Piracetam
About Piracetam
Piracetam belongs to a group of medicines called GABA analogues used to treat myoclonus (a movement disorder). Additionally, Piracetam is also used to treat memory disorders, vertigo, and dyslexia (learning disorder) in children above 8 years.
Piracetam contains 'Piracetam' that 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.
In some cases, Piracetam may cause side effects such as diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, headache, abdominal pain, and pain at the site of injection. Consult your doctor if you experience any of these side effects persistently.
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with Piracetam. Avoid driving or operating machinery as Piracetam may cause drowsiness, dizziness and fatigue. Piracetam is not recommended for children below 8 years.
Uses of Piracetam
Medicinal Benefits
Piracetam is a nootropic drug which belongs to a group of medicines called GABA analogues. Piracetam is used to treat myoclonus (a movement disorder). Additionally, Piracetam 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.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Piracetam
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Pain at the site of injection
Drug Warnings
Do not take Piracetam if you are allergic to any of its contents; if you have/had end-stage kidney disease, Huntington's chorea disease (degeneration of nerve cells in the brain) or brain haemorrhage. Inform your doctor if you have bleeding problems or kidney dysfunction. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy or breastfeeding. Avoid driving or operating machinery as Piracetam may cause drowsiness, dizziness and fatigue. Piracetam is not recommended for children below 8 years. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medications to rule out any interactions.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Piracetam may have interaction with thyroid hormone and blood thinners (acenocoumarol).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have end-stage kidney disease, Huntington's chorea disease, brain haemorrhage, or bleeding problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeConsumption of alcohol is not recommended while on treatment with Piracetam.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease inform your doctor if you are pregnant. Your doctor will prescribe Piracetam only if it is necessary.
Breast Feeding
unsafePiracetam passes into breastmilk. Please inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor may advise you to avoid breastfeeding whilst on treatment with Piracetam or discontinue Piracetam during breastfeeding.
Driving
unsafePiracetam may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and fatigue. Do not drive or operate machinery.
Liver
cautionPlease inform your doctor if you have a liver impairment before taking Piracetam. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionPlease inform your doctor if you have kidney impairment before taking Piracetam. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your condition.
Children
cautionPiracetam is not recommended for children below 8 years.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain proper weight by following a healthy diet.
- Exercise regularly as it helps in less cognitive decline and brain volume loss.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Try to avoid stress by practising meditation or yoga.
- Include fruits and vegetables in your diet as they contain antioxidants.
- Avoid late-night exercises as they can increase muscle twitches.
- Create a bed time routine as it helps in relaxation and stress reduction.
- Follow a healthy lifestyle as it helps in improving overall health and possibly protects the brain.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Myoclonus: Myoclonus is a movement disorder that causes uncontrollable twitching and jerky movements of arms and legs. It causes sudden muscle spasms which are involuntary and uncontrollable. It might involve one muscle or 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. Myoclonic jerks or twitches are caused by sudden muscle contractions, called positive myoclonus or muscle relaxations, called negative myoclonus. Myoclonus is a symptom of neurological disorders which occurs due to disturbance in the brain or spinal cord or due to injury of peripheral nerves.
Vertigo: Vertigo is a sudden external or internal spinning sensation which causes a feeling of being off-balance. Symptoms include dizziness, loss of balance, ringing in the ears, nausea, and vomiting.
Dyslexia: Dyslexia is a learning disorder characterised by reading and learning problems. Symptoms include learning new words slowly, late talking, slow and a delay in learning to read.
FAQs
Piracetam belongs to a group of medicines called GABA analogues used to treat myoclonus (a movement disorder), memory disorders, vertigo, and dyslexia (learning disorder).
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.
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 stools.
Yes, Piracetam is used to treat vertigo. Vertigo is a sudden external or internal spinning sensation which causes a feeling of being off-balance.
Piracetam may cause weight gain. Follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain a proper weight. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Piracetam is used to treat dyslexia in combination with 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.
