The most expensive nootropic drugs. Modern nootropic drugs for children and adults. The best nootropics with a calming effect

For many years, specialists in various fields related to medicine have been trying to create a remedy that relieves the effects of nervous overexcitation and exhaustion. Modern life subjects the human nervous system to endless overload. The most susceptible organs are affected first: the brain and nervous system. The consequences of such exposure on humans are manifested in memory deterioration, the development of cardiovascular diseases, and a decrease in the individual’s cognitive capabilities. The way out of the situation was the emergence of nootropic drugs.

Many patients ask, nootropic drugs – what are they? These are modern psychotropic drugs that improve the mental activity of the human body, making the brain more resistant to various influences on it, even as a result of traumatic brain injuries.

Description of the problem

The body cannot independently cope with constant adverse effects, such as the environmental situation worsening from year to year, stress, physical and mental stress, negative phenomena in political and economic life. Difficulties associated with poor brain function and nervous system disorders are characteristic of different age categories. In young children, these are the consequences of frequent birth injuries, oxygen starvation in the womb or during childbirth.

While studying at school, academic loads increase, posture changes, and hormonal changes begin in adolescence. All this negatively affects cerebral circulation, the general condition of the child, and the psycho-emotional state. The unstable psyche of a child sometimes fails. The adult population has even more difficulties. To life's difficulties and troubles are added diseases such as osteochondrosis, thrombosis, all kinds of injuries, tumors.

In older people, the body is very “worn out”, so resistance to external factors is minimal. The likelihood of strokes, atherosclerosis, and neoplasms increases. Nootropic drugs were created to solve such problems.

Nootropics

The modern term “nootropic” has, oddly enough, a very ancient origin. His homeland is Ancient Greece. Literally translated, “the desire for thinking.” Among the Greeks, indeed, there were many unique thinkers and philosophers. They valued wisdom and willingly shared their knowledge with young people.

There are substances in nature that can be called the original nootropics - this is the substance choline, which is found in abundance in foods such as fish and eggs. After eating a protein-rich meal, serotonin is produced in the brain, which is responsible for good mood, pleasure, and a sense of joy in life. The brain begins to work better.

The first artificially created nootropic appeared in the 60s of the 20th century in Belgium and became a real discovery in medicine. It was a nootropic drug, Piracetam, well known today in different countries under different names. Having received positive results after using a nootropic drug, scientists did not stop only with this remedy. Development has continued in many countries and is ongoing. Currently, in the group of nootropic drugs there are several dozen drugs that have passed clinical trials and a dozen are being tested.

Effect of drugs

The main task of nootropic drugs is to influence the elements through which nerve cells communicate with each other. All these neurotransmitters must be actively working, which does not always happen. Sometimes situations arise that interfere with cell movement. Nootropic drugs give them activity, making the brain work easier. The most quickly destroyed and slowest restored cells are nerve cells. Nootropic drugs help protect them, provide oxygen and increase blood flow to the tissues.

Nootropic drugs contain substances that activate the process of biosynthesis of RNA and protein compounds in the human central nervous system. They are accelerators of energy processes in the cellular processes of the nervous system, help reduce the number of free radicals, as a result of which they neutralize the negative effects of oxidants. Nootropic drugs help optimize the removal of polysaccharides, which means they improve metabolic processes in the body. They are responsible for the formation of phospholipids and proteins in neurocytes, strengthening their membranes.

Important! By improving blood microcirculation and metabolic processes in brain cells, nootropic drugs work only in tissues with pathologies and do not affect healthy ones. In a word, nootropic drugs are suitable for both sick people for treatment and healthy people for improving their health.

Among this type of nootropic drugs, there are also those whose effectiveness is still questionable. Research on them continues, but the drugs are actively used. For example, the nootropic drug “Phenotropil”. Found application in sports as a strength stimulant for athletes. Considering that doping is prohibited in the sports world, some pharmaceutical companies produce nootropic drugs under other names.

Expected effect

Based on the action of nootropic drugs, the expected effect is associated primarily with enhancing the cognitive capabilities of the body. It’s not for nothing that nootropic drugs are called “cognition stimulants.” The human brain, under the influence of nootropic drugs, becomes more active and receptive to learning new things, memory improves, and speech abilities develop. In addition, the body receives additional sources to strengthen the immune and nervous systems.

Moreover, nootropics help burn fat. They have a particularly positive effect on children and the elderly. Children's creativity and intellectual activity increase, and their learning opportunities are enhanced. In older people, nootropic drugs restore mental impairment.

Human activity is very important these days. The world does not stand still and demands the same from a person: mobility, endless movement. If the body is exhausted, a person feels constant weakness and lethargy, he cannot lead an active lifestyle, and falls out of the general flow. This further suppresses the individual’s psyche. Nootropic drugs have the necessary anti-asthenic effect, making a person an active participant in hectic modern life. They have a neuroprotective effect, that is, they regulate metabolic processes.

In modern science, there is no single established opinion regarding the effects of nootropic drugs on the body. There are many positive opinions and no less negative opinions. No medicine can be a complete panacea.

Nootropic drugs will not make anyone smarter and will not save anyone from exams. It would be surprising if a pill could modify intelligence, which does not exist. In addition to treatment, there must also be diligence. The effect of each nootropic drug is very individual. Some say that the new drug helped a lot, while others say that the nootropic drug was pointless. Much depends on the body, the type of human activity, his attitude to life and many other factors. One can argue endlessly about what nootropic drugs can do. Time will tell the truth. One thing is certain: nootropic drugs will help overcome certain difficulties. To accept them or not, to believe or doubt, depends on the patient.

In the USA and some Western European countries, nootropic drugs are not treated as medicines. In the scientific literature in the West, nootropic drugs are called “cognitive enhancers” and are classified as dietary supplements. Although, they are used very actively.

Classification

There are many types of classifications of nootropic drugs. Each is based on a certain criterion. Let's look at two main ones.

Among nootropic drugs, one can distinguish drugs of the old and new generations (according to the time of study and production). Old-generation nootropic drugs include the previously mentioned Pirocetam derivatives. They are commonly called "racetams". Here you can name “Etiracetam”, “Izacetam”, “Oxiracetam” and many others. They have a wider scope.

At the end of the 20th and beginning of the 21st century, many new, more effective nootropic drugs were created. The most popular of them: Phezam, Noopept, Selank, Phenylpiracetam. These nootropic drugs, unlike the previous ones, have a narrower effect and do not solve all problems at once. They contain 2 or more substances that complement each other. Herbal extracts and plant extracts are added to them.

Nootropic drug " Fezam» dilates blood vessels, improving cerebral circulation, stimulates the activity of the parts of the brain responsible for hearing and vision. Helps quickly restore vital brain functions after a stroke.

Nootropic drug " Noopept» restores memory and enhances cognitive abilities. Normalizes the activity of the autonomic nervous system. The nootropic drug does not have a withdrawal syndrome.

Nootropic drug " Selank"Improves mood, raises vitality, relieves anxiety and stress.

« Phenylpiracetam“Perfect for stroke survivors.

Nootropic drug " Vitrum memory"is a vitamin complex intended for elderly people with mental disabilities. Available in capsules.

Nootropic drug "Etiracetam"

Since the late 90s of the last century, US medical institutions began to use a completely new nootropic drug that has an antiepileptic effect. At the beginning of 2000, the medicine appeared in Russia. According to Wikipedia, this remedy has nootropic activity.

There is another classification of drugs, according to which they can also be divided into 2 groups: “true” nootropic drugs that have one, classic effect, improving memory and speech. And “neuroprotectors”, which have a whole range of effects.

Indications for use

Initially, nootropic drugs were used only to treat aging problems, since it was believed that the brain does not work as it should only in adulthood. Over time, having studied their effects in more detail, the scope of application has expanded significantly.

Nootropic drugs are prescribed for the following pathologies:

• decline in mental and physical capabilities;
• weakening of the ability to think;
• memory impairment and decreased concentration;
• infections affecting the nervous system;
• aging processes;
• violation of speech functions;
• ischemic stroke;
• traumatic brain injuries;
• enuresis;
• effects of toxic substances on the brain;
• ophthalmological diseases (glaucoma, retinal pathologies);
• dizziness, migraine;
• epileptic disorders;
• chronic alcoholism.

Interesting! Nootropic drugs were part of the mandatory neurostimulants to prepare Soviet cosmonauts for flights.

Nootropic drugs are actively and effectively used in pediatrics for the treatment of the following disorders in children:

• delayed speech development;
• mental retardation;
• birth defects of the central nervous system;
• deviations in mental development;
• increased level of anxiety;
• attention deficit disorder.

Contraindications for use

Speaking about the use of nootropic drugs, as well as other medications, one cannot help but answer the question of why these drugs are dangerous and whether they are harmful.

No negative effects of nootropic drugs have been recorded. Although, like any medications, nootropic drugs can have side effects. Some patients experienced an individual reaction to the drug, expressed in sleep disturbances at night, drowsiness during the day, allergic reactions, reactions from the gastrointestinal tract, and surges in blood pressure. Some nootropic drugs can cause a state close to alcohol intoxication. Most side effects occur with long-term use of drugs or with their overdose. To eliminate such effects, it is enough to stop taking the nootropic drug.

Nootropic drugs are not prescribed to patients with the following developmental features:

• individual intolerance to individual components of the nootropic drug;
• serious renal dysfunction;
• hemorrhagic stroke in the acute period;
• hereditary degenerative diseases of the central nervous system;
• pregnancy and lactation period.

Release form

Nootropic drugs can be produced in tablets and capsules to be taken with liquid, sublingual tablets (glycine), solutions for injections, syrups (pantogam), solutions for oral administration. Most of them have a dual option: tablets and injections. What to choose depends on the characteristics of the body, the course of the disease, the patient’s personal preferences and the doctor’s instructions.

Admission rules

Taking nootropic drugs should not be uncontrolled. Any medicine can become poison. This must be remembered. Before taking a nootropic drug into your mouth or injecting it with a nootropic drug, you must consult a doctor. Since the scope of use of nootropic drugs is wide, you can consult with specialists from a variety of medical professions about taking them: therapist, cardiologist, neurologist, pediatrician.

Most often, psychiatrists and narcologists work with nootropic drugs. The appointment is made, then it’s how you feel. The medicine has gone, we continue treatment with nootropic drugs. Not accepted by the body, stop taking it.

Important! The therapeutic effect from the use of most nootropic drugs does not occur immediately. They have a cumulative effect.

Piracetam

Nootropic drug Piracetam. It is still one of the most popular remedies. The nootropic drug is available in two dosage forms: tablets and solution for injection. It normalizes metabolic processes in the brain well, which means it helps improve memory. This is one of the cheapest nootropic drugs in this group. Piracetam can be called an “ambulance” for relieving alcohol syndrome.

Pros of the nootropic drug:

• protects the brain from oxygen starvation and stress;
• helps with increased mental stress.

Minuses: Cannot be used for cerebral hemorrhage and renal failure.

Cavinton (Vinpocetine, Neurovin)

A nootropic drug can be in the form of tablets and injections. Actively used in ophthalmology and neurology. The nootropic drug improves hearing acuity well.

Pros:

• universal remedy with a wide spectrum of action;
• well tolerated by people of any age.

Disadvantage of the nootropic drug: when administered intravenously, it is administered very slowly.

Pantogam

The main active ingredient of the nootropic drug is hopantenic acid. Available in the form of cherry-flavored syrup. Used successfully in the treatment of many disorders in children.

Pros: Combines a mild stimulating effect and a mild sedative effect. Minus one, it is not recommended for impaired renal function.

Semax

Is it easy to guess that simple nasal drops can help improve your mind? But in this case it is. The nootropic drug Semax is administered intranasally, due to which it quickly overcomes the blood-brain barrier and acts for 24 hours. There are virtually no side effects.

Phenibut (Noobut, Bifren)

A nootropic drug can be in the form of tablets, powder, or capsules. Fights memory loss, normalizes sleep, relieves anxiety. Indispensable when traveling for those suffering from seasickness.

Negative side of the nootropic drug: enhances the effects of alcohol

Glycine

The nootropic drug is available in the form of sublingual tablets. Especially popular among young students. The main “people's” assistant, which has a very low price, but can compete with the most expensive nootropic drugs. It is a purified amino acid, a building material for protein. Well tolerated by everyone and in any situation when the brain is “tired”. It has no side effects and there is no overdose.

The only disadvantage of a nootropic drug is that it is not strong enough.

Encephabol

Tablets for adults, suspension for children. The nootropic drug improves learning abilities and corrects behavioral functions.

Fenotropil

The nootropic drug has an anti-amnestic character and improves mood. It does not have a cumulative effect, it begins to work after the first dose. Has a beneficial effect on vision.

Minuses: May increase blood pressure. Nootropic drugs are expensive. Available in pharmacies with a doctor's prescription. Not suitable for treating children.

The nootropic drug has one effect that is difficult to define as negative or positive. Phenotropil suppresses appetite. On the one hand, it's good. You can fight excess weight and obesity. But, on the other hand, the desire not to gain extra pounds can result in anorexia.

Azafen

The nootropic drug eliminates depressive symptoms and helps cope with negative environmental factors.

Flaws: Available with a doctor's prescription. May have side effects: insomnia, increased appetite.

The release form of the nootropic drug is capsules. The main property is to increase learning abilities. The price is quite high.

Thiocetam

The big advantage of the nootropic drug is that it helps get rid of alcohol intoxication. It helps well to overcome speech disorders. The nootropic drug has an average price and is quite accessible for use.

"Orocetam"

The nootropic drug is used intravenously. Helps fight severe brain intoxications. The price is not great.

The nootropic drug is a combination of the well-known Pirocetam and Thiotriosalin.

Properties of drugs

These are the main drugs presented on the Russian medical market.

How not to get confused in such a variety and purchase exactly what is suitable for a particular person? First, a mandatory consultation with a doctor. Secondly, there is no nootropic drug that is absolutely universal. It is important to understand what exactly needs to be done. If you need an antidepressant, then Acefen will do. If you are interested in the cumulative effect, buy the nootropic drug “Nootropil”, also known as “Piracetam”. Glycine is safe for children with a good sedative effect. Phenotropil will be the best help in eliminating memory lapses. The nootropic drug Semax combines several actions.

Prospects for nootropic drugs

Scientists believe that nootropic drugs have a great future. They will be able to influence the most complex object of study, the human brain. Its capabilities are enormous and transcendental. Humanity, even now, does not yet know everything about the capabilities of the brain. If we expand his abilities and maintain his performance throughout his life, then we can create a person of the future with opportunities that we can only dream about and read about in science fiction works.

The body and brain will be able to do things that are not yet possible. Gray matter is formed over the course of 18 years and only then begins to work with full efficiency. The time of his active activity is very short. When scientists understand why this happens and can control these processes, then a superman will appear. Whether this is a fantasy or actually feasible, time will tell.

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 (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.

Nootropics, the list of drugs of which today is represented by a wide range of drugs, date back to 1963. At that time, Belgian clinicians and pharmacologists managed to synthesize and use in medical practice the first drug from the group of nootropics - Piracetam.

Numerous studies have proven clinical improvements in patients of various groups with constant use of Piracetam, including increased memory and facilitation of learning processes.

In 1972, the term “nootropics” was coined to designate a class of drugs designed to improve the integrative functionality of the brain. In modern neurology, nootropic drugs are an integral part of the treatment of various disorders in children and adults.

Characteristics of the pharmaceutical group

Nootropics(from Greek noos - mind, thoughts and tropos - vector, direction) are widely used in neurological practice to positively influence the higher integrative functions of the brain. With the help of drugs, they correct some behavioral reactions in people and adults, increase resistance to stressful situations, learning ability, and chronic hypoxia. Other functions of the drugs are:

maintaining the energy structure of a neuron (nerve cell);

improving the functionality of the central nervous system;

activation of the plastic functionality of the central nervous system;

providing a pronounced neuroprotective effect;

normalization and stabilization of the cell membrane;

minimizes the need of nerve cells for oxygen.

The nootropic effect can be primary with a direct effect on neurons and secondary with an improvement in general cerebral circulation. There are two main groups of nootropics:

true (improvement of mnestic functions of the brain and nervous system);

combined action (combination of several functions simultaneously).

Synonyms of the pharmacological group of nootropics are cerebroprotectors, neuroregulators, neuroanabolics, eutotrophic, neurometabolic drugs. All terms reflect the general effect of the drugs - the ability to stimulate metabolic processes in the nervous structures of the human body.

Mechanism of action

Nootropic drugs directly affect the whole range of functional abilities of the brain, promoting their active activity. Thanks to adequate therapy, concentration improves and interactions between the right and left hemispheres are facilitated. It has been proven that the drugs rejuvenate the body and prolong the life of patients with a burdened clinical neurological history.

The biogenic origin of the drug significantly affects all processes of intracellular metabolism, stimulating protein synthesis, excretion of excess glucose, and ATP formation. The following mechanisms and effects of influence are distinguished:

membrane stabilizing effect;

antioxidant;

antihypoxic;

neuroprotective.

There is a significant increase in the brain's resistance to the negative effects of exogenous and endogenous factors. The effectiveness of the drugs is enhanced by the simultaneous use of angioprotectors and psychostimulants. The main category of patients who are prescribed nootropics are children and the elderly.

Main indications for use

Typical indications for prescribing nootropic drugs are the following conditions:

psychoorganic syndrome (dystrophic changes in nervous tissue of any origin);

alcoholism with withdrawal syndrome;

drug addiction;

neuroleptic syndrome (as a combination therapy);

neurotic or organic asthenia;

cerebrovascular insufficiency;

sickle cell anemia;

ophthalmological pathologies (complex therapy).

Neurogenic urinary disorders are treated with the help of nootropics. Nootropic drugs are a necessary measure for Parkinson's disease, ischemia, cerebral palsy, and epileptic seizures.

Contraindications and side effects

Nootropic drugs can be prescribed with relative contraindications at the discretion of the attending physician. Absolute contraindications include acute or chronic renal failure, pregnancy and lactation, complicated liver diseases, acute hemorrhagic stroke, hypersensitivity, severe psychomotor agitation. Side effects of the drug include the following conditions:

sleep disturbance, insomnia;

dyspeptic disorders;

increased excitability:

anxiety syndrome, panic attacks;

hypotension;

increased effect on hepatic or renal function;

convulsive syndrome, epileptic seizures;

loss of coordination, unsteadiness of gait;

redness of the face, feeling of heat;

severe iosinophilia;

hallucinations and confusion;

thrombophlebitis, febrile syndrome.

While taking the drug, allergic rashes on the body such as urticaria, itching, burning on the skin, mainly in the neck, face, and back are possible. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to stop treatment or adjust the daily dosage. Cases of drug overdose have not been registered.

Basic nootropic drugs

Which ones are better in the treatment of neurological diseases? The use of nootropic drugs can be combined or independent. Typically, nootropics are used as stand-alone therapy for minor disorders. The following drugs with proven effectiveness are widely used in neurological practice:

Piracetam.

Probably the most popular nootropic. The drug enhances metabolic processes in the brain. Used for the treatment of systematic dizziness and correction of dyslexic syndrome. In adult patients, the drug is used as a complex therapy for myocardial infarction, withdrawal syndrome for addictions of any origin. Doctors prescribe a remedy for the treatment of neuroinfections caused by viral agents.

Memoplant

One of the best herbal nootropics. The German drug Memoplant contains highly purified extract of Ginkgo biloba EGb 761®. Many preparations of ginkgo biloba contain a significant amount of harmful impurities - ginkgolic acids. Memoplant does not have this drawback, since it is cleaned during 27 production stages.
The drug increases the resistance of nervous tissue to oxygen deficiency and improves cerebral circulation. Effective for dizziness, noise in the ears or head, as well as decreased memory and performance.

Vinpocetine.


With constant use, the blood vessels of the brain dilate and microcirculation increases. The active substance of the drug ensures complete transport of oxygen to brain tissues and increases the absorption of nutrients. Vinpocetine has a pronounced neuroprotective and antioxidant effect. The treatment regimen changes from first administering intravenous solutions and then switching to tablet forms of the drug. Used as an adjuvant in antihypertensive therapy.

Phenibut.


High effectiveness is noted for functional disorders of the vestibular apparatus, sleep disorders, neurasthenia, and asthenic syndrome. Long-term use normalizes metabolic processes in brain tissue at the cellular level. The strengths of the drug are its psychostimulating ability and antioxidant effect. The drug is characterized by low toxicity and few side effects.

Fenotropil.


The drug belongs to a new generation of nootropics with a pronounced adaptogenic effect. Patients show resistance to stressful situations without causing drug dependence. Phenotropil is prescribed to patients with strong emotional and mental stress.

Fezam.


A nootropic directly intended to treat impaired blood circulation in the brain. Effective for serious diseases of the nervous system, circulatory disorders in the vascular system of the brain. In complex therapy, headaches with increased intracranial pressure are relieved, and the functioning of the organs of hearing and vision is improved. Fezam is prescribed for amnesia and is highly effective in hypoxic syndrome.

Cinnarizine.


A drug intended to strengthen the vascular walls of the brain during their dilatation (stretching). At the same time, blood pressure indicators remain within the usual norm. Effective in the prevention of motion sickness and vestibular disorders. Prescribed for chronic migraines, increased hypertension, accompanied by dizziness, tinnitus, and headache. Cinnarizine is used in adult women to reduce the symptoms of menopause.

Cerebrolysin.


The safety and effectiveness of the drug has been proven by numerous studies. Used as an adjuvant therapy against serious mental and neurological disorders. When the dosage is prescribed correctly, mental processes are activated, concentration and mood increase. Long-term use improves memory and increases learning ability.

Actovegin.


A drug classified as an antihypoxic nootropic. Used to treat metabolic disorders in the brain, promotes rapid healing of wounds. The drug is used as a complex therapy for radiation-induced skin lesions and diabetic polyneuropathy. Actovegin is available in the form of tablets, intramuscular, intravenous solutions and intra-arterial injections. There is also a form of the drug for topical use.

Nootropic drugs for the treatment of serious neurological disorders are used in adult neurological practice. When used as complex therapy, the likelihood of a decrease or increase in the activity of other drugs is taken into account.

The best nootropics for children

In pediatric practice, nootropics are used to treat mental retardation, to improve attention, speech development, and poor performance at school. Children's nootropic drugs have been widely used since 1952. The main reasons for prescribing are the following conditions in children of different ages:

cerebrovascular disease;

hypoxic syndrome in cerebral palsy:

poor speech development;

intellectual disability;

encephalopathy.

It has been proven that in childhood the tolerability of nootropic drugs is much better than in adults. The main medications for children are the following:

Piracetam(Nootropil, Cerebril, Lucetam, Oykamid).


Suitable for use in children over 1 year of age, available in tablets, ampoules, and capsules. Not prescribed for children with increased emotional excitability. The active substance has a beneficial effect on the brain, increases sensitivity to intellectual stress, stabilizes concentration, and promotes learning.

Pantogam.


An anticonvulsant drug suitable for children from the first days of life. It is sold from pharmacies in the form of syrups and tablets. It is used to treat cerebral palsy, improve the condition of autism, and schizophrenia. Pantogam is used for children with neurogenic or stress urinary incontinence. Also, with constant use, the child’s emotional background is normalized, especially with delayed mental and speech development. The likelihood of developing side effects is also reduced: drowsiness, allergic reactions, dyspeptic disorders.

Picamilon.

The drug, intended to dilate blood vessels in the brain, is an analogue of Piracetam in terms of active substance and effectiveness. Has a mild tranquilizing effect. It is sold from pharmacies in the form of injections for intravenous and intramuscular administration, in tablets. In pediatrics, it is prescribed to children from 3 years of age. The nootropic drug is especially effective under high emotional stress and increased physical and mental activity.

Phenibut.


The product belongs to the latest generation of drugs. Prescribed to children to stimulate the normal functioning of the nervous system, increase mental and intellectual activity, while helping to cope with overload. The drug has a low degree of toxicity and is suitable for children over 2 years of age. The main side effects include nausea, increased drowsiness, and dizziness. Available from pharmacy chains in the form of powder and tablets.

Pyritinol.


The drug is intended for the effect of mild sedation. Necessary for the treatment of depressive syndrome in adolescents, vegetative-vascular dystonia, and excessive fatigue. It is a complex drug for mental and mental retardation. Not recommended for use in children under 12 months. Despite its high activity, the drug has a number of side effects: loss of taste, dyspnea, polymyositis, nausea and dizziness.

Cinnarizine(Vertisin, Disiron, Cyrizin, Balcinnarzin, Cinnarone).


It is used in pediatrics to treat children over 12 years of age, but recently it has been used in children from 1 year of age. The drug has many side effects, from typical nausea to epileptic attacks, renal and liver dysfunction, and arterial hypotension. The effectiveness of the drug has not been proven. The drug is available in the form of capsules and tablets.

Semax.


The drug is widely used in pediatric practice due to its high efficiency and convenient pharmacological form. The drug eliminates excessive moodiness and emotional excitability. Side effects include dizziness, nausea, and irritation of the nasal mucosa. Used in children with delayed speech development and sleep disturbances.

Glycine.


The active ingredient is aminoacetic acid. The drug is well tolerated by young children and is effective against excessive emotional arousal. With long-term use, performance and learning ability are activated, night sleep is regulated, and concentration of attention increases. Glycine is suitable for treating children of any age.

Gammalon.


New from Japan, is a follower of Piracetam. A similar composition of Gammalon is contained in Aminalon, but the price of the drug is much lower. If the cost of a Japanese nootropic reaches 2,500 rubles. per package, then Aminalon costs 100-150 rubles. per package. The effectiveness of both drugs has not been studied or proven. The price and quality of the Japanese product is more of a marketing ploy.

Experts have different opinions about the effectiveness of nootropics in children. Some consider drugs to be indispensable tools in the treatment of any neurogenic disorders and psycho-emotional disorders. Others doubt the effectiveness of nootropic drugs due to the lack of clinical data for use in childhood. Basically, nootropic drugs are used for “calming” as an adjuvant treatment to basic treatment. All drugs are dispensed from pharmacy chains without a prescription.

List of the best nootropics

Which drugs are best to take in a specific clinical situation should be decided by the attending physician. Today, there are several of the most effective drugs that have found wide application in both pediatrics and adult practice for the treatment of diseases of a neurogenic nature:

Piracetam;

Nootropil;

• Cerebrolysin;

  Vinpocetine;

  Biotredin;

  Aminalon;

  Biotredin.

The effect of constant use of modern nootropic drugs begins only after a few months. As an independent drug, nootropics are used to prevent neurological diseases, decreased performance in adults, and impaired concentration.

Combined products

Among nootropics, there are drugs with a combined composition. Such products include two or more active components, which to one degree or another enhance or reduce the effect of each other. The main drugs in the series are:

Gamalate B6 (composed of pyridoxine hydrochloride, magnesium glutamate hydrobromide);

Omaron, Fezam, Evriza, Noozom (Piracetam and Cinnarizine, auxiliary components);

Neuronorm (active ingredients Piracetam and Cinnarizine);

Olatropil (Piracetam and GABA);

(Piracetam and Thiotriazolin).

All products are similar in effectiveness to Piracetam. Combination drugs are used for severe problems; similarly to popular drugs, they are used in monotherapy and in combination with other drugs.

All medications, despite the absence of side effects, require a doctor's prescription. Only on the basis of medical examination data can an accurate diagnosis be established, which will determine further adequate treatment.

• Piracetam (Nootropil)

Nootropics are drugs designed to speed up metabolism in the cells of the nervous system and increase mental performance. First of all, they are intended for people suffering from neurological diseases (stroke, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease and others). In such cases, the drugs prevent the destruction of diseased cells and stimulate them to work at the level of healthy ones.
A side effect of nootropics is stimulation of mental activity. People taking nootropic substances perceive and remember information better, think more effectively and are less susceptible to stress and mental stress. Thanks to this property, medications are popular not only among patients, but also among people who want to improve their thinking ability.

Pramiracetam is the most powerful representative of the racetam class of drugs. It has a beneficial effect on human cognitive functions:

• improves short-term and long-term memory;
• accelerates thought processes and internal dialogue inside a person’s head;
• increases the level of motivation and also helps to bring thoughts and goals to completion;

• nausea and abdominal pain;
• headaches.

9. Sulbutiamin

Sulbutiamine - vitamin B1, soluble in fat, has a wide range of positive characteristics:

• the drug accelerates oxygen in the body;
• copes well with depression;
• improves coordination and fine motor skills;
• enhances attentiveness and concentration.

Hydrafinil is a substance of the eugorica class, which has a strong invigorating effect.

The main purpose of the drug is to increase energy and general level of vigor. It also has a number of other effects:

• enhances attention and learning;
• increases the intensity of mental activity;
• speeds up reflexes.

• skin rashes;
• headaches;
• sleep problems.

7.5-htp

The full name is 5-hydroxytryptophan. The drug, due to its ability to naturally increase the level of serotonin in the body, is the most effective and safe alternative to classic antidepressants. 5-hydroxytryptophan, unlike antidepressants, acts specifically on serotonin levels, and not on melatonin and neurotrophic factors.
The medicine also has a beneficial effect on a person's sleep and fights insomnia. It is suitable for people who want to overcome stress and anxiety and depression without the use of potent antidepressants.

The drug has only 2 side effects - excessive drowsiness and nausea that occur when the conditions for taking the drug are violated.

6. DMAE

DMAE (stands for dimethylethanolamine) is a drug consisting of organic compounds present in fish. Characteristics of the drug:

• increases life expectancy;
• improves liver performance;
• has a positive effect on the psycho-emotional mood;
• used in the prevention of intellectual and mental disorders.

A course of taking the drug is recommended for people who want to increase their overall level of health, psycho-emotional state, attentiveness and memory. The drug is also suitable for people who practice lucid dreams.
If the dosage is too high, the following consequences may occur:

• confusion of thinking;
• hyperactivity and difficulty falling asleep.

5.Aniracetam

Aniracetam stands out among other representatives of the racetam class due to its features, including:

• stimulation of the overall performance of the body;
• beneficial effect on human emotions and creative thinking;
• effective fight against stress and depression.

After completing the course, a person experiences a long-term improvement in social adaptability. A person thinks more clearly and can remember more information. Aniracetam is an excellent choice for creative, socially active people who work with a lot of information and are prone to mood swings. There are only two negative effects - abdominal pain and skin rashes.

Fasoracetam is a medicine originally developed to combat Alzheimer's disease. Subsequently, it also began to be used as an effective prevention of dementia, an antidepressant and a tranquilizer.

Nootropic properties include:

• significant effect on receptors responsible for long-term memory;
• increased attentiveness and learning;
• maintaining mental clarity and orderly thoughts.

Fasoracetam acts for a long time and does not lose its effectiveness. The list of side effects contains:

• the possibility of allergies;
• headaches;
• nausea and vomiting in case of overdose.

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 to 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.