Piracetam

Piracetam is used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and memory loss in Parkinson's disease. It can also be used to treat age-related memory loss and head injury. It works by improving communication between the nerve cells and protects the brain.

Piracetam is administered as an injection under the supervision of a healthcare professional and should not be self-administered. It is given in cases where oral administration is not possible. Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor and if you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember.

Some common side effects of this medicine include nervousness and abnormality of voluntary movements. You may also notice some injection site reactions such as pain, redness, or swelling. However, these are temporary and usually subside on their own after some time. Please consult your doctor if these do not subside or bother you. It may also cause dizziness and sleepiness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus.

This medicine may cause weight gain, therefore, you should have a balanced diet and exercise regularly. Taking Piracetam can affect platelet aggregation, so inform the doctor if you have bleeding problems or if you are on medications that help to make the blood thin.

• Alzheimer's disease
• Stroke
• Dementia in Parkinson's disease
• Age related memory loss
• Head injury

Alzheimer's disease
Piracetam improves learning, memory, and information processing (cognitive function) in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. These problems in memory and thinking may start interfering with daily activities and worsen your condition. This medicine will help in managing Alzheimer’s disease effectively. It will make it easier for you to carry out your daily activities and improve your quality of life. It can take several weeks for your symptoms to improve; so keep using the medicine even if you do not think it is working.

Stroke
A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs due to damage to the brain. Piracetam helps in speeding up the recovery process in patients who have undergone stroke. It decreases brain damage, promotes healing, and enhances the overall health of the patient.

Dementia in Parkinson's disease
Dementia in Parkinson’s disease refers to problems in memory and thinking that are advanced, interfering with daily activities and quality of life. Piracetam helps in managing these symptoms in a safe manner that can be used for the long term. This will make it easier for you to carry out your daily activities and improve your quality of life.

Age related memory loss
Memory loss or forgetfulness can be a normal part of aging. As people get older, changes occur in all parts of the body, including the brain. As a result, some people may notice that it takes longer to learn new things, they don't remember things well, or they keep things, like their glasses, and forget where they had kept them. Piracetam helps to balance those chemicals in the brain that are responsible for memory. Also, it improves the blood supply to the brain. This helps to improve the health of the brain and enhances memory. This will make your life better.

Head injury
In cases of head injury, damage to the brain may cause further complications. Piracetam helps the damaged tissues to heal faster and improves patient condition. It is usually given for a longer duration. Keep taking it as prescribed to get maximum benefit.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Acetam

• Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)
• Weight gain
• Nervousness
• Abnormality of voluntary movements

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

Piracetam is a nootropic medicine. It works by increasing the activity of a chemical messenger (acetylcholine) which improves communication between the nerve cells. It also protects the brain and nervous system against shortness of oxygen.

• It is injected through the veins under the supervision of a doctor.

• It may cause dizziness. Don't drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.

• Inform your doctor if you have bleeding problems or if you are on medications that help thin your blood.

• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.

• Inform your doctor if you experience stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.

• Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor.

Piracetam. Pianezza, Italy: UCB Pharma S.A.; 2013. [Accessed 22 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from: