Overview

Piracetam is a lab-made chemical. In Europe, it is a prescription drug used to improve brain function. It is not approved as a drug or supplement in the US.

Piracetam is a chemical related to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It is thought to help cells in the brain and blood vessels to function better. During aging and in some kinds of diseases, the membrane that surrounds cells starts to get stiff. Piracetam is thought to help maintain the membrane.

People commonly use piracetam for breath-holding attacks, epilepsy, dizziness, dyslexia, surgery to improve blood flow to the heart, and a movement disorder often caused by antipsychotic drugs (tardive dyskinesia). It is also used for Alzheimer disease, autism, dementia, depression, memory, schizophrenia, sickle cell disease, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

  • Breath-holding attacks. Taking piracetam by mouth reduces breath-holding attacks in young children.
  • Surgery to improve blood flow to the heart (CABG surgery). Taking piracetam by mouth or by IV around the time of CABG surgery helps with memory and thinking skills after surgery. IV products can only be given by a healthcare provider.
  • A learning disorder marked by difficulty reading (dyslexia). Taking piracetam by mouth improves some reading skills in children with dyslexia.
  • Seizure disorder (epilepsy). Taking piracetam by mouth reduces some symptoms of epilepsy in some patients who are also taking antiseizure drugs.
  • A movement disorder often caused by antipsychotic drugs (tardive dyskinesia). Taking piracetam by mouth can reduce some symptoms of tardive dyskinesia.
  • Dizziness (vertigo). Taking piracetam by mouth or by IV improves some symptoms of vertigo. IV products can only be given by a healthcare provider.

There is interest in using piracetam for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Piracetam is possibly safe when used in doses of up to 24 grams daily for up to 2 weeks or 20 grams daily for up to 18 months. It's usually well-tolerated. Side effects might include constipation, stomach upset, high blood pressure, rash, and weight gain.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Piracetam is possibly safe when used in doses of up to 24 grams daily for up to 2 weeks or 20 grams daily for up to 18 months. It's usually well-tolerated. Side effects might include constipation, stomach upset, high blood pressure, rash, and weight gain.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if piracetam is safe to use when pregnant or breast feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: Piracetam is possibly safe when taken by mouth appropriately in doses based on age and weight.

Cocaine use disorder: Piracetam seems to increase cocaine use in people who are addicted to cocaine and are trying to quit. Until more is known, do not use piracetam if you have cocaine use disorder.

Epilepsy: Stopping piracetam or decreasing the dose of piracetam might increase the number of seizures in people with epilepsy. If you have epilepsy, only use piracetam under the care of a healthcare provider.

Huntington disease: Piracetam seems to increase symptoms in people with Huntington disease. Until more is known, do not use piracetam if you have Huntington disease.

Kidney problems: Piracetam is removed from the body by the kidneys. Talk to a healthcare provider before using piracetam if you have kidney problems.

Surgery: Piracetam might slow blood clotting. This might result in too much bleeding if it is used before surgery. Stop taking piracetam at least 2 weeks before surgery.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with Piracetam

    Piracetam might slow blood clotting. Taking piracetam along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

Dosing

Piracetam has most often been used by adults in doses of 0.8-24 grams by mouth daily for up to 18 months. In Europe, piracetam is available as a prescription drug. In the US, it is not approved for use in drugs or dietary supplements. Speak with a healthcare provider before use.
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