Nootropics are a group of drugs widely used in neurology. They improve brain function and have many other positive effects.

Nootropics - what kind of drugs?

Nootropics are understood as a group of psychotropic drugs that increase the resistance of the central nervous system to the action of negative factors - injuries, poisoning, oxygen starvation, insomnia, stress. Another name for drugs cerebroprotectors.

Nootropics are combined in one section with psychostimulants, but they have a significant difference from the latter. They do not cause dependence, do not increase physical activity, are not harmful to the body, do not affect reactions and the most important processes. New generation nootropics are now widely used in neurology, pediatrics, psychiatry, and narcology. The mechanism of action of drugs is based on:

• increased glucose utilization;
• accelerating the formation of ATP, proteins and RNA;
• suppression of oxidative processes;
• stabilization of cell membranes.

The primary effect of nootropics is a positive effect on the nervous system. The secondary action is aimed at optimizing blood flow in the brain, preventing the appearance of blood clots, and preventing oxygen deficiency.

Types and functions of nootropics

The entire list of nootropics can be divided into 2 groups - true and neuroprotectors. The former improve memory, speech and a number of other brain functions. The second ones are higher in efficiency, as they have additional effects - relaxing, calming, antihypoxic, etc.

Which nootropics are better to take, only a doctor can determine. There are different groups of drugs, each of which has its own indications.

Some drugs should be taken to improve metabolism in the brain, others are better for increasing cerebral blood flow, and others optimize memory and assimilation of educational material. Due to the difference in indications, the selection of drugs should be entrusted to a specialist.

To whom are drugs indicated?

Now nootropics are prescribed for adults and children, because the range of their use is very wide. Medicines increase physical activity, endurance, therefore they are shown to athletes, people engaged in physical labor. For an elderly person, they will help correct age-related changes in memory, intelligence, and disorders in dementia.

For schoolchildren, students, medicines will be useful for better assimilation of information during intense workloads, exams.

Nootropics are most often recommended for children with mental retardation, as well as with various disorders of the nervous system.

What other indications exist for taking medications? It:

Even with urinary disorders that are caused by nerve disorders, nootropics can help. They are also prescribed for anemia, diseases of the eyes, spine.

Most Popular Nootropics

In the ranking of cerebroprotectors, the first places are occupied by true nootropics without additional effects. Many of them belong to the drugs of past generations, but they do not give up their positions because of their high efficiency, low price, and availability. If we consider widely prescribed nootropics, the list of drugs will be as follows:

The drug is a unique cerebroprotector Semax(drops in the nose, from 400 rubles). It contains peptides that have a powerful nootropic, protective, antioxidant, antihypoxic effect.

What nootropics are still prescribed by doctors?

In addition to the drugs described, there are other cerebroprotectors recommended by doctors. For example, medicine Phenotropil(1070 rubles) is one of the best nootropics prescribed for asthenic syndrome, as a neuromodulator and anticonvulsant.

The drug improves mood, speeds up the exchange of information between the hemispheres, increases the threshold for pain perception and the body's resistance during periods of increased stress. The drug optimizes the quality of life in many nervous disorders.

Due to the psychostimulating effect, Phenotropil cannot be purchased without a prescription!

The list of nootropic drugs is impressive. Among the medical appointments you can find the following:

Other well-known cerebroprotectors are Meclofenoxate, Aminalon, Bemitil, Calcium hopantenate, Neurobutal, Instenon, etc.

New generation drugs

Combination preparations containing several active ingredients are very popular now. The representative of the latest generation of drugs is Orocetam(from 500 rubles) - a derivative of orotic acid and piracetam. The remedy is used for severe injuries, intoxications, improves the metabolism of brain tissues, and prevents hypoxic phenomena from developing.

Another remedy is Phezam(piracetam and cinnarizine). The price of the medicine is 300 rubles, it is indicated for migraines, headaches, after strokes, injuries, improves memory, normalizes brain function in dementia, decreased intelligence. In parallel, the drug dilates blood vessels, optimizing cerebral blood flow.

New generation nootropics are also widely prescribed in ophthalmology - they seriously improve the functioning of the optic nerve.

Among the combined cerebroprotectors, it is worth noting Thiocetam, Tanakan, Akatinol, Omaron, Olatropil, as well as derivatives of gamma-aminobutyric acid - Picamilon, Gammalon, Gamalate B6, Neuro-norm.

In pediatrics, only those drugs are used that have a minimum of side effects and contraindications. But in babies with long-term treatment, they can still increase nervous excitability, cause sleep disturbances, so the indications for admission are very strict:

Children are most commonly prescribed medications Phenibut, Pantogam in syrups, an older child can be given tablets, capsules. Considered harmless to the body Glycine- an amino acid related to the body. Also used in pediatrics Cortexin, Picamilon, limited - Mexidol, Neuromultivit. Course application corrects children's pathologies of the central nervous system and is a prevention of the progression of diseases.

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Nootropics are drugs that support the higher mental functions of the brain. It is believed that nootropics are able to stimulate mental activity, activate cognitive functions, improve memory and increase the ability to learn.

In recent years, the load on the ordinary human psyche has been growing (and not the least role here is played by the presence at one screen or another, from a smartphone to TV, which has increased to about 12 hours). Mountains of information, social pressure, many things to do at the same time, distracted attention and clip consciousness - all these are typical companions of a modern person. And every year the situation is only getting worse.

Swimming against the current is difficult (and is it necessary?), and therefore, in addition to conscious hygiene of mental stress, you can maintain activity, vigor, and the inclusion of your brain at the new speeds of the information society with the help of medications. Let's talk about nootropics.

What are nootropics

The term "nootropic" is made up of the Greek words νους - mind and τροπή - I turn, I interfere, I change. It has been used to describe the effect of piracetam- the first nootropic drug discovered in 1972.

In most countries of the world, piracetam and other nootropics are not registered as drugs, as their effectiveness has not been proven in controlled studies. Despite this, in Russia and some other countries, piracetam is widely used in clinical practice for the treatment of many neurological, psychiatric and other diseases.

By the way, in the English-language literature, nootropics are also called the colloquial phrase smart drugs (which can be translated both as “medicines for the mind” and as “smart drugs”).

In 1972, the scientist K. Giurgea proposed the term nootropics to designate drugs that improve intellectual memory, attention, learning and have a characteristic stimulating effect on the evoked transcallosal potential, which additionally have antihypoxic activity and, unlike psychostimulants, do not have a negative effect on the body.

By the way, coffee and tea are also classified as nootropics.

What types of nootropics are there?

Nootropics are now classified according to their chemical composition.

• Pyrrolidone derivatives: piracetam, etiracetam, aniracetam, oxiracetam, pramiracetam, dupracetam, rolziracetam, etc.
• Diaphenylpyrrolidone derivatives: phenotropil.
• Derivatives of dimethylaminoethanol (precursors of acetylcholine): deanol aceglumate, meclofenoxate.
• Pyridoxine derivatives: pyritinol, biotredin.
• Derivatives and analogues of GABA: gamma-aminobutyric acid (aminalon), nicotinoyl-GABA (picamilon), gamma-amino-beta-phenylbutyric acid hydrochloride (phenibut), hopantenic acid, calcium gamma-hydroxybutyrate (sodium oxybutyrate).
• Neuropeptides and their analogues: noopept, semax, selank.
• Amino acids and substances that affect the system of excitatory amino acids: glycine, biotredin.
• Derivatives of 2-mercantobenzimidazole: ethylthiobenzimidazole hydrobromide (bemityl).
• Vitamin-like agents: idebenone.
• Polypeptides and organic composites: cortexin, cerebrolysin, cerebramin.
• Substances of other pharmacological groups with a component of nootropic action:
  • neuromodulators: phenotropil;
  • correctors of cerebral circulation disorders: nicergoline, vinpocetine, xanthinol nicotinate, vincamine, naftidrofuryl, cinnarizine;
  • general tonic and adaptogens: acetylaminosuccinic acid (known as "succinic acid"), ginseng extract, melatonin, lecithin.
    psychostimulants: sulbutiamine;
  • antihypoxants and antioxidants: hydroxymethylethylpyridine succinate (mexidol);
    acephene and its derivatives.

Signs of nootropic activity are present in the pharmacodynamics of glutamic acid, memantine and levocarnitine.

The Best Nootropics According to a Poll of 850 Reddit Readers

Nootropics are beginning to be actively distributed in Russia, but the most massive reviews of this type of drugs are still available on Western sites. The largest spontaneous study of the effectiveness of nootropics by personal assessment is carried out annually by users of the Reddit website. 850 readers of the site took part in the rating of nootropic drugs in 2016, who subjectively assessed the effectiveness of drugs from 0 to 10.

The 20 Best Nootropics According to 850 Reddit Users in a 2016 Survey:

The editors of the site Brainprotips, which specializes in articles about drugs for the brain, give this set of recommended products / drugs with a nootropic effect:

• L-theanine
• Coffee,
• Cocoa,
• curcumin,
• blueberries,
• Choline (CDP-choline or Alpha GPC)
• Uridine
• Creatine
• bacopa monierra,
• Magnesium,
• Vitamin D
• DHA/EPA
• B group vitamins,
• Modafinil.

Another site Organicnewsroom.com gives its list of recommended nootropics, in which it is easy to notice the names repeated above:

• Aniracetam
• Oxiracetam
• Noopept
• Phenibut
• Vinpocetine
• Huperzine-A
• 5-HTP
• Alpha GPC
• Choline
• L-Theanine
• Phenylethylamine (PEA)
• Lion's Mane (Yamabushitake)
• Bacopa
• Ginko Biloba
• Ashwaghanda
• Rhodiola
• N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine

From Zozhnik, we add that the reaction to various nootropics (as well as to many other things in this life) is very individual, experts on different sites recommend choosing what helps you. Also, do not take many supportive drugs at once, try one thing and watch yourself carefully.

Sources: Wikipedia, Reddit,

Nowadays, 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.

Nootropics for adults and children are medicines that have a stimulating effect on learning. They strengthen memory and mental activity. Such funds increase the resistance of the brain to trauma, hypoxia, intoxication. This group has such actions as sedative, antidyskinetic, vasovegetative, mnemotropic and others.

Such drugs are prescribed only by specialists with a decrease in working capacity, sleep disturbances, dizziness, alcoholism and other conditions. Consider the mechanism of action of funds and a list of the best nootropics.

Nootropics: what is it

Nootropic drugs of the new generation are drugs that improve cerebral circulation, the ability to assimilate, and stimulate mental activity. they make the brain more resistant to oxygen starvation and the influence of toxic substances.

A number of substances related to nootropics have a wide spectrum of action. The latest drugs help patients survive psycho-emotional stress, normalize the functioning of the nervous system. When taking this group of funds, nutrition plays an important role. Nootropics increase the resistance of the brain to various adverse effects.

How nootropics work

Natural nootropics can trigger the synthesis of ribonucleic acid and protein compounds in the central nervous system. The drug at the cellular level reduces the appearance of free radicals. The main one is such an action as antioxidant. The main effects of drugs are:

• calming;
• psychostimulating;
• antidepressant;
• antiepileptic;
• adaptogenic;
• mnemotropic;
• vasovegetative;
• antiparkinsonian;
• nootropic;
• increased clarity of consciousness and others.

Nootropics of the new latest generation do not cause psychomotor agitation and dependence in patients. They are based on the following processes:

• launch of energy processes in neurons;
• improving procedures for the processing of polysaccharides;
• decrease in the need of nerve cells for oxygen;
• suppression of the occurrence of free radicals in cells;
• launch of plastic processes in the central nervous system.

New effective nootropics trigger adenylate cyclase, increasing its concentration in nerve cells. Thanks to all the effects, a person's memory, thought processes, attention are strengthened, and the ability to learn increases.

Nootropics for VVD are prescribed to improve the metabolic processes of the nervous tissue and blood supply. But courses of nootropics are only part of complex therapy.

Nootropics and harmful alcohol are incompatible during therapy. Drinking alcohol has a negative effect on the body. Alcohol damages the cells of the nervous system. Stimulants are used to bring the brain into a natural rhythm.

With alcoholism, there will be no therapeutic effect. The drug improves blood flow in the brain, for this reason, alcohol quickly seeps into the tissues and cells of the nervous system. The result is a stronger destructive effect of alcohol.

Indications and contraindications

Modern effective nootropic drugs are prescribed for such problems and autological conditions:

• reducing physical activity and mental abilities to zero;
• difficulties with concentration and memory;
• ischemic stroke;
• complications of changes in cerebral blood flow;
• stuttering
• senile dementia;
• neuroinfections;
• enuresis;
• consequences of TBI.

Important! Medicines can be used in the treatment of such ophthalmic diseases as retinal pathologies of vascular origin, open-angle glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy.

Children's doctors prescribe nootropics of the new latest generation for such ailments:

• delayed speech development;
• changes in the mental development of the child;
• damage to the central nervous system;
• mental retardation of varying degrees of manifestation.

Nootropics for children are indicated in case of diagnosing the syndrome.

A nootropic agent cannot be prescribed to patients who have:

• hypersensitivity to the components in the composition;
• hemorrhagic stroke;
• manifested decrease in kidney activity;
• bearing a baby and lactation;
• chorea of ​​Hettington.

Side effects

Usually, the drug is well tolerated by patients, but in some cases there may be such third-party reactions:

• allergic reactions;
• night sleep disturbance;
• inconsistency in blood pressure;
• excessive nervousness;
• drowsiness during the day;
• dyspeptic pathologies.

In older people, manifestations of coronary insufficiency may become more pronounced. If you take nootropics with severe epilepsy, then seizures may become more frequent.

TOP 9 best nootropics for adults and children: a list of drugs

Consider the best nootropic drugs that can be taken by both adults and children. The best nootropics can improve brain function, human memory, and concentration. After admission, sleep and the general condition of the patient are improved.

Such funds can be released in the form of tablets, syrup, nasal drops. Solutions for intramuscular injection. Drops are instilled into each nasal passage for a long period of time.

Many are interested in the question of which drugs are harmful and which are the most effective and beneficial for the mind. The effectiveness rating is based on patient feedback.

Glycine is used to improve memory and brain function. Glycine has many important functions in the body, primarily in the nervous system. The drug protects against low mental performance, hypertension, aggressiveness, conflict, psycho-emotional stress, poor sleep, bad mood. It is indicated for the complex treatment of craniocerebral injuries, stroke, alcohol poisoning.

The drug is produced in the form of tablets. They should be dissolved, kept under the tongue. The tablets have a sweet taste, so they are well tolerated by children. G Licin is prescribed for such pathologies:

• encephalopathy;
• traumatic brain injury;
• deviant behavior in a child;
• ischemic stroke;
• prolonged stress;
• neuroses and neurosis-like states;
• low mental capacity.

With proven efficacy, the drug is prescribed for vegetovascular dystonia. But with dystonia, you will need to consult a doctor.

The drug has practically no prohibitions for use. They are approved for use by infants, women during lactation and pregnancy. You can not use the tool only in case of personal intolerance to the component in the composition.

After taking it, patients noted the following benefits:

• cheapness;
• no contraindications;
• natural components in the composition;
• has few side effects.

minus there is a weak efficiency from the application.

Prices for Glycine in online pharmacies:

Phenibut plays an important role in brain activity. Taking the drug normalizes the metabolism of nerve tissues. This means that the cortico-subcortical connections are strengthened, which increases the effectiveness of the interaction between different parts of the cerebral cortex.

Phenibut normalizes the blood circulation of the brain, is useful for memory and attention. Taking the drug helps to improve night sleep, has an antioxidant effect, stimulates the activity of mental processes, and increases the emotional stability of the nervous system. The tool can be used in pediatrics and for the elderly.

Indications for use are:

• depression and chronic stress;
• changes in the blood supply to the brain;
• vestibular disorders;
• enuresis;
• for the development of speech;
• excessive fatigue;
• decrease in concentration;
• correction of behavior in children;
• neuroses;
• motion sickness prevention.

The drug should not be given to children under 8 years of age. Also, do not use in case of severe impairment of kidney and liver function.

After taking the drug, the following advantages were noted:

• normalizes sleep;
• helps with depression;
• cheapness.

minus serves what is dispensed with a prescription.

Prices for Phenibut tablets 20 pcs.

Tenoten is the best drug, characterized by anti-anxiety and antidepressant properties. This means that it helps to strengthen the central nervous system. Useful for memory and normal brain function. Does not have a calming effect.

The tool is indicated for use in pediatrics for children with:

• moderately pronounced functional lesions of the central nervous system;
• anxiety and restlessness;
• excessive irritability;
• decrease in memory;
• chronic stress.

The child tolerates the drug well.

Contraindications are:

• personal intolerance;
• lactose deficiency;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• children under 3 years old.

Tenoten adult is not prescribed for children under 18.

The benefits of the drug have been proven and the following advantages have been noted:

• opportunity to give to children;
• gently affects the nervous system;
• absolute compatibility with any other drugs;
• does not directly affect the brain;
• characterized by good efficiency.

minus is that with severe nervous disorders it has no effect.

Prices for Tenoten online pharmacies:

Prices for Tenoten lozenges 40 pcs.

Prices for Tenoten lozenges 20 pcs.

Piracetam is included in the top list of the best drugs. The active ingredient, as it improves its blood supply. The drug belongs to nootropics and helps to improve cognitive functions. Has an effect on the central nervous system. The agent does not cause a vasodilating effect. Its reception helps to improve microcirculation.

The drug is prescribed for:

• treatment of memory disorders;
• intellectual disabilities in the absence of a diagnosis of dementia;
• strong psychoorganic syndrome, accompanied by dizziness.

The tool must not be used when:

• component intolerance;
• end-stage renal failure;
• hemorrhagic stroke;
• chorea of ​​Huntington.

plus is a clear work of the brain after taking.

Minus- at high dosages, there is a difference in the physiological state from drowsiness to overexcitation.

Prices for Piracetam online pharmacies:

Tire size

Prices

Prices for Piracetam capsules 400 mg 60 pcs.

Prices for Piracetam tablets 800 mg 30 pcs.

Prices for Piracetam tablets 200 mg 60 pcs.

Prices for Piracetam tablets 400 mg 60 pcs.

Phenotropil is one of the best remedies, which is characterized by a pronounced antiamnesic effect. Taking this drug affects the integrative activity of the brain. The concentration of a person improves. It has a positive effect on metabolic processes and blood circulation of the brain.

The drug is indicated to be taken with:

• diseases of the central nervous system of various nature;
• neurotic states that are accompanied by lethargy;
• depressive conditions of mild and moderate severity;
• psychoorganic syndromes;
• convulsive conditions;
• for the prevention of alcoholism.

The drug should not be taken in case of personal intolerance to the composition. It is dangerous to use in acute psychotic conditions, atherosclerosis.

The pluses include:

• enhances the purposefulness and activity of the body;
• increases mental activity and improves brain function.

The disadvantages include:

• the high cost of the drug;
• the drug has a cumulative effect;
• the presence of side effects.

Prices for Phenotropil tablets 100 mg 10 pcs.

Prices for Phenotropil tablets 100 mg 30 pcs.

Prices for Phenotropil tablets 50 mg 10 pcs.

Prices for Phenotropil tablets 50 mg 30 pcs.

Pantogam

Pantogam is characterized by nootropic and anticonvulsant effects. Combines a mild sedative effect with a mild stimulating effect. Improves metabolic processes in alcohol intoxication. Activates mental and physical performance, reduces motor excitability. Able to increase the resistance of the brain to hypoxia.

Adults are prescribed the drug in tablet form. Children are prescribed syrup. The number of drops depends on the patient's disease.

Appointed in such cases:

• cognitive impairment in neurotic disorders;
• schizophrenia, which is accompanied by cerebral organic insufficiency;
• decrease in mental performance;
• children with mental retardation;
• epilepsy with mental retardation.

The tool should not be used with intolerance to the component, with acute kidney disease, pregnancy and lactation.

The pluses include:

• has a mild effect;
• practically no side effects.

minus It is believed that extinguishes the nervous system.

Prices for Pantogam online pharmacies:

Prices for Pantogam tablets 250 mg 50 pcs.

Prices for Pantogam active capsules 300 mg 60 pcs.

Prices for Pantogam syrup 100 ml

Prices for Pantogam active capsules 200 mg 60 pcs.

Prices for Pantogam active capsules 300 mg 30 pcs.

Prices for Pantogam tablets 500 mg 50 pcs.

Cortexin

Cortexin is a polypeptide drug that contains the necessary well-chosen composition of polypeptides. It is characterized by a tissue-specific effect on the cerebral cortex. Cortexin normalizes the learning ability of patients, enhances cognitive skills. Improves the functions of the central nervous system after stress and the bioelectric activity of brain cells. The best drug for students.