Prevention of cerebral atherosclerosis

Nootropil

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Fenotropil

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Cerebrolysin

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Many people have begun to see the benefits of supplements to improve cognitive function, the ability to think more clearly, and activate more areas of the brain. And with this sudden increase in demand, many companies followed suit by producing a new product range called Nootropics. It is a supplement designed to help the consumer activate more brain activity and have greater mental strength.

Nootropics are considered non-addictive substances that help the brain work more efficiently. But there are a huge number of them and therefore the question of choice arises: which one is better. Many of the world's most popular nootropic manufacturers have emerged only in the last few years, primarily selling their products online to those interested in the ability to apply cutting-edge science and technology to the brain. The term "nootropics" covers a wide range of brain-stimulating drugs, herbs and supplements that have cognitive-stimulating effects. When it comes to finding the best nootropic, it's important to consider why you should use it in the first place, your goals, and the possible risks.

What are nootropics

Each of us has been in a situation where inattention and absent-mindedness reached the point of absurdity. You are looking for glasses, and they are on your head. You went to the kitchen, got distracted, and then stood in bewilderment - why did I come here? You're thinking about something and mechanically trying to open someone else's car. Sound familiar? What if there’s a rush at work, a session, a Ph.D. defense, or an urgent need to finish an important project, but your “brains can’t cook”?

Many people complain that as they approach fifty years of age, their memory begins to fail. If in your youth you remembered poems literally after the first reading, then over the years you forget the name of an acquaintance you accidentally met with whom you worked for decades. According to international statistics, every second middle-aged person suffers from memory impairment.

It's time to take memory pills that will increase concentration, attention, concentration, and mobilize brain reserves.

Nootropics do not make a person smarter, but they improve brain activity, increase the brain’s resistance to aggressive environmental influences, have an activating effect on learning, optimize neural activity and metabolism, and do not have the same side effects as psychostimulants.

Mechanisms of action

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The first nootropic drug (Piracetam) was synthesized back in 1964 by Belgian pharmacologists. It increased mental activity and had virtually no side effects.

The active substances gently and very carefully act on nerve cells and help them become a little more “happier”. Initially, the drugs were developed to help not the damaged brain, but the “chronically tired” or developmentally delayed one.

How do nootropics affect a person? Their action is due to the following processes:

• improvement of cerebral circulation;
• providing the brain with energy due to faster absorption of glucose;
• saturation of brain tissue with oxygen;
• stimulating communication between the prefrontal cortex and other areas of the brain;
• impact on the accelerated production of certain neurotransmitters, thanks to which cognitive functions are activated, information is more easily processed and absorbed;
• strengthening the membrane of nerve cells;
• increase in the speed of impulses in the brain;
• improvement of nucleic acid metabolism.

As a result, metabolic processes in the brain accelerate, memory becomes “stronger”, perception is more “alive”. For this reason, nootropics are popularly known as “cognition stimulants” and “brain vitamins.”

However, there are several myths that would be useful to dispel.

You should not think that nootropics “accelerate” the brain to a new level - a person will not have any superpowers. Everyone’s intelligence and level of development are individual; a drug can help facilitate the completion of a particular task, but its solution will entirely depend on the available knowledge.

A single dose or a large dose will not increase the brain's potential and capabilities. Nootropics are taken as a course because they have a cumulative effect. Swallowing a pill before an important exam or difficult work, in the hope that “your brain will fall into place,” is useless. You need to take the drug at least a month before the session.

Doctors' opinions on the effectiveness of drugs

Many doctors are very skeptical about nootropics, since there is no convincing evidence that they actually stimulate brain activity.
The famous doctor Myasnikov claims that it is impossible to improve the cognitive functions of the brain with medications. Their effectiveness has not been proven. Nootropics have a very individual effect on each person. What helps one may be completely useless for another. In addition, most drugs have a cumulative effect, that is, they can manifest themselves over time. This is why positive impacts are difficult to capture. Where is the guarantee that information is absorbed better thanks to a miracle pill, and not because the person got enough sleep?

In most foreign countries of the world, including the USA and Western Europe, nootropics are not registered as medications at all. But in Russia they are widely used, not only as a brain stimulant, but also in the treatment of neurological and psychiatric diseases.

They are prescribed for brain injuries, stroke, hemorrhage, encephalitis, mental retardation in children, epilepsy, dementia and other ailments associated with problems of brain activity.

Nootropics contain substances that are not drugs - these are proteins or amino acids. A person can get them directly from food. Another thing is that few people want to establish proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle, but no one will refuse to receive a miracle pill.

It has long been proven that vitamin B12 is one of the most accessible and effective stimulants of brain activity, but people tend to complicate things, so they choose dubious medications.

To drink or not to drink nootropics? This is a personal matter for everyone. The drug helps some people, while others feel no effect at all. Some doctors believe that the most that nootropics can do is improve blood circulation and activate the necessary receptors. No one has ever managed to become smarter from drugs.

Types of nootropics

Nootropic drugs are not classified as a separate class; they are combined with psychostimulants.

Depending on the active substance, clinical effectiveness, and mechanism of action, they can be divided into two groups:

• “true” nootropics with a predominant mnestic effect, that is, affecting memory;
• neuroprotectors (broad-spectrum) that protect brain neurons from various damages.

The first group includes:

• racetams (drugs whose names end in “-tam”) - piracetam, pramiracetam, phenylpiracetam and others. They improve cerebral blood flow and enhance metabolic processes;
• cholinergic drugs. They have a vasodilating effect;
• neural peptides. Regulate the physiological functions of the body;
• amino acids. They are “building materials” that form proteins.

Neuroprotectors include:

• substances that activate metabolic processes in the brain;
• strong vasodilators;
• calcium antagonists that lower blood pressure;
• antioxidants that protect the body from toxins and aggressive environmental influences;
• a group of substances that affect inhibitory neurons.

To strengthen blood vessels

In case of disorders of cerebral circulation, as well as venous outflow, it is necessary to strengthen the blood vessels. To do this, take vitamins and minerals:

• Ascorutin – contains vitamin P;
• Flavit, Flukol, Flaol - they contain dihydroquercetin;
• Dietary supplements and vitamin complexes, including potassium, selenium, silicon.

Ascorutin will replenish the body's need for vitamin C and strengthen the walls of blood vessels

Nootropics of the old and new generation

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Older generation nootropics include drugs aimed at improving existing brain cells, increasing mental performance and reducing nervous tension. They are effective only with long-term use; after discontinuation of treatment, a rapid fading of the positive effect can be observed.

The most famous drugs of the old generation:

• Nootropil;
• Tanakan;
• Omaron;
• Thiocetam;
• Olatropil;
• Glycine.

New generation nootropics not only improve existing neural connections, but also create new ones. They have vasodilating properties, remove plaques and blood clots, and increase cerebral blood flow.

These drugs include:

• Lecithin;
• Carphedon;
• Phenotropil;
• Sydnogluton;
• Phezam;
• Diaperam;
• Cerebrolysin;
• Cortexin;
• Semax;
• Ginkum.

Indications for use

Memory pills were originally used to treat brain dysfunction in elderly patients.

Later they began to be prescribed for:

• vascular and senile dementia, Alzheimer's disease;
• cerebrovascular insufficiency;
• traumatic brain injuries, hemorrhages;
• neuroinfections;
• memory impairment;
• depression;
• neurological disorders;
• vegetative-vascular dystonia;
• withdrawal symptoms (alcohol addiction).

Microcirculation correctors

The group of correctors includes drugs that improve blood circulation in the circulatory system of the brain. They control the capillaries, improve their condition and the general well-being of the patient. Drugs that correct microcirculation in the vessels of the brain:

• Betahistine;
• Tagista;
• Vestibo.

Taking such medications to normalize the blood vessels of the brain relieves dizziness and alleviates the symptoms of other pathologies of the body. The purpose and duration of treatment with microcirculation correctors is determined by the doctor observing the patient.

The best nootropic drugs - a review of effective remedies

Let's look at the most effective nootropics for improving brain activity with proven effectiveness.

Phenotropil (Phenylpiracetam)

The drug was developed within the walls of the domestic Institute of Medical and Biological Problems for astronauts and was intended to improve performance, psyche and physical endurance in extreme conditions.

The astronauts noted that Phenotropil copes well with the effects of stress - it relieves irritability and impulsiveness. Unfortunately, further studies of the drug were suspended. And since it contains carphedon, it is prohibited for athletes and is classified as a doping agent.

The active ingredients are low molecular weight proteins obtained from the pig brain; their mechanism of action is unknown. In the USA, this drug is prohibited for sale in pharmacies.

In our country it is prescribed for the treatment of neuroses, depression and chronic alcoholism. Can only be purchased with a prescription.

Currently, Phenotropil is not available in pharmacies. Phenylpiracetam is commercially available.

What are users saying?

Advantages:

• activates brain and physical activity;
• “pill of vivacity”;
• powerful and quick impact;
• for those who want to do everything in time.

Flaws:

• price;
• excessive brain activity;
• there are contraindications and side effects;
• It's addicting, you want more and more.

Nootropil (Piracetam)

Piracetam is the very first nootropic. Once upon a time, great hopes were placed on it, but the drug did not justify itself in the treatment of ischemic stroke, so in the USA it was transferred from the category of medications to a dietary supplement.

We also know this drug under other names - Cerebril, Lucetam, Oycamide. Release form: tablets, capsules and syrup. It is not recommended for use in children under one year of age, as well as those suffering from psychomotor agitation.

Piracetam increases the synthesis and release of dopamine (improves memory), enhances the regeneration of neurons and cerebral circulation, activates the necessary receptors, which increase attention and the ability to remember.

Price – 270 rubles for 30 tablets.

What are users saying?

Advantages:

• improves brain activity;
• helps to remember a large amount of information;
• adds energy;
• minimum side effects;
• relieves irritability.

Flaws:

• not suitable for everyone;
• sleep disturbance;
• accessible and inexpensive;
• your head may hurt.

Phenibut

A new generation nootropic stimulates the nervous system, helps cope with mental overload, relieves anxiety, fear, restlessness and irritability, and improves sleep quality. Refers to antidepressants.

The active ingredient is aminophenylbutyric acid. Release form: tablets and powder. It has low toxicity and is prescribed from the age of two. In rare cases, nausea, dizziness, and drowsiness may occur. Contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity.

The price, depending on the manufacturer, is from 70 to 470 rubles for 20 tablets.

What are users saying?

Advantages:

• calms;
• fast cumulative effect;
• effectiveness at a small dosage;
• relieves nervous tics and obsessive behavior syndrome in a child;
• improves sleep, memory and thinking;
• helps cope with stress.

Flaws:

• may be addictive;
• price range;
• contraindicated with alcohol;
• headache, drowsiness.

Pantogam

Nootropic anticonvulsant. Prescribed for various forms of cerebral palsy, autism, schizophrenia. In pediatrics, it is used to treat urinary incontinence, nervous tics, hyperactivity, and delayed speech development.

The active ingredient is hopantenic acid. Increases the resistance of neuron cells to negative factors, calms, improves tissue metabolism during intoxication.

It has virtually no side effects; it can cause drowsiness or an allergy to any component of the drug. Release form: tablets and syrup. Can be taken from the first days of life.

The average price is 390 rubles for 50 tablets, 250 mg.

What are users saying?

Advantages:

• effective;
• lifts the mood;
• helps to concentrate and calm down;
• the child spoke after the first course;
• strengthens memory for schoolchildren;
• reduces fatigue;
• helped overcome enuresis.

Flaws:

• does not add additional intelligence;
• there are contraindications;
• sudden change of mood.

Cavinton

The active ingredient is vinpocetine. Helps improve blood flow, thins the blood, dilates blood vessels, stimulates metabolism and energy in brain cells, increases their survival in conditions of oxygen starvation.

Indicated for stroke, traumatic brain injury, age-related memory loss, dizziness, tinnitus, and brain disorders of various origins.

Prohibited for use during hemorrhagic stroke (acute hemorrhage), severe heart disease, as well as during pregnancy and lactation.

The average price is 105 rubles for 50 tablets, 5 mg.

What are users saying?

Advantages:

• relatively inexpensive;
• reduces headaches;
• improves sleep;
• helps with speech problems;
• dizziness and tinnitus disappear.

Flaws:

• effective, but over time;
• there are contraindications;
• dry mouth, reduces blood pressure;
• drowsiness.

Cortexin

A domestic drug with a wide range of applications in the treatment of neurological diseases. Absolutely natural, does not contain chemically synthesized substances. The active substance is polypeptides from the cerebral cortex of cattle. It also contains amino acids, water- and fat-soluble vitamins, and mineral components.

It was originally developed to treat shell shock in the military. Later it began to be used for various pathologies of the nervous system.

It is administered intramuscularly. Release form: ampoules with powder for the preparation of injections.

The average price is 1,185 rubles for 10 ampoules of 10 mg.

What are users saying?

Advantages:

• acts quickly;
• no side effects;
• significantly improves well-being;
• helps with speech problems;
• restores the functioning of the nervous system and brain.

Flaws:

• expensive;
• painful injections;
• not fully explored.

Glycine

An absolutely harmless product that can be taken from the first days of life. Helps increase attention and concentration, regulates arousal processes, normalizes sleep, helps to learn new information, and reduces nervousness.

It has no contraindications, but it is extremely undesirable to take it together with tranquilizers.

The average cost is 35 rubles for 50 tablets, 100 mg.

What are users saying?

Advantages:

• calms;
• reduces children's fears;
• inexpensive and safe;
• wide spectrum of action;
• stabilizes the nervous system;
• promotes mental development.

Flaws:

• It doesn’t help everyone, it can be useless;
• the effect lasts no more than a month;
• headache;
• pacifier.

Cerebrolysin

It is based on a complex of peptides extracted from the pig brain. Many scientists consider it to be weakly effective and questionable, so the drug is prescribed in combination with other medications.

The drug has a positive effect on the restoration of cognitive functions, stimulates neuronal activity, and protects neural tissue. Indicated for dementia, Alzheimer's disease, ischemic stroke, mental retardation, hyperactivity.

Should not be used in case of acute renal failure, epilepsy or hypersensitivity.

The average cost is 990 rubles for 5 ampoules of 5 ml.

What are users saying?

Advantages:

• excellently treats birth injuries in children;
• helps to speak when speech is delayed;
• relieves nervous tension;
• develops mental abilities;
• helps in the complex treatment of hypotension in a child.

Flaws:

• expensive;
• short-term effect;
• injections.

Semax

A nootropic drug that pediatricians and neurologists like to prescribe to their young patients for delayed speech development, hyperexcitability, sleep disturbances, and inexplicable moodiness.

For adults, the drug is prescribed for neurotic disorders, glaucoma, dementia, various complications of traumatic brain injuries, and during recovery from a stroke.

Release form: nasal drops. Side effects include dizziness and irritation of the nasal mucosa. Contraindications: acute mental disorders, pregnancy.

Average price – 355 rubles, 3 ml.

What are users saying?

Advantages:

• increases attention and perseverance;
• helps improve vocabulary;
• new generation medicine;
• improves brain function;
• does not spoil the gastrointestinal tract;
• short course.

Flaws:

• overexcitement;
• not a very proven remedy;
• uncomfortable pipette.

Noopept

A nootropic agent with neuroprotective properties. Improves blood circulation and metabolic processes in the brain. Prescribed for traumatic brain injuries, cerebrovascular insufficiency, asthenic disorders.

The drug has a beneficial effect on the vascular system, reduces headaches and attacks of tachycardia. It is not addictive and has no “withdrawal syndrome”.

Contraindicated in acute kidney and liver diseases, during pregnancy and lactation. It is not prescribed to children under 18 years of age.

The average price is 340 rubles for 50 tablets, 10 mg.

What are users saying?

Advantages:

• restores brain activity;
• improves memory, attention, sleep, nerves;
• eliminates anxiety, calms;
• good option for cognitive disorders;
• increases attention, concentration and performance.

Flaws:

• the same glycine, but ten times more expensive;
• a long course is needed;
• works well, but not for long.

Side effects

Nootropics are a double-edged sword when it comes to brain function. Taking them in compliance with all instructions will have a beneficial effect. However, if you deviate even one step from the doctors’ instructions, this can lead to an increase in the symptoms of the disease for which the drug is prescribed, or have a negative effect on cognitive functions.

Let's look at the pronounced side effects using examples of the most popular drugs:

1. Piracetam . Side effects caused by this drug: deterioration of intellectual abilities; worsening dementia; increased anxiety and irritability; sleep disturbance or drowsiness; decreased concentration; disruption of the gastrointestinal tract (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea).
2. Phenotropil . The side effects caused by this drug are as follows: insomnia; psychomotor agitation; hyperemia of the skin; increased blood pressure; feeling of warmth.
3. Semax . No side effects have been identified, except for irritation of the nasal mucosa with frequent use of the bottle.

The best nootropics for children

The little man has a very immature nervous system. It will be improved and stabilized for many years. But there are often cases when the baby behaves restlessly, he has convulsions, frequent regurgitation, trembling of the chin and limbs. Or he sat down later than the others, doesn’t want to talk, ignores the potty, or is not interested in toys. What is this? Developmental delay? Serious illness? Or manifestations of an immature nervous system?

If the body of a small person does not receive enough amino acids, metabolic processes and normal protein biosynthesis are disrupted. This can lead to serious illness.

For children who develop “nervous” problems, and according to statistics this is every third child, a neurologist prescribes nootropics.

Photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/games-children-child-girl-toys-2801332/

Indications for use:

• mental or mental retardation;
• delayed speech development;
• cerebral palsy;
• autism;
• attention deficit disorder;
• severe stuttering;
• sleep disturbance;
• urinary disorders;
• hyperkinesis (convulsions);
• perinatal damage to the central nervous system.

Don’t worry if the doctor prescribed your child a nootropic drug, because it’s better to be safe in advance and rule out a disease than to miss it. It is difficult to determine from a baby’s behavior whether he is sick or simply overly excited.

If the child is absolutely healthy, and the doctor prescribed him a nootropic as a precaution, then the maximum that the baby faces is a rare manifestation of side effects. But for a real-life disease, nootropic drugs can be really effective.

The best nootropics for the brain that can be prescribed to children:

• Piracetam;
• Pantogam;
• Picamilon;
• Phenibut;
• Pyritinol;
• Cinnarizine;
• Semax;
• Glycine;
• Aminalon.

Principles of treatment with nootropic drugs

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For many diseases, nootropics really have a wonderful effect, but every coin has a downside. Any medicine affects a person differently, which means that for one reason or another they may be contraindicated or ineffective.

Most nootropic drugs can be bought without a doctor’s prescription, which is what a huge number of people use, preferring to independently diagnose themselves and prescribe medications. “Doctors themselves” feed “miracle pills for the mind” to their children who have learning problems, students eat handfuls of nootropics before a session in the hope of gaining additional intelligence, alcoholics try to reduce hangover symptoms.

Nootropics to improve memory and brain function should never be prescribed independently. Self-medication is unacceptable! Be sure to consult your doctor; do not diagnose yourself based on symptoms and information obtained on the Internet.

It is likely that it is not the “brains” that need to be treated, but, for example, the thyroid gland – the main culprit of all hormonal imbalances. Or lethargy and absent-mindedness are caused by anemia. You need to undergo at least a minimal examination, take tests, and only then draw conclusions.

Nootropics are available in various dosage forms - drops, syrup, tablets, injection solutions. Depending on the disease, the doctor will prescribe the required dosage and course duration.

How to take nootropics correctly? The rules are:

• strictly as prescribed by the doctor;
• course, since the drugs have a cumulative effect;
• in the first half of the day, otherwise there may be problems with sleep;
• if the drug is administered intravenously, then for half an hour after the injection it is necessary to limit physical activity;
• It is strictly forbidden to drink alcohol during treatment;
• The course is completed by gradually reducing the dose, as the body may become accustomed to it and a “withdrawal syndrome” may occur.

Contraindications to taking nootropics

If you study the instructions for use, you will see that nootropics have virtually no side effects, except that individual local reactions to a particular substance may appear.

But, judging by numerous reviews, some drugs cause headaches, overexcitation or drowsiness, irritability, and insomnia. Some nootropics are addictive to the body. As soon as taking the pills is stopped, a person feels a “rollback”, which happens differently for everyone. To avoid unpleasant symptoms, the course of treatment is completed gradually, gradually reducing the dosage. This is necessary even for those for whom the drug did not help.

Depending on the active substance and additional components, some nootropics are contraindicated for the following diseases:

• diabetes;
• stomach ulcer;
• increased psychomotor activity;
• hypotension;
• muscle cramps.

Take nootropics with caution during exacerbation of chronic diseases of internal organs - heart, liver, kidneys. You should not use the drugs during pregnancy and lactation.

Flavonoids

A group of vascular medications that improve cerebral circulation have a general strengthening and tonic effect on blood flow. Flavonoids normalize well-being and vision. Also, when using them, a cleansing effect is observed.

The preparations are produced based on plant extracts and extracts. They cleanse the body, which occurs in a short time without affecting the heart. Flavonoids are highly effective agents, but are recommended as auxiliary drugs in symbiosis with other medications.