by the intestines. That is why protein food has energy value.

In addition, glycine is food additive E640, which is used as a taste and aroma modifier in the food industry.

To understand what is the catch here, let's give illustrative example: Chicken egg white contains about 12% protein. Protein consists of amino acids, of which pure glycine is on average 0.45 grams.

So, one chicken egg contains the equivalent of 4.5 tablets of glycine (450 mg).

If you eat three eggs, you take the equivalent of 13.5 tablets of glycine. Try to remember if you had any pronounced nootropic activity after eating scrambled eggs? The answer is obvious. So, glycine is completely harmless, and just as ineffective at any dosage.

Piracetam.

Historically, this is the very first compound discovered back in 1972, which laid the foundation for a whole group of drugs - racetams and their derivatives. But now - let's talk about piracetam itself.

In most countries (with the exception of Russia and some CIS countries) - piracetam is not registered as a medicinal product. The fact is that today there is not a single study (for 42 years since its discovery) that would indicate its effectiveness.

This drug is absolutely harmless. Its lethal dose is 7 times lower than that of table salt. Its effectiveness as a nootropic is nearly nil at any dosage.

However, in Russia this drug is produced, and, therefore, is very actively "pushed" by doctors who are "instructed" to prescribe it to patients.

Since the drug is absolutely harmless, the doctor who prescribes it does not risk anything, and the patient may suddenly experience the "placebo effect", and everyone is happy. However, in reality - this drug does not cure or "improve" anything.

Afobazol.

One of the most "ingenious" domestic developments. This drug is positioned by the manufacturer as a drug with anti-anxiety, antiasthenic, and nootropic activity.

Now let's get to the heart of the matter.

This drug does not have a single international study proving its effectiveness. The studies that took place in Russia do not have a design that would correspond to the level of evidence-based medicine (a small sample of patients, no multicenter studies, no independent research customers). Moreover, all research carried out was funded exclusively by the manufacturer, which is unacceptable. since the result will always be "twisted" in the right direction - in the direction requested by the person who orders it.

Moreover, the substance fabomotizol (the active substance of afobazole) is not used anywhere except in Russia and the CIS countries. He has never been interested in any organization of any country in the world, even to study its potential mechanisms of action.

What's the matter? And the fact is that this drug was originally developed "for widespread sale." those. a substance was taken that is potentially harmless. Then it was tested for toxicity - which was not found. And they decided to sell it, providing it with wide advertising.

After its release into production, and the loss of the patent for the Afobazol trademark, the manufacturing company decided to find out how it works. A radioligand study was ordered in France (from CEREP) to try to find what the drug actually interacts with in the body, and, directly, in the central nervous system.

The obtained data were as follows, this drug is excreted after administration in 40 minutes, and does not interact with anything in "therapeutic" dosages. Those. it is a substance that simply "passes by" in the body.

And since it is also excreted in 40 minutes, and is taken only once every 8 hours, then, of course, even theoretically, it cannot work "as intended" (for this, the substance must be in the blood or in the brain tissues throughout his actions).

At the time of this writing, there is not a single study in the international pubmed database that is not what they say about its effectiveness - there simply are not, in principle, none.

The result is another, absolutely useless from a clinical point of view, drug.

Aminalon (GABA).

This amino acid is the main "inhibitory neurotransmitter" in the central nervous system.

An increase in the level of GABA in the brain has anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), antihypoxic, muscle relaxant (relaxing) and other effects useful in clinical practice. Therefore, we can expect that taking GABA will give us “the same” effects.

However, it's not that simple.

The fact is that our brain is protected from the common bloodstream by a special barrier (hemato-encephalic). This is all "done" so that "unnecessary" substances in the blood plasma do not enter the brain. These substances include gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Thus, when GABA (aminalon) is taken orally, its level in the central nervous system does not change in any way (more precisely, it changes, but not enough for the onset of any noticeable effect) - this was theoretically stated, and soon confirmed by numerous independent studies.

Therefore, this drug is for healthy person (in which the blood-brain barrier is not violated) - will not show absolutely any properties - neither anti-anxiety, nor nootropic.

A natural question arises - why then this drug is widely used in people with certain brain diseases, and with good efficacy?

The thing is that in some patients this very blood-brain barrier is violated - and GABA in some quantities from the blood plasma still penetrates into the central nervous system, and can already "fulfill its duties."

But we are talking about GABA as a nootropic for healthy people - and therefore aminalon is completely unsuitable for "our purposes".

The drug is absolutely safe, however, for a healthy person, its effect does not occur - the active substance simply cannot penetrate from the bloodstream into the brain.

In order for this substance to "be able" to penetrate the barrier, its structural molecule is somewhat modified - and quite "working" preparations are obtained - which will be described below.

But we are talking about GABA now.

Conclusion - Taking GABA is safe, but pointless as a nootropic.

Now we turn to consideration of nootropic drugs that have a certain clinical effect. We will review several drugs, discuss their clinical efficacy in terms of nootropic activity, their safety, and some interesting facts.

Fonuracetam (phenotropil).

This drug is the "son" of piracetam, the molecule of which has been modified in order to obtain a much greater clinical effect. This drug has an extensive scientific base, in addition, this drug is included in the "firing list" of the World Anti-Doping Committee (WADA), which already hints to us that its clinical effect is quite serious, and is definitely present. For those who want to learn the intricacies on their own english language, this drug is called abroad " Phenylpiracetam".

So what is this drug, what are its clinical effects?

The first, most important and "noticeable" effect is stimulating. This effect is instantaneous - i.e. it is detected immediately, already with a single application. You should know that this effect does not apply to true nootropic, it is, let's say, a "bonus".

When used as a course, this drug has many significant clinical effects. But since this article concerns nootropics, I will describe only the most significant effects for us (please do not beat me with slippers for describing these effects not in academic language. This is done for a better understanding of the material.

• distinct stimulating effect.
• improving short-term memory.
• improving "memorization" (transfer to long-term memory).
• improving the preservation of accumulated information in long-term memory.
• improving the "speed of execution" of daily operations.
• improvement of cerebral circulation and energy metabolism in the central nervous system.

Now let's talk about security.

Since this drug has a stimulating and anti-apathetic effect, then, accordingly, this drug can cause "psychological addiction". Therefore, it is important to strictly adhere to the dosages prescribed by your doctor throughout the course of use. The drug is relatively safe, but it should never be abused.

I would especially like to note the following. For unknown reasons, this drug, although produced by the only company (Valenta), is of extremely low quality - completely unexpected things occur from batch to batch - some patients note that after opening (roughly speaking) the second purchased pack, the effect ceases to be felt. This is not an isolated case, these claims to the company are so voluminous that you can easily read about it on the Internet by typing "phenotropil Valenta" in the search box. Keep this in mind.

A small theoretical digression.

As we remember, GABA (and some other amino acids) are extremely active in the central nervous system, but their intake does not lead to any effects due to the fact that the blood-brain barrier (hereinafter - the BBB) does not "let" them into the brain ...

Scientists started thinking about how to "pass" a substance through the BBB by changing the amino acid molecule (today we are considering gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)). As a result, we got two drugs, which we will consider below.

Picamilon.

This drug was developed in Russia in 1970, studied for 16 years, and by 1980 was approved for use as a nootropic agent. This drug is a "molecular mix" of nicotinic acid (not to be confused with nicotine) and GABA molecules. The result is a combination of properties of both nicotinic acid and, in fact, GABA.

What are its main clinical effects?

• improvement of energy metabolism in the central nervous system.
• vasodilating action (cerebral vessels, cranial arteries).
• an increase in the speed of cerebral blood flow, due to the factors given above.
• some tranquilizing (sedative) effect.

The combination of these properties leads to a nootropic effect.

It should be understood that despite the above properties, the drug is not a panacea. All these properties are moderately expressed, and the notorious "wow-effect" should not be expected.

The drug is ineffective with a single use, its course use is recommended. It is relatively safe.

Separately, it is worth noting that there are studies on the drug, they were published in peer-reviewed medical journals and are available in the pubmed database, but to put it mildly, there are not very many.

Phenibut.

This drug, like picamilon, is a GABA derivative. This drug freely penetrates the BBB, however, due to a change in its structural formula, the drug became selective for only one subtype of GABA - receptors in the central nervous system of three.

To begin with, it should be noted that this drug has some addictive potential, in addition, it is a prescription drug. Strictly follow the scheme and schedule with your doctor!

This drug has a unique pharmacological effect, but first, let's consider its main clinical effects:

• tranquilizing (relaxing).
• anxiolytic (anti-anxiety).
• reduction of muscle stiffness.
• nootropic (since it is to some extent an antihypoxant).
• weak stimulating (reducing apathy and anergy).
• effect on the level of neurotransmitters in the central nervous system (increased dopamine in the senaptic cleft).

Now about what was called "a unique pharmacological effect". As you may have noticed, its clinical properties have both relaxing and stimulating effects. Yes, it seems strange, but this is not a mistake - this is what distinguishes it.

The drug has a pronounced (noticeable) effect. The degree of its activity is regulated by the selection of the correct dosage. The drug has some negative effect on the gastrointestinal tract, because is an acid. In addition, there are relatively absolute contraindications to the drug.

As a nootropic drug, the drug should be taken in a course, in low dosages (the maximum will be in the region of 500-750 mg daily dosage, divided into three doses).

The drug has proven efficacy (although there are no studies that strictly meet all the criteria for DM).

There are several companies that produce Phenibut, but you should not worry - the quality is quite good, and comparable among all the companies that produce it.

The next format of the article will be somewhat different - in it you will see a summary table of all the drugs you have sent, and their classification according to different criteria. I tried to make the table as easy to read, compact and informative as possible.

I basically prescribed all the drugs - therefore, do not be surprised if you see something unusual among the substances.

I tried to cover the complete list of drugs that you suggested to me.

For convenience, the table lists the following abbreviations.

1. Level of evidence base (Level of DB):

A: Has one (or more) studies that fully meet the EBM criteria.

B: Has one (or more) placebo-controlled studies.

C: Has one (or more) studies, however it / they do not fit the accepted design.

D: have performance reports in one or more case-reports.

E: has no evidence base and / or the drug is "empty" by definition (does not contain an active substance). Group E also includes drugs that are developed in the Russian Federation and have articles exclusively from one group of researchers.

2. The degree of effectiveness for nootropic activity:

+++: highly effective.

++: Moderately effective.

+: has low efficiency, but it is present.

O: not effective.

-: slight deterioration observed.

-: moderate deterioration observed.

---: Significant deterioration is observed.

ppm: little information exists or the drug is being studied.

3. Group.

The group is indicated by classification (i.e. to which class the drug or active substance belongs).

This line is indicated for reference - for example, if you need to know the details of the mechanism of action of a particular drug, use the abbreviation in this line to search in more detail about this group (since there are a lot of groups, I believe that there is no need to describe in detail each of them - this is a whole book will turn out - and in subsequent articles we will touch on these issues anyway).

4. Security.

For the convenience of "reading" this line, I divided the preparations (conditionally) into four categories, and gave them color designations:

green - the drug is safe when used in adequate dosages, there are relatively few contraindications.

yellow - the drug is safe, but the indicated dosages should be strictly observed. In this group, there are much more contraindications.

Orange - the drug is potent, therefore, great, strict attention should be paid to the doctor's prescriptions for its use.

Red - the drug is unsafe. Its use as a nootropic agent is highly discouraged.

I hope that this table has brought some clarity to all readers who are interested in this or that drug. It contains almost all substances that are used as nootropics.

The list of drugs in this group contains substances that help protect the brain from destruction and stimulate nerve cells to restore them to the level of healthy people.

Nootropic agent, what is it?

The concept of "nootropic drug" was first introduced in the last century by Belgian pharmacologists.

Nootropics are neurometabolic stimulants that activate metabolic processes in the brain, increasing its general resistance to extreme situations and influences.

A distinctive factor from psychostimulants is that nootropics are antihypoxants (they resist oxygen starvation of the brain), but do not negatively affect the human body, do not lead to malfunctioning of the brain, and do not disrupt movement coordination.

In terms of effectiveness, nootropics do not have a hypnotic, or analgesic effect on the human body.

Medicines of this group are often of interest to students and people who are experiencing strong intellectual or stressful loads, since the instructions indicate that the drugs contribute to better assimilation of information, quick thinking, improvements in learning and smooths out the effect on the brain during stress and mental stress.

In pharmacology, there is one division of nootropics, into two groups:

What pharmacological group do they belong to?

The nootropic group includes drugs of nootropic action, and they are assigned in pharmacology under the coding (ATX code: N06BX).

The first drug of the nootropic group medicines is Piracetam.

It was opened back in 1963, and gave a start to their development. Nootropic became the main competitor of psychostimulants, since the side effects from it were not so serious.

Nootropic therapy does not cause addiction, toxic damage, arousal and depletion of the body, inherent in psychostimulants. In the early stages of drug development, it was used to treat brain dysfunction in the elderly.

Fact! In modern pharmacology, Piracetam is listed under the name Nootropil.

The table contains a list of drugs that are most often prescribed in the treatment of nootropics.

Drug derivatives	Kinds
Derivatives of pyrrolidone	Piracetam, Polziracetam, Dipracetam, Miracetam, Oxiracetam, Aniracetam, Etiracetam, etc.
	Dimanol, Acetoyumat, Euclidan, Meclofenoxate, Dimethylaminoethanol, etc.
Pyridoxine derivatives	Gutamine, Pyritinol
GABA derivatives	Nicotinol GABA, Phenibut, Pantogam, Gammalon, etc.
Cerebrovascular funds	Nicergoline, Vinpocetine, Vincam, Hydergin, etc.
Neuropeptides and analogues	ACTH and its fragments, vasopressins and oxytocin, Tyroliberin and melanostatin, endogenous opioids.
Antioxidants	2-ethyl-6methyl-3-hydroxypyridine, ionol, metadoxyl.
Various substances with a component of nootropic action	Etimizole, Orotic acid, Methylglucoorotate, Oxylitacil, Naphtidrofuril, ginseng, lemongrass, etc.

The mechanism of action of nootropics

Most drugs in the nootropic group act on neurotransmitters (substances that facilitate the interaction of nerve cells with each other).

Nootropic therapy affects acetylcholine (which carries out neuromuscular transmission), serotonin (the hormone of happiness), dopamine (the precursor of norepinephrine, is a necessary part of the brain's "reward system", as it induces a sense of pleasure, which affects the processes of motivation and learning) and norepinephrine ( one of the most important "mediators of wakefulness").

Modern nootropics improve the joint work of the left and right hemispheres, and the main cents localized in the cerebral cortex.

The nootropic effect can prolong life and rejuvenate the body.

Also, these drugs protect nerve cells from deformation and eliminate oxygen starvation, stimulate metabolic processes and simply improve blood circulation in the brain tissues.

Different drugs of the nootropic group can have different effects on the body, it all depends on the group to which such a drug belongs.

Among them:

Drugs	Action on the body
Amino acids and substances affecting the excitatory amino acid system	The best remedies for doing various things under stress
Cerebrovascular funds	One of the most effective remedies is Ginkgo Biloba - tree extract vegetable origin. Best drug to increase the brain's resistance to negative influences
Similar to vitamins	The most commonly prescribed is Idebenone - the best way to stimulate blood circulation in the brain
Polypeptides and organic composites	The constituents of these preparations are amino acid peptides. For the development of nerve cells, the brain uses proteins like them. These nootropics work to support the growth and maintenance of neurons, which improves memory and helps you focus more on one task.
Derivatives of pyrrolidine	The most common type is Piracetam. The action of the drug is aimed at improving blood circulation and activating metabolic processes in the brain cavity. The substance helps to activate the work of neurotransmitters.
Pyridoxine derivatives	The main remedy is Pyritinol, which enhances blood circulation and metabolic processes in the brain cavity.
Neuropeptides and Similar Agents	Such drugs have found their use in ambulances, emergency services and stroke therapy. There is no exact definition of the mechanism of action, but the instruction says that it acts "in an original way."
Dimethylaminoethanol derivatives	Affect acetylcholine, improving memory processes. Effective in teaching.
Derivatives and analogues of gamma-aminobutyric acid	Helps to deal with stressful situations. They have a sedative effect, but do not inhibit the reaction, as with conventional sedative therapy.
Derivatives of 2-mercaptobenzimidazole	Enhances oxygen saturation of brain cells and counteract extreme brain influences and intellectual stress.

Fact! It may take from a couple of days to a couple of weeks to initiate biochemical processes in the brain, depending on the drug used. This explains the fact that nootropics are used in courses. It makes no sense to drink pills just before stress on the brain; use should be started about a month in advance.

What effect do nootropics have?

The impact on the above mechanisms in the brain makes it possible to conclude that the following positive effects on the body and its systems are:

• Vaso-vegetative action characterized by the acceleration of blood circulation and the elimination of the main signs of neurocircular dystonia;
• Antihypoxic action due to the formation of increased resistance of brain cells to oxygen starvation;
• Antidepressant action. Certain nootropics are prescribed for depression, and are aimed at counteracting it;
• Psychostimulating action due to stimulation of brain function in people with mental disorderssuffering from apathy, motor retardation;
• Antiepileptic action characterized by the fact that it prevents convulsions, confusion and complete loss of consciousness, as well as the prevention of behavioral and autonomic disorders;
• Action with sedative effect characterized by a calming effect;
• Nootropic action is aimed at stimulating cognitive activity;
• Antitoxic actione is neutralization, or removal from human body toxins;
• Adaptogenic action due to the development of the body's counteraction to the influence of negative factors;
• Immunostimulating action characterized by strengthening immune system and an increase in the general resistance of the body;
• Lipolytic action due to the use of fatty acids as an energy source.

Note! Nootropics, in most cases, are prescribed for the elderly and children. This is explained by the fact that in old age it is necessary to correct deviations in the functionality of intellectual activity (memory, attention). Prescribing in childhood occurs when dealing with disorders intellectual development child.

Is it dangerous to treat nootropics and are they harmful?

Drugs in this group rarely show side effects, so there are almost no contraindications for them.

The consequences of using nootropics can range from headaches and dizziness to overstimulation. nervous system.

But since they are not pathologically dangerous, the catalog of drugs can be prescribed to almost any patient.

The most serious and common side effect is withdrawal.

It can occur with an abrupt cessation of the use of medicines, which leads to the suffering of the body.

Its most common manifestations can be in headaches, lethargy, aggressiveness, loss of sleep, dizziness, etc. that is why the termination of the course of treatment occurs with a gradual decrease in the drugs used.

The main side effects noted with nootropics are listed below:

Indications for the use of nootropics

The main prescription indications that relate to nootropics and their therapy are as follows:

Contraindications to the use of nootropics are:

• Hemorrhagic stroke;
• Severe kidney pathology;
• The period of bearing and feeding the child;
• Failure of the kidneys, or liver;
• Explicitly manifested psychomotor agitation;
• Sensitivity to the active ingredients of the drug.

The most common nootropics

Nootropic therapy medications are divided into new and old generation groups. The latter include medicines that were discovered a long time ago, at the start of neurostimulants. These are production forms from Piracetam.

These drugs are:

• Pramiracetam;
• Aniracetam;
• Oxiracetam;
• Izacetam;
• Etiracetam;
• Detiracetam;
• Nefiracetam.

After the nineties of the twentieth century, a new round in the history of the development of nootropics took place. New drugs are distinguished by their selective action on certain functions of the body.

The most commonly prescribed new generation drugs are:

• Pantogam - the most effective nootropic drug, often used for treatment in childhood. The main active ingredient is vitamin B15, which is found in almost all plant substances;
• Phenibut it is prescribed for a state of general weakness, neuroses, sleep disturbances and deviations in the normal functioning of the vestibular apparatus. The Phenibut interaction helps children overcome stuttering and various tics. This drug normalizes metabolism, stimulates mental processes (memory, attention, etc.), and also has an antioxidant effect. This drug is practically free of toxins and does not cause allergies;
• Phezam is a nootropic prescribed in combination with other drugs in case of failures in blood circulation in the brain cavity. This drug eliminates the effects of oxygen starvation, helps with headaches, migraines, dizziness and memory loss. Long-term courses of treatment are prescribed for stroke, traumatic brain injury and inflammation of the membranes and brain tissues;
• Piracetam is a classic remedy prescribed to improve metabolic processes in the brain. Effectively treats dizziness, improves memory, and treats encephalopathy in childhood. The drug quickly removes the negative effects of overuse alcoholic beverages... It is used for neuroinfections of the viral type and as one of the drugs for recovery after the death of heart muscle tissue. The drug is sold both in tablets and in ampoules, solutions, syrups and capsules, which helps to choose the most convenient form of application;
• Cinnarazine – medicinal product a group of nootropics that helps to expand the walls of cerebral vessels and helps to increase their size without disturbing the performance blood pressure... Nootropil cinnarizine is an effective drug against motion sickness and suppression of nystagmus. The drug helps to stop high blood pressurefeeling of tinnitus general weakness, headaches, restores normal sleep, removes aggressiveness, etc.;
• Actovegin- a drug of the group of nootropics aimed at combating oxygen starvation in the brain, restoring metabolic processes, and promoting rapid healing of wounds. The drug is available in tablets and in the form of an ointment or cream;
• Cerebrolysinis a nootropic used in combination with other drugs. This drug has passed all tests and has been proven to be safe and effective. Stimulates mental activity and improves mood. Long-term use of the drug improves memory processes, increases concentration and the ability to learn.

What actions will help you recover faster and keep your body healthy?

Preventive actions in order not to get to the use of nootropics are:

• Compliance with the daily regimen with proper rest and sleep (at least 8 hours);
• Proper nutrition should be balanced and varied, with plenty of vitamins and nutrients;
• Maintaining water balance (at least 1.5 liters of clean water per day) will help the blood not to thicken and circulate normally;
• Avoid stressful situations, psycho-emotional and intellectual excessive stress;
• Give up smoking, alcohol and drugs;
• Get a full checkup once a year.

Conclusion

Drugs of the nootropic group are effective means used to improve the functioning of brain processes.

It is especially effective to take them in courses, in advance of intellectual, or psycho-emotional stress.

A wide range of drugs and a small chance of side effects makes drugs affordable and effective. To avoid complications, it is best to consult a qualified doctor.

A short, sad, but necessary preface.

The uniqueness of the existing order of things is that

• it is much easier for the vast majority of doctors to prescribe THIS than to explain why a child does not need THIS;
• the vast majority of parents find it much easier to go to the pharmacy, buy and feed THIS to their own child for weeks, rather than try to read and understand, re-read and still understand;
• but for the most impressionable, THIS is in injections ...

Nootropic drugs are those that stimulate metabolic processes in the nervous tissue.

The pharmacological effects of drugs in this group are improving memory and learning ability, increasing the resistance of cells of the nervous system to adverse external influences (in particular, to a lack of oxygen).

All nootropic drugs (nootropics) are close in their chemical structure to natural biologically active substances - neurotransmitters, vitamins, amino acids. This explains the fact that most nootropics are non-toxic and have no dangerous side effects.

The main indications for the use of nootropics in childhood :

• cerebral palsy;
• mental retardation;
• delayed speech development;

The pharmacological effects we mentioned above are detected by the manufacturers of the drugs, the indications for use formulated just below are again the recommendations of the manufacturers of nootropic drugs.

Nootropic drugs are extremely widely used in pediatrics, but the breadth of their application is limited mainly by the borders of the former Soviet Union.

Despite the vast experience of use, despite the many positive properties found in experiments, despite the extreme attractiveness of the revealed pharmacological effects and the breadth of indications for use, so, despite all this, no one has yet to justify the benefits and effectiveness of nootropic drugs using evidence-based medicine methods. succeeded.

It is difficult for doctors to believe in this, and even more difficult for patients and parents of patients, but nootropics are used neither in the United States nor in Western Europe, since, we repeat, there is no evidence of their effectiveness.

Readers who have familiarized themselves with the list of nootropic drugs and found well-known, one might even say well-known, names of drugs in it, probably expect detailed stories from the author about when and how they should be taken. And assurances that all these are drugs with unproven efficacy can cause disagreement and bewilderment: nootropic drugs have become too active in the daily life of doctors, pharmacists, patients, relatives of patients.

No one doubts the fact that the child (even absolutely healthy child!) is born with an "immature" nervous system, which is very actively improving ("ripening") in the first years of life. This process of "ripening" is accompanied, firstly, by many specific symptoms (physiological reflexes of the neonatal period, increased muscle tone, trembling of the lips, chin and limbs, etc., etc.), and secondly, constantly present concern parents.

It is in the first years of life that parents discover in their children certain “oddities” of behavior that they cannot explain based on their own experience. It was in the first years of life that questions and doubts about the normality or abnormality of their own child constantly bother all mothers and fathers without exception.

Oddities, questions and doubts lead parents to see doctors.

The main question looks like this:

- It is normal or not in our years (insert the correct age) not ... - then something is said that the child still does not know how, - sit, stand, roll over, crawl, walk, take, throw, talk, go to the toilet, sleep all night without waking up , obey your parents, read, count, sing, paint, etc., etc.?

Any answer “normal” effectively means that the doctor has no doubts that the child is healthy and does not need any treatment.

And here, in fact, a situation is simulated when society has a huge need for drugs that "improve the functioning of the nervous system." I emphasize once again: this is not a need for a child or a doctor; it is a need for the existing model of human relationships in the doctor-parent-child system.

The physician humiliated by the state and legally defenseless does not have the slightest desire to take responsibility upon himself.

The doctor knows for sure that, without prescribing medication, he automatically becomes, on the one hand, an "inattentive and indifferent specialist", and on the other, a potential culprit of all theoretically possible neurological troubles in the future. "We are 15, we have a headache every day, and we were at the neurologist's at 6 months, complained of a trembling sponge, and he said that everything is fine ..."

Parents are convinced that there are some magic droplets, thanks to which the child will learn to sit, talk, obey his mother and go to the potty.

Parents, as a rule, do not doubt that neurological problems in general and various "lag-deviations" are easy to cure: the main thing is to prescribe the right medicine on time (!!!).

Parents are not able to understand that the metabolism in the child's nervous tissue is so intense that it is practically impossible to accelerate it pharmacologically.

There are drugs that have shown in an experiment their ability to positively influence the nervous system and have proven their safety - numerous nootropic drugs.

Medicines are prescribed, and after a while after the appointment, the vast majority of children really begin to sit, stand, roll over, crawl, walk, take, throw, talk, go to the toilet, sleep all night without waking up, obey their parents, read, count, sing, draw, etc. etc., etc. They begin, of course, not because the drugs were prescribed, but because the time has come, because it is so intended by the great Nature (God, Evolution). But it is very difficult to agree that “after the medicine” does not mean “thanks to the medicine” at all ...

In this way, nootropic drugs can solve many problems, because:

• eases the burden of responsibility of doctors;
• reassure parents;
• improve the financial situation of their producers and sellers;
• in most cases do not harm patients.

It is not surprising that all the problems described do not bother the real owner of the insurance company at all. Where it is a private insurance company that pays for treatment, and not a patient or a corrupt official, there (in the world of private capital) no one wants to pay for relief, reassurance and “no harm”. They pay for effective treatment, confirmed by evidence-based medicine. But with this problem ...

I would like, nevertheless, to emphasize that the ability of nootropic drugs to positively influence metabolic processes in the nervous tissue is not at all an invention of greedy pharmacists, it is a real fact.

Nootropics are really capable of:

• activate energy metabolism in neurons;
• enhance protein synthesis;
• increase the rate of transmission of impulses to the central nervous system;
• improve the absorption of glucose by nerve cells;
• strengthen cell membranes.

These properties are really revealed in experiments. It is these properties that allow scientists to consider nootropic drugs as a very (!!!) promising group of drugs and continue their intensive study. It is on the basis of these properties that indications for the use of nootropics are formulated.

That is, given the ability of nootropics to activate, enhance, increase, improve and strengthen, it is assumed that they will help with delayed speech development or mental retardation... And then the saddest thing is the theoretical assumption does not find its practical confirmation when using drugs in real patients.

No wonder in this regard two facts:

• manufacturers of nootropic drugs do not promise anyone a quick and significant action: - it is emphasized in every possible way that the effectiveness is, firstly, moderate and, secondly, to obtain an effect, a long-term intake is required - several months;
• an increasing number of pharmacologists propose to consider nootropics not as drugs, but as biologically active additivespotentially able to improve the quality of life.

So, you left the office of a pediatrician or neuropathologist and you have a list of prescribed drugs in your hands, and this list includes nootropic drugs.

You know that, if nootropic drugs are used, it is not just that, but for very specific indications. And this means that if you are prescribed a drug from the group of nootropic drugs, it is because your child has a specific diagnosis (see the list of indications and diagnoses above).

No diagnosis - no indication. I.e the appointment of nootropic drugs has nothing to do with muscle hypertonia, minimal cerebral dysfunction, pyramidal insufficiency and other fashionable and popular domestic diagnoses.

Again, you already know that the effectiveness of nootropics has not been proven, but you also know that they are safe in most cases, and you have neither the strength nor the special desire to argue with a doctor and take responsibility for "not treating" yourself. So, we will be treated ... And the main thing here is not to harm. Therefore, in the subsequent consideration of the main nootropic drugs, we will focus on the safety of use.

Piracetam

It has been used for over 40 years, being in fact the ancestor of nootropic drugs.

Available in many dosage forms, intended for both enteral and parenteral administration, - tablets, capsules, granules, syrups, solutions for intramuscular and intravenous administration.

Possible side effects - abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, mental agitation, motor disinhibition, irritability, imbalance, decreased ability to concentrate, anxiety, sleep disturbances.

Neuroamino acid preparations

Gamma -aminobutyric acid ... Available in tablets. It is taken orally before meals. Strengthens the effect of hypnotics and anticonvulsants. Possible nausea, vomiting, insomnia, fever, fever, shortness of breath, hypersensitivity reactions.

Hopantenova acid ... Available in tablets and syrup. During the reception, it is possible allergic reactions (rhinitis, conjunctivitis, rash). Not recommended in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Nicotinoyl gamma-aminobutyric acid ... It is used for enteral administration (tablets) and parenteral administration (i / m, i / v - solutions). The use may be accompanied by nausea, headache, dizziness, irritability, anxiety, allergic reactions. Contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women.

Gamma-amino-beta-phenylbutyric acid hydrochloride - known by trade name phenibut , available in tablets. Irritates the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract (therefore it is contraindicated in peptic ulcer). At the beginning of treatment, it usually causes severe drowsiness. Also, irritability, agitation, anxiety, dizziness, headache, nausea, allergic reactions are possible. Not used during pregnancy and lactation.

Glycine ... It is available in tablets intended for absorption in the mouth. Very well tolerated - rare allergic reactions.

Glutamic acid ... Release forms - tablets and granules. Adverse reactions - hyperexcitability, vomiting, diarrhea. With prolonged use, a decrease in the level of leukocytes and hemoglobin, irritation of the oral mucosa, and cracks in the lips are possible. Contraindicated in febrile conditions, diseases of the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, hematopoietic organs. During treatment, it is imperative to periodically do clinical blood and urine tests.

Neuropeptides

Neuropeptides are protein molecules formed in the nervous system that have biological activity. Medicines containing neuropeptides have a certain nootropic effect. Some drugs of this group are widely known and are actively used in countries where the concept of evidence-based medicine has not yet been adequately implemented. The most well-known neuropeptide drugs include cerebrolysin , cortexin , actovegin , solcoseryl .

The drugs are administered mainly intramuscularly. They are well tolerated, but allergic reactions are possible, sometimes very severe.

Pyritinol

Is taken orally (suspension, tablets, pills). It has an impressive list of possible side effects - sleep disturbances, increased anxiety, headache, dizziness, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, allergic reactions, stomatitis, joint pain, reactions from the hematopoietic system. Contraindicated in hypersensitivity, epilepsy, hepatic and renal failure... Not recommended for pregnant and lactating women. During treatment, laboratory control is required (clinical blood and urine tests, liver function tests).

Vinpocetine

It is considered as a drug of complex action. It has not only a nootropic effect, but also the ability to improve blood circulation in the nervous tissue. Yet numerous beneficial features vinpocetine by evidence-based medicine has not yet been confirmed.

The drug is available in tablets and solutions for intravenous administration. You cannot enter it in / m. Contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women. When taken orally, it is well tolerated (rare hypersensitivity reactions), with intravenous administration, a decrease in blood pressure, dizziness, nausea, phlebitis is possible.

Due to the large number of side effects (drowsiness, fatigue, headache, trembling limbs, increased muscle tone, depression, dry mouth, abdominal pain, increased sweating, allergic reactions, lower blood pressure), it is not currently recommended as a nootropic, nor as a vascular agent. The use is considered justified in complex therapy migraines, dizziness, motion sickness.

The list of nootropics doesn't end there. The stimulating effect on metabolic processes in the nervous tissue - the very nootropic effect - seems to be very, very attractive. It is not surprising that there are many (hundreds!) Of a wide variety of medicines, in theory having a nootropic effect.

Even a cursory listing of these drugs can take more than a dozen pages, nevertheless all that your child can be prescribed to "improve" the nervous system is drugs with unproven effectivenessin the 4th phase clinical research (so-called. post-marketing research). Only you - moms and dads - have the right to decide whether your child will participate in these studies or not.

(This publication is a fragment of the book by E.O. Komarovsky adapted to the format of the article

Among doctors, nootropics are known as neurometabolic stimulants (smart drugs in the West).

They are used in many areas of medicine - neurology, psychology, surgery and others.

Nootropic drugs that improve nutrition and blood circulation in the brain belong to the category of drugs that improve the activity of the higher mental functions of the brain:

• memory;
• perception;
• speech;
• thinking.

Pharmacological group

Nootropics are assigned to a separate pharmacological group (ATX code: N06BX).

The first open nootropic is considered (1963), which gave rise to the "racetom" branch. He became the main competitor for psychostimulants, but at the same time did not have side effects (addiction, exhaustion, psychomotor agitation, intoxication), which the latter sinned. The new synthesized drug improved memory, attention, and helped to concentrate better. In its early days, a new drug was used to treat brain dysfunction in the elderly.

In 1972, a new designation was proposed - "nootropic". Piracetam is now known by its trade name. However, the mechanism of its action has not yet been fully understood.

What is the reason for the therapeutic effect of the drugs of the group

Provides the work of the following mechanisms, due to which the positive effect of taking nootropics is achieved:

• supports the energy structure of the neuron;
• improves the trunk and conductive functions of the central nervous system;
• activates the plastic function of the central nervous system;
• improves metabolic processes (glucose utilization);
• stabilizes cell membranes;
• reduces the need for a neuron in oxygen;
• has a neuroprotective effect.

Pharmacological properties and mechanism of action

The active substances of nootropics penetrate well through the myelin barrier nerve fibers... In the neuron, there is an increase in metabolism, bioenergetic and bioelectric processes, neurotransmitter exchanges are accelerated.

In the nerve cell, the concentration of adenylate cyclase, norepinephrine increases; more actively produced ATP (even in conditions of lack of oxygen), GABA, dopamine. The work and the release of the serotonin mediator occur faster, glucose is utilized more efficiently.

Due to these processes, the body receives a stimulating effect in relation to cognitive functions, for which nootropics have received the additional name "cognition stimulants". In addition to positive changes in the nerve cell, neurostimulants improve microcirculation and blood flow in the brain.

Result of action and expected effect

Nootropic action leads to the following effects:

• the mental function is activated;
• improves memory;
• consciousness becomes clear;
• physical strength increases;
• there is an antidepressant effect;
• sedation appears;
• fat burning occurs;
• strengthens the immune system;
• operational readiness is activated.

Classification of modern nootropics

There are a huge number of developed nootropic drugs around the world ( full list has up to 132 items). In pharmacology, the following groups of drugs have been synthesized, which are subdivided by chemical composition:

1. Pyrrolidine group ("Racetam"): Etiracetam; Oxiracetam; Pramiracetam.
2. Group derived from dimethylaminoethanol: Phenotropil; Deanola aceglumate; Meclofenoxate.
3. GABAergic:; Picamilon; Phenibut.
4. Group derived from pyridoxine: Pyritinol; Biotredin.
5. Neuropeptides: Noopept; Semax; Selank.
6. Polypeptides:; Cerebrolysin; Cerebramine.
7. Amino acids:; Biotredin.
8. A group derived from 2-mercantobenzimidazole: ethylthiobenzimidazole hydrobromide (Bemitil).
9. Vitamin: Idebenone.

Old and new generation drugs

Nootropic drugs are also classified into old and new generation groups. Old generation nootropics include drugs discovered at the dawn of synthesizing neurostimulants. This is the so-called. derivatives of the first open nootropic - ("racetam"). These include:

• Oxiracetam;
• Aniracetam;
• Etiracetam;
• Pramiracetam;
• Dupracetam;
• Rolziracetam;
• Cebracetam;
• Nefiracetam;
• Izacetam;
• Detiracetam.

With the onset of the 90s of the 20th century. a new page opens in the history of the development of nootropics. Modern drugs have more flexible selective action and fewer side effects. Here is a list of the most popular new generation nootropic drugs:

• Phezam (improvement of cerebral circulation, protein and energy metabolism, has a vasodilating effect);
• Phenylpiracetam (recovery after, improvement of attention, concentration, memory, improves information transfer between hemispheres, anticonvulsant effect);
• Noopept (restoring memory and other lost cognitive functions, relieving anxiety, treating headaches);
• Selank (relieves anxiety and stress, enhancement of mental capabilities, uplifting mood).

What is good for a Russian, death for a German

In the post-Soviet space, nootropics are associated with drugs that enhance the "brain metabolism". However, in addition to the nootropic, these drugs also have a number of other therapeutic effects... Therefore, brain stimulants are also used as medicines for diseases of the brain.

Group drugs can be prescribed for the following violations:

Basically, such treatment is experimental in nature and often leads to the occurrence of side effects and an increase in the symptoms of certain diseases.

Consider the indications and contraindications for use for the most popular drugs in this group.

Piracetam

Has structural similarity to GABA. It has neuroprotective and vascular effects. Indications for the use of piracetam:

• cerebrovascular disease;
• atherosclerosis of the brain;
• coma;
• memory impairment, attention,;
• cardiac ischemia;
• viral;
• chronic alcoholism and drug addiction.

Despite the fact that in Western medicine this drug is not a drug, in Russia piracetam began to be used for therapeutic purposes for a number of diseases:

• recovery after;
• down syndrome.

Contraindications to the use of the drug:

• hypersensitivity to the drug;
• impaired renal function;
• pregnancy;
• children's age up to 1 year;

A new generation nootropic, which belongs to the so-called group. "Racetam". Stimulates motor reactions (similar to doping). It has an anticonvulsant and antiasthenic effect. Indications for use:

Contraindications for use: individual intolerance.

Semax

Domestic development related to the group of neuropeptide nootropic drugs. It is used for the following cases:

• increasing adaptive capacity under stress;
• prevention of psycho-emotional overload;
• deterioration in concentration;
• memory impairment;
• recovery after craniocerebral surgery;

There are the following contraindications:

• hypersensitivity to the components of the nootropic;
• acute mental illness;
• anxiety;
• convulsions.

Side effects

Nootropics are a double-edged sword when it comes to brain function. Taking them in compliance with all instructions will have a beneficial effect. However, if you move away from the prescriptions of doctors even one step, then this can lead to an increase in the symptoms of the disease for which the drug is prescribed, or to provide negative effect in relation to cognitive functions.

Let's consider the pronounced side effects using the examples of the most popular drugs:

1. Piracetam... Side effects caused by this drug: deterioration of intellectual abilities; increased dementia; increased anxiety and irritability; sleep disturbance or drowsiness; decreased concentration of attention; disruption of the digestive tract (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea).
2. ... The side effects caused by this drug are as follows: insomnia; psychomotor agitation; hyperemia skin; increased pressure; feeling of warmth.
3. Semax. Side effects not detected, except for irritation of the nasal mucosa with frequent use of the bottle.

Application features

Thoughtless use of drugs of this group can lead to sad consequences. Therefore, the use of nootropics must be approached responsibly.

It should be remembered that a drug that stimulates the activity of the brain should be used only after certain conditions are met.

The first thing to do is consult a neurologist. After a positive verdict is received from the doctor, you should prepare your body for taking a nootropic.

This preparation consists in a kind of laying the foundation on which the building of the effective action of the brain stimulant will be erected. This foundation is the fortification of the body, in which the necessary substances, when taking the nootropic, reach the brain faster and more efficiently at the molecular level, which will allow the stimulant to be better absorbed. Vitaminization includes the following substances and natural complexes:

• iron;
• chlorophyll;
• lecithin;
• grepine;
• omega-3;
• pycnogenol.

Dosages and regimens for taking nootropics from the TOP-3

The nuances of the use and dosage of popular nootropics.

He was the first very

The beneficial effects of Piracetam appear only after long-term use. Excretion from the body through the kidneys. The course is 6-8 weeks at 1200-1400 mg / day.

Reception methods:

• inside;
• intramuscularly;
• intravenously.

Release form:

• capsules;
• solution for intramuscular and intravenous administration;
• oral solution;
• syrup;
• pills.

After taking Phenotropil, it is quickly absorbed by the body and penetrates into all tissues. Excretion from the body is carried out through the kidneys and liver.

Reception methods:

• inside;
• orally.

Release form:

• tablets 50 mg;
• tablets 100 mg.

Domestic development

Methods for taking Semax:

• inside;
• intranasally.

Release form: dropper bottle.

Golden ten

Based on the reviews, we have put together the best nootropic drugs in the opinion of the people:

Not proven effective?

The attitude of the luminaries of medicine to nootropics is fanned with doubts and uncertainty. Countless clinical trials of nootropics are still underway, but this pharmacological group they still fail to gain a foothold in the status of drugs with proven efficacy.

The observations of specialists allowed us to draw a number of more or less stable conclusions regarding the following drugs:

What is there for children?

For children, there are special granules for making syrup. In pediatric practice, there are cases of the use of nootropics in cases of the following disorders:

• cerebrasthenic;
• encephalopathic;
• memory impairment;
• intellectual retardation.

Indications for the use of nootropics in childhood:

• delayed intellectual development;
• stress;
• depression.

• (stimulating);
• Picamilon (stimulant);
• Phenibut (sedative);
• (sedative).