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NERVOUS SYSTEM › PSYCHOANALEPTICS › PSYCHOSTIMULANTS, AGENTS USED FOR ADHD AND NOOTROPICS › Other psychostimulants and nootropics
piracetam
N06BX03
Forms & Strengths
- Oral Tablet: 800 mg
- Oral Tablet: 1200 mg
- Oral Solution: 333.3 mg/mL
Adult Dosing
- Myoclonus of cortical origin: Initial 7.2 g daily divided in 2-3 doses, increased by 4.8 g every 3-4 days up to 24 g daily
- Cognitive impairment/dementia: 1.2 g to 4.8 g daily divided in 2-3 doses
Pediatric Dosing
- Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients have not been established
Indications
- Treatment of myoclonus of cortical origin
- Adjunctive treatment of cognitive impairment in geriatric conditions (off-label/regional variations)
- Adjunctive treatment of dyslexia in children (regional variations)
Mechanism of Action
- Cyclic derivative of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
- Modulates neurotransmission across cholinergic, serotonergic, and noradrenergic systems
- Improves metabolic and neuroplasticity functions in the brain
- Enhances erythrocyte deformability and reduces platelet aggregation
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to piracetam or other pyrrolidone derivatives
- Severe renal impairment (CrCl < 20 mL/min)
- Active cerebral hemorrhage
- Huntington's chorea
Adverse Reactions
- Weight gain
- Nervousness, agitation, anxiety, confusion
- Somnolence, asthenia
- Insomnia
- Hyperkinesia
Drug Interactions
- Thyroid extract: May cause confusion, irritability, and sleep disorders
- Anticoagulants: Potential increased risk of bleeding due to effects on platelet aggregation
- Central nervous system stimulants: Potentiation of stimulant effects
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use