Piracetam
About Piracetam
Piracetam is used to treat myoclonus (a movement disorder). Additionally, it is also used to treat memory disorders, vertigo, and dyslexia (a learning disorder) in children above 8 years. Myoclonus is a movement disorder that causes uncontrollable twitching and jerky movements of the arms and legs.
Piracetam contains 'Piracetam', which acts on the brain and nervous system, thereby protecting against oxygen deprivation.
Take Piracetam as advised by your doctor. Piracetam may cause common side effects such as headache, sleepiness, stomach pain, diarrhoea, weakness, nausea, and restlessness. You are advised to talk to your doctor if the side effects persist or worsen.
Please do not stop taking Piracetam without consulting your doctor. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Piracetam is not recommended for children below 8 years, as the safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Uses of Piracetam
Movement Disorders: Piracetam can help lessen involuntary movements in people with certain movement disorders, such as dystonia.
Mood Stabilisation: Off-label use may occasionally be employed to help people with anxiety disorders or associated symptoms manage their mood and lessen their worry.
Cognitive Enhancement: In high-demand scenarios, such as studying or performing strenuous work activities, some people utilise Piracetam to enhance cognitive function, including memory, focus, and overall mental performance.
Treatment of Vertigo: Piracetam is mainly used to treat vertigo, which is a disorder that can make you feel lightheaded and like you're spinning.
Medicinal Benefits
When used as prescribed, Piracetam may offer the following benefits:
For Myoclonus:
- Reduces the occurrence and intensity of abrupt, involuntary muscular jerks.
- Stabilises neural signal transmission in the brain, thereby enhancing motor control.
- Improves myoclonus patients' quality of life and everyday functioning.
For Vertigo:
- Helps lessen vertigo by enhancing blood flow and oxygen utilisation in the brain.
- Supports brain and inner ear function to improve balance and coordination.
- Reduces the frequency and intensity of episodes of vertigo.
For Dyslexia:
- Helps improve memory and learning ability.
- Enhances attention and concentration.
- Supports better communication between brain cells.
- May help improve reading and comprehension skills.
- Works best when combined with speech therapy and educational support.
Directions for Use
- Take Piracetam with or without food, or as advised by a doctor.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safety.
- Swallow the medicine as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Storage
Side Effects of Piracetam
- Headache
- Sleepiness
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhoea
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Restlessness
Medicines Containing this Salt
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Drug Warnings
- Do not take Piracetam if you are allergic to any of its components or if you have/had a serious kidney problem, Huntington's disease (neurodegenerative disorder) or brain haemorrhage.
- Inform your doctor if you have kidney dysfunction or bleeding problems.
- Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Avoid driving or operating machinery as Piracetam may cause drowsiness, sleepiness and shakiness.
- Avoid consuming alcohol along with Piracetam as it could lead to increased sleepiness.
- Piracetam is not recommended for children below 8 years, as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Taking Piracetam with the following medication classes may cause adverse reactions.
- Blood thinners (warfarin, acenocoumarol)
• Potential effect: May increase the risk of bleeding. - Thyroid drugs (levothyroxine)
• Potential effect: May cause confusion, disturbed sleep and irritability.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have a history of the following conditions before taking Piracetam, as it may worsen your condition or cause complications.
- Kidney impairment
- Huntington's disease (a genetic disorder that causes gradual damage to brain cells)
- Brain haemorrhage
- Bleeding problems
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Piracetam as it may cause increased drowsiness and sleepiness.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor before taking Piracetam if you are pregnant.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding; your doctor will decide whether breastfeeding mothers can take Piracetam or not.
Driving
unsafePiracetam may cause drowsiness and shakiness. Do not drive or operate machinery.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with liver impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
cautionPiracetam is not recommended for children below 8 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Piracetam may be prescribed for dyslexia (learning disorder) in children above 8 years.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Healthy eating habits:
- To promote brain health, eat a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, healthy grains, and lean meats.
- To improve cognitive performance, include meals high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, nuts, and seeds.
- Drink enough water throughout the day to stay properly hydrated.
Lifestyle changes:
- To support brain function, get enough sleep and control your stress.
- Consume a healthy, well-balanced diet and drink enough water.
- Steer clear of alcohol and activities that call for attention if you feel lightheaded or sleepy.
Physical activity:
- Walking, stretching, or yoga are examples of light to moderate exercise that can be done on a daily basis to enhance brain health and blood circulation.
- Exercises for balance and coordination might lessen vertigo symptoms.
- If you experience headaches, lightheadedness, or unsteadiness, stay away from physically demanding activities.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Myoclonus: Myoclonus is a movement disorder that causes uncontrollable twitching and jerky movements of the arms and legs. It causes sudden, involuntary, and uncontrollable muscle spasms. It might involve one muscle or a group of muscles and can occur randomly or in a pattern. Myoclonus is generally a clinical sign of an underlying disease rather than the condition itself. Sudden muscle contractions cause myoclonic jerks or twitches, called positive myoclonus or muscle relaxations, called negative myoclonus. Myoclonus is a symptom of neurological disorders that occur due to disturbance in the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerve injury.
Vertigo: Vertigo is a sudden external or internal spinning sensation which causes a feeling of off-balance.
Dyslexia: Dyslexia is a learning disorder characterised by reading and learning problems.
FAQs
Piracetam used to treat myoclonus (a movement disorder). Additionally, it is also used to treat memory disorders, vertigo, and dyslexia (learning disorder) in children above 8 years.
Piracetam acts on the brain and nervous system, thereby protecting against shortness of oxygen. It also improves the activity of a chemical messenger called acetylcholine, which helps in communication between brain cells.
Piracetam is used in the symptomatic treatment of cognitive and memory disorders caused by organic disorders. However, Piracetam does not treat neurodegenerative dementia (memory loss) such as Alzheimer's disease.
Do not discontinue Piracetam without consulting your doctor. To treat your condition effectively, continue taking Piracetam for as long as prescribed. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you feel any difficulty while taking Piracetam.
Diarrhoea could be a side-effect of Piracetam. Drink plenty of fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. Consult your doctor if you experience severe diarrhoea or if you find blood in your stools.
Yes, Piracetam is used to treat vertigo. Vertigo is a sudden sensation of spinning, either external or internal, which causes a feeling of being off-balance.
Piracetam may cause an increase in weight. Follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain a proper weight. Consult your doctor if you notice weight gain.
Piracetam is used to treat dyslexia combined with other appropriate measures, such as speech therapy, in children and adolescents aged above 8 years. Dyslexia is a learning disorder characterised by reading and learning problems.
Hallucination is a medical condition in which the person may feel, hear or believe things that are not true, see things that are not there, feel unusually suspicious or confused. Piracetam may cause hallucinations in some cases. So, if you experience hallucinations while taking Piracetam, please talk to your doctor immediately.
Piracetam is not recommended if you are allergic to Piracetam or any of its ingredients. Avoid Piracetam if you have severe kidney issues, a history of bleeding in the brain (cerebral hemorrhage), or Huntington’s disease (a genetic disorder, that affects brain function and movement).
Take Piracetam with or without food, or as advised by the physician. Swallow it with a glass of water daily at the same time for effectiveness. Do not chew or crush it.
Yes, Piracetam can be used for long-term if advised by a doctor. However, always follow the doctor’s instructions.
Piracetam is typically prescribed for specific medical conditions, and its use to enhance cognitive abilities in healthy individuals is not recommended. Consult a doctor before using any medication for reasons other than its intended purpose.
If you forget to take a dose of Piracetam, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue taking the regular dose. Avoid taking the double dose to make up for the missed one.
Dose adjustments may be required in patients with kidney problems. Therefore, if you have any kidney problems, inform your doctor before taking Piracetam.
Piracetam may cause side effects such as headache, sleepiness, stomach pain, diarrhoea, weakness, nausea, and restlessness. These do not require any medical treatment as they will gradually reduce over time. Please consult a doctor if these side effects persist for longer than expected.
Before taking Piracetam, you should inform your doctor if you have liver, kidney or bleeding problems. It is contraindicated in patients who are allergic to Piracetam.
Piracetam can interact with other medications, such as thyroxine (a hormone), warfarin (an anticoagulant), and aspirin (a painkiller). Therefore, please consult your doctor before taking Piracetam with other medicines.
