Piracetam: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Drug Piracetam?

What is piracetam for?

Piracetam is a nootropic drug used to treat mental conditions. These drugs act on the brain and nervous system, and protect the brain from oxygen deprivation.

This drug is a synthetic derivative of gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is a chemical compound that helps slow down the activity of the nervous system.

Piracetam tablets are generally used in combination with other drugs to treat myoclonus. Myoclonus is a condition in which the nervous system causes the muscles, especially in the arms and legs, to start twitching uncontrollably.

According to the Healthline website, this drug can also be used for the following conditions:

• treat the symptoms of dyslexia
• overcome the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and dementia
• helps reduce inflammation
• reduce pain

How do you use piracetam?

Here are the rules for using piracetam drugs:

• Swallow the whole tablet along with a glass of water.
• You are not advised to chew piracetam tablets because they have a very bitter taste.
• If you find it difficult to swallow the tablets, tell your doctor as soon as possible because they can prescribe piracetam in solution form.

How to store this drug?

Piracetam should be stored at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. To prevent damage to the drug, you should not store piracetam in the bathroom or freezer .

There may be other brands of piracetam that have different storage rules. Pay attention to the storage instructions on the packaging of your product, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines out of reach of children and pets.

Do not flush piracetam down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about how to safely dispose of your medication.

Piracetam dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the piracetam dosage for adults?

The normal starting dose is 7.2 g daily (six tablets).

It is best to split the doses, so that the tablets are taken on two or three separate occasions during the whole day (eg 2 tablets in the morning and 2 during the day and 2 in the evening).

When you start taking this drug, your doctor may tell you to gradually increase your dose to ensure that you receive the best dose to treat your health condition.

What is the dose of piracetam for children?

There is no provision for the dosage of piracetam for children. Piracetam can be dangerous for children. It is important to understand the safety of drugs before use. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

In what dosage and preparation is this drug available?

Piracetam is available in the following dosages: Tablet: 800 mg; 1200 mg

Piracetam side effects

What side effects may occur due to piracetam?

You may experience the following side effects:

• Severe allergic reaction and having difficulty breathing, swelling, fever
• Spontaneous bleeding caused by defects in the blood clotting mechanism
• Hallucinations
• Difficulty balancing when standing
• Anxiety and agitation
• Confusion
• Restless
• Nervous
• Drowsiness
• Depression
• Weak
• Vertigo
• Increase in Weight
• Stomach ache
• Diarrhea
• Feeling or sick
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Swelling of the skin, especially around the face
• Skin rash and hives.

Not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Piracetam Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using piracetam?

Do not take piracetam tablets if:

• You are allergic to the active ingredients in piracetam
• You are allergic to other ingredients in this medicine
• You have had serious kidney problems
• You have Huntington's Disease (also known as Huntington's Chorea)
• You've had a brain hemorrhage

If you experience any of the above mentioned, then you should not take Piracetam tablets and consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Consult your doctor before taking Piracetam tablets if:

• You think your kidneys may not be working properly. (Your doctor may need to give you a low dose first.)
• You've had a bleeding problem of any kind.

Consult your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:

• Thyroid extract or thyroxine
• Anticoagulants such as warfarin or aceno-coumarol
• Low-dose aspirin
• Other drugs, including those that are obtained without a prescription

Is this drug safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

There is no adequate research on the risks of using Piracetam in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

In animal studies of the use of this drug, there were no harmful effects on the development of the fetus in the womb. However, this drug can be absorbed into the placental lining of the fetus.

It is estimated that this drug can be absorbed as much as 70 to 90 percent of the fetus. Therefore, this drug is not recommended for consumption by pregnant women, unless under the supervision of a doctor and all potential benefits and risks have been carefully considered.

Piracetam Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with piracetam?

Piracetam may interact with other medicines that you are taking, which can change the performance of the drug or increase the risk of serious side effects.

To avoid drug interactions, keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. For your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

The following are some of the drugs that may interact with this drug:

• cilostazol
• clopidogrel
• dipyridamole
• eptifibatide
• prasugrel
• ticlopidine
• tirofiban
• levothyroxine
• liothyronine

Can food or alcohol interact with piracetam?

Piracetam may interact with other medicines that you are taking, which can change the performance of the drug or increase the risk of serious side effects.

Smoking tobacco or consuming alcohol with certain drugs also has the potential to cause interactions to occur.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist about food and alcohol that can potentially interact before using piracetam.

What health conditions can interact with this drug?

Piracetam may interact with your health condition. These interactions can worsen your health condition or change the performance of the drug.

Therefore, it is very important to always consult with doctors and pharmacists so that they know all your health conditions.

The following are health conditions that may interact with this drug:

• liver problems or disease
• Kidney illness
• hemorrhagic diathesis

Piracetam overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (118/119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department. However, glutamine overdose generally does not cause life-threatening symptoms.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of piracetam, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.