How to understand a nootropic drug. Side effects of nootropics. Contraindications to taking nootropics

Nootropics are a widely used group of drugs in neurology. They improve brain function and have many other positive effects.

Nootropics - what kind of medicine?

Nootropics are understood as a group of psychotropic drugs that increase the resistance of the central nervous system to the effects of negative factors - injuries, poisoning, oxygen starvation, insomnia, stress. Another name for the drugs is cerebroprotectors.

Nootropics are combined into one section with psychostimulants, but they have a significant difference from the latter. They do not cause addiction, do not increase physical activity, are not harmful to the body, and do not affect reactions and essential processes. New generation nootropics are now widely used in neurology, pediatrics, psychiatry, and narcology. The mechanism of action of drugs is based on:

• increasing glucose utilization;
• accelerating the formation of ATP, proteins and RNA;
• suppression of oxidative processes;
• stabilization of cell membranes.

The primary effect of nootropics is a positive effect on the nervous system. The secondary effect is aimed at optimizing blood flow in the brain, preventing the appearance of blood clots, and preventing oxygen deficiency.

Types and functions of nootropics

The entire list of nootropics can be divided into 2 groups - true And neuroprotectors. The former improve memory, speech and a number of other brain functions. The second ones are higher in effectiveness, as they have additional effects - relaxing, sedative, antihypoxic, etc.

Only a doctor can determine which nootropics are best to take. There are different groups of drugs, each of which has its own indications.

Some medications should be taken to improve metabolism in the brain, others are better for increasing cerebral blood flow, and others optimize memory and learning material. Due to the difference in indications, the selection of medications should be entrusted to a specialist.

Who are the drugs indicated for?

Now nootropics are prescribed to adults and children, because the range of their use is very wide. Medicines increase physical activity and endurance, therefore they are indicated for athletes and people involved in physical labor. They will help an elderly person correct age-related changes in memory, intelligence, and impairments due to dementia.

Schoolchildren and students will find medications useful for better assimilation of information during intense workloads and exams.

Nootropics are most often recommended for children for mental retardation, as well as for various disorders of the nervous system.

What other indications exist for taking medications? This:

Even with urinary disorders that are caused by nervous disorders, nootropics can help. They are also prescribed for anemia, diseases of the eyes and spine.

The most popular nootropics

In the ranking of cerebroprotectors, the first places are occupied by true nootropics without additional effects. Many of them belong to medicines of previous generations, but they are not losing ground due to their high efficiency, low price, and availability. If we consider widely prescribed nootropics, the list of drugs will be as follows:

The drug is a unique cerebroprotector Semax(nasal drops, from 400 rub.). It contains peptides that have a powerful nootropic, protective, antioxidant, and antihypoxic effect.

What other nootropics do doctors prescribe?

In addition to the medications described, there are other cerebroprotectors recommended by doctors. For example, medicine Fenotropil(1070 rubles) is one of the best nootropics prescribed for asthenic syndrome, as a neuromodulator and anticonvulsant.

The medicine improves mood, accelerates the exchange of information between the hemispheres, increases the threshold for pain perception and the body's resistance during periods of increased stress. The drug optimizes the quality of life in many nervous disorders.

Due to its psychostimulating effect, Phenotropil cannot be purchased without a prescription!

The list of nootropic drugs is impressive. Among the medical prescriptions you can find the following:

Other well-known cerebroprotectors are Meclofenoxate, Aminalon, Bemitil, Calcium Hopanthenate, Neurobutal, Instenon, etc.

New generation drugs

Nowadays, combination drugs containing several active ingredients are very popular. A representative of the latest generation of drugs is Orocetam(from 500 rub.) - a derivative of orotic acid and piracetam. The drug is used for severe injuries, intoxications, improves the metabolism of brain tissue, and prevents the development of hypoxic phenomena.

Another remedy - Fezam(piracetam and cinnarizine). The price of the medicine is 300 rubles, it is indicated for migraines, headaches, after strokes, injuries, improves memory, normalizes brain function in case of dementia, decreased intelligence. At the same time, the drug dilates blood vessels, optimizing cerebral blood flow.

New generation nootropics are widely prescribed in ophthalmology - they seriously improve the functioning of the optic nerve.

Among the combined cerebroprotectors, it is worth noting Thiocetam, Tanakan, Akatinol, Omaron, Olatropil, as well as gamma-aminobutyric acid derivatives - Picamilon, Gammalon, Gamalate B6, Neuro-norm.

In pediatrics, only those medications are used that have a minimum of side effects and contraindications. But in children, with long-term treatment, they can still increase nervous excitability and cause sleep disturbances, so the indications for use are very strict:

Children are most often prescribed medications Phenibut, Pantogam in syrups, an older child can be given tablets or capsules. Considered harmless to the body Glycine- an amino acid related to the body. Also used in pediatrics Cortexin, Picamilon, limited - Mexidol, Neuromultivit. Course use corrects childhood pathologies of the central nervous system and prevents the progression of diseases.

Nootropics for adults and children are medications that have a stimulating effect on learning. They strengthen memory and mental activity. Such drugs increase the brain’s resistance to injury, hypoxia, and intoxication. This group has effects such as sedative, antidyskinetic, vasovegetative, mnemotropic and others.

Such drugs are prescribed only by specialists for decreased performance, sleep disorders, dizziness, alcoholism and other conditions. Let's look at the mechanism of action of the drugs and the list of the best nootropics.

Nootropics: what are they?

New generation nootropic drugs are drugs that improve cerebral circulation, assimilation ability, and stimulate mental activity. they make the brain more resistant to oxygen starvation and the effects of toxic substances.

A number of substances classified as nootropic drugs have a wide spectrum of action. The latest medications help patients survive psycho-emotional stress and normalize the functioning of the nervous system. When taking this group of drugs, nutrition plays an important role. Nootropics increase the brain's resistance to various adverse effects.

The principle of action of nootropics

Natural nootropics can trigger the synthesis of ribonucleic acid and protein compounds in the central nervous system. The medicine at the cellular level reduces the appearance of free radicals. The main effect is antioxidant. The main effects of the drugs are:

• calming;
• psychostimulant;
• antidepressant;
• antiepileptic;
• adaptogenic;
• mnemotropic;
• vasovegetative;
• antiparkinsonian;
• nootropic;
• increasing clarity of consciousness and others.

Nootropics of the new latest generation do not cause psychomotor agitation and addiction in patients. Their action is based on the following processes:

• launching energy processes in neurons;
• improvement of polysaccharide processing procedures;
• decreased need of nerve cells for oxygen;
• suppression of free radicals in cells;
• launching plastic processes in the central nervous system.

New effective nootropics trigger adenylate cyclase, increasing its concentration in nerve cells. Thanks to all the effects, a person’s memory, thought processes, attention are strengthened, and the ability to learn increases.

Nootropics for VSD are prescribed to improve the metabolic processes of nervous tissue and blood supply. But nootropic courses are only part of complex therapy.

Nootropics and harmful alcohol are incompatible during therapy. Drinking alcoholic beverages has a negative effect on the body. Alcohol affects the cells of the nervous system. Stimulants are used to bring the brain into a natural rhythm.

Therefore, there will be no therapeutic effect for alcoholism. The medicine improves blood flow in the brain, for this reason alcohol quickly seeps into the tissues and cells of the nervous system. The result is a stronger destructive effect of alcohol.

Indications and contraindications

Modern effective nootropic drugs are prescribed for the following problems and autological conditions:

• reducing physical activity and mental abilities to zero;
• difficulties with concentration and memory;
• ischemic stroke;
• complications of changes in cerebral blood flow;
• stuttering;
• senile dementia;
• neuroinfections;
• enuresis;
• consequences of TBI.

Important! Medicines can be used to treat ophthalmological diseases such as retinal pathologies of vascular origin, open-angle glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.

Children's doctors prescribe new, latest generation nootropics for the following ailments:

• delayed speech development;
• changes in the mental development of the child;
• damage to the central nervous system;
• mental retardation of varying degrees of manifestation.

Nootropics for children are indicated if the syndrome is diagnosed.

A nootropic drug cannot be prescribed to patients who have:

• hypersensitivity to components in the composition;
• hemorrhagic stroke;
• manifested decrease in kidney activity;
• carrying a baby and lactation period;
• Gettington's chorea.

Side effects

Usually the drug is well tolerated by patients, but in some cases the following side reactions may occur:

• allergic reactions;
• disturbance of night sleep;
• instability of blood pressure;
• excessive nervousness;
• daytime sleepiness;
• dyspeptic pathologies.

In older people, manifestations of coronary insufficiency may become more pronounced. If you take nootropics for severe epilepsy, seizures may become more frequent.

TOP 9 best nootropics for adults and children: list of drugs

Let's look at the best nootropic drugs that can be taken by both adults and children. The best nootropics can improve brain function, human memory, and concentration. After taking it, the patient’s sleep and general condition improve.

Such products can be produced in the form of tablets, syrup, or nasal drops. Solutions for intramuscular administration. Drops are instilled into each nasal passage for an extended period of time.

Many people are interested in the question of which drugs are harmful and which are the most effective and beneficial for the mind. The effectiveness rating is based on patient reviews.

Glycine is used to improve memory and brain function. Glycine has many important functions in the body, primarily in the nervous system. The drug protects against low mental performance, hypertension, aggressiveness, conflict, psycho-emotional stress, poor sleep, and bad mood. Indicated for the complex treatment of traumatic brain injuries, stroke, and alcohol poisoning.

The drug is produced in tablet form. They should be absorbed and kept under the tongue. The tablets have a sweet taste and are therefore well tolerated by children. G Licin is prescribed for the following pathologies:

• encephalopathy;
• traumatic brain injuries;
• deviant behavior in a child;
• ischemic stroke;
• prolonged stress;
• neuroses and neurosis-like conditions;
• low mental performance.

With proven effectiveness, the drug is prescribed for vegetative-vascular dystonia. But if you have dystonia, you will need to consult a doctor.

The drug has virtually no restrictions on its use. They are approved for use by infants, women during breastfeeding and pregnancy. You cannot use the product only in case of personal intolerance to the components in the composition.

After taking it, patients noted the following benefits:

• cheapness;
• no contraindications;
• natural components in the composition;
• has a small number of third-party reactions.

Minus there is poor effectiveness of application.

Prices for Glycine in online pharmacies:

Phenibut plays an important role in brain activity. Taking the drug normalizes the metabolism of nerve tissue. This means that cortico-subcortical connections are strengthened, which increases the effectiveness of interaction between different parts of the cerebral cortex.

Phenibut normalizes blood circulation in the brain and is good for memory and attention. Taking the drug helps improve night sleep, has an antioxidant effect, stimulates the activity of mental processes, and increases the emotional stability of the nervous system. The product can be used in pediatrics and for the elderly.

Indications for use are:

• depression and chronic stress;
• changes in blood supply to the brain;
• vestibular disorders;
• enuresis;
• for speech development;
• excessive fatigue;
• decreased concentration;
• behavior correction in children;
• neuroses;
• prevention of motion sickness.

The drug should not be given to children under 8 years of age. It should also not be used in cases of severe renal and hepatic impairment.

After taking the drug, the following advantages were noted:

• normalizes sleep;
• helps with depression;
• cheapness.

Minus serves what is available with a prescription.

Prices for Phenibut tablets 20 pcs.

Tenoten is the best medicine characterized by anti-anxiety and antidepressant properties. This means that it helps strengthen the central nervous system. Good for memory and normal brain function. Does not have a calming effect.

The product is indicated for use in pediatrics for children with:

• moderately expressed functional lesions of the central nervous system;
• anxiety and worry;
• excessive irritability;
• memory loss;
• chronic stress.

The child tolerates the drug well.

Contraindications are:

• personal intolerance;
• lactose deficiency;
• pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• children under 3 years old.

Tenoten adult is not prescribed to children under 18.

The benefits of the drug have been proven and the following advantages have been noted:

• opportunity to give to children;
• has a gentle effect on the nervous system;
• absolute compatibility with any other drugs;
• does not have a direct effect on the brain;
• characterized by good efficiency.

Minus is that in case of severe nervous disorders it has no effect.

Prices for Tenoten in online pharmacies:

Prices for Tenoten lozenges 40 pcs.

Prices for Tenoten lozenges 20 pcs.

Piracetam is on the top list of the best drugs. Active component, as it improves blood supply. The drug is a nootropic and helps improve cognitive functions. Has an effect on the central nervous system. The drug does not cause a vasodilator effect. Taking it helps improve microcirculation.

The drug is prescribed for:

• treatment of memory disorders;
• intellectual impairment in the absence of a diagnosis of dementia;
• severe psychoorganic syndrome accompanied by dizziness.

The product must not be used when:

• component intolerance;
• end-stage renal failure;
• hemorrhagic stroke;
• Huntington's chorea.

Plus is clear brain function after taking it.

Minus– with large dosages, a change in physiological state is observed from drowsiness to overexcitation.

Prices for Piracetam in online pharmacies:

Prices for Piracetam capsules 400 mg 60 pcs.

Prices for Piracetam tablets 800 mg 30 pcs.

Prices for Piracetam tablets 200 mg 60 pcs.

Prices for Piracetam tablets 400 mg 60 pcs.

Phenotropil is one of the best remedies, which is characterized by a pronounced anti-amnestic effect. Taking this drug affects the integrative activity of the brain. The concentration of a person improves. It has a positive effect on metabolic processes and blood circulation in the brain.

The drug is indicated to be taken for:

• diseases of the central nervous system of various nature;
• neurotic states that are accompanied by lethargy;
• mild to moderate depression;
• psychoorganic syndromes;
• convulsive states;
• for the prevention of alcoholism.

The drug should not be taken in case of personal intolerance to the composition. It is dangerous to use in acute psychotic conditions, atherosclerosis.

The advantages include:

• enhances the focus and activity of the body;
• increases mental activity and improves brain function.

The disadvantages include:

• high cost of the drug;
• the drug has an accumulating effect;
• the presence of third-party reactions.

Prices for Phenotropil tablets 100 mg 10 pcs.

Prices for Phenotropil tablets 100 mg 30 pcs.

Prices for Phenotropil tablets 50 mg 10 pcs.

Prices for Phenotropil tablets 50 mg 30 pcs.

Pantogam

Pantogam is characterized by nootropic and anticonvulsant effects. Combines a mild sedative effect with a mild stimulating effect. Improves metabolic processes during alcohol intoxication. Activates mental and physical performance, reduces motor excitability. Can increase the brain's resistance to hypoxia.

Adults are prescribed the drug in tablet form. Children are prescribed syrup. The number of drops depends on the patient's disease.

Prescribed in the following cases:

• cognitive impairment in neurotic disorders;
• schizophrenia, which is accompanied by cerebral organic failure;
• decreased mental performance;
• children with mental retardation;
• epilepsy with slowing of mental processes.

The product should not be used if the component is intolerant, with acute kidney disease, pregnancy or breastfeeding.

The advantages include:

• has a mild effect;
• has virtually no third-party reactions.

Minus It is considered to be something that extinguishes the nervous system.

Prices for Pantogam online pharmacies:

Prices for Pantogam tablets 250 mg 50 pcs.

Prices for Pantogam active capsules 300 mg 60 pcs.

Prices for Pantogam syrup 100 ml

Prices for Pantogam active capsules 200 mg 60 pcs.

Prices for Pantogam active capsules 300 mg 30 pcs.

Prices for Pantogam tablets 500 mg 50 pcs.

Cortexin

Cortexin is a polypeptide medicine that contains the necessary well-selected composition of polypeptides. Characterized by a tissue-specific effect on the cerebral cortex. Cortexin normalizes the learning ability of patients and enhances cognitive skills. Improves the functions of the central nervous system after suffering stress and the bioelectrical activity of brain cells. The best drug for students.

The term “nootropics” appeared in 1972, this word consists of two Greek “noos” - mind and “tropos” - change. It turns out that nootropics are designed to change the human mind, using biochemistry to influence the central nervous system.

Their predecessors in improving brain function were psychostimulants, which had a strong but short-term effect on a person. They increased the body's endurance, resistance to stress, and caused general excitement, activity and euphoria. If not for the severe negative side effects and addiction, psychostimulants would have conquered humanity. But the after-effect in the form of severe depression and complete loss of strength depressed the person so much that it could lead to suicide.

Synthetic nootropics

After taking nootropics there are practically no negative effects, they are not addictive. But they also don’t have psychostimulants. To feel the results of taking nootropics, you need to take a course lasting 1-3 months.

The effect of nootropic drugs is due to the improvement and acceleration of metabolism in nerve tissues, the protection of neurons during a lack of oxygen and toxic effects. In fact, nootropics protect the brain from aging. Nowadays many nootropic drugs are produced, here are the most common ones:

"Piracetam" ("Nootropil") is the first of the nootropics. It is prescribed for attention and memory disorders, nervous disorders, brain injuries, alcoholism and vascular diseases. It can also be used independently (without exceeding the dose) for better perception and assimilation of educational material. The following side effects have been rarely reported: drowsiness or agitation, dizziness and nausea, increased sexual activity. An analogue of Piracetam (Nootropil) is Phenotropil (Phenylpiracetam).

"Acefen" ("Cerutil", "Meclofenoxate", "Centrophenoxine") contains the substance acetylcholine - a transmitter of nervous excitation, an indispensable participant in the functioning of the human nervous system. This series of nootropic drugs accelerates all processes of excitation and inhibition, improves blood supply to the brain, and has a psychostimulating effect. It also protects the brain from aging and is used together with Piracetam to improve mental abilities. Side effects from the nervous system were noted: anxiety, insomnia, increased appetite.

"Selegiline" ("Deprenyl", "Yumex") contains the substance selegiline, which suppresses the action of enzymes that inhibit phenylethylamine and dopamine. After 40 years, the pleasure enzymes of the dopamine series are produced much less than in youth. "Selegiline" is positioned for middle-aged and elderly people. It is used in the treatment of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. With sufficiently long-term use of the drug, memory, mood and general well-being improve. “Selegiline,” according to medical scientists, when taken 5 mg per day can increase a person’s life expectancy by 15 years!

The list of drugs in this group contains substances that help protect the brain from damage and stimulate nerve cells to restore them to the level of healthy people.

Nootropic drug, what is it?

The concept of “nootropic drug” was first introduced in the last century by Belgian pharmacologists.

Nootropics are neurometabolic stimulants that activate metabolic processes in the brain, increasing its overall resistance to extreme situations and influences.

A distinctive factor from psychostimulants is that nootropics are antihypoxants (resist oxygen starvation of the brain), but do not negatively affect the human body, do not lead to disruptions in the functioning of the brain, and do not impair coordination of movements.

Medicines in this group are often of interest to students and people who experience severe intellectual or stress loads, since the instructions indicate that the drugs promote better assimilation of information, quick thinking, improvements in studies and smooth out the effect on the brain under stress and mental stress.

In pharmacology, there is one division of nootropics into two groups:

Which pharmacological group do they belong to?

The nootropic group includes drugs with nootropic action, and they are classified in pharmacology under the code (ATC code: N06ВХ).

The first drug in the group of nootropic drugs is Piracetam.

It was opened back in 1963, and gave rise to their development. The nootropic became the main competitor of psychostimulants, since the side effects from it were not so serious.

Nootropic therapy does not cause addiction, toxic damage, agitation and exhaustion of the body, which are inherent in psychostimulants. In the initial stages of the drug's development, it was used to treat brain dysfunction in older people.

Fact! In modern pharmacology, Piracetam is listed under the name Nootropil.

The table shows a list of drugs that are most often prescribed in nootropic treatment.

Mechanism of action of nootropics

Most drugs in the nootropic group affect neurotransmitters (substances that promote the interaction of nerve cells with each other).

Nootropic therapy affects acetylcholine (which carries out neuromuscular transmission), serotonin (the hormone of happiness), dopamine (the precursor of norepinephrine, which is a necessary part of the “reward system” of the brain, as it induces a feeling of pleasure, which affects the processes of motivation and learning) and norepinephrine ( one of the most important “mediators of wakefulness”).

The effect of a nootropic can prolong life and rejuvenate the body.

Also, these drugs protect nerve cells from deformation and eliminate oxygen starvation, stimulate metabolic processes and simply improve blood circulation in brain tissue.

Different drugs from the nootropic group can have different effects on the body, it all depends on the group to which the drug belongs.

Among them:

Fact! To stimulate biochemical processes in the brain, it may take from a couple of days to a couple of weeks, depending on the drug used. This explains why nootropics are used in courses. There is no point in taking pills immediately before exercising your brain; you should start using them about a month in advance.

What effect do nootropics have?

The impact on the above mechanisms in the brain makes it possible to conclude that the following positive effects have on the body and its systems:

• Vasovegetative action characterized by acceleration of blood circulation and elimination of the main signs of neurocircular dystonia;
• Antihypoxic effect due to the formation of increased resistance of brain cells to oxygen starvation;
• Antidepressant effect. Certain nootropics are prescribed for depression and are aimed at counteracting it;
• Psychostimulating effect caused by stimulation of brain functioning in people with mental disorders suffering from apathy and motor retardation;
• Antiepileptic effect characterized by the fact that it prevents convulsions, confusion and complete loss of consciousness, as well as the prevention of behavioral and autonomic system disorders;
• Sedative effect characterized by a calming effect;
• Nootropic effect is aimed at stimulating cognitive activity;
• Antitoxic action e - this is neutralization, or removal of toxins from the human body;
• Adaptogenic effect due to the development of the body’s resistance to the influence of negative factors;
• Immunostimulating effect characterized by strengthening the immune system and increasing the body’s overall resistance;
• Lipolytic action due to the use of fatty acids as a source of energy.

Note! Nootropics, in most cases, are prescribed for the elderly and children. This is explained by the fact that in old age it is necessary to correct deviations in the functionality of intellectual activity (memory, attention). Prescription in childhood occurs in the fight against intellectual development disorders of the child.

Is it dangerous to be treated with nootropics and are they harmful?

The consequences of using nootropics can range from headaches and dizziness to overexcitation of the nervous system.

But since they are not pathologically dangerous, the catalog of drugs can be prescribed to almost any patient.

The most serious and common side effect is withdrawal symptoms.

It can occur when the use of medications is abruptly stopped, which leads to suffering in the body.

Its most common manifestations can be headaches, lethargy, aggressiveness, loss of sleep, dizziness, etc. That is why the cessation of the course of treatment occurs with a gradual reduction in the drugs used.

The main side effects reported with nootropics are listed below:

Indications for the use of nootropics

The main indications for nootropics and their therapy are the following:

Contraindications to the use of nootropics are:

• Hemorrhagic stroke;
• Severe kidney pathologies;
• The period of bearing and feeding a child;
• Kidney or liver failure;
• Clearly manifested psychomotor agitation;
• Sensitivity to the active ingredients of the drug.

Most Common Nootropics

Nootropic therapy medications are divided into groups of new and old generation. The latter include medications that were discovered a long time ago, even at the start of neurostimulants. These are the production forms of Piracetam.

Such drugs are:

• Pramiracetam;
• Aniracetam;
• Oxiracetam;
• Isacetam;
• Etiracetam;
• Detiracetam;
• Nefiracetam.

After the nineties of the twentieth century, a new round took place in the history of the development of nootropics. New drugs have a selective effect on individual body functions.

The most commonly prescribed new generation drugs are:

• Pantogam– the most effective nootropic drug, often used for treatment in childhood. The main active ingredient is vitamin B15, which is found in almost all plant substances;
• Phenibut is prescribed for a state of general weakness, neuroses, sleep disorders and deviations in the normal functioning of the vestibular apparatus. The interaction of Phenibut helps children overcome stuttering and various tics. This drug normalizes metabolism, stimulates mental processes (memory, attention, etc.), and also has an antioxidant effect. This drug contains practically no toxins and does not cause allergies;
• Fezam is a nootropic prescribed in combination with other drugs for problems with blood circulation in the brain cavity. This drug eliminates the effects of oxygen starvation, helps against headaches, migraines, dizziness and memory loss. Long courses of treatment are prescribed for stroke, traumatic brain injury and inflammation of the membranes and tissues of the brain;
• Piracetam is a classic remedy prescribed to improve metabolic processes in the brain. Effectively treats dizziness, improves memory, and treats encephalopathy in childhood. The drug quickly relieves the negative effects of excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages. It is used for viral neuroinfections and as one of the drugs for restoration after death of heart muscle tissue. The drug is sold both in tablets and in ampoules, solutions, syrups and capsules, which helps to choose the most convenient form of use;
• Cinnarazine– a drug from the nootropic group that helps expand the walls of brain vessels and helps increase their size without affecting blood pressure. Nootropil cinnarizine is an effective drug against motion sickness, as well as suppressing nystagmus. The drug helps relieve high blood pressure, tinnitus, general weakness, headaches, restores normal sleep, removes aggressiveness, etc.;
• Actovegin– a drug from the group of nootropics, aimed at combating oxygen starvation of the brain, restoring metabolic processes, and promoting rapid healing of wounds. The drug is available in tablets and as an ointment or cream;
• Cerebrolysin is a nootropic used in combination with other medications. This drug has passed all tests and confirmed its safety and effectiveness. Stimulates mental activity and improves mood. Long-term use of the drug improves memory processes, increases concentration and the ability to learn.

What actions will help you recover faster and keep your body normal?

Preventive actions to prevent the use of nootropics are:

• Maintaining a daily routine with proper rest and sleep (at least 8 hours);
• Proper nutrition should be balanced and varied, with plenty of vitamins and nutrients;
• Maintaining water balance (at least 1.5 liters of clean water per day) will help the blood not to thicken and circulate normally;
• Avoid stressful situations, psycho-emotional and intellectual excessive stress;
• Stop smoking, alcohol and drugs;
• Get a full examination once a year.

Conclusion

Nootropic drugs are effective means used to improve the functioning of brain processes.

It is especially effective to take them in courses, in advance of intellectual or psycho-emotional stress.

A wide range of drugs and a low chance of side effects make the drugs accessible and effective. To prevent complications, it is better to consult a qualified doctor.

The nervous system of a newly born person is still immature. It will be improved over the years. It is not surprising that caring parents peer closely at their baby - does he have any deviations?

Is your baby restless before bed? Sometimes the chin trembles, arms and legs twitch, does the baby spit up profusely and often, does he lag behind his peers in development? Does your toddler have a delay in speech development or does he not want to sit up and walk at the average time? All these symptoms can be a sign of either a natural immaturity of the nervous system for babies or a serious illness.

When the question arises, as they say, head-on, parents and pediatricians have no time to wait to see whether the alarming symptoms will go away over time.

After all, the older the child, the more difficult it is to correct deviations caused by neurological pathologies. In this situation, children are prescribed nootropic drugs. There is no need to be afraid - according to statistics, every third child is prescribed them.

What it is?

Nootropics are neurometabolic stimulants. Simply put, drugs that actively act on the higher mental functions of the brain, improve blood circulation and the functioning of the nervous system, and stimulate metabolic processes in nerve tissues. In the international classification, nootropic drugs do not have a separate group; they are combined with psychostimulants. But this is also no reason to worry.

Action

Nootropic action is based on several processes. They improve the energy state of nerve cells (neurons), accelerate processes occurring in the central nervous system, saturate the brain with oxygen, strengthen the membranes of nerve cells, and increase the speed of impulses in the brain. As a result, metabolic processes in the brain are significantly improved, memory is “strengthened”, and perception is “enlivened”. Nootropics also have a positive effect on the mechanisms of thinking and increase intellectual abilities. It is for this reason that nootropics received their second unofficial name - “cognitive stimulants.”

Nootropic drugs come in different classifications, there are more than 20 types in total. These are more than a hundred titles.

Indications for use

Nootropic drugs are prescribed to children for the following diseases and conditions:

• Retardation in the development of the child’s psyche,
• Delayed speech development
• The consequences of intrauterine suffering of the baby, during which the central nervous system was affected,
• Head injuries (concussions, TBI),
• Attention deficit disorder
• Various forms of mental retardation,

In addition, certain types of nootropic drugs will most likely be prescribed for severe stuttering, sleep disturbances in a child, urinary disorders, migraines, and severe dizziness. Nootropics are used to treat hyperkinesis (these are chaotic, convulsive, randomly occurring movements of the arms and legs in children), as well as to prevent motion sickness. In addition, nootropic drugs for the treatment of children are used in ophthalmology, toxicology, and traumatology.

Pros and cons

Despite their rather positive effects on the body, controversy and scientific discussions around nootropics do not subside. These drugs are widely used only in Russia and the countries of the former CIS. Probably because they began to be used in our medicine back in the middle of the 20th century. European and American doctors, for example, refuse to prescribe nootropics to their young patients.

The reason is that the effectiveness and benefits of nootropic drugs have not yet been scientifically proven. Although everyone agrees that there is no particular harm from them either. What then is the point of treating everyone and everything with nootropics, unless, of course, we are talking about the list of diseases indicated above? This opinion, in particular, is shared by the famous doctors Roshal and Komarovsky. Some experts even propose to transfer nootropic drugs from the category of medicines to the category of dietary supplements.

What medications can the doctor prescribe?

• The main and very first nootropic in history, the “founding father” of all other drugs in this family, is Piracetam. Most Russians and residents of the former CIS countries are familiar with it by other synonymous names: Nootropil, Cerebril, Lutsetam, Oikamid, etc.

Piracetam was synthesized more than half a century ago. The drug has a beneficial effect on the brain, stimulates memory, increases the ability to cope with intellectual stress, motivates learning, and promotes concentration. Available in capsules, ampoules and tablets. Piracetam is not recommended for children under one year of age. In addition, this drug is not suitable for children with psychomotor agitation.

Side effects from taking Piracetam include insomnia, impaired coordination of movements, irritability, and confusion.

• Another very popular drug among Russian pediatricians is Pantogam. It is a nootropic anticonvulsant. Available in the form of tablets and syrup. Your doctor can prescribe it for your baby from the first days of life.

  The medicine improves the condition of children with various forms of cerebral palsy, schizophrenia, and autism. In addition, Pantogam helps with urinary incontinence, childhood nervous tics, hyperactivity syndrome and delayed speech development. Side effects are kept to a minimum, including drowsiness and an allergic reaction to any component of Pantogam.

• Picamilon is a nootropic drug that dilates blood vessels in the brain, an analogue of Piracetam. Among other things, it has a psychostimulating and mild tranquilizing effect. Available in ampoules for intravenous and intramuscular administration and in tablets. Not recommended for children under 3 years of age.

  Picamilon is often prescribed to overly anxious, emotionally unstable children. In addition, this nootropic is taken to increase endurance under conditions of physical and mental overload, for example, by athletes.

Side effects include headache, nausea, itching. The drug should not be taken by a child with kidney problems.

• Phenibut is a modern nootropic that is often prescribed to children. It stimulates the activity of the nervous system, increases mental performance, improves memory, and helps schoolchildren cope with overload during the learning process. The tranquilizer effect helps relieve anxiety, irritability, and improve sleep. Available in tablets and powders. This drug is low-toxic, and therefore it is prescribed to children from 2 years of age. Side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea.

• Pyritinol is a nootropic drug with a slight sedative effect. It is often recommended to take it for depression, vegetative-vascular dystonia, increased fatigue, and mental retardation. Suitable for children from 1 year. It has a fairly large list of side effects from nausea to polymyositis, dyspnea and loss of taste.

• Cinnarizine (synonyms Balcinnarzin, Vertizin, Disiron, Cinnarone, Cyrizin) is a nootropic, the instructions for use for which say that it is not recommended for children under 12 years of age. However, many doctors have long been prescribing this drug to babies under one year old, and claim its positive effects. However, the effectiveness of the drug has not been proven, but side effects have been recorded in patients. They are satisfied with this drug for serious reasons: disturbances in the functioning of the liver and kidneys, drop in blood pressure, headaches. Cinnarizine is available in capsules and tablets.

• Semax is one of the nootropic drugs loved by pediatricians. It is available in the form of nasal drops, and therefore it is convenient to use even for the youngest patients. Semax comes to the rescue in cases where children experience delayed speech development, sleep disturbances, hyperexcitability, and moodiness. Side effects include dizziness and irritation of the nasal mucosa.

• An excellent option would be the simplest aminoacetic acid, Glycine. It has all the benefits of nootropics, but without the scary side effects. Glycine is prescribed to children of any age. The drug regulates the processes of excitation and inhibition. As a result, the child’s attention increases, learning ability significantly improves, and night sleep normalizes.

It is almost impossible to list all the drugs of the nootropic family, there are a lot of them, and besides, the pharmaceutical industry does not stand still, and almost every year presents something new. It is profitable to look for new formulas in nootropic drugs, because these drugs are quite in demand by both adults and children.

• Among the “new products” I would like to mention the Japanese nootropic Gammalon. The cost of this drug exceeds the cost of its parent, Piracetam, by more than 100 times. A package of the drug from the Land of the Rising Sun costs about 2,500 rubles per package (100 tablets).

According to reviews on the Internet, it even helps children with severe forms of autism and cerebral palsy and alleviates their condition. But a number of doctors have doubts about Gammalon. The fact is that even a superficial analysis of the instructions for use to observant patients can tell that the Japanese “miracle medicine” contains only one amino acid - gamma-aminobutyric.

A nootropic with the same exact composition – Aminalon. Only it costs only 99 rubles. A practical approach to the issue suggests that Japanese Gammalon is simply a successful marketing ploy, especially since its effectiveness and benefits, like other nootropic drugs, have not yet been scientifically proven.

Conclusion about diagnostics in Russia

In Russia, a unique diagnostic practice has developed. Doctors at the clinic, for the sake of “reinsurance,” can make a neurological or even psychiatric diagnosis of any child with increased excitability, very active or anxious. By and large, if there was a person, there would be a diagnosis.

Doctors cannot be blamed for this. The Ministry of Health orders them to do so. After all, missing the onset of a disease is even worse. Parents begin to treat their child with nootropic drugs prescribed by a careful doctor, without actually knowing whether they are harmful. For a real-life disease, nootropics are effective, but in the case of medical “reinsurance,” the drug will bring absolutely nothing to a healthy child except probable “side effects.”

Doctors also do not have precise and uniform criteria for assessing the behavior of young children. Therefore, it is quite difficult to establish the line between an ordinary restless child and a child with a neurological disease.

Despite all diagnostic methods, the solution to the dilemma “Normal or pathological” falls on the shoulders of the doctor and will ultimately be determined only by him. And this is fertile ground for medical errors and those very “just in case” reinsurances.

The main principle of any doctor is “Do no harm,” and testing drugs on a child in search of the opportunity to finally get a list of drugs with proven effectiveness is, at the very least, short-sighted and unethical. It’s better to let laboratory animals fill up the statistics.

For more information about nootropics, see the following video.