Piracetam
Cas No.: 7491-74-9
What is piracetam?
Piracetam is a synthetic derivative of gammaaminobutyric acid GABA. The chemical name of this compound is 2-oxo-1-pyrrolidine-acetamide. It occurs in the following drugs: Piracetamum, Nootropil, Biotropil, Lucetam, Recotium.
It is one of the best known compounds with nootropic effects, improving neuronal plasticity. This means that the effect of use is the formation of new nerve connections. The product works well during periods of intense mental effort, as it improves memory and concentration. It works well for young people who are studying or working mentally. Older people with cognitive impairment can also reach for it. The product exhibits neuroprotective effects, meaning it reduces degenerative changes in the brain, similar to 9-Me-BC.
Use of piracetam
Piracetam is a nootropic used to improve cognitive functions such as concentration, memory, assimilation of new information and its processing. Reduces memory problems, learning difficulties, association problems. It can increase efficiency during mental work. Alleviates symptoms of cognitive impairment in neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.
The product is used as a drug to reduce dizziness, to support the therapy of dyslexic disorders or ADHD attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. In addition, it can help treat complications of stroke.
Mechanism of action of piracetam
The product modulates the activity of AMPA receptors, with a similar profile of action shown by m. in. sunifiram. Stimulation of these receptors results in improved transmission of nerve impulses. In addition, the action of piracetam includes modulating the activity of acetylcholine and enhancing its effect on the receptors of the system cholinergic . And finally – the product improves the brain’s energy metabolism, increasing the use of oxygen and glucose by neurons.
Piracetam – dosage
The recommended dosage of piracetam is 1200-4800 mg per day, taken as three smaller doses. To increase its effectiveness, the product can be taken together with lecithin and vitamin B5.
References:
- Spignoli G et al. “Effect of oxiracetam and piracetam on central cholinergic mechanisms and active-avoidance acquisition.” Clin Neuropharmacol. 1986;9 Suppl 3:S39-47; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3594455/
- Gouliaev AH, Senning A. “Piracetam and other structurally related nootropics.” Brain Res Brain Res Rev. 1994 May;19(2):180-222; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8061686/
- Waegemans T et al. “Clinical efficacy of piracetam in cognitive impairment: a meta-analysis.” Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord. 2002;13(4):217-24; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12006732/
- Winblad B. Piracetam: a review of pharmacological properties and clinical uses. CNS Drug Rev. 2005 Summer;11(2):169-82; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6741724/
