Nootropic drugs. Pharmacological group — Nootropics. Are Nootropics Effective for Stroke Prevention?

Nootropics (Greek noos mind + tropos direction)

The main N. page used in medical practice is piracetam, which chemically is a cyclic analogue of γ-aminobutyric acid (). N.'s properties with. some other analogs of GABA also possess, for example, aminalon, pantogam, and a number of drugs belonging to other classes of chemical compounds (acephen, pyriditol, etc.).

Along with nootropic activity, drugs of this group also have other pharmacological properties. For example, piracetam, pantogam, and aminalon show some anticonvulsant activity, while pyriditol has antidepressant and sedative properties.

N.'s mechanisms of action with. little studied. It is established that N.'s stimulating influence of page. memory and learning are mainly due to their effect on metabolic processes in the nervous tissue. So, it is known that many N. with. stimulate tissue, increase the turnover rate and enhance the utilization of glucose by brain cells. The majority of N. with. have antihypoxic properties. N.'s ability with. to improve energy processes in the nervous tissue is one of the main reasons for increasing the resistance of the brain to hypoxia and toxic effects on it under the influence of drugs of this group. Caused by some N. with. an increase in cerebral blood flow, apparently, also plays a role in the mechanisms of their action on the processes of memory, thinking, and learning. Obviously, for this reason, some drugs (for example, cavinton, nicergoline), which mainly improve, have nootropic activity.

Apply N. with. mainly in violation of memory, attention, speech, etc., caused by vascular diseases of the brain (atherosclerosis, chronic cerebrovascular insufficiency, stroke), craniocerebral trauma, intoxication (for example, alcoholism), in the recovery period after suffering neuroinfections and mental insufficiency (mental retardation) and oligophrenia in children. Along with this, individual drugs from among N. s. prescribed for other indications. So, piracetam is sometimes used as a corrector for the side effects of neuroleptics (see Antipsychotics) and other psychotropic drugs, tk. it weakens the mental, neurological and somatovegetative disturbances caused by them. Pantogam is used for Jacksonian epilepsy, hyperkinesis, parkinsonism, a clonic form of stuttering in children and as a corrector for neuroleptic syndrome that occurs during neuroleptic intoxication. Pyriditol can be included in the complex therapy of neurotic disorders and depression with symptoms of lethargy, adynamia. Acephen is sometimes used for neurotic, hypochondriacal and asthenoilochondriac states, diencephalic syndrome, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Side effects in certain drugs of the N. group with. manifests itself differently, although for many of them the most characteristic signs of this action are increased, anxiety and. Along with this, piracetam can cause dyspeptic disorders and coronary insufficiency, aminalon - dyspeptic disorders, fever and fluctuations, mainly in the first days after the appointment of this drug. The side effect of pantogam is manifested mainly by allergic reactions from the skin (skin) and mucous membranes (allergic and conjunctivitis). Pyriditol can cause nausea and headache, and in children, psychomotor. The side effects of acephene are characterized by the appearance of anxiety and fear. In patients with paranoid and hallucinatory symptoms, acephene may cause an increase in them.

General contraindications for use for the N. group with. in no. to the use of aminalon and pantogam have not been established. Piracetam is contraindicated in acute renal failure and pregnancy, pyriditol - with increased convulsive readiness, epilepsy and psychomotor agitation, acephen - with infectious diseases of the central nervous system.

The main N. pages, their doses, methods of application, forms of release and storage conditions are given below.

Aminalon(Aminalonum; synonym: gammalon, ganevrin, etc.) is prescribed orally (before meals) for adults at 0.5-1.25 G 3 times a day, for children, depending on age - in daily doses from 0.5 to 3 G. The duration of the course of treatment is from 2-3 weeks to 2-6 months. Release form: tablets of 0.25 G, coated

Acefen(Acephenum; synonym: analux, cerutil, meclofenoxate hydrochloride, etc.) are used orally at 0.1-0.3 G 3-5 times a day. The duration of the course of treatment is 1-3 months. Release form: tablets of 0.1 G, coated. Storage: list B; in a dry, dark place.

Pantogam(Pantogamum) is taken orally after 15-30 min after meal. Adults are usually prescribed 0.5-1 G, children - 0.25-0.5 G appointment. Daily dose 1.5-3 G(adults) and 0.75-3 G(children) are divided into 3-6 doses. The course of treatment is 1-6 months. Repeated courses of treatment are carried out in 3-6 months. Release form: tablets of 0.25 and 0.5 G. Storage: in a dry, dark place.

Piracetam(Pyracetamum; synonym: nootropil, pyramem, etc.) is used orally, intramuscularly or intravenously. At the beginning of treatment, the drug is administered orally at 0.4 G 3 times a day and increase the dose to a total daily dose of 2.4-3.2 G and more. Upon reaching the therapeutic effect, the daily dose is reduced to 1.2-1.6 G. For children under 5 years of age, the drug is prescribed orally, usually at 0.2 G for admission, from 5 to 16 years old - 0.4 each G 3 times a day. The duration of the course of treatment is from 2-3 weeks to 2-6 months. Repeated courses of treatment are carried out after 6-8 weeks. Intramuscularly or intravenously, the drug is administered first in daily doses of 2-4 G, then in daily doses of 4-6 G. Release form: capsules containing 0.4 G drug; tablets 0.2 G, coated; 20% solution in ampoules of 5 ml. Storage: list B; in a dry, dark place.

Pyriditol(Pyriditolum; synonym: encephabol, pyritinol, etc.) is administered orally after 15-30 min after meals for adults 0.1-0.3 G at the reception, children - 0.05-0.1 G 2-3 times a day. Daily doses for adults 0.2-0.6 G, for children 0.05-0.3 G. At the beginning of treatment, the drug is taken in smaller than average doses. The course of treatment is from 1-3 months to 6-8 months in adults and from 2 weeks to 3 months in children. Repeated courses are carried out in adults after 1-6 months, in children after 3-6 months. Release form: tablets of 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 G, coated. Under the name "Encephabol" the drug is produced at 0.1 G in a dragee and in the form of a syrup containing 0.1 G in every 5 ml, in vials of 200 ml. Storage: in a dry, dark place.

1. Small medical encyclopedia. - M.: Medical Encyclopedia. 1991-96 2. First aid. - M.: Great Russian Encyclopedia. 1994 3. Encyclopedic dictionary of medical terms. - M.: Soviet Encyclopedia. - 1982-1984.

See what "Nootropics" are in other dictionaries:

- (nootropics) (from the Greek noos mind and tropos turn, direction), lek. in va, selectively stimulating the functions of the brain and increasing energy. body potential. N. p. are able to accelerate learning processes, improve memory and mental ... ... Chemical Encyclopedia

I Psychotropic drugs (Greek psychē soul, consciousness + tropos turn, direction; synonymous with psychopharmacological drugs) drugs that affect mental functions, emotional sphere and behavior. Distinguish the following ... ... Medical Encyclopedia

I Anti-alcohol drugs drugs that reduce or eliminate the effects of alcohol or the consequences of its use. Among P. s. distinguish between sobering drugs and drugs for the treatment of chronic alcoholism. AT… … Medical Encyclopedia

- (from the Greek psyche soul and tropos turn, direction; psychopharmacological agents), lek. in VA, affecting ch. arr. on the psychic body functions. Unlike some other groups of lek. cf. (e.g., narcotic analgesics, ephedrine, ketamine and its ... ... Chemical Encyclopedia

- (ZHNVLS) a list of medicines approved by the Government of the Russian Federation for the purpose of state regulation of prices for medicines. The list of vital drugs covers almost all types of medical care, ... ... Wikipedia

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Nootropics or nootropics, they are also neurometabolic stimulants, substances taken to improve mental abilities. The term "nootropic" is derived from the Greek. νους reason and τροπή I turn, I interfere, I change. It was introduced in 1972 to describe ... ... Wikipedia

Nootropics or nootropics, they are also neurometabolic stimulants, substances taken to improve mental abilities. The term "nootropic" is derived from the Greek. νους reason and τροπή I turn, I interfere, I change. It was introduced in 1972 to describe ... ... Wikipedia

Nootropics or nootropics, they are also neurometabolic stimulants, substances taken to improve mental abilities. The term "nootropic" is derived from the Greek. νους reason and τροπή I turn, I interfere, I change. It was introduced in 1972 to describe ... ... Wikipedia

Pathological conditions caused by exposure to toxic substances (industrial poisons) in production conditions. Industrial poisons are a large group of toxic substances and compounds that are used in industry as a source ... ... Medical Encyclopedia

Nootropic drugs - what are these medicines? You will receive the answer to the question asked from the presented article. In addition, you will learn the history of their occurrence, principles of action, properties, indications and effects from the application.

General information

Nootropic drugs - what is it? Such drugs improve brain function, rejuvenate the body and prolong life. These are neurometabolic stimulants that have an activating effect on learning. In addition, they significantly improve mental activity and memory. The term "nootropic" is made up of two Greek words νους and τροπή, which means "mind" and "change" respectively.

Description

Nootropic drugs do not have their own class in the classification of medical drugs. That is why they were combined with psychostimulants and began to belong to the pharmacotherapeutic group with the following ATC code: N06BX.

History of occurrence

In 1963, the Belgian pharmacologists S. Giurgea and V. Skondia synthesized the first drug from the presented group - Piracetam. Today, such a nootropic drug is known to most patients under the name "Nootropil". Like a psychostimulant in the middle of the 20th century, it increased mental and at the same time did not have any side effects.

In 1972, one of the creators of this drug proposed the term "nootropic" to refer to a group of drugs that improve intellectual memory, learning and attention, and also affect the transcallosal potential, have antihypoxic activity and do not have a negative effect on the body.

Unlike well-known psychostimulants, nootropics stimulate, which further leads to an increase in their activity, which is quantitative, not qualitative. It should be especially noted that the effect of most of these drugs does not appear after the first dose, but with long-term treatment.

Latest Nootropics

Currently, more than 10 original nootropics of the pyrrolidine series have been synthesized, which are in phase 3 clinical trials or have already been registered in a number of countries. Among these drugs, one can single out Oxiracetam, Nefiracetam, Etiracetam, Aniracetam, Rolziracetam, Isacetam, Pramiracetam, Cebracetam, Dupracetam, Detiracetam, etc. The presented medicines have common name "Racetams".

Among others, other families of nootropic agents have been synthesized, including GABAergic, cholinergic, glutamatergic, and peptidergic systems. It should also be noted that the nootropic active ingredient is also present in other medicines that have a different chemical origin.

Operating principle

Nootropic drugs - what are these drugs, and what are they prescribed for? The therapeutic effect of such drugs is based on several mechanisms:

• activation of plastic processes in the central nervous system due to increased protein and RNA synthesis;
• improvement of the energy state of neurons, which is manifested in increased ATP synthesis, as well as antihypoxic and antioxidant effects;
• improved glucose utilization;
• strengthening the processes of synaptic transmission in the central nervous system;
• membrane stabilizing effect.

Features of drugs

The main mechanisms of such drugs are considered to be their direct effect on bioenergetics and metabolic processes in nerve cells, as well as interaction with brain systems (primarily neurotransmitter systems).

It has long been proven that nootropics are able to activate adenylate cyclase and increase its concentration in the neuron. In addition, an increased level of cyclic adenosine monophosphate leads through a change in the flow of intracellular Ca2+ and K+ ions to a rapid release of the mediator from the sensory neuron.

It should also be noted that activated adenylate cyclase is able to maintain the stability of ATP production in cells without oxygen, and, under hypoxic conditions, transfer brain metabolism to a conserved mode.

Nootropic drugs for the elderly and children are urgently needed to increase their creativity and restore intellectual retardation. Manufacturers of such stimulants claim that their drugs improve the metabolism of nucleic acids, activate the synthesis of protein, ATP and RNA, penetrate the BBB well, and also increase the rate of glucose utilization.

Properties of nootopes

The effect of a number of nootropic drugs is sometimes mediated through the neurotransmitter system of the brain (cholinergic, monoaminergic, glutamatergic).

According to manufacturers, nootropics can also have other types of effects, including:

• antioxidant;
• membrane stabilizing;
• neuroprotective;
• antihypoxic.

Other drug options

Nootropics are recommended to be used in combination. After all, this is the only way to improve the bioelectrical activity and integrative activity of the brain, which manifests itself in the form of characteristic changes in electrophysiological patterns (a noticeable increase in the level of wakefulness, as well as a dominant peak, facilitated the passage of information between the hemispheres of the brain, an increase in the relative and absolute power of the EEG spectrum of the hippocampus and cortex).

Due to the increase in cortico-subcortical control, improvement of information exchange in the brain, positive impact on the reproduction and formation of a memory trace, we can safely say that such drugs lead to an increase in the ability to learn, improve memory, thinking, attention, perception, as well as the activation of intellectual functions. .

By the way, many manufacturing companies claim that such tools can significantly improve and accelerate cognitive (or However, these statements have not been scientifically confirmed.

effects

According to manufacturers, nootropic drugs have the following effects on a person:

Are Nootropics Effective for Stroke Prevention?

What are these drugs, we figured out. But this raises a new question about how effective they are in the treatment and prevention of strokes. It should be noted that this practice is questionable. This is due to the fact that the use of nootropics in relation to such deviations has not been confirmed.

Clinical Application

Before explaining why such drugs are used in official medicine, it should be noted that nootropic drugs without prescriptions from attending physicians are not dispensed in pharmacies. This is due to the fact that they belong to the same drug group as strong psychostimulants.

Initially, the drugs presented were used to treat brain disorders in older people with an organic brain syndrome. Although in the past few years (usually in third world countries) they have become quite widely used in various fields of medicine, including surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry, neurology, narcology, as well as obstetric and geriatric practices.

Thus, nootropic drugs are used by doctors for:

Indications for children

In developing countries, the presented funds are especially common in pediatrics. Thus, nootropic drugs are prescribed for children with:

• mental retardation;
• delayed speech and mental development;
• children's cerebral palsy;
• the consequences of perinatal damage to the central nervous system;
• attention deficit disorder.

Other indications for use

The best nootropic drug is the drug that has a pronounced therapeutic effect and does not negatively affect the human body. It should be noted that such funds are sometimes used for:

• stuttering ("Pantogam", "Phenibut");
• correction of neuroleptic syndrome ("Hopantenic acid", "Pyritinol", "Deanol aceglumate", "Pantogam");
• hyperkinesis ("Hopantenic acid", "Phenibut", "Memantine");
• urination disorder ("Pantogam", "Nicotinoyl-GABA");
• sleep disorders ("Fenibut", "Calcium gamma-hydroxybutyrate", "Glycine");
• migraine ("Pyritinol", "Nicotinoyl-GABA", "Semax");
• dizziness ("Ginkgo biloba", "Phenibut", "Piracetam");
• for the prevention of motion sickness ("GABA", "Phenibut").

By the way, in ophthalmological practice, such drugs are used as part of combination therapy for open-angle glaucoma, vascular diseases of the retina and macular (Nicotinoyl-GABA), as well as senile and diabetic retinopathy (Ginkgo biloba).

Natural nootropics

In addition to drugs, natural substances with similar properties are often used to obtain a therapeutic effect. Of course, natural nootropics are not as effective as pharmacological agents, but within a few weeks after use, patients still begin to notice an improvement in cognitive functions and so on.

The nervous system of a newly born person is still immature. It will improve over the years. It is not surprising that caring parents peer intently at their crumbs - but 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, lag behind in development from their peers? Does the little one have a delay in speech development or does he not want to sit down and walk in the average period? All these symptoms can be a sign of both natural immaturity of the nervous system for crumbs, and a serious illness.

When the question arises, as they say, with an edge, parents and pediatricians have no time to wait whether the alarming symptoms will pass 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. You should not be afraid - according to statistics, they are prescribed to every third baby.

What it is?

Nootropics are neurometabolic stimulants. Simply put, drugs that actively affect 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, nootropics do not have a separate group; they are combined with psychostimulants. But this is also not a cause for concern.

Action

Nootropic action is based on several processes. They improve the energy state of nerve cells (neurons), accelerate the 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, the metabolic processes in the brain are significantly improved, memory "strengthens", perception "revives". Nootropics have a positive effect on the mechanisms of thinking, increase intellectual abilities. It is for this that nootropics got their second unofficial name - “cognition stimulants”.

Nootropic drugs come in various classifications, in total there are more than 20 types. There are over a hundred titles.

Indications for use

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

• Lag in the development of the child's psyche,
• speech development delay,
• The consequences of intrauterine suffering of the baby, during which the central nervous system was affected,
• Head injuries (concussion, TBI)
• attention deficit disorder,
• Various forms of mental retardation,

In addition, certain types of nootropic drugs are likely to be prescribed for severe stuttering, sleep disturbance in a child, urination disorders, migraines, and severe dizziness. Nootropics are used to treat hyperkinesias (these are chaotic convulsive random 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 its rather positive effect 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 in the middle of the 20th century. European and American doctors, for example, refuse to prescribe nootropics to their little patients.

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

What drugs can a 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 countries of the former CIS are also familiar with other synonymous names: Nootropil, Cerebril, Lutsetam, Oykamid, 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 intellectual stress and motivates learning, 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 babies with psychomotor agitation.

Among the side effects from taking Piracetam are insomnia, impaired coordination of movements, irritability, confusion.

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

  The drug improves the condition of children with various forms of cerebral palsy, schizophrenia, autism. In addition, Pantogam helps with urinary incontinence, children's nervous tics, hyperactivity syndrome and delayed speech development. Side effects are minimized, to drowsiness and an allergic reaction to any component of Pantogam.

• Picamilon is a nootropic drug that expands the vessels of 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 old.

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

Side effects include headache, nausea, itchy skin. 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, helps students cope with overload in the learning process. The effect of a tranquilizer helps relieve anxiety, irritability, improve sleep. Available in tablets and powders. This drug is low-toxic, and therefore it is prescribed to children from 2 years old. Side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea.

• Pyritinol is a nootropic agent with a slight sedative effect. Often it is advised to take it in depressive states, vegetative - vascular dystonia, increased fatigue, mental retardation. Suitable for children from 1 year old. It has a fairly large list of side effects from nausea to polymyositis, dyspnea and loss of taste sensations.

• Cinnarizine (synonyms Balcinnarzine, Vertizin, Diziron, Cinnaron, Cyrizin) is a nootropic, the instructions for use of 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 up to a year old, and claim its positive effect. However, the effectiveness of the drug has not been proven, but side effects in patients were recorded. With this drug, they are satisfied with serious: violations of the liver and kidneys, pressure drop, headaches. Cinnarizine is available in capsules and tablets.

• Semax is one of the pediatricians' favorite nootropics. It is available in the form of drops in the nose, and therefore it is convenient to use it even for the smallest patients. Semax comes to the rescue in cases where children have a delay in speech development, sleep disturbances, hyperexcitability, capriciousness. Among the side effects are dizziness, irritation of the nasal mucosa.

• The simplest aminoacetic acid Glycine can be an excellent option. It has all the advantages of nootropics, but is devoid of frightening side effects. Glycine is prescribed for babies of any age. The drug regulates the processes of excitation and inhibition. As a result, the child's attention increases, learning significantly improves, night sleep normalizes.

It is almost impossible to list all the drugs of the nootropic family, there are a lot of them, 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 funds are quite in demand by both adults and children.

• From the "new products" I would like to note the Japanese nootropic Gammalon. The cost of this drug exceeds the cost of its ancestor Piracetam by more than 100 times. A package of a drug from the country 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, alleviates their condition. But a number of physicians have doubts about Gammalon. The fact is that even a superficial analysis of the instructions for use for observant patients can suggest that the composition of the Japanese "miracle drug" contains a single amino acid - gamma-aminobutyric.

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

Conclusion about diagnostics in Russia

In Russia, a peculiar practice of diagnostics has developed. Doctors in the clinic, for the sake of "reinsurance", can make a neurological or even psychiatric diagnosis for any child with increased excitability, very mobile or anxious. By and large, there would be a person, but there would be a diagnosis.

Doctors cannot be blamed for this. They are ordered by the Ministry of Health. After all, missing the beginning of the disease is even worse. Parents begin to treat the baby with nootropic drugs prescribed by a cautious doctor, not really knowing whether they are harmful. With a real disease, nootropics are effective, but in the case of medical "reinsurance", the drug will bring absolutely nothing to a healthy child, except for possible "side effects".

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

Despite all the methods of diagnosis, the solution to the dilemma "Norm or pathology" falls on the shoulders of the doctor and ultimately will be determined only by him. And this is fertile ground for medical errors and those same reinsurance "just in case."

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

For more information about nootropics, see the following video.

Today, new generation nootropic drugs are used to stimulate the brain and protect nervous reactions, the list of which is so impressive that it takes several pages. Basically, these are complex remedies, consisting directly of a nootropic component and auxiliary substances that improve the nutrition of nerve cells - amino acids, vitamins,.

How do new nootropics differ from old ones?

People have been using nootropics for a long time and don't even know it. For example, the simplest nootropic - choline - is found in eggs, meat, fish and seafood. By eating food rich in animal protein, we stimulate the production of the hormone serotonin, which is not only responsible for the feeling of pleasure, but also has a beneficial effect on neural connections. The brain begins to work more actively, memory and thought processes improve. The simplest nootropics also include coffee, green tea, nicotine, amphetamines. These are the so-called stimulants of brain activity. The well-known vitamin B6 and Glycine tablets also belong to this type of remedy, they improve metabolic processes in the spinal cord and brain.

In the middle of the 20th century, there was a strong leap forward in the field of studying the work of the brain. The following types of nootropic drugs have been developed, studied and classified:

• reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitors;
• vasodilators and metabolic enhancers;
• stimulants;
• racetams.

There is another classification based on the origin of the main active substance and its functions, but it is quite complex and confusing, and therefore only of interest to physicians. In addition, racetams are mainly used in therapy today. This is the basis of new generation nootropic drugs. Racetams are chemical structures derived from pyrrolidine. Here is a short list of the most popular drugs in this category:

• Piracetam;
• Oxiracetam;
• Etiracetam;
• Aniracetam;
• Pramiracetam;
• Nebracetam;
• Nefiracetam;
• Isacetam;
• detiracetam;
• Dipracetam and others.

Unlike natural stimulants, these drugs have a very precise effect on certain areas of the brain, which allows them to be used not only to improve memory and intelligence, but also in the treatment of strokes, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. These are the most effective nootropic drugs.

Latest Nootropics

Since the latest products are combined, they combine new generation racetams and excipients. Such modern nootropic drugs are very popular, such as:

• Diapiram;
• Orocetam;
• Yukamen;
• Thiocetam;
• Apik;
• Binotropil.

Most often, patients who have had a stroke are prescribed Phezam. This medicine is a combination of piracetam and cinnarizine. This antihistamine improves blood circulation in the brain and strengthens the walls of even the smallest blood vessels. Many consider it the best nootropic drug. We agree with this statement, but we want to note that other means have shown themselves very well. In addition, almost all nootropic drugs have few contraindications and side effects, which greatly facilitates the appointment and use.

It is better for elderly patients to give preference to the latest combination drugs. But young people seeking to improve brain function can buy any racetam and supplement it with regular exercise and proper nutrition. The effect will be no worse, since the body reacts to moderate physical activity with the release of serotonin and other hormones that have a beneficial effect on neural connections and the nervous system as a whole.

Modern medicine offers a wide range of different drugs for children. These include tools that are used in neurology. Often, with any deviations in the neurological development of the child, the doctor prescribes nootropic drugs. Are nootropic drugs safe for children and what effects will their intake entail, we will tell in the article.

What is a nootropic drug?

These drugs got their name from the merger of two Greek words noos - mind and tropos - direction. The main effect of these funds is to improve mental activity. In addition, nootropics help level neurological deficits and increase the endurance of nerve cells under extreme conditions (stress, hypoxia).

In scientific circles, it is believed that the difference between nootropics and other psychotropic drugs is the absence of such effects on the nervous system as stimulation and sedation (sedation). When taking these drugs, the bioelectrical activity of the brain does not change. The only drug that is an exception is Cortexin.

Another positive quality of drugs in this group is low toxicity and inability to disrupt blood circulation.

Mechanism of action and effects of nootropics

The basis of the pharmacological action of these drugs is their beneficial effect on metabolic processes in the brain:

• They enhance the synthesis of macroergic phosphates (biological molecules that store and transfer energy), proteins, and some enzymes.
• Nootropics stabilize the membranes (shells) of neurons that have been damaged.

The following effects that nootropic drugs can have can be distinguished:

• Reducing the manifestations of asthenic syndrome (weakness, fatigue, drowsiness, decreased concentration, sleep disturbances);
• Stimulation by some mental activity;
• Fight against depression;
• Have a moderate inhibitory effect on the nervous system;
• Contribute to the resistance of brain cells (neurons) to oxygen deficiency;
• Reducing the manifestations of epilepsy (moderate anticonvulsant effect);
• Improvement of cerebral blood flow in vegetovascular dystonia;
• Promotes the activation of cognitive activity;
• Contribute to the adaptation of the body to changing environmental conditions;
• Strengthening immunity and overall resilience.

These funds have positive effects only with their long-term use. Nootropic drugs for children with speech disorders and developmental disabilities should be used for at least 2 weeks in combination with other therapeutic measures.

Indications and contraindications for use

Like any drug, nootropic drugs have their own indications and contraindications, which must be taken into account by the doctor when prescribing these drugs.

• Cerebral palsy;
• Epilepsy;
• Lagging behind in physical and mental development;
• Speech disorders and delay in its development;
• Sequelae of traumatic brain injury;
• Perinatal damage to the nervous system of various origins;
• Transferred neuroinfections;
• Restlessness, disinhibition, attention deficit.

In addition to positive effects, nootropics can also have a negative impact if the child has the following contraindications to their use:

• Violation of the kidneys;
• Increased intracranial pressure;
• Severe psychomotor agitation;
• Pathology of the liver;
• Individual intolerance to any component of the drug

When new generation nootropic drugs are prescribed, the list for children is limited precisely to contraindications to their use. The use of any medication should be agreed with the attending physician.

The Best Nootropics for Kids

The modern pharmaceutical market offers a large number of nootropic products. Such drugs are used in children of any age. Modern drugs are available in various dosage forms that are suitable for use even in the neonatal period.

Cortexin

Produced in the form of bottles with a ready-made solution. The route of administration is only injection (intramuscularly). Contains a complex of polypeptide fractions obtained from the brain of piglets and/or calves.

The mechanism of action of the drug is in such processes as:

• Activation of neuropeptides (proteins that regulate the functioning of nerve cells) and factors that provide nutrition to the brain;
• Optimization of the balance of inhibitory and excitatory substances in the brain;
• inhibitory effect on the nervous system;
• Decreased seizure activity;
• Prevents the formation of free radicals.

More information about indications and contraindications, the method of administration can be found in a separate article on Cortexin.

encephabol

The drug is available in the form of a suspension and tablets. Can be used from the neonatal period (the first 28 days of life). The main effects of this drug are as follows:

1. Improves metabolic processes in brain cells;
2. Promotes the transmission of nerve impulses;
3. Stabilizes the structure of cell membranes, preventing the effects of free radicals (antioxidant action);
4. Reduces blood viscosity and improves blood flow;
5. Improves blood circulation in ischemic areas.

• Violations of memory, thinking, fatigue, reduced concentration of attention;
• Delayed development of the psyche;
• encephalopathy;
• Conditions after suffering encephalitis (inflammation of brain tissues).

Encephabol is contraindicated in cases of:

• Sensitivity to pyritinol (the main active ingredient);
• Kidney disorders;
• Severe liver damage;
• Changes in peripheral blood tests;
• Autoimmune diseases in the acute period;
• myasthenia gravis;
• Pemphigus.

The drug is prescribed in dosages depending on age. It is not recommended to take in the evening and at night. When using Encephabol in newborns with a risk of developing perinatal pathology, the duration of the course of treatment is 6 months, followed by a repeat, if necessary, after 3 months.

Aminalon

The drug is produced and produced in tablet form. It is prescribed for children from 1 year. The main active ingredient of the drug is gamma-aminobutyric acid. The effects of the drug are expressed in the fact that it:

• Restoration of metabolic processes in the brain;
• Promotes the removal of toxic substances;
• Improves memory and mental activity;
• It has a mild stimulating effect on the psyche;
• It has a positive effect on the restoration of movements and speech;
• Stabilizes blood pressure.

In addition to the indications inherent in all nootropics, Aminalon is used for sleep disorders caused by increased pressure and motion sickness (seasickness, in land transport).

Of the contraindications, only hypersensitivity to the main component of the drug stands out.

Aminalon is dosed according to age. The daily dose is divided into 3 doses, before meals. The duration of treatment is from 2 weeks to 4 months.

Glutamic acid

This substance is produced in tablets. It is prescribed for children from infancy. Glutamic acid belongs to the group of non-essential amino acids. Actively participates in the metabolism and nutrition of the brain, protecting it from toxins and the effects of hypoxia.

Indications for use are:

• Minor epileptic seizures;
• Schizophrenia;
• Cerebral palsy;
• Mental exhaustion, insomnia;
• Consequences of encephalitis and meningitis;
• Consequences of birth trauma;
• Polio;
• Down's disease.

Glutamic acid is contraindicated in:

• Damage to the kidneys and liver;
• Anemia and oppression of bone hematopoiesis;
• fever;
• peptic ulcer;
• Hypersensitivity to glutamic acid;
• Obesity.

Of the side effects, allergic reactions, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, overexcitation can be observed. With long-term use, anemia and a decrease in the level of leukocytes may occur, so blood tests should be monitored when taking this drug.

Semax

The only nootropic drug that comes in the form of nasal drops. Approved for use in children from 7 years. It is used in pediatrics in the complex treatment of minimal brain dysfunctions.

1-2 drops are prescribed in each nasal passage in the morning and afternoon. The course of treatment is a month. Contraindicated in the presence of seizures in history and in acute mental disorders.

Phenibut

The release form of this drug is tablets. Approved for use in children. Phenibut is prescribed strictly according to indications and in doses according to the age of the child.

The positive properties of the drug are expressed in such effects as:

• Improvement of cerebral circulation;
• Increase mental and physical performance;
• Reducing headaches, sleep disturbances;
• Decreased irritability, emotional lability;
• Improving the condition with motor and speech disorders;
• Improving memory, attention.

The main indications for its use are:

• Asthenic syndrome and anxiety;
• Neurosis and obsessive states;
• stuttering, tics;
• Urinary incontinence;
• Prevention of motion sickness.

Phenibut is contraindicated only with individual sensitivity to the drug, and is also used with caution in diseases of the kidneys and stomach.

Nootropic drugs are widely used in pediatric practice. They have a wide range of positive effects on the functioning of the nervous system. At the same time, they are classified as low-toxic agents. An experienced neurologist will be able to choose an effective drug and prescribe the proper treatment regimen. Therefore, before using a nootropic, you should definitely consult a doctor.

Valentina Ignasheva, pediatrician, specially for the site

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