Drugs to improve brain activity. Drugs to improve memory and brain function - down with absent-mindedness and forgetfulness

Unfortunately, the human body does not eternal life and wear out over the years. Over time, the systems of the body suffer, being exposed to various external factors, but the main blow falls on the brain and memory. Everyone forgets something from time to time, but for some people the loss of fragmented memory is not an accident, but a constant, debilitating process that requires treatment. In such situations, systematic training of the mind, revision of the daily regimen, as well as medicines for stimulating the brain can help. Please note that before using any medications (tablets), you should consult a qualified doctor.

However, it is not uncommon for emergency situations to arise in which it is necessary to ambulance» for the brain. This includes passing exams, defending a thesis, conducting an interview, and more. In these situations, one should respond adequately and quickly when there is no time to go to the doctor. In the article we will describe pills that help to concentrate.

Symptoms and Causes

Most people suffering from memory problems are in the age group over 50. This often manifests itself in small details. Perhaps the first calls are forgotten numbers, memorable dates. Further, this may apply labor activity, family relationships, which can result in conflict situations and misunderstandings on the part of loved ones.

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Causes of brain deterioration

  1. Brain damage due to the presence or surgical removal tumors, stroke, concussions and other craniocerebral physical disorders.
  2. Impact internal organs. For example, kidney disease, infectious diseases, metabolic disorders, meningitis.
  3. Age. On the one hand, this is a stereotype, but the trend strongly indicates that with the aging of the body, a person remembers information worse.
  4. Bad addictions. It is no secret that alcohol-containing drinks directly affect brain cells. This also applies to smoking, drugs and sedatives (antidepressants).
  5. Lifestyle. Systematic lack of sleep, stress, depression, overload associated with the need to remember a large layer of information. All this also affects brain activity.

We figured out the causal factors and now we can start getting acquainted with pills that will help improve memory. Let's start with medications that restore memory and improve.

Tablets to improve memory. TOP 10

There is no panacea for the mind or a magic pill that will immediately improve memory. However, a systematic reception will allow you to adjust the work of the brain, as a result of which it will be much easier to complete the tasks.

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The list of 10 best drugs to improve brain activity:

  1. Glycine. Most popular drug that activates the activity of the brain. It allows you to regulate sleep, and also improves mood. Doctors recommend taking it for at least 30 days. By the way, this vitamin for the brain improves memory and is actively used by students in preparation for exams. Glycine has only positive reviews.
  2. Nootropil. Improves concentration. Used to treat brain disorders.
  3. Intellan. Produced in the form of syrup and capsules. Stimulates the work of the brain, can be used to treat stress, with nervous overload, chronic fatigue, frequent depression, and will also help.
  4. Piracetam. This drug improves brain activity and metabolic processes in it. In addition, it raises the energy level of the body, contributing to a good memorization of data. Doctors prescribe this medicine for the treatment of sclerosis, diseases of the central nervous system, as well as during periods of depression.
  5. Phenotropil. The drug has a stimulating effect on the psyche. Used after courses of treatment against alcohol addiction, trauma, which became the causes of memory impairment. The medicine allows the body to increase resistance when stress occurs. Doctors recommend taking it in the morning.
  6. Tanakan. Medicine with gingo biloba to improve concentration and memory. Note that it is a potent drug with a number of contraindications.
  7. Picamilon. Assign if a person has a failure in the blood supply to the brain, with frequent irritability, panic attacks. The drug also increases protective functions body to both physical and mental stress.
  8. Aminalon. A drug used to treat and restore blood supply to the brain. After a long-term use, there is an improvement in memory, allows for tasks and improves thinking, contributing to the restoration of speech function. Most often prescribed to children with developmental delay.
  9. Pantogam. Is safe for children. It is used for mental ailments, mental retardation, epilepsy attacks, as well as for difficulties in the development of speech function.
  10. Memoplant. A relatively recently invented drug that improves blood circulation in the brain, improves memory, attention, and is also able to increase the ability of the intellect. It is effectively used both by healthy people as a preventive measure, and by patients with diagnoses in the field of nervous disorders. Has positive reviews.

It should be noted that the above drugs can be used, but only with caution and after consulting a doctor. This is due to the fact that the problem of memory impairment may not be related to brain activity. An elementary lack of interest in the subject being studied at school entails a lack of desire to memorize the material. Pay attention, perhaps the child likes the music or dance direction more.

It is a well-known fact that medicines suitable for adults are not always suitable for children. Most drugs can cause serious consequences for the health of the child. In view of this, it is categorically not recommended to prescribe medications on your own. After all, those medicines that a friend advises, based on the fact that her child was suitable, it is your baby that may be contraindicated. Therefore, before visiting a pharmacy, you should make an appointment with a pediatrician, and then you will need to be examined by a neurologist and other highly specialized specialists. It should also be noted that medications aimed at improving memory in children should be taken in combination with other medications and vitamins.

The above medications should be taken only after consulting a doctor. This is due to the fact that the causes of failure in concentration and weakening of memory functions can occur due to some kind of disease. In this regard, taking pills will only treat the symptoms.

To get out of the situation, there can be not only drugs to improve memory, but also folk remedies that help restore attention and mental activity brain.

TOP 10 products for the mind

Not only medicines have memory-enhancing properties. The main place is occupied by daily training, physical exercises, lifestyle changes and folk remedies that can not only support, but also improve brain activity.

Below is a list of foods that should be consumed every day. This will allow your memory to always be in good shape:

  • blueberry;
  • black currant;
  • whole grain products;
  • fatty acid contained in fish;
  • nuts of all kinds;
  • pumpkin seeds;
  • tomatoes;
  • broccoli;
  • decoction of sage;
  • dry mixes and cereals.

As you can see, these are not pills, but products (vitamins) to keep mental activity in good shape. Daily intake allows you to feel good, be in good health, full consciousness and with a good memory. By adding the above list to your diet every day, you will soon be able to say “I can do anything”!

Traditional medicine offers many recipes that improve the ability to remember. But, as in the case of drugs, it is necessary to consult a doctor for contraindications. This is due to the fact that when taking medications and herbs at the same time, the latter can negatively affect the drugs, increasing their side effects.

We have collected the most popular recipes:

  • Clover flower. The decoction is made in this way - you should collect the heads of a flowering plant. Dry, pour two tablespoons into a thermos, after crushing them and add two glasses of boiled hot water. You need to get up for at least two hours. Then strain. Consume ⅓ half an hour before meals for a course of three months.
  • Red rowan. To prepare the decoction, chopped tree bark is taken in the amount of one tablespoon and 250 ml of water is poured. Next, the mixture is boiled for ten minutes and infused for six hours. Use at least three times a day, one tablespoon in a course of 30 days. The frequency of the course is at least three times a year.
  • Pine buds. In the spring when pine buds young, it is recommended to eat 2-3 pieces at least 2 times a day before meals.

If you have problems with concentration, mood swings or insomnia, you need to remove the source of the problem, and not heal with pills. Medications to a greater extent remove the symptoms, adding side effects to the body. Therefore, it is recommended to visit a doctor and undergo comprehensive examination about the causes of memory impairment and brain function.

Nootropic drugs are a fairly effective, convenient and relatively cheap way to increase your own intellectual abilities, improve memory and concentration. What is this magic pills, what are they made of, how do they act on the human body, and can everyone take them? In this article, we will try to answer all these questions.

The meaning of the term "nootropics"

The term "nootropics" appeared quite recently - in 1972, and it was formed from the Greek words noos - "mind, thinking" and tropos - "I change." Accordingly, nootropics are mind-altering substances. This concept was introduced into the scientific lexicon by the Romanian scientist Zhiurgea (S. Giurgea), who at that time was studying a new group of psychotropic drugs.

What are they needed for?

Nootropic drugs through biochemical reactions mobilize the internal resources of the human body, as well as improve memory and stimulate the central nervous system, enhance mental capacity and speed of thought. They are necessary to maintain the intellect in working order, the level of which deteriorates under the influence of natural aging processes, as well as in conditions of constant stress and increased mental and mental stress.

Nootropic drugs can be used under medical supervision as sick people with various violations and pathology of the central nervous systems s, and healthy - with various extreme situations, stress, overwork and natural aging. In addition, nootropics may be involved in the treatment of mental retardation and general development children and teenagers. These drugs can be used for inpatient treatment, as well as in Everyday life, as a prophylactic.

Classification of nootropics

Despite the fact that since 1972 a lot of various studies have been carried out and a huge number of drugs have been developed that improve brain activity, a single classification has not yet been created. The simplest classification of nootropics is their division by origin into synthetic (artificially developed by man) and natural (created by nature). Let's take a closer look at each of these groups.

Natural nootropics

The effect of natural substances with nootropic properties is much weaker than synthetic agents. However, after a few weeks of regular use, they cause a noticeable improvement in brain activity, an increase in cognitive functions such as concentration, memory, and also stimulate mental abilities. Such an action is caused by the fact that the blood circulation of the brain improves, as there is an activation of energy metabolic processes in its cells and increases the level of protection and functioning of nerve cells. This group includes amino acids and plant matter extracted from plants (ginko biloba, guarana and some others).

Amino acids

Recall that amino acids are indispensable builders of various tissues in human body. Many of them are involved in the processes of inhibition and excitation, and are also directly involved in the transmission of electrical impulses between nerve cells. It does not do without amino acids and metabolism in the brain. If they are not enough, brain cells receive less glucose. Damage and poisoning of nerve cells occurs, and oxidation processes are also disturbed. The most significant amino acids for the good functioning of the brain and nervous system are taurine, glycine, proline, glutamic and gamma-aminobutyric acids.

Ginkgo biloba

Active substances such as terpene lactones and flavone glycosides, as well as ginkgolide, kaempferol, quercetin, contained in the extract of ginkgo biloba, help improve cerebral circulation, thereby stimulating the processes logical thinking, different types of memory and concentration of attention in representatives of different age groups. Also, when taking the extract of the leaves of ginkgo biloba, the fragility and increased permeability of capillaries and vessel walls decreases, due to which the development of atherosclerotic changes is inhibited, hemorrhages in the brain and eyes are prevented, vision and hearing are improved. Today, it is quite easy to buy preparations containing ginkgo biloba, since many pharmaceutical companies established the production of such drugs, certified and patented. These are the preparations "Tanakan", "Ginos", "Bilobil", "Ginkoum" and many others. They are most effective when taken for a long time, and only a doctor can prescribe a treatment regimen.

In Russia, in contrast to the South and North America, few people know about this herbal nootropic. Most residents South America every day they consume foods and drinks that contain dried guarana, a tree-like liana that grows in the Amazon and Brazil. For further use, only seeds are collected from the plant, which are dried and crushed. The fruits and seeds of the plant contain a lot of caffeine, as well as such tannins as resin, guaranine, amide and saponin. A variety of drinks and sweets are prepared from it, they are included in food supplements and medicines are released. Thanks to guarana, mental clarity, general vitality and efficiency increase, the work of the nervous system is stimulated, mood improves, as well as attentiveness and concentration, endurance increases and immunity strengthens. Guarana products can be in the form of teas, capsules, tablets, extracts and elixirs in various dosages.

Synthetic nootropics

Compared to herbal nootropics, their effect on the body is more pronounced. But, just as with the use of natural, synthetic means should be taken in a course for several months, observing medical prescriptions for their dosage. Synthetic nootropic drugs effectively restore and improve the flow of energy processes in nerve tissues and metabolism, protect the brain and nervous system from aging. To date, the list of drugs and drugs that have a nootropic effect is very wide. But we will focus on those that act as stimulants of brain activity. These include the means "Nootropil" ("Piracetam"), "Acephen", "Selegilin". Let's briefly dwell on each of them.

The drug "Nootropil"

Better known in Russia as "Piracetam" - the most common and popular drug. It is used to activate thinking and improve memory of both healthy and sick people. Side effects occur, but quite rarely, and manifest themselves in the form of dizziness, nausea. Increased excitability or, conversely, drowsiness is possible. Of the more modern means, its analogue is Phenylpiracetam.

The drug "Selegiline"

This drug, as well as Nootropil, has long been developed and has proven itself as a stimulant of the brain and nervous activity. This drug was originally developed and used to treat Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases and has shown nice results brain stimulation and short term memory, as well as improving general well-being and moods. Doctors recommend that all people over 40 take this drug as a preventive measure. Analogues - funds "Deprenil" and "Yumeks".

The drug "Acephen"

This synthetic nootropic not only improves the blood supply to the brain, but also has a rejuvenating effect on its cells and stimulates activity. To increase the level of intellectual abilities, it is used together with the medicines "Acetyl-L-carnitine" and "Nootropil". The drug "Acephen" is well tolerated, and side effects that occur infrequently are associated with increased activity of the nervous system and manifest as insomnia, increased appetite and anxiety.

Conclusion

We have considered only a small part of nootropic drugs that clearly demonstrate the possibilities and potential of these drugs. But no matter which of the synthetic or herbal preparations you want to take, be sure to consult your doctor.


Modern medicine opens up a huge number of opportunities for people. Regardless of the type of activity, medicine makes it possible to improve memory and nootropics will help in this, which we will discuss in detail in this article. These drugs will help you become more concentrated and have a positive effect on the flexibility of thinking, quick wit and activity.

Nootropics are neurometabolic stimulants that improve memory, activity and mental mobility.

Important! The use of drugs without first consulting a doctor can lead to back effect and make you feel worse!

Nootropics have positive impact and reinforce:

  1. Memory
  2. Neuropalsity of cells
  3. concentration
  4. thought processes
  5. Strengthen the nervous system as a whole

Consider how nootropics work on the human body:

  • Stimulate blood circulation
  • Create barriers to oxygen starvation
  • Improve cognitive functions, that is, the processing and memorization of any information
  • When taking these drugs, the flow of glucose into the body improves.

Some historical facts:

  • The term "nootropic" in Greek means - "I change", "I turn" (Noos - mind, tropos - I change)
  • The concept of nootropics was developed by Belgian pharmacologists in 1963. The first drug of this group was -.
  • Before the creation of nootropic substances, there were predecessors, psychostimulants - substances that had the ability to temporarily increase a person's endurance.

Memory loss, as a rule, manifests itself in people of advanced age, when there is a violation of brain activity. The main reasons associated with the weakening of memory are:

  • Bad habits
  • Improper nutrition
  • Stress that adversely affects the entire body as a whole
  • Overworking the body on an ongoing basis

Of the vitamins that improve memory, folic acid (B9) is especially important and other compounds from the B subgroup are also useful. a nicotinic acid(RR). Reception vitamin complexes, or drugs, you need to discuss with your doctor, it is there that you will receive the right advice.

In order for the brain to function well without taking drugs, it is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle, follow the rules proper nutrition, however, there are cases when all this is observed by a person, but the functions of thinking are still weakening.

Nootropics are used for diseases of the central nervous system:

  • Alcoholism (psychoorganic syndrome)
  • Sequelae of traumatic brain injury
  • Impaired thinking, memory
  • Problems with speech
  • depression
  • Ischemic stroke
  • Neuroinfections
  • Hyperkinesis
  • urinary disorders
  • Migraine
  • Neurotic and neurological disorders

And also, upon detection of dementia, mental retardation and psychological development, and also, in order for an improving effect to occur.

Each medication has both indications for use, in this case, all of the above, and contraindications. Contraindications are:

  • Severe impairment of the functioning of the renal system
  • The period of pregnancy and lactation
  • With individual sensitivity of the human body
  • In case of tissue hemorrhage

Types of Nootropics

There are two types of nootropics, these are:

  1. Synthetic
  2. natural
  • Synthetic nootropics, The most common drug used for impaired attention, inability to concentrate, as well as in the presence of any other disorders, is piracetam.
  • Acephen is a drug that improves brain activity, stimulates memory.
  • Selegiline - the drug is used to treat the elderly. It was invented specifically for Parkinson's. When taking this nootropic, the mood rises, well-being becomes better.

Means are prescribed exclusively by a doctor after examination and are medicines. The list of drugs is much wider, we have only given the most common of them as an example.

natural nootropics. In addition to the use of medicines, natural substances and amino acids are also used along with them.

Natural nootropics are: neuroexcel, lecithin, gotu-kola.

Classification of nootropics

  1. Means that tend to stimulate metabolic processes in nerve cells:
  • piracetam
  • aminalon, picamilon
  • pantogam
  • acephene
  • glycine, actovegin
  • vitamin B15, vitamin E, folic acid and others
  1. Means that have a positive effect on blood vessels:
  • istenon
  • vincepotin
  • cinnarazine
  1. Means that positively affect learning and memory:
  • galantamine
  • endorphins
  • corticotropin

In order to improve brain activity and memory, you need to eat right.

Foods that improve brain function: cereals, nuts, eggs, leafy vegetables, blueberries and black currants, fish, apples. Should be lead active image life and keep correct mode sleep and wakefulness. Sleep allows the nervous system to rest and recover. Do not forget about a straight back, straight posture is the key to mental health.

Side effects of drugs

When taking medications, the following side effects may occur:

  1. Headaches, insomnia;
  2. Hypersensitivity to external factors;
  3. Pronounced irritability;
  4. pressure drops;
  5. Nausea, discomfort inside the stomach;
  6. diarrhea, constipation;
  7. Also possible allergic reactions organism.

Nootropics are prescribed by doctors: a neurologist, a psychiatrist, an ophthalmologist, a cardiologist, a pediatrician, a neurosurgeon.

One Massachusetts psychiatrist named Emily Deans believes that, absolutely healthy man does not need to take pills, in his opinion, they can only do harm.

While a large number of scientists, says that the funds are created only to help the brain work productively, improve memory, some of them have shown the devastating effect of Alzheimer's disease.

In order to clearly decide, you should be examined by a doctor. It is not worth starting a course of taking medications on your own, this can result in serious negative consequences for the body.

Nootropics for children are special medical supplies which help to strengthen the nervous system. With their help, the stimulation of the metabolic process in the nervous tissues of the child is activated.

Properly selected medicines will be effective and safe means for children. Pediatricians often prescribe remedies to increase brain activity and restore the body in cases where children have suffered injuries, there is cerebral infarction, internal hypoxia, if the child needs to increase their intelligence and flexibility of thinking.

Pills to improve brain activity can positively affect the child's body as a whole, and in particular:

  • Significantly improve the child's memory;
  • Stimulate memory to memorize information;
  • develop Creative skills The child has;
  • Increase activity and curiosity;

The neurologist will select effective remedies for the treatment of children of various ages, from newborns to adolescence.

Indications for the use of drugs

  1. Cerebral palsy
  2. Lack of concentration
  3. backward development
  4. speech delay
  5. Damage to the nervous system during childbirth
  6. Hyperkinesis

Contraindications for use

  1. Decreased activity of the kidneys
  2. Degenerative diseases of the nervous system
  3. Increased intracranial pressure
  4. Intolerance to the body of the child.

Important! Experts noted that children tolerate treatment with nootropic substances more easily than adults. Taking medications will not interfere with children's sleep, but for an adult, their use can turn into a side effect in the form of insomnia.

When children take nootropics, side effects are very common. rare cases and are of a weak character.

One of the popular pills for children is a medication called Pantogam. The remedy is prescribed by a doctor, in cases of hydrocephalus, as well as in the presence of various injuries. Pantogam reduces the number of seizures that affect the child's nervous system. One of the signs of neurological diseases is headaches, in this case, pantogam is also prescribed by a doctor, it also has an analgesic effect, and increases the child's concentration.

Along with Pantogam, there is another drug called Glycine, it is prescribed to patients of any age. Glycine is prescribed even to the smallest patients to increase attention, develop memory, and normalize night sleep.

Medications should be taken only after consulting a doctor and must be combined with moderate physical activity, proper nutrition, as well as various mental stress in the form of crossword puzzles and puzzles.

Without recipe

Without a doctor's prescription, you can buy in pharmacies:

  • Glycine. Application form: 1 tablet 3 times a day.
  • Undevit. A complex of vitamins A, B, C, E and P. Form of application: 2-3 tablets per day, applied daily for 20-30 days.
  • Aminalon. Form of application: 1/3 of the daily dose 3 times a day. Daily dose: children from 1 to 3 years: 1-2g, aged 4 to 6: 2-3g, over 7 years: 3g. It is applied from 2 weeks to 4 months.
  • Bilobil. Application form: 1 capsule 3 times a day for 3 months
  • Intellan. Application form: 1 capsule 2 times a day after meals in the morning and evening. It is used for 4 weeks
  • Ginko Boloba. Application form: 1 capsule (80 mg). Apply 2 times a day for 6-8 weeks
  • brainrush. Application form: 1 capsule (80 mg). Apply 2 times a day for 6-8 weeks

Video

Drugs that increase efficiency help to cope with temporary physical and mental overload, relieve fatigue, stabilize and harmonize the psycho-emotional state of a person - that is, to a large extent improve his well-being.

In addition, there are many pharmacological agents to increase the adaptive capacity of the body in situations where, under the influence of certain external negative factors there is a failure of the autonomic and neuroendocrine regulation of natural physiological processes.

However, it must be borne in mind that - in order to avoid negative consequences- use performance-enhancing drugs only on the recommendation of a doctor, as many of these drugs have contraindications and serious side effects.

Indications for the use of performance-enhancing drugs

A decrease in a person’s working capacity is a clear evidence that, as they say, fatigue has accumulated in his body from a long physical work or (much more often) constant mental stress, from experiencing or suppressing strong emotions, from an irrational regimen (in particular, lack of sleep), an unhealthy lifestyle, etc. When the feeling of fatigue does not disappear even after rest, doctors state a very common painful condition. modern man- chronic fatigue syndrome. And the indications for the use of drugs that increase efficiency, first of all, relate to this syndrome, that is, they are aimed at increasing resistance to physical and mental stress.

Drugs that improve mood and performance are also prescribed for vegetative neuroses and asthenic disorders, depression, loss of strength and muscle weakness, in cases of pathological decrease in the ability to concentrate attention in the process of work or study. Medications of this pharmacological group are effective for violations cerebral circulation, which are accompanied by dizziness, impaired memory and attention; in states of anxiety, fear, increased irritability; with somatovegetative and asthenic disorders associated with alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

It is almost impossible to list all the names of performance-enhancing drugs, but we will consider their main groups and dwell on the use of some of them in more detail.

For increase physical endurance and the elimination of the consequences of many disease states that reduce the level of the body's adaptability to external factors, drugs from the group of adaptogens are used. In order to improve memory and increase mental performance in clinical practice, nootropics (neurometabolic stimulants) are widely used. Moreover, in both cases, doctors prescribe vitamin preparations that increase efficiency - vitamins of group B.

Drugs that increase mental performance: pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

Drugs that increase mental performance, which belong to the group of nootropics, are presented in a wide variety. These are Piracetam, Deanol aceglumate, Picamilon, Calcium gopanthenate, Phenotropil, Cereton and many others.

The pharmacodynamics of drugs that increase performance is based on the ability of their active substances to activate the metabolism of nucleic acids, the release of serotonin from sensory neurons, as well as stimulate the synthesis of dopamine, norepinephrine, acetylcholine and the main source of intracellular energy - adenosine triphosphate (ATP). In addition, drugs of this group increase the synthesis of RNA and proteins in cells. The result of such therapeutic impact there is an improvement in the energy state of neurons, an increase in the transmission of nerve impulses and a more intensive metabolism of glucose in the cerebral cortex, the nerve nodes of the subcortex, the cerebellum and the hypothalamus.

Also, the pharmacodynamics of drugs that increase efficiency directly affects the normalization of the structure of the cell membranes of neurons, and during hypoxia it helps to reduce the oxygen demand of nerve cells. In general, these drugs make nerve cells more resistant to various negative influences.

The pharmacokinetics of performance enhancing drugs depends on the biochemical properties of their specific components. Since nootropics are predominantly amino acids and their derivatives, their bioavailability reaches 85-100%. After ingestion, they are well absorbed in the stomach and enter various organs and tissues, including the brain. At the same time, they do not bind to blood plasma proteins, but penetrate through the BBB and placenta, as well as into breast milk. The maximum plasma concentration is from 1 to 5 hours, and the time during which the highest concentration of drugs in the cells is reached ranges from 30 minutes to 4 hours.

Most performance-enhancing drugs are not metabolized and are excreted from the body by the kidneys (urine), the biliary system (bile) or the intestines (feces).

Piracetam

Piracetam (synonyms - Nootropil, Piramem, Piratam, Cerebropan, Ceretran, Cyclocetam, Cintilan, Dinacel, Oxiracetam, Eumental, Gabatset, Geritsitam, Merapiran, Noocephalus, Noocebril, Norzetam, etc.) is available in the form of capsules (0.4 g each) , tablets (0.2 g each), 20% injection solution (in ampoules of 5 ml), as well as granules for children (2 g of piracetam).

Tablets Piracetam is recommended to take a tablet 3 times a day, and capsules - 2 pieces a day (before meals). After improvement of the condition, the dosage is reduced to 2 tablets per day. The course of treatment is from 6 to 8 weeks (its repetition is possible in 1.5-2 months). Dosage and administration Piracetam in granules for children (after 1 year, with cerebrosthenic disorders): 30-50 mg per day (in two divided doses, before meals).

Deanol aceglumate

Release form of the drug Deanol aceglumate (synonyms - Demanol, Nooklerin) - oral solution. This drug, which improves mood and performance, has a positive effect on the state of brain tissues, improves well-being in asthenia and depression. Its use is justified if it is necessary to facilitate the processes of memorization and reproduction of significant amounts of information. According to experts, Deanol aceglumate has a positive effect on elderly patients in a number of neurotic conditions caused by organic lesions brain or traumatic brain injury.

Dosage and administration of Deanol aceglumate: for adults, the drug should be taken orally one teaspoonful (5 ml of the solution contains 1 g of the active substance) 2-3 times a day (the last dose should not be later than 18 hours). Medium daily dose is 6 g (with the maximum allowable - 10 g, that is, 10 teaspoons). The course of treatment with this drug lasts from one and a half to two months (2-3 courses can be carried out during the year). During treatment, special care should be taken when driving vehicles or operating machinery.

Picamilon

Nootropic drug Picamilon (synonyms - Amilonosar, Picanoil, Pikogam; analogs - Acefen, Vinpocetine, Vinpotropil, etc.) - tablets of 10 mg, 20 mg and 50 mg; 10% solution for injections. The active substance nicotinoyl gamma-aminobutyric acid increases the efficiency of the brain and improves memory by expanding blood vessels and activating cerebral circulation. In stroke, Picamilon improves the condition of patients with movement and speech disorders; effective for migraine, vegetative-vascular dystonia, asthenia and senile depression. For preventive purposes, it can be prescribed to people who are in extreme conditions - to increase resistance to both physical and mental stress.

Method of application and dosage of Picamilon: it is recommended to take 20-50 mg of the drug twice or thrice during the day (regardless of food); the maximum daily dose is 150 mg; the duration of therapy is 30-60 days (a second course of treatment is carried out after six months).

To restore performance, a 45-day course of treatment is indicated - 60-80 mg of the drug per day (in tablets). In severe cases, a 10% solution of the drug is administered drip into a vein - 100-200 mg 1-2 times a day for two weeks.

Calcium hopantenate

To restore working capacity at increased loads, as well as with asthenic syndrome in adults, Calcium hopantenate (in tablets of 0.25 g) should be taken one tablet three times a day (20-25 minutes after meals, in the morning and afternoon).

This drug is also widely used in the complex therapy of brain dysfunction and congenital brain dysfunction in children with developmental delay (oligophrenia), in the treatment of cerebral palsy and epilepsy. The dosage in these cases is 0.5 g 4-6 times a day (treatment lasts at least three months).

Not allowed in the treatment of calcium hopantenate ( trade names- Pantocalcin, Pantogam) at the same time prescribe other nootropics or drugs that stimulate the central nervous system.

Phenotropil

The drug Phenotropil - release form: tablets of 100 mg - a nootropic with the active substance N-carbamoyl-methyl-4-phenyl-2-pyrrolidone. Its use is recommended to increase the stability of brain cells and stimulate its cognitive (cognitive) functions, as well as to improve concentration and mood. The drug, like all nootropics, stimulates the blood supply to the brain, activates intracellular metabolism and normalizes disturbed redox reactions in nervous tissue associated with the breakdown of glucose.

Doctors prescribe Phenotropil (Phenylpiracetam) depending on individual characteristics pathologies and conditions of patients. Medium single dose is 100 mg (1 tablet), tablets are taken 2 times (after meals, in the morning and afternoon, no later than 15-16 hours). The average daily dose should not exceed 200-250 mg. The duration of the course of therapy averages 30 days.

Cereton

The therapeutic effect of Cereton (generics - Gleacer, Noocholine Rompharm, Gliatilin, Delecite, Cerepro, Cholitilin, Choline alfoscerate hydrate, Choline-Borimed) provides its active substance choline alfoscerate, which supplies choline (vitamin B4) directly to the brain cells. And choline is needed by the body to produce the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Therefore, the drug Cereton not only normalizes the functioning of receptors and brain cells, but also improves neuromuscular transmission and helps to increase the elasticity of neuronal cell membranes.

Among the indications for the use of this drug are dementia (including senile) and impaired cognitive functions of the brain, impaired attention, encephalopathy, the consequences of a stroke and cerebral hemorrhage. Cereton capsules are taken in these cases, one piece 2-3 times a day (before meals). Treatment can last from 3 to 6 months.

Contraindications to the use of performance-enhancing drugs

It should be immediately noted that the use of performance-enhancing drugs during pregnancy and lactation is contraindicated, although in many cases the tiratogenic and embryotoxic effects of these drugs have not been studied by their manufacturers.

Contraindications to the use of performance-enhancing drugs are as follows:

  • the drug Piracetam is not used for children under 1 year old;
  • Deanol aceglumate is not used for hypersensitivity, infectious diseases of the brain, febrile conditions, blood diseases, kidney and liver failure, epilepsy;
  • the drug Picamilon is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance, acute and chronic forms of kidney pathologies;
  • the drug Cereton cannot be prescribed to patients under the age of 18, as well as with acute stage stroke
  • Acetylaminosuccinic (succinic) acid is not used for angina pectoris and glaucoma;
  • the drug Pantokrin is contraindicated in atherosclerosis, organic pathologies of the heart, increased blood clotting, inflammatory diseases kidneys (nephritis), as well as stool disorders (diarrhea).
  • tinctures of ginseng, eleutherococcus and aralia manchurian are not used in the treatment of children with acute infectious diseases, bleeding, hypertension, epilepsy, a tendency to convulsions, insomnia and liver pathologies.

Side effects of performance enhancing drugs

When prescribing to patients, physicians should consider side effects performance enhancing drugs. Namely: Piracetam can cause dizziness, headache, mental agitation, irritability, sleep disturbances, pain in the stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, convulsions; Deanol aceglumate can cause headaches, sleep disturbances, constipation, weight loss, itching, and in elderly patients, a state of depression.

Side effects of the drug Picamilon are expressed in the form of dizziness and headache, irritability, agitation, anxiety, as well as nausea and skin rash with itching. For some, the use of Phenotropil is fraught with insomnia, irritability, dizziness and headache, an unstable mental state (tearfulness, anxiety, as well as the appearance of delirium or hallucinations).

The drug Cereton has such possible side effects as nausea, headache, convulsions, dry mucous membranes, urticaria, insomnia or drowsiness, increased irritability, constipation or diarrhea, convulsions, anxiety.

But the side effects of Melatonin are quite rare and are expressed in the form of a headache and discomfort in the stomach.

Drugs that increase physical performance

Preparations that increase physical performance include such agents to increase the general tone of the body and activate its adaptive abilities, such as acetylaminosuccinic acid, Melatonin, Calcium glycerophosphate, Pantocrine, alcohol tinctures ginseng, eleutherococcus and other medicinal plants.

Acetylamino release form succinic acid(succinic acid) - tablets of 0.1 g. The general tonic effect of this drug is based on its ability to stabilize and simultaneously stimulate the neuroregulatory processes of the central nervous system. Due to this, the intake of succinic acid relieves fatigue and removes depression associated with it.

Dosage and administration of acetylaminosuccinic acid: usual dose is for an adult 1-2 tablets per day (only after meals, with a glass of water). Children under 6 years of age are prescribed 0.5 tablets per day, after 6 years - a whole tablet (once a day).

Melatonin increases levels in the brain and hypothalamus gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA) and serotin, and also acts as powerful antioxidant. As a result, this drug is used in complex therapy. depressive states and disorders of the central nervous system, insomnia, reduced immunity.

Melatonin is prescribed for adults 1-2 tablets at bedtime. Do not drink alcohol or smoke while taking it. Children under 12 years of age, this medicine is contraindicated; children over 12 are given one tablet per day (just before bedtime).

Calcium glycerophosphate (tablets of 0.2 and 0.5 g) is used as a drug that increases efficiency, due to the fact that this substance can enhance protein synthesis, and more active anabolic processes in body tissues, in turn, increase the tone of all its systems. Therefore, doctors recommend taking Calcium glycerophosphate with a general breakdown, chronic fatigue and nervous exhaustion. In addition, calcium is very useful for strengthening bones.

The drug should be taken one tablet three times a day (before meals), but it should not be combined with acidic foods and drinks, as well as with milk.

Pantocrine - a liquid alcohol extract of young (non-ossified) antlers of deer, red deer and sika deer - is a CNS stimulant and is used for asthenic conditions and low blood pressure. Dosage and administration: orally, 30-40 drops 30 minutes before meals (2-3 times a day). The course of treatment lasts 2-3 weeks, repeated courses are carried out after a break of 10 days.

For many decades, preparations that increase physical performance have been classics - tincture of ginseng (root), eleutherococcus, Manchurian aralia and Chinese magnolia vine.

Presence in these biogenic stimulants triterpene glycosides, which affect the energy processes in the body, explains their unconditional effectiveness in regulating glucose metabolism. Doctors recommend taking these tinctures for physical and mental fatigue, increased drowsiness and low blood pressure.

  • Piracetam increases the effectiveness of hormones thyroid gland, antipsychotic drugs, psychostimulants and anticoagulants;
  • Picamilon reduces the effect of sleeping pills and enhances the effect of narcotic analgesics;
  • Calcium hopantenate prolongs the action of hypnotics and may also enhance the effects of anticonvulsants and CNS stimulants;
  • taking acetylaminosuccinic acid with sedatives(sedative antidepressants and tranquilizers) can significantly offset their effects.
  • the use of tinctures of ginseng, eleutherococcus and Manchurian aralia enhances the effect of psychostimulant drugs, as well as cordiamine and camphor-containing drugs. And the simultaneous reception of tonic tinctures with tranquilizers or anticonvulsants completely blocks the therapeutic effect of the latter.

An overdose of the above drugs can lead to undesirable consequences. In particular, there may be insomnia, irritability, trembling of the limbs (tremor), and in patients after 60 years of age, attacks of heart failure and sharp fluctuations HELL.

The storage conditions for drugs that increase performance are almost the same and require their storage in a dry, dark place at room temperature (not higher than + 25-30 ° C.). Mandatory condition: the place of their storage must be inaccessible to children.

And manufacturers, as expected, indicate the expiration date of these drugs on the packaging.

Substances that change bioenergy and metabolic processes in brain cells have been known since ancient times, when they began to be used in various practices aimed at expanding consciousness. The challenge for scientists since the early 20th century has been to make these changes targeted and controlled. And after drugs to improve brain function became available to schoolchildren and students, the task of modern researchers became even more complicated: it became necessary to increase efficiency without increasing the risks of harming health.

On this path, researchers expected serious difficulties, since those pills for brain activity, which gave a quick and noticeable effect, differed big amount side effects and contraindications. Part of the problem was solved by increasing the duration of taking the drug to improve brain function, that is, the gradual and slow accumulation of the active substance, which as a result gave the same effect. In part, the risk was reduced by taking herbal preparations, which provided a more natural effect on neurons.

As a result, all means for improvement were conditionally divided into more effective and dangerous and less dangerous, but with a slow (mild) effect. Between them there is a large group of drugs that could increase or decrease these parameters depending on the conditions of use:

  • dosage,
  • usage frequency,
  • combinations with other nootropics or substances ingested with food,
  • individual reactions to components, etc.

In an effort to quickly increase their intellectual level and improve brain function after the first encouraging trials, some experimenters often move on to extreme experiments, making a number of mistakes.

5 mistakes in taking pills to improve brain function

  1. Idle work. This situation arises when it works as it should, but the impossible is expected from the drug - that it will do everything for a person: it will learn the material, solve the problem, write a term paper. After taking the drug, such a person sits down to watch TV or play computer games in the hope that it will dawn on him. Indeed, sometimes, if the topic of a TV story resonates with the topic of an everyday problem, the activated brain can find an unexpected and effective solution to the problem. But more often than not, all the energy and brain activity have to be spent on memorizing a kaleidoscope of news or completing levels in a game. Therefore, when taking the drug during the period of activity, you need to use your brain to solve targeted problems without wasting energy.
  2. Ignoring contraindications.

    This mistake is most often made by two categories of people:

    • those who consider themselves healthy, not knowing about pathologies (for example, before the manifestation severe symptoms, not knowing about problems with the liver and kidneys).
    • those who neglect, at first glance, "insignificant" restrictions.

    In the first case, a preliminary examination by a doctor will help to prevent a mistake in order to detect the limitations that are indicated in the instructions for the pills to improve brain activity. This list almost always includes the age limit, pregnancy, kidney disease, serious cardiovascular pathologies. In the second case, “minor” restrictions are considered, for example, a ban on the use of tablets in case of lactose intolerance (when taking Neopept, Phenibut, Nootropil). As a result, neglecting them, they get gastrointestinal disorders and the absence of the expected nootropic effect.

  3. The use of potent tablets.

    In daily healthy living, the use of a super-stimulant that is abrupt is generally unnecessary. Drugs like "Modafinil" are used in the army in real combat conditions, in police missions, during rescue operations, on board the ISS, when the maximum exertion of physical and mental strength is required for a limited time. So the use of "Modafinil" made it possible for helicopter pilots to maintain combat readiness for 88 hours. However, even in the course of controlled experiments, variations in dosages and frequency of administration in different modes various side effects have been observed.

    Potent drugs such as "Adderall", "Ritalin" are prescribed only for medical indications such as narcolepsy and attention deficit disorder (ADD) with hyperactivity.

  4. Illiterate combination of funds.

    It is believed that the inclusion of neurotransmitters and activity is simplified in the case of competent combination various drugs or additives. So the experience of those who have been on the course shows that "Piracetam" in combination with lecithin and vitamins demonstrates long-term use a more sustainable effect, manifested in increased mental endurance and concentration. Piracetam itself, in combination with antidepressants, increases the effectiveness of the latter, which can both simplify the solution of a medical problem, and vice versa - create unexpected problems. The most popular combination "Piracetam + Choline" also requires prior approval from the doctor.

    Caffeine on its own is generally not considered to be a potent cognitive stimulant at all, but with L-theanine, caffeine has a more sustained and long-lasting effect, manifesting itself in sharpening short-term memory and the ability to concentrate on tasks.

    In some supplements, the optimal combination of active ingredients is already provided by the manufacturer, and there is no need to experiment with health risks. This mainly concerns multicomponent preparations in which plant extracts (GABA, Natrol) act as elements.

  5. Overdose.

    This is an obvious mistake that even experienced nootropics make when they rely on their previous experience without reading the instructions, or when they want to increase stimulant effects against the recommendations. As a result, several types of reactions can occur:

    • In rare cases, with a slight excess of the dose, a specific predisposition and individual reactions, the effect may increase without noticeable negative consequences.
    • If the dosage is exceeded once, the effect is opposite to the expected one. For example, when taking DMAA (geranium extract) in a volume of 150-200 mg, instead of stimulation, an oppression reaction occurs, the drug begins to act as a sleeping pill, suppressing brain activity.
    • If the dose is exceeded under adverse conditions (if there are contraindications, combined with alcohol, etc.), cerebral hemorrhage may occur, severe headaches, and nausea may occur.

Overview of popular pills to improve brain activity: 5x5

The task of stimulating the cognitive functions of the brain is set for medical reasons in case of age-related diseases and conditions, in case of developmental disorders in children (for example, with ADHD and problems with concentration). And also if you need to stimulate your intellectual abilities constantly or in a certain period (session, interview, etc.). During treatment complex pathologies and diseases more often stop at neurometabolic stimulants synthesized in laboratories. In an effort to expand their intellectual capabilities on an ongoing basis, they are more likely to turn to safer natural pills to improve brain activity.

A group of synthetic stimulants

  1. « Nootropil / Vinpocetine(commercial name for piracetam). Historically the first nootropic synthesized by Belgian pharmacologists in 1963. It was after its creation that the term “nootropics” was proposed to distinguish these drugs that improve brain activity from psychostimulants, which have numerous side effects. Among the side effects of this drug, an increase in the level of anxiety due to long-term use in persons prone to neurotic reactions, which led to insomnia. This, like most other nootropics, is also prohibited during pregnancy and breastfeeding. You can buy Vinpocetine here.
  2. « Glycine". One of the most famous nootropics, which gained popularity due to the fact that it is sold without a prescription, has a minimum of contraindications and side effects. Because of this, students love him. However, an attempt to apply "Glycine" forced (that is, an increased dose based on a sharp acceleration of the speed of thinking and memorization) does not lead to success, since this "slow" nootropic is designed for quantitative accumulation during the course (preferably in combination with vitamins). You can order "Glycine" here.
  3. « Phenibut". A more powerful tool that allows you to feel unemotional and completely calm intellectual with a slightly slow reaction, which is fully appropriate for the purpose. It is used for irritability, fear, tension, insomnia. But the tablets have numerous contraindications and side effects, manifested in headache and dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, skin rash, itching, etc. It is safer to use its analogue from the company MRM.
  4. « Aminalon". These tablets, which have psychostimulating effect and restore the brain after cerebrovascular accidents can cause a feeling of fever, insomnia, vomiting. However, such effects appear mainly with an overdose or hypersensitivity to the components. The doctor can prescribe pills for children from 3 years old to speed up mental development. An over-the-counter equivalent from Now Foods can be ordered from iHerb.
  5. « GABA". As an active substance, gamma-aminobutyric acid is used - one of the main inhibitory neurotransmitters of the central nervous system, which also takes part in metabolic processes in the brain. It is also available in the form of tablets and is prescribed for circulatory disorders in the brain, in a state of anxiety and irritability, to increase stability in mental and physical activity. Among the contraindications are chronic and acute kidney disease. You can order here.

A group of natural stimulants

The components, combined with each other, produce a synergistic effect, multiplying the effect of pills for the brain.

The Best Pills for the Brain: Definition by Ingredients

To understand which drugs improve memory and increase intellectual endurance better than others, it is advisable to first determine the preferred components - those that you would like to see in the drug - and then choose a nootropic containing these components.

So among the most proven - that is, effective and, in recommended dosages, safe - elements that give a nootropic result, the Ginkgo Biloba plant, Asian ginseng, any of the substances containing Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, B vitamins are most often called. When it comes to relieving stress and tension, motherwort, mint, lemon balm are most often mentioned. Less often - pumpkin, hops, chamomile.

  • Ginkgo Biloba extract can be found in the monocomponent nootropic of the same name and in the multicomponent preparations "GABA" and "TinkFast".
  • Asian ginseng, which is used to increase energy levels, improve cognition and enhance the action of vitamins, is found as a component in GABA and TinkFast.
  • Omega-3s are most often found in natural seafood (capsules fish oil), in flaxseed, pumpkin, walnut. Of the preparations mentioned above, only GABA contains seafood (for example, squid meat, shark liver), walnuts, and pumpkin seeds as a source of Omega-3.
  • B vitamins are best represented in Natrol and TinkFast, which, among other vitamins, contains pyridoxine (B6), which improves tissue metabolism, and tocopherol (E), which improves the supply of brain vessels.
  • Anti-stress components are more represented in the drug "Natrol" (for example, motherwort), where nootropic effect glycine is responsible, and sage and licorice root are responsible for the functioning of the immune and nervous systems.

If we systematize all the data, then in the informal competition of pills for memory and brain activity, GABA has the greatest potential, but the final choice of the drug depends on the totality of tasks that the nootropic is faced with.