To date, a worthy place in medical practice is occupied by nootropic drugs. These are means that affect the functioning of the central nervous system and the brain, improving the cognitive (cognitive) functions of a person. Such a branch of medicine as pediatrics was no exception. Nootropic drugs for children stimulate mental activity, improve memory and the child's ability to learn.

Application spectrum

It is well known that the degree of development of the child is directly affected by any neurological disease. With these pathologies, inappropriate behavior develops in children, attention, intelligence, memory decrease, speech and motor skills are impaired. The child ceases to perceive the surrounding reality normally. As a result, the neuropsychic development of a sick child lags behind that of his peers.

In such cases, they turn to children's nootropic drugs for help, which should have a high degree of effectiveness and safety. In pediatric practice, these medicines are used for intellectual insufficiency, brain injuries, cerebrovascular disease, encephalopathy, as well as pathologies identified in premature babies due to intrauterine hypoxia. Of course, remedies that affect the child's intellect are very serious drugs. They can have both stimulating and calming effects. Their dosage and duration of treatment are directly dependent on the weight and age of the child. Therefore, parents must strictly follow all the instructions of the attending physician.

Stimulant nootropics for kids

In the inhibited state of the child, a nootropic drug showed high efficiency. It is produced in the form of a solution placed in ampoules. The drug has a stimulating effect, is intended to increase children's psychomotor activity, so it should be taken in the morning. The solution is recommended to be diluted in water, although it is sometimes used in its pure form. The most positive quality of the drug Kogitum is a high degree of safety.

Another medication in this direction is. The drug is allowed to prescribe to children who have reached the age of 3 years. Picamilon also has a stimulating property, but, in addition, it is used to treat nocturnal enuresis (as part of complex therapy), childish moodiness, and emotional lability. It practically does not cause side effects, but in case of hypersensitivity to its components and severe diseases of the kidneys and liver, it is not recommended to use the medicine.

Another effective children's nootropic drug is Encephabol. This remedy increases the child's concentration, stimulates thinking and memory. Available in the form of tablets and suspensions. Contraindicated in the presence of autoimmune diseases (myasthenia gravis, lupus erythematosus).

Calming nootropics for kids

If there is an excessive activity of the child, then nootropic drugs with a calming effect are used. In particular, doctors often prescribe to relieve fears, anxiety, and increased anxiety. The child becomes much calmer, and his behavior is more balanced. The drug can cause some drowsiness, but perhaps this is its only side effect.

Effectively eliminates children's motor disinhibition and excitation of the drug Pantogam. This nootropic improves the memory, attention, mental development of the child, increases efficiency and can even be used to treat children suffering from epilepsy. However, it should be borne in mind that this drug can cause allergic skin reactions, for example, exacerbation of exudative diathesis.

It is also worth noting nootropic drugs that are used to treat serious neurological diseases: cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy. This is Cerebrolysin and, which increase concentration, significantly improve the speech and intellectual development of the child, while not causing increased excitement. The almost complete absence of side effects eloquently speaks of their high degree of safety.

Thus, in the treatment of neurological abnormalities to form the skills of physical and mental activity, improve intellectual abilities, nootropic drugs for children have shown their best side. Only a specialist should appoint them. Health to your children!

In childhood, the main thing is the correct development, both from the physical side and from the mental side. Parents should pay much attention to their child, as well as timely detect signs of deviations in the development of the child.

If the child later than the established deadlines begins to smile, make sounds, pick up objects, crawl, stand, sit down, walk need to seek help from a pediatrician. With a developmental delay, doctors most often prescribe nootropics for children.

Nootropics used in pediatrics

In pediatric practice, several types of nootropic drugs are used, which have different effects. Thus, children's nootropics are divided into:

• stimulating - "Cogitum", "Pikamilon", "Encephabol". They are used when the child is lethargic, to improve memory, to activate the body in case of fatigue.
• soothing - Phenibut, Cerebrolysin, Cortexin. They do not cause excessive excitability of the nervous system, they are effective in the treatment of cerebral palsy, epilepsy, hyperkinesis, autism.
• nootropics for srr- in this case, there are also problems with memorization, attention, thinking. Doctors recommend taking "Pantogam", "", "Cavinton".

For effective treatment, you must carefully follow all the recommendations and instructions of a specialist. It must be remembered that nootropic drugs, when used correctly, do not cause any harm to babies.

Sources

1. Andreev B.V. Nootropics - World of Medicine;
2. The role of neurotrophic therapy in the practice of a pediatric neurologist. Guidelines. Chief freelance pediatric specialist neurologist T.T. Batysheva;
3. Fardieva R.M., Zalyalutdinova L.N. The use of nootropics for intellectual insufficiency in children;
4. Neuroprotectors in pediatric practice. Frolova N.Yu., Buryakina A.V., Melnikova T.I. Pharmacological Research Laboratory, St. Petersburg State Chemical Pharmaceutical Academy;
5. Treatment of minimal cerebral dysfunctions in children Zavadenko N.N., Suvorinova N.Yu., Ovchinnikova A.A., Rumyantseva M.V.;
6. Nootropic and neuroprotective drugs in pediatric neurological practice / N. P. Shabalov, A. A. Skoromets, A. P. Shumilina et al.

Anatoly Maslov

Graduated from the Moscow State Medical University. I. M. Sechenov. After that, he completed an internship in the specialty "Neurology". For more than 10 years she has been working as a neurologist in a Moscow clinic.

They are a group of psychotropic drugs that can increase the resistance of the human nervous system. They help to quickly solve the problem with injuries, oxygen starvation, poisoning, strong physical exertion, and insomnia.

How do nootropics enhance the capabilities of the brain?

Drugs of this type directly affect various functions of the brain, bring them into activity and make the mind and memory processes work. These medications can facilitate the interaction of both hemispheres and the main centers that are located on the cerebral cortex. To achieve the desired effect, nootropics perform the following actions:

• stabilization of cell membranes;
• increased glucose utilization;
• elimination of oxidation processes;
• activation of the formation of proteins and ATP.

What are the disadvantages of using nootropics?

Such drugs do not pose a serious threat to the human body, since they do not affect any important functions. But at the same time, they have a number of contraindications and side effects that you should definitely study before using drugs.

Prohibited states when taking nootropics include:

• age up to three years;
• problems with the endocrine system;
• allergic reactions to the component composition;
• severe renal failure;
• the period of gestation or breastfeeding.

As for side effects, they are quite rare, since most patients tolerate these medications well. In some situations, the following reactions occur:

• drowsiness throughout the day;
• allergies;
• a sharp change in blood pressure;
• dyspeptic pathologies;
• nervousness.

Top 20 best nootropics. List of drugs by effectiveness

A fairly effective and completely safe remedy can have a beneficial effect on the brain, improving blood circulation and its activity.

This drug does not dilate blood vessels, makes the neuromuscular connection stronger and utilizes glucose.

Another advantage of the nootropic is its positive effect on the learning process and improving the memorization of information.

As for the shortcomings, buyers highlight only one nuance - the effect is not noticed immediately, but only after a couple of weeks from the moment you start taking the drug.

2. Phenotropil

Tablets have anti-amnestic properties, improve mood and increase the resistance of the human body to stressful conditions.

They are prescribed by specialists in case of depression, convulsive conditions, chronic alcoholism, as well as neurotic problems. The drug is famous for its ability to improve vision and facilitate the learning process. In addition, it replenishes energy reserves in the consumer's body.

In addition to contraindications to the use of the nootropic, it has another disadvantage - you can buy it only with a doctor's prescription.

3. Combitropil

The product, sold in the form of capsules, contains cinnarizine and piracetam, which ensures its increased effectiveness.

It has not only nootropic, but also a vasodilating effect.

Among the negative qualities, only caution is noted when taking the drug for a long time, as side effects may appear.

4. Biotredin

A drug that improves memory, concentration and attention, helps reduce the craving for alcohol, and also eliminates headaches of any type. It is also important in the exchange of nucleic acids, as it improves it almost instantly.

Patients also like the remedy for increasing clarity in consciousness, discovering the hidden capabilities of the brain, the state of wakefulness and increasing vitality.

The disadvantages include the incompatibility of the drug with other antipsychotic pills, as well as an additional contraindication - hypersensitivity to vitamin B.

5. Calcium hopantenate

This remedy carries out its beneficial effect on the brain thanks to the main active substance, which is hopantenic acid.

The nootropic has anticonvulsant and analgesic properties, helps improve concentration and memory, and also speeds up blood flow in the brain. It does not contain toxic elements and is well tolerated by the body.

The negative sides include the increased effect of sedative pills and a prescription from a doctor upon purchase.

The excellent corrector of blood circulation in the brain is liked by both doctors and patients for its high efficiency and ability to improve mental activity in a short time.

The downside is the fact that when prescribing the drug intravenously, it must be administered slowly, which not every person can do on their own.

A drug with analgesic, nootropic and tranquilizing effects improves metabolic processes in tissues, copes well with mental disorders and helps reduce anxiety.

Moreover, the tool helps to increase the resistance of the human brain to oxygen starvation and the adverse effects of toxins.

As for the disadvantages of this drug, they all come down only to the main side effects and contraindications.

The remedy in the form of drops stimulates the energy processes of the brain and increases its resistance to various stresses and hypoxia.

It is absorbed quite quickly, does not affect the hormonal background and does not harm health. It is also worth noting the neurometabolic effect of the nootropic, which is pronounced even in the case of taking drops in minimal doses.

The downside is irritation of the nasal mucosa if you use the remedy for too long.

9. Acephen

The composition is good in that it helps to improve the blood supply to the brain, eliminate depression, activate cognitive activity, and also develop the body's resistance to lack of oxygen and toxic effects. It also has an antihypoxic effect and calms the nervous system.

Speaking about the shortcomings of the remedy, it is worth mentioning not only the need for a prescription from a doctor upon purchase, but also the fact that in patients with schizophrenia taking this drug, hallucinations begin to appear more often and their duration increases.

10. Cogitum

This type of nootropic gained popularity due to the relief of the condition of patients with cerebral palsy, the restoration of the nervous system, as well as the ability to take not only with water, but also with other drinks.

Its negative quality is hyperactivity or excessive tearfulness in children taking the drug, although such phenomena are rarely observed.

11. Glycine

Well-known soothing pills are famous for being allowed to be taken by both adults and children.

In addition, they are available without a prescription and are affordable for everyone. The tool calms the nerves, makes cognitive functions work, activates thought processes and speeds up memorization.

In addition, its components quickly penetrate the tissues, so it does not take long to wait for a positive effect.

12. Vinpocetine

An excellent nootropic is designed to dilate blood vessels and improve microcirculation, which makes it effective. It provides the brain tissues with the necessary nutrients and oxygen.

Moreover, this remedy lowers blood pressure, bringing it back to normal, and also thins the blood.

The drug even has an antioxidant effect.

13. Phenibut

This drug plays an important role in stimulating the brain.

It normalizes blood circulation, improves night sleep, eliminates daytime sleepiness, has an antioxidant property, and also has a beneficial effect on memory and concentration. In addition, tablets help improve the emotional stability of the central nervous system.

The only drawback of this drug is the fact that it cannot be purchased without a prescription.

A drug with antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties strengthens the human nervous system and improves memory. It is well tolerated by both adults and children, so this drug is used more often in pediatrics and for the elderly.

This nootropic is quite effective and does not cause any particular harm to health, if you follow the contraindications and do not ignore the doctor's recommendations.

Among the shortcomings, experts note the fact that in the case of severe disorders of the nervous system, the drug has no effect.

15. Cerebrolysin

A high-quality nootropic helps to bring the brain into activity, returns the “foot emphasis” and makes it possible to accelerate the development of mental activity in children. In addition, it improves speech skills.

The disadvantage is the appearance of convulsions as a result of an incorrect injection.

16. Piracetam

This drug is not in vain included in the list of leaders.

It is prescribed specifically for the treatment of memory problems, intellectual disabilities, as well as psycho-organic syndrome, which entails frequent dizziness.

The main advantage of this remedy is the sensitive functioning of the brain after administration.

In the case of an increase in the dosage indicated in the instructions, a change in the physiological state is possible (from excessive agitation to severe drowsiness and vice versa), which is the main disadvantage.

17. Pantogam

Nootropic gently affects the nervous system and is allowed for use by adults and children.

In the first case, tablets are prescribed, in the second - syrup. It helps the body cope with a decrease in mental performance, as well as schizophrenia.

Side effects when taking it are extremely rare.

18. Cortexin

An excellent drug without side reactions is famous for its low toxicity and the absence of disadvantages, with the exception of high cost.

Tablets effectively fight against circulatory disorders of the brain, epileptic seizures and reduced learning ability.

This nootropic is usually prescribed for children.

19. Picamilon

A drug with sufficiently powerful anti-aggregate, antioxidant and tranquilizing properties helps to increase brain performance in a short time.

It perfectly regulates the mental powers and calms the nerves.

20. Pramiracetam

The best effective and inexpensive expectorants

The most effective sedatives for the adult nervous system

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

What is a nootropic drug?

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

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

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

Mechanism of action and effects of nootropics

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

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

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

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

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

Indications and contraindications for use

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

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

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

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

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

The Best Nootropics for Kids

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

Cortexin

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

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

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

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

encephabol

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

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

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

Encephabol is contraindicated in cases of:

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

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

Aminalon

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

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

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

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

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

Glutamic acid

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

Indications for use are:

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

Glutamic acid is contraindicated in:

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

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

Semax

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

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

Phenibut

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

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

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

The main indications for its use are:

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

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

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

Valentina Ignasheva, pediatrician, specially for the site

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