Safe nootropics. Safe nootropic drugs for children

Contents of the article:

New generation nootropic drugs are drugs that are responsible for stimulating the brain and its work, protecting nervous reactions. The list of new drugs in this group is quite large. As a rule, these are complex substances that consist of the nootropic component itself, as well as a number of additional ingredients, such as amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins, which improve the functioning of brain cells.

Features and types of new generation nootropics

People have been using nootropics in various forms since ancient times. The simplest and very first known nootropic is choline. The substance contains eggs, meat, fish, and seafood. After eating food that is rich in animal protein, the hormone serotonin is produced in the brain.

It is responsible for the feeling of pleasure and also has a positive effect on neuronal connections. The brain starts to work actively, memory becomes better, as do thought processes. Similar nootropic simple substances are found in green tea, coffee, nicotine, and amphetamines.

After being developed and studied in the mid-20th century nootropic drugs in laboratory conditions, a classification of these drugs was created: stimulants, reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, racetams, vasodilators, metabolic enhancers.

Currently, racetams are mainly used in medicine. These substances are the basis of new nootropic drugs. Racetams are chemical structure, which is a derivative of pyrrolidine. Today there are many different pharmacological drugs new generation.

Previously, in order to improve mental activity, plant components such as lemongrass, ginseng, and ginkgo biloba were widely used. These plants are still used as ingredients in nootropic drugs. Unlike natural natural stimulants the latter have a more precise effect on specific areas of the brain.

This makes it possible to use new drugs not only to enhance memory and improve intelligence, but also in the treatment of more serious disorders and ailments, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Thanks to this, these drugs are considered the most effective among all nootropic drugs.

Composition and characteristics of the components of new nootropic agents


As a rule, such drugs contain two or more components that complement each other’s action. Often in the composition of new nootropic drugs you can find:
  1. Dimethylaminoethanol. This is a substance that is actively involved in the synthesis of acetylcholine. Acts as an antioxidant, improves memory, mental abilities, and physical endurance.
  2. Gamma-aminobutyric acid. The main inhibitory neurotransmitter of the central nervous system. Takes an active part in brain metabolism, as well as in neurotransmitter processes.
  3. Pantothenic acid (B5). Participates in metabolic processes of the brain, the synthesis of acetylcholine. Participates in the synthesis of neurotransmitters.
  4. Pyridoxine (B6). This is a protein coenzyme that is involved in the uniform supply of glucose to the body's cells and is involved in the processing of amino acids.
  5. Vitamin B15. Helps eliminate cell hypoxia, has a vasodilating effect, and has a detoxifying property.
  6. Vitamin E. Takes part in the synthesis of hormones, acts as an antioxidant, prevents the formation of blood clots, and helps muscles function normally.
  7. Folic acid . Participates in the processes of DNA replication and cell division.
In addition, various nootropics contain extracts and extracts of plants: ginseng, ginkgo biloba, lemongrass. The list of new generation nootropic drugs for children, as a rule, includes medicines containing vitamin supplements.

Beneficial properties of new generation nootropic drugs


According to the definition of the World Health Organization, the group of new generation nootropics should include drugs that have a direct activating effect on the learning process, memory, and mental activity. In addition, these drugs increase the brain’s resistance to various aggressive factors.

General properties new nootropic drugs are as follows:

  • Improving thought processes - learning or cognitive functions;
  • Increasing the speed of memorization and strength of data storage;
  • Growth of intellectual activity, increase in volume intellectual abilities;
  • Oblivion stress conditions and information about various pains;
  • Stimulation of metabolic processes in neural tissue, mainly when various pathologies, such as intoxication, trauma, anoxia;
  • Improving impact on mental state and higher nervous activity for morphological and functional pathologies;
  • Increased resistance of the brain's thought processes to unfavorable factors of the internal and external environment: stroke, trauma, hypoxia.
Some drugs from the group of new nootropics, due to their pronounced anabolic effect and positive effect on physical endurance and activity, are used in various drug regimens for professional sports activities.

New generation nootropic drugs do not affect the psyche and higher nervous activity of a healthy person.

Indications for the use of new nootropics


Let's take a closer look at the indications for taking new generation nootropic drugs to improve mental performance:
  1. Psychoorganic syndrome. In medicine, it is understood as a broad group of diseases that manifest themselves in dystrophic changes nerve tissue. These are the following diseases: epilepsy, different types dementia, Parkinson's disease, neuroinfections, cerebral palsy, ischemic stroke.
  2. Chronic alcoholism, which is accompanied by withdrawal syndrome and delirium.
  3. Addiction.
  4. Asthenia of organic and neurotic origin, asthenoneurotic and asthenodepressive syndromes, VSD, migraine, sleep disorders, emotional lability.
  5. Correction of neuroleptic syndrome.
  6. Impaired proper urination of neurogenic etiology.
  7. Somatic-vegetative disorders.
  8. Neurotic and neurosis-like pathologies.
  9. Chronic cerebrovascular insufficiency.
  10. Sickle cell anemia.
  11. Chronic psychopathologies, schizophrenia, childhood mental retardation, neurosis-like disorders, depression.
  12. Organic brain syndrome of elderly people.
  13. As part of the complex treatment of ophthalmological pathologies.

Side effects and contraindications of new nootropics


Each drug of the nootropic class has its own contraindications. In general terms we can highlight the following:
  • Pregnancy;
  • Breastfeeding;
  • Individual intolerance to components;
  • Psychomotor agitation;
  • Bulimia;
  • Kidney failure;
  • Liver failure;
  • Huntington's chorea;
  • The period after acute hemorrhagic stroke;
  • Severe renal dysfunction.
New generation nootropics may also cause some side effects: weakness, hyperactivity, anxiety, sleep disturbances, hypotension, dyspepsia, nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity, angina pectoris, eosinophilia, epileptic seizures, convulsive states, hallucinations, balance problems, fever, ataxia, thrombophlebitis, confusion, flushing, feeling of heat on the face, urticaria.

The mechanism of action of new generation nootropic drugs


Nootropic drugs directly affect a number of brain functions. As a result, the interaction between the hemispheres and the main centers of the cortex improves.

New generation medications increase the utilization of sugar, as well as the formation of ATP, and have a stimulating effect on the synthesis of RNA and proteins. The process of oxidative phospholation under their influence is suspended, and cell membranes are stabilized.

The mechanisms of action of new nootropics include:

  1. Antioxidant;
  2. Membrane stabilizing;
  3. Neuroprotective;
  4. Antihypoxic.
Racetams, which are the basis of most nootropic medications, have effects similar to amphetamine. However, the mechanism of action is different: it is more stable, without a retreat to subnormal neural efficiency. Amphetamines fill synaptic clefts with large amounts of neurotransmitters. And racetams bind to receptors, temporarily changing their shape. The signal is thus lengthened.

The advantage of this mechanism of action is that no irreversible changes occur in the cortex. With the ease with which racetam molecules bind to receptors, they become detached.

Moreover, since human body does not produce racetams on its own, it is unlikely that by-products will occur that could cause negative effects. Thus, a powerful nootropic effect is achieved without side effect.

Each racetam has a unique formula that allows it to bind to specific neuroreceptors. As a rule, such drugs are used in groups in order to achieve a better effect.

The effectiveness of new generation nootropic drugs for older people increases if they are combined with psychostimulants and angioprotectors. This is how impaired intellectual functions are stimulated and corrected. For children, neurometabolic stimulants are recommended to combat mental retardation.

Instructions for use of new nootropics


Self-administration of new generation nootropic drugs without the advice of a doctor is prohibited. It is only permissible to use herbal medicines based on ginkgo biloba, lemongrass and other plants without prescription. Such drugs are most likely biologically active additives than with medications.

There are many different drugs in this group. They have different shapes and direction of action. They are mainly produced in the form of tablets, capsules, injection solutions and suspensions.

It is worth noting that the maximum efficiency of using these medicines achieved only after several weeks or even months.

Review of new generation nootropics


The list of new generation nootropic drugs is quite extensive. As a rule, newest medicines have combined composition and combine racetams and excipients.

Popular means are:

  • Fezam. It is a combination of piracetam and cinarizine. The medicine is in the form of capsules. Recommended as a product in the composition complex therapy for the treatment of circulatory disorders in the brain. After its use, microcirculation in the brain improves, blood vessels, vision and hearing improve. The drug eliminates the effects of hypoxia, relieves headaches, dizziness, and fights amnesia. As a rule, people who have suffered a stroke, encephalitis and various traumatic brain injuries are prescribed long-term use of Phezam. The price for a package of the drug (60 capsules) ranges from 170 to 250 rubles.
  • Orocetam. Combination of piracetam and orotic acid. These are injections for intravenous administration. The drug helps overcome severe brain intoxication. Improves metabolic processes in brain cells. Activates the reparative and detoxification function of the liver. The price is about 50 rubles per ampoule of the drug.
  • Thiocetam. Combination of piracetam and thiotriosaline. It comes in the form of tablets and injections. Used to improve cerebral blood circulation in the cerebral cortex. Often used to treat speech disorders and consequences alcohol intoxication. The price of the new generation nootropic drug Thiocetam is 540 rubles per package of 60 tablets.
Watch a video about the effect of nootropics on the brain:


New generation nootropic drugs are a panacea in treatment various violations brain function. Also, these medicines help improve people's intellectual abilities. of different ages. The use of these medications should be agreed with your doctor.

The modern rhythm of life can easily unsettle you. Heavy loads at work, study negatively affect the condition nervous system. To improve performance there are special drugs, which stimulate the human body and increase productivity. Nootropic drugs were created for people who have suffered traumatic brain injury and stroke. But, often, they are prescribed healthy people to improve brain function and relieve stress from the nervous system. We have compiled a rating of the best new generation nootropic drugs that deserve respect and trust. .

The best nootropic drugs without additional effects

Nootropil is the best nootropic drug of the new generation, which is most often prescribed to patients experiencing memory problems. It stimulates separate areas brain and improves its activity. Nootropil is sold both in tablets and in solution for intravenous administration. Doctors recommend using a nootropin drug, not only for medical indications, but also as a preventive measure, especially in those moments when the stress level is greatly increased. It does not dilate blood vessels, which is very good for teenagers and students who plan to improve brain activity during exam periods.

Pros:

  • Can be used during increased mental stress. For example, during exams, when stress and brain activity have the greatest impact on the nervous system;
  • Protects brain cells from hypoxia;
  • Can be given to schoolchildren;
  • Reduces stress levels, increases concentration and attention level.

Cons:

  • Cannot be used by people with renal failure and after a cerebral hemorrhage;
  • Improvements begin to be felt only after two weeks of use.

In official terms, Cavinton (vinpocetine) is in the category of drugs that improve blood circulation in the brain. But in my own way chemical composition, it is also one of the best nootropic drugs of the new generation. The medicine can be used for a wide range of diseases, as well as preventive measures to increase brain activity.

Pros:

  • Reduces stress levels and improves brain activity;
  • Can be used to improve concentration:
  • Sold in tablets and liquid form.

Cons:

  • For elderly people with heart rhythm disturbances, it is not recommended.

Pantogam is the best new generation nootropic drug developed based on herbs. It has a positive effect on brain activity, improves thought processes and allows you to concentrate. The manufacturer assures that Pantogam is suitable even for children, especially schoolchildren during exam periods. Doctors also recommend this nootropic drug to people who are stressed and at the level of nervous exhaustion.

Pros:

  • Effective drug;
  • Suitable for children;
  • Herbal based.

Cons:

  • Do not use for kidney problems, pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.

The best nootropic drug of the new generation, Semax, will appeal to customers who do not like swallowing pills, much less administering the medicine intravenously. It is instilled into the nose and affects proteins that interact with the nervous system. The drug begins to act instantly; immediately after administration, you feel an improvement in concentration and a decrease in stress levels. Semax is the best nootropic drug developed according to the most modern requirements.

Pros:

  • Convenient input method;
  • Valid for 24 hours after a single injection.

Cons:

  • It should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and is also not recommended for people suffering from acute psychosis.

You can improve memory and increase intelligence with the help of nootropic drugs that affect brain functions and increase its performance.

They are used in various fields medicine, which includes pediatrics, neurology, narcology, psychiatry, and obstetrics. Today pharmaceutical market offers big list medications, and which ones are best to take - the attending doctor will tell you.

Indications for use

At the core therapeutic effect nootropics are based on the following mechanisms:

  • increasing the rate of glucose utilization;
  • strengthening of proteins and ribonucleic acid synthesis;
  • increased synthesis of adenosine triphosphoric acid.

Thus, medications directly affect metabolic processes Central nervous system and bioenergetics, interacting with parts of the brain.

Nootropics have the following effects on the human body:

  • psychostimulant;
  • antiasthenic;
  • adaptogenic;
  • antiepileptic;
  • antidepressant;
  • immunostimulating;
  • sedative;
  • energetic.

Typically, these drugs are prescribed when the following ailments are detected:

  • drug addiction;
  • epilepsy;
  • ischemic stroke;
  • cerebral palsy;
  • neuroinfection;
  • chronic;
  • chronic cerebrovascular insufficiency;
  • migraine;

Nootropics are used as part of complex therapy for ophthalmic pathologies.

These drugs are also suitable for children with various disorders:

  • cerebral palsy;
  • damage to the central nervous system.

According to statistics, nootropics are prescribed to every third child.

List of latest generation drugs with prices

Important criteria for choosing a medicine are effectiveness, price, quality and safety. Below is a list of drugs by effectiveness:

  1. Pantogam(hopantenic acid). Widely used for children with encephalitis, enuresis, and residual brain damage. Main active substance is vitamin B15. The drug does not have harmful influence on the human body. The effect occurs within a month of regular use. The course of treatment is up to six months. The drug costs about 240 rubles.
  2. Fenotropil. Increases the body's resistance to stress and does not cause addiction.
    Phenotropil does not contain psychotropic substances and has an antiamnestic effect. Price – approx. 450 rubles.
  3. Piracetam. It is often prescribed for the treatment of encephalopathy, cerebrovascular disease, dizziness, and memory development.
    The full effect of taking it can be felt after 1-2 months. 60 tablets cost 61 ruble.
  4. Vinpocetine. This inexpensive remedy, which is beneficial for the brain and improves microcirculation in its vessels.
    Vinpocetine reduces blood pressure and has an antioxidant effect. 30 tablets of 10 mg will cost approximately 75 rubles.
  5. Phenibut. Prescribed to patients with dysfunction vestibular apparatus, asthenia, neuroses.
    It has antiplatelet and psychostimulating effects. It is often prescribed to children for stuttering, sleep disturbances, and to prevent motion sickness. For 50 tablets you will have to pay about 250 rubles.
  6. Actovegin. Intended for the treatment of vascular and metabolic pathologies.
    Available in the form of tablets and solution for injection. Costs about 1500 rubles.
  7. Cerebrolysin . A nootropic drug is used to eliminate neurological and mental illness, including Alzheimer's disease.
    Sold as a solution for injection. Price starts from 1000 rubles.
  8. Biotredin. Acts as a regulator tissue metabolism, increases brain performance, reduces emotional stress.
    Price starts from 88 rubles.
  9. Aminalon. Suitable for students and people whose activities involve memorizing large amounts of information.
    The drug strengthens memory, improves sleep and begins to act almost immediately. Price – 165 rubles for 100 tablets.
  10. Picamilon. It is a nootropic that dilates blood vessels in the brain and is an analogue of Piracetam.
    It has a tranquilizing effect and is not recommended for children under 3 years of age. For 30 tablets you will have to pay approximately 75 rubles.

When really existing pathology nootropics with proven effectiveness can solve the problem and improve the patient’s well-being, however, in case of an incorrect diagnosis, they will bring absolutely nothing but side effects.

Nootropic drugs - what are these medications? Reply to asked question you will get from the presented article. In addition, you will learn the history of their occurrence, principles of action, properties, indications and effects of use.

General information

Nootropic drugs - what are they? Such medicines 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 literally mean “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: N06ВХ.

History of origin

In 1963, 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 mid-20th century, it increased mental performance and did not have any side effects.

In 1972, one of the creators of this medication proposed the term “nootropic” to denote groups of drugs that improve intellectual memory, learning and attention, and also affect transcallosal potential, have antihypoxic activity and do not have a negative effect on the body.

Unlike well-known psychostimulants, nootropic drugs 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.

Newest nootropics

Currently, more than 10 original nootropic drugs 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 such drugs one can highlight “Oxiracetam”, “Nefiracetam”, “Etiracetam”, “Aniracetam”, “Rolziracetam”, “Izacetam”, “Pramiracetam”, “Cebracetam”, “Dupracetam”, “Detiracetam”, etc. The presented medications have common name"Racetams."

In addition to all others, other families of nootropic drugs have been synthesized, including GABAergic, cholinergic, glutamatergic and peptidergic systems. It should also be noted that the nootropic active component is also present in other medications that have different chemical origins.

Operating principle

Nootropic drugs - what are these drugs and what are they prescribed for? At the core therapeutic action There are several mechanisms behind such medications:

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

Features of the 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).

It has long been proven that nootropics are capable of activating adenylate cyclase and increasing its concentration in the neuron. Besides, increased level cyclic adenosine monophosphate leads through a change in the flow of intracellular Ca2+ and K+ ions to the rapid release of the transmitter 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 maintained mode.

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

Properties of nootropics

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 have other types of effects, including:

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

Other drug options

Nootropic drugs 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 characteristic changes electrophysiological patterns (a noticeable increase in the level of wakefulness, as well as the dominant peak, facilitated passage of information between the hemispheres of the brain, increased relative and absolute power of the EEG spectrum of the hippocampus and cortex).

Thanks to increased cortico-subcortical control, improved information exchange in the brain, a positive effect on reproduction and the formation of a memory trace, we can safely say that such drugs lead to increased learning ability, improved memory, thinking, attention, perception, as well as activation of intellectual functions .

By the way, many manufacturing companies claim that such tools can significantly improve and accelerate cognitive skills (or However, these statements have never been scientifically confirmed.

Effects

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


Are nootropic drugs effective for stroke prevention?

We figured out what kind of medicines these are. 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 subject to doubt. 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 tools are used in official medicine, it should be noted that nootropic drugs are not sold in pharmacies without prescriptions from attending physicians. This is due to the fact that they belong to the same drug group, as strong psychostimulants.

Initially, the medications presented were used to treat brain disorders in elderly people with organic brain syndrome. Although in the last 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 products presented are especially common in pediatrics. Thus, nootropic drugs are prescribed to children for:

  • mental retardation;
  • delayed speech and mental development;
  • cerebral palsy;
  • consequences perinatal lesion CNS;
  • attention deficit disorder.

Other indications for use

The best nootropic drug is the one 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 (“Phenibut”, “Calcium gamma-hydroxybutyrate”, “Glycine”);
  • migraines (“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 retina and macula (“Nicotinoyl-GABA”), as well as senile and diabetic retinopathy (“Ginkgo biloba”).

Natural nootropics

In addition to medications, to obtain therapeutic effect quite often natural substances with similar properties are used. Of course, natural nootropics are not as effective as pharmacological agents, however, within a few weeks after use, patients still begin to notice improvements in cognitive functions, etc.

Currently, many people, especially those living in megacities, regularly experience mental stress. Negative influence on the organism of the inhabitants major cities Poor environmental conditions also have an impact. Stress is far from harmless. Frequent overstrain of the nervous system over time leads to its exhaustion, resulting in more or less pronounced nervous disorders and even mental illnesses. Exposure to stress factors greatly increases the likelihood of pathologies occurring cardiovascular system. On " nervous soil» often develop and.

A person exposed to regular stress has a reduced ability to remember and worsens cognitive performance. He becomes more irritable and susceptible. For many decades, experts have been trying to find means to prevent and minimize the adverse effects of stress on the human body.

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Nootropics are medications that improve memory ability, stimulate mental activity and make the human brain more resistant to factors such as oxygen starvation, the influence toxic substances and even injuries.

Please note:The first effective nootropic, Piracetam, was obtained over half a century ago. It was created by pharmacologists from Belgium. The drug has undergone comprehensive clinical trials in 1963.

Work on the creation of new nootropic drugs is actively carried out today. Currently, there are a number of very effective means, increasing the functional activity of the brain. They help people cope with psycho-emotional stress and stabilize the functioning of the nervous system.

The nootropic effect is positive influence on higher functions bark.

Among others positive effects modern nootropic drugs include:


Please note:The anti-asthenic effect is to reduce the feeling of general weakness and lethargy, as well as to minimize the manifestations of mental asthenia. The mnemotropic effect suggests an improvement in the ability to remember and learn in general. Vasovegetative action means stimulation of blood circulation in the so-called. "brain pool". Nootropic drugs are strong adaptogens that allow the body to adapt to the effects of various (mostly unfavorable) environmental factors.

Nootropics latest generation can increase clarity of consciousness. Modern drugs of this class do not provoke psychomotor agitation. They do not cause drug dependence (addiction) and even with long-term use do not deplete the body's own resources.

Nootropics are able to activate the process of biosynthesis of ribonucleic acid and protein compounds in the central nervous system. They accelerate energy processes in the processes of cells of the nervous system and improve transmission nerve impulses. Drugs at the cellular level significantly reduce the formation free radicals, i.e. they have an antioxidant effect. They optimize the utilization of glucose and other polysaccharide compounds. Nootropic drugs are responsible for the formation of proteins and phospholipids in neurocytes, due to which their membranes are stabilized. Drugs of this group increase the concentration of adenylate cyclase in the cells of the nervous system, due to which the process of ATP, the main energy base of cells, is normalized. Adenosine triphosphoric acid, in conditions of insufficient oxygen supply, stabilizes metabolism in the brain.

Important:nootropic drugs increase the level of formation and release of neurotransmitters - serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine and acetylcholine.

Classification of nootropic drugs

Nootropics include drugs from several clinical and pharmacological groups.

  1. Metabolism stimulants in nerve cells:
    • GABA derivatives:
  • Phenibut;
  • Aminalon;
  • Hopantenic acid.
    • Pyrrolidone derivatives:
  • Piracetam;
  • Phenylpiracetam;
  • Pramiracetam.

Please note:Pantothenic acid compounds include the common nootropic Pantogam, and Pyritinol is produced based on vitamin B6.

  • Products containing dimethylaminoethanol include:
  • Centrophenoxine;
  • Acefen.
    • Among the drugs with peptides and amino acids are the following drugs:
  • Actovegin;
  • Glycine;
  • Cerebrolysin.
  1. To nootropics that reduce negative impact oxygen deficiency applies, in particular, to Oxymethylethylpyridine succinate.
  2. Vitamin-like drugs and nootropic adaptogens include: succinic acid, vitamins E and B15, and ginseng root extract.
  3. Vasotropic, i.e., drugs that have a positive effect on cerebral blood vessels, are Vinpocetine, Cinnarizine and Instenon.
  4. To improve memory, drugs with different mechanisms of action are used:
    • Anticholesterase drugs and cholinomimetics:
  • Choline;
  • Galantamine;
  • Amiridine.
    • Hormonal drugs:
  • endorphins;
  • enkephalins;
  • ACTH;
  • Corticotropin.

Indications for the use of nootropic drugs

Drugs of this clinical and pharmacological group are prescribed for the following diseases and pathological conditions:

  • decreased mental and physical activity;
  • deterioration of thinking abilities;
  • problems with memory and concentration;
  • neuroinfections (for example, encephalitis or polio);
  • effects on the brain of toxic substances;
  • consequences of impaired cerebral blood flow;
  • senile dementia;
  • encephalopathy and withdrawal symptoms due to regular alcohol abuse;
  • stuttering;
  • consequences of TBI (brain damage);
  • ischemic stroke;
  • enuresis;
  • hyperkinesis.

Please note:nootropic drugs are used in the treatment of such ophthalmological diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, retinal pathologies of vascular origin and open-angle glaucoma

Nootropics in pediatrics

Pediatricians can prescribe nootropic drugs to children suffering from the following pathologies:

  • delayed speech development;
  • deviations in general mental development;
  • mental retardation varying degrees expressiveness;
  • damage during birth (for example, due to hypoxia).

Contraindications to the use of nootropics

Nootropics are not prescribed to patients diagnosed with:

  • hypersensitivity to active component or intolerance to auxiliary ingredients;
  • a pronounced decrease in the functional activity of the kidneys (acute or chronic renal failure);
  • hemorrhagic stroke (acute period);
  • Gettington's chorea (hereditary degenerative disease of the central nervous system).

Important:Nootropic drugs are not prescribed to pregnant and lactating women!

Side effects

The vast majority of patients tolerate therapy with nootropic drugs well.

In some cases, the following side effects may develop:

  • unmotivated feeling of anxiety;
  • night sleep disturbances;
  • daytime sleepiness;
  • increased irritability;
  • instability of blood pressure;
  • dyspeptic disorders;
  • allergy.

Please note:in elderly and old age nootropics in rare cases can provoke increased severity clinical manifestations coronary insufficiency.

Drugs that are currently most widely used in clinical practice

  1. Piracetam (analogs – Nootropil and Lucetam) It is produced in tablet form for oral administration, as well as in the form of a solution for intramuscular injection and intravenous infusion. The product improves metabolism in the central nervous system and stimulates cerebral circulation. Piracetam negatively affects platelet aggregation, and therefore, in case of bleeding disorders, it should be used with caution.

  1. Pramiracetam, which is available in tablet form, is characterized high degree affinity for choline. The drug increases cognitive abilities and improves memory. It does not have a calming (sedative) property. The product is recommended for long-term course treatment; the effect fully develops after 1-2 months from the start of administration. Use with caution in patients suffering from renal failure!
  2. Cavinton (analogs - Vinpocetine and Neurovin). The product is produced by pharmaceutical companies both in the form of tablets and in injection solution. It improves blood flow in cerebral vessels. The drug is widely used in neurology, as well as in ophthalmological practice for complex treatment retinal pathologies. It is also effective in improving hearing acuity. Recommended course treatment for 1-8 months depending on the nosological form and dynamics. The drug should be discontinued by gradually reducing the dose over 4-5 days. In the acute period of the disease, parenteral administration of the solution is indicated; as the condition improves injection form replaced with tablets.

  1. Phenibut (analogues – Noobut ​​and Bifren)– produced in the form of powder, capsules and tablets. The drug helps combat memory loss and oxygen starvation nerve cells. It increases not only mental but also physical performance, reduces nervous tension, gets rid of anxiety and normalizes sleep. Phenibut should be prescribed with caution in parallel with sleeping pills and antipsychotics, as the nootropic potentiates their effect. The drug is indicated for decreased intelligence and neurosis-like disorders. It is recommended for travelers as a remedy for seasickness and motion sickness. A course of treatment is indicated for 1-1.5 months.

  1. Cerebrolysin– provides positive impact in the treatment of serious organic lesions and neurodegenerative pathologies of the central nervous system, including even Alzheimer's disease. The drug is widely used in complex treatment of the consequences of head injuries and strokes. The product is produced in the form of an injection solution.

  1. Encephabol– for adults it is available in tablets, and for children – in the form of a suspension with a pleasant taste and smell. The drug is a powerful neuroprotector and antioxidant. The product normalizes behavioral functions and improves cognitive abilities.