How Piracetam works
The effect of Piracetam is not yet fully and comprehensively understood. The positive influence on memory, concentration and attention is at least not linked to a central stimulating effect.
Another experimentally observed effect of the active ingredient concerns the fluidity and coagulation of blood:
Other studies confirm that the active ingredient Piracetam has a therapeutic advantage in the aftercare of stroke patients and in children with dyslexia (problems reading and writing words or coherent texts).
Its use to enhance memory performance or improve memory in healthy patients is controversial and not supported by studies.
Absorption, degradation and excretion
About four to six hours after ingestion, half of the active substance is excreted unchanged by the kidneys (half-life).
When is Piracetam used?
Piracetam is approved for:
- Performance disorders affecting the brain, with symptoms of impaired memory, concentration and thinking, lack of drive and motivation (in this area, its use is primarily in dementia)
- the supportive treatment of dyslexia in children from the age of eight as part of an overall therapeutic concept
It is usually taken over a longer period of time.
This is how Piracetam is used
The tablets are taken with or after a meal with a glass of water.
For patients with dysphagia or tube feeding, liquid dosage forms (solution) are also available.
What are the side effects of Piracetam?
The occurrence of side effects is dose-dependent – higher dosages lead to an increased occurrence of side effects.
Occasionally, side effects may also occur in the form of depression, drowsiness, decrease or increase in blood pressure, feeling weak, and increased libido.
What should be considered when taking Piracetam?
Contraindications
Piracetam should not be used in:
- hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the other ingredients of the drug
- brain hemorrhage (cerebral hemorrhage)
- End-stage renal dysfunction (terminal renal failure).
Interactions
Because Piracetam is not metabolized or broken down in the body, interactions with other agents occur very rarely.
Increased irritability, confusion, and sleep disturbances have been reported when Piracetam is combined with thyroid hormones to treat hypothyroidism.
Caution is advised when Piracetam is to be used in patients with blood clotting disorders. Due to the anticoagulant properties of the active substance, there may be an increased tendency to bleed. For the same reason, caution is also advised when taking Piracetam before surgery and in the presence of existing gastric ulcers.
Age restriction
Piracetam is not approved for children under eight years of age.
In elderly patients (over 65 years of age) and patients with renal dysfunction, the dosage may need to be reduced as renal excretion is impaired. In addition, renal function should be monitored regularly for the duration of treatment with Piracetam.
Pregnancy and lactation
How to obtain medicines containing Piracetam
Preparations containing the active ingredient Piracetam are available on prescription in Germany, Austria and Switzerland in any dosage and package size. They can be obtained from pharmacies on presentation of a doctor’s prescription.
How long has Piracetam been known?
Piracetam has been approved as a drug in Europe since the mid-1970s.
