The effect of nootropics occurs through. New generation nootropic drugs - list. Features of the use of nootropics in children


Nootropics - neurometabolic stimulants, drugs for influencing higher mental functions brain

The best nootropics, unlike psychostimulants, cause an increase in activity when stimulating nerve cells of a quantitative rather than qualitative nature. In this case, the following therapeutic effects are observed:

  • sedative (calming);
  • psychostimulant;
  • antidepressant;
  • antiasthenic (reduction and cessation of lethargy and weakness);
  • mnemotropic (improving learning and memory);
  • antiepileptic;
  • adaptogenic;
  • nootropic (improving speech, attention, thinking), etc.

Increasing concentration adenylate cyclase enzyme, nootropics activate its action in nerve cells.

Exactly this substance necessary for cell synthesis of ATP- the main source of energy in the implementation of biochemical and physiological processes.

According to their effects, all nootropics are divided into 3 groups:

  1. Drugs that stimulate metabolic processes;
  2. Medicines that have a positive effect on vascular system(vasotropic drugs);
  3. Means for stimulating memory and learning processes.

The drugs are used in the treatment and prevention of a number of neurological and psychological disorders:

  • deterioration of thinking abilities;
  • decreased mental and physical activity;
  • effects of toxic substances on the brain;
  • neuroinfections (encephalitis, polio);
  • senile dementia;
  • consequences of traumatic brain injury;
  • ischemic stroke, enuresis, stuttering, etc.

Medicines can be prescribed not only to patients with the above diseases, but also to healthy people experiencing increased stress on the psyche and nervous system .

It’s quite difficult to figure out the list of the most popular nootropics on your own, so it’s best to seek medical advice. We will tell you about several drugs that top the rating. nootropic drugs.

Table of the best nootropic drugs
Drug name Classification Alcohol compatibility Age restrictions Doctor's prescription Drug price
Nootropics (neurometabolic stimulants) absolutely incompatible from one year needed from 254 rub.
Bad undesirable from 12 years old over the counter from 2710 rub.
Bad undesirable from 14 years old over the counter from 891 rub.
nootropic drugs undesirable from 12 years old without a doctor's prescription from 489 rub.
nootropics, anxiolytics absolutely incompatible from 8 years old needed from 24 rub.
nootropics, correctors of cerebrovascular accidents often used in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome. from 3 years old needed from 76 rub.
nootropic drugs does not enter into drug interactions with alcohol from 18 years old over the counter from 323 rub.

Nootropil

The second name of the drug is Piracetam, by name active substance. Available in the form of tablets, syrup (including for children), capsules, solutions for injections.

Prescribed for diseases of a neurological and psychiatric nature, used in narcology and pediatrics, for the treatment of sickle cell anemia (as part of combination therapy).

Contraindicated in case of impaired renal function, hemorrhagic stroke, intolerance to components. At doses above 5 g/day there is a high probability of developing side effects.

Phenibut

Nootropic with dual effects:

  1. stimulates blood circulation and metabolism;
  2. has a sedative effect.

The active substance is hydrochloride. The drug is available in tablet form. Prescribed for:

  • Asthenic and anxious-neurotic states;
  • Meniere's disease, dizziness, for the prevention of motion sickness;
  • Stuttering and tics in children;
  • To prevent anxiety.

Contraindications: individual intolerance, liver failure, periods of pregnancy and lactation. With caution - in case of gastrointestinal lesions.


The main active ingredient is nicotinoyl-gammaaminobutyric acid, the drug is available in the form of tablets and solution for injection.

The drug has a number of therapeutic effects:

  • stimulating metabolism;
  • antihypoxic;
  • antioxidant;
  • moderately tranquilizing;
  • selective detoxification (in relation to alcohol).

Prescribed for treatment the following diseases or states:

  • Ischemic stroke of the brain (on various stages and varying degrees of severity);
  • Vegetative-vascular dystonia;
  • Asthenic conditions;
  • Traumatic brain injuries;
  • During periods of rehabilitation;
  • For preventive purposes, etc.

Among main contraindications: chronic and acute kidney pathologies, individual intolerance to components, periods of pregnancy and breastfeeding.


The drug belongs to the group of nootropics, has anti-anxiety, vegetostabilizing, neuroprotective effects. Unlike other drugs in this group, it has a positive effect on all elements of memory: processing, storage, data retrieval.

Available in tablet form, it is prescribed for the treatment of:

  • asthenic conditions;
  • encephalopathy of various origins;
  • consequences of brain injuries.

It is possible to use the drug for diseases causing disruption cognitive functions and decreased intelligence.

Contraindicated in childhood, during pregnancy and lactation, with impaired renal and liver function, individual intolerance, impaired absorption of lactose and glucose.

Which nootropic to choose?

When choosing a medicine, you should pay attention to the following indicators:

  1. effectiveness and breadth of the therapeutic spectrum (indications for use);
  2. safety (list of contraindications and side effects);
  3. breadth of dose range (possibility of using different treatment regimens);
  4. interdrug effects (possibility of use in monotherapy and complex treatment);
  5. economic accessibility.

However, even the most powerful nootropics will not be able to cure the disease if they are used incorrectly. Therefore, the main selection criterion is the doctor’s recommendation after extensive diagnostics.

Sources

  1. Titova, N. V. Modern look for nootropic therapy / N.V. Titova // Neurology. Psychiatry. 2007. - T. 15, No. 24.
  2. Vilensky, B.S. Stroke: prevention, diagnosis, treatment Text. /B.S. Vilensky. 2nd ed., add. - St. Petersburg: Foliant, 2002. - 397 p.
  3. Hultsch, D. F., & Hertzog, C. (1989). A manual of twenty-five three-tiered structurally equivalent texts for use in aging research. Collaborative Research Group on Cognitive AgingTechnical Report No.2. University of Victoria and Georgia Institute of Technology.
  4. Lachman, M. E. (1983). Perceptions of intellectual aging: Antecedent or consequence of intellectual functioning? Developmental Psychology, 19,482-498.
  5. Fischer, G. D. Pharmacology of nootropics / G. D. Fischer, K. A. Wustman, E. S. Rudolf. -M., 1989.-S. 156.
  6. James, L. E., Fogler, K. A., & Tauber, S. K. (2008). Recognition memory measures yield disproportionate effects of aging on learning face-name associations. Psychology and Aging, 23(3), 657-664. doi: 10.1037/a0013008

Nootropics or neurometabolic stimulants are medicinal substances that help improve mental and mental activity of the brain. Nootropic drugs directly affect highest state, and also protect the central nervous system from various negative factors and everyday phenomena. In this article we will take a detailed look at what nootropics are, how they affect processes in the human body, and how this can affect.

Description and mechanism of action of the group

First developments and Scientific research nootropic substances that could improve the psycho-emotional component of human life began at the dawn of the 60s of the twentieth century.

Since then, many neurometabolic stimulants have been developed that can improve brain function by stimulating blood microcirculation. Moreover, such stimulants protect the brain from all kinds of harmful effects from the outside, including .

Did you know?Corneliu Giurgea is a Romanian psychologist and chemist who is considered the inventor of nootropics. In 1964, he isolated neurotransmitter substances from the Piracetam cocktail.

Today, there are two main groups of nootropics: true and neuroprotectors. Substances that make up the first group contribute to the activation of the mnestic function of the brain, and no longer affect the psycho-emotional component.
While neuroprotectors can have a complex effect on mental system. The effect of neurometabolic stimulants can be both primary (the substance binds directly to the neuron and interacts with it) and secondary (has an antihypoxic and antiplatelet effect).

Doctors and scientists call nootropic substances by many different terms: neuroanabolic, neuroregulatory, neurodynamic or eutotrophic agents.

The mechanism of action of such agents is complex; it is divided into several components.:

  • The components of neuroregulatory substances help accelerate the process of synthesis of proteins and RNA, which activate the activity of the central nervous system, in particular its plastic component.
  • Antioxidant and antihypoxic effects help enhance processes ATP synthesis, and this directly affects the energy component of the state of neurons.
  • Neuroprotectors are the main utilizers of glucose.
  • Synaptic transformation of impulses in the central nervous system increases significantly under the influence of nootropics.
  • Stabilization of the functionality of CNS membranes.
Today, the most basic mechanism of action of nootropic substances on the central nervous system is considered to be the effect on bioenergetic and neurometabolic processes in neurons (brain cells).

Moreover, nootropics are able to interact with neurotransmitters, substances that are responsible for the frequency and speed of impulses that transmit information to the central nervous system. The direct effect of neurometabolic stimulants on adenylate cyclase promotes the release of seratonin from sensory neurons.

Also, this effect helps the production of ATP in brain cells without the participation of oxygen, and this promotes normal operation CNS under conditions of hypoxia (lack of oxygen).

Nootropic compounds are able to correct the processes of neuron-neuron interactions and prevent mental and intellectual developmental delays in adolescence.
The main mechanism of action of neurometabolic substances is aimed at stimulating the metabolism of nucleic acids and improved synthesis of protein, ribonucleic acid and ATP under extreme conditions.

Classification by chemical composition

Nootropic drugs are classified according to their chemical composition as follows::

  • dimethylaminoethanol derivatives;
  • pyrrolidone derivatives;
  • pyridoxine derivatives;
  • diaphenylyrrolidone derivatives;
  • neuropeptide analogues and the neuropeptide itself;
  • analogues and derivatives of gamma-aminobutyric acid;
  • 2-mercantobenzimidazole derivatives;
  • amino acids and analogs that have a stimulating effect on the amino acid system of the central nervous system;
  • organic composites and polypeptides;
  • products based on vitamin complexes;
  • other nootropic substances (psychostimulants, neuromodulators, adaptogens, antihypoxants, etc.).

Each of the above-mentioned positions of nootropic substances has a different chemical composition and is produced by manufacturers under different names. Accordingly, the mechanism of action of each substance will differ.

Indications for use

At first, any class of neurometabolic stimulants was used only in the fight against mental impairment in age.

A little later, when all sorts of laboratories around the world began to speak out about their supposedly proven effectiveness of nootropics, they began to be used in narcology, pediatrics, psychiatry, and neurology.
Today, a doctor can prescribe a therapeutic course of treatment with such chemicals in cases of the following diseases:

  • Alzheimer's disease and or senile dementia;
  • neuroinfection, intoxication;
  • neurosis-like or neurotic disorder;
  • psychoorganic syndrome;
  • vegetative-vascular dystonia;
  • cranial and impaired blood circulation in the brain;
  • chronic cerebrovascular insufficiency;
  • chronic (withdrawal, encephalopathy);
  • syndromes and intellectual-mnestic disorders.
Pediatricians also resort to the help of nootropics (in early age common reasons lack of protein synthesis is a lack of amino acids, which is associated with many psycho-emotional disorders).

Popular drugs

Today there are many nootropic drugs, in particular the new generation, which are derivatives of various chemical substances, they provide various actions on the central nervous system.
We will provide a list of nootropics that are best to take for various clinical indications below, but which will be most effective for you should be decided by your physician.

"Piracetam" ("Nootropil")

This drug belongs to chemically active substances, the effect on human body which has not been fully proven.
"Nootropil" is a prominent representative of the group of neurostimulating substances, which, according to manufacturers, can improve brain activity, promote the processes of ribonucleic acid synthesis, improve cerebral microcirculation red blood cells

"Piracetam" is produced in the form of tablets and, when swallowed, is absorbed into the blood, and then enters all internal organs. The substance is excreted through the kidneys and is not metabolized.

On the territory of our country this drug often used for Alzheimer's disease and various diseases CNS.
Many medical workers It is believed all over the world that Piracetam, apart from the “Placebo effect,” has no effect, but recent clinical studies have confirmed the fact that this drug helps reduce platelet aggregation, thereby improving blood microcirculation in the brain.

"Pramiracetam"

Like the previous substance, it is a neurometabolic stimulant (a derivative of piracetam), but with a more pronounced effect, and therefore is used in smaller dosages.
According to manufacturers, it stimulates and. The full effect of the drug has not been proven, therefore "Pramiracetam" It is considered to be a homeopathic remedy.

However, clinical studies have shown that there is still some effect from using Pramiracetam. When using this drug for 6 weeks, there is a significant improvement in memory. In addition, the active substance Pramiracetam significantly improves the psycho-emotional state during the period.

Cavinton (Vinpocetine)

It is a Hungarian neurodynamic drug that has a therapeutic effect on the affected areas of the brain. It improves blood microcirculation in ischemic areas by relaxing smooth muscles.
Since the mid-80s it has been produced synthetically based on vincamine. Used to treat cerebral (acute) disorders of cerebral blood flow. The effectiveness of Cavinton has often been questioned over the decades. IN early XIX century, the drug was included in the list of biologically active additives (BAA).

It is a pharmaceutical drug, the main component of which is hopantenic acid, which is involved in many processes of brain activity. This tool shows its greatest effectiveness in the treatment of chronic intoxication, as well as during periods of increased risk of hypoxia.
"Pantogam" stimulates various functional actions in the neuronal system and helps accelerate neuron-neuron signal transmission.

The sedative included in the list of the best nootropics latest generation, the effect of which has been largely proven. Clinical researches showed that Pantogam is capable of improving mental activity adolescents who have speech and writing disorders.

A domestic tableted nootropic drug that is used in medical practice in Russia (it has not found its use in other countries of the world).

Included in the list of the most important medicines. Widely used as a neuroprotective, antihypoxic and psychostimulant agent.
Workers medical institutions Semax is often prescribed for recovery from ethanol intoxication, inflammation of the nerves in areas near the brain, chronic disorders cerebral blood flow.

In addition, this drug has been used in pediatrics for decades, where its effectiveness and safety have been repeatedly proven.

Semax does not cause addiction or withdrawal symptoms. Moreover, it easily overcomes the blood-brain barrier and stabilizes all brain processes.

It is a neurometabolic stimulant that has stimulating, anticonvulsant and antitoxic effects. In 2007, Phenotropil was recognized as an obsolete drug, the frequency of its use in therapeutic purposes decreased sharply.
Moreover, this drug was recognized as one of those nootropic drugs whose effectiveness has not been proven. However, “Phenotropil” has found its use in the world, where it is actively used as a doping; some global companies even produce the active substance “Phenotropil” under a different name.

Therefore, recently this drug was banned for use by the Anti-Doping Committee. According to many scientists, the components of Phenotropil are capable of activating not only mental activity (which has not been proven to a large extent), but also (which has been proven).

Nootropic agent, a derivative of gamma-aminobutyric acid. It is a domestic drug, which in the mid-70s was included in the list of important drugs.
The developers talked about what would reduce stress levels and stabilize too increased level CNS activity. Almost all tablets based on gamma-aminobutyric acid can calm and improve sleep, in addition, they enhance the effect of sleeping pills and narcotics.

Important!Phenibut can be addictive when used for a long time.

For stuttering, chronic stress, Meniere's disease. "Phenibut" can be indicated as a medicine. The main substance of "Phenibut" directly affects neurons and reduces their activity, which promotes calm and.
In large dosages it exhibits an analgesic effect. Phenibut is contraindicated for children under 10 years of age and people who regularly use drugs and alcohol.

This pharmaceutical drug belongs to nootropic drugs, the derivatives of which are simple amino acids. developed on the basis of aminoacetic acid, it exhibits a calming, sedative, anti-stress and hypnotic effect.
Moreover, as the manufacturers claim, “Glycine” helps improve memory and protect the central nervous system from various unpleasant external stimuli (consequences of intoxication due to drug addiction and alcoholism).

And “Glycine” is one of the few drugs that can reduce and stimulate the production of seratonin (which causes joy in people).

Side effects and contraindications

Side effects from the use of neurometabolic stimulants may arise from a psychological component. Often, such effects occur with overdoses or long-term use of drugs.
Patients may experience hyperactivity of central nervous system processes, which manifests itself in the form of increased, disturbance. in 5% of cases it causes side effects when dosages are increased.

Discontinuation of the drug entails the disappearance of any side effects. In addition, Piracetam and Acefen should not be used as sedatives and mild sleeping pills, as they stimulate the central nervous system.

Did you know?One in four Harvard students takes nootropics, although these substances are not considered drugs in their country (doctors say they are practically ineffective).

From the neuralgic component, tendon reflexes, tremor, and dizziness may occur. There are also a number of unpleasant side effects from the somatic system.

Sometimes loss of taste and dry mouth may occur. Elderly people complain of high blood pressure and dizziness when long-term use nootropics.
In addition, improper and uncontrolled use of neurometabolic stimulants can cause various types. Pyriditol can complicate the course of the disease in people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

There are not many contraindications to the use of nootropics due to their homeopathic purposes. However, it is better not to take nootropics for people who have increased sensitivity to the components of these substances, chronic or acute renal failure.

Also, nootropics are prohibited for use by people who have suffered a hemorrhagic stroke and those who suffer from hereditary disease CNS - Gettington's chorea.

Who Prescribes Nootropics?

Nootropics have wide range applications in medical practice our country. Almost every other country in the world homeopathic medicines have long since faded into the background. However, our doctors prescribe nootropics for the most various diseases, which we have already talked about.
For example, even a cardiologist can prescribe the drug Phenibut. The whole point is that patients vegetative-vascular dystonia, for the most part, they first turn to a cardiologist because of surges in blood pressure and a constant “feeling” of the rhythm.

And since VSD is not serious, which can drag unpleasant consequences, then the cardiologist often prescribes various homeopathic medications, including nootropics.

Important!Some nootropic substances in increased dosages capable of causing narcotic intoxication.

But to a greater extent, nootropic drugs are prescribed by psychiatrists, neurologists and pediatricians. In addition, toxicologists and narcologists can also prescribe nootropics with caution.

We can conclude that the safety of using nootropic drugs is quite high, but their effectiveness has not been fully proven. Therefore, it is up to you to decide whether to take such drugs or not.

Nootropic drugs include a large group of psychotropic drugs that help a person get rid of numerous effects on his nervous system. The newest nootropics are devoid of many of the dangerous side effects that were characteristic of the first generations of medicines, and are considered completely safe.

Modern nootropic drugs (neurometabolic stimulants) or simply nootropics represent a broad group medicinal substances, which have such an effect on the brain when its mental functions improve. As a result, the action of these drugs activates the thinking and memory ability (cognitive functions), increases the brain's resistance to the influence of negative exogenous factors - lack of oxygen, polluted atmosphere, toxins, stress and emotional overload, traumatic effects. In other words, they have an important ability to reduce neurological deficits.

The main principle of action of nootropics is based on their active participation in the metabolism and biological energetics of neurons, and is also carried out by influencing the mediators of neuroprocesses in the brain. In particular, they increase the level of adenylate cyclase in nerve cells and accelerate the production of ATP, which significantly affects cellular energy. The effect on the production of RNA and some proteins leads to the acceleration of plastic processes in the nervous system.

As a result of a series of metabolic transformations, serotonin is released, which is a catalyst for intracellular potassium and calcium ions. Adenosine triphosphoric acid helps maintain the speed of metabolic processes during oxygen deficiency, which reduces the danger oxygen starvation. Finally, nootropics optimize glucose utilization.

The best nootropic drugs can have the following effects:

  1. Stabilization of membranes by normalizing phospholipid and protein synthesis, as well as streamlining the structure of membrane cells.
  2. Antioxidant capacity resulting from inhibition of free radical formation and lipid oxidation.
  3. The antihypoxic effect is due to a decrease in oxygen consumption.
  4. Neuroprotection is characterized by an increase in the resistance of neurons to the action of aggressive exogenous factors.
  5. Improving blood microcirculation by improving the penetration of red blood cells through vascular walls and blocking platelet production.
  6. Improvement of electrophysiological patterns, which provides easier transmission of signals between the hemispheres, increased level of wakefulness and EEG power of the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. This ultimately leads to optimization of integrative brain function.
  7. Optimization of control of cortico-subcortical processes, information exchange between parts of the brain, and the formation of a memorable imprint. These effects provide improved attentiveness, mental reaction, memory, perception of information, and contribute to increased intelligence and cognitive functions.

When are nootropics prescribed?

Neotropic drugs were developed to treat brain dysfunction and were intended primarily for older people. The development of pharmacology in this direction has made it possible to significantly expand the abilities of nootropics, which makes it possible to use them in various branches of medicine (neurology, psychiatry, pediatrics, surgery, gynecology, etc.).

  1. Dementia different types, incl. for Alzheimer's disease, vascular and senile pathologies.
  2. Cerebrovascular pathologies of a chronic nature.
  3. Syndrome of psychoorganic damage.
  4. Post-traumatic syndrome caused by poor circulation as a result of damage to the skull.
  5. Severe intoxication.
  6. Diseases caused by the penetration of neuroinfections.
  7. Deviations of intellectual-mnestic, asthenic, depressive nature.
  8. Neurotic type disorders.
  9. Dystonia of the vegetative-vascular system.
  10. Chronic alcoholism and associated pathologies such as encephalopathy, abstinence.
  11. Mental retardation.

A child, like an adult, in some cases needs psychotropic therapy. Nootropic drugs for children are remembered in pediatrics for amino acid deficiency, leading to a deterioration in protein synthesis and, in general, disruption of metabolic processes. The reasons for prescribing such drugs are the following circumstances: a significant lag in mental and speech development child; noticeable deviation in mental development; signs of congenital, perinatal disorders of the nervous system; cerebral paralysis; pronounced signs of attention deficit disorder.

New generation neotropics also cope well with some other diseases that are affected by processes occurring in the brain. According to the decision of a specialist, nootropic drugs can be used in the following conditions:

  1. Elimination of manifestations of neuroleptic syndrome. Hopanthenic acid, Pantogam and other drugs can be used.
  2. Treatment of stuttering and hyperkinesis. The drug Phenibut is effective.
  3. For disorders of the urinary organs, Pantogam can be prescribed.
  4. Glycine helps fight chronic insomnia.
  5. For migraines, Pyritinol or Semax are recommended.
  6. Such an unpleasant phenomenon as motion sickness and “ seasickness» is treatable with Phenibut.
  7. Complex therapy of ophthalmological problems often includes the use of Nicotinoil.

When problems might arise

Nootropics also have contraindications in circumstances where their use can cause negative consequences. They should not be taken if you are hypersensitive to the main active substance or any additional ingredient of the drug; pronounced course of renal failure, both in acute and chronic form; at the acute stage of a hemorrhagic stroke; congenital Gettington's chorea associated with degenerative lesions of the central nervous system. Only in exceptional cases It is possible to prescribe drugs to pregnant women and nursing mothers. With extreme caution, nootropics are given to young children and only after reaching 1 year of age.

New nootropic drugs are quite easily tolerated by patients. However, individual reactions are possible in the form of such side effects– the appearance of an incomprehensible anxious feeling; temporary insomnia at night and craving for sleep during the day; irritability; horse racing blood pressure; dyspeptic disorders; allergic reactions different types. Elderly people rarely experience cardiac problems, in particular heart failure, when taking nootropics.

What medications are there?

The list of nootropic drugs includes many drugs, divided into groups that differ chemical composition, direction, mechanism of influence. The following main categories are distinguished.

Stimulants metabolic processes in neurons:

  1. Based on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The main representatives are Phenibut, Picamilon and Aminalon. An analogue is hopantenic acid.
  2. Compounds based on pyrrolidone (racetams). The most common drugs are Piracetam and Phenylpiracetam. Derivatives such as Aniracetam, Oxiracetam and Pramiracetam may be prescribed.
  3. Derivatives pantothenic acid- Pantogam.
  4. When using the active substance dimethylaminoethanol, Acefen and Centrophenoxin are produced. Drugs such as Phenotropil and Meclofenoxate have gained popularity.
  5. Preparations containing amino acids and peptides. The most famous are Glycine, Actovegin, Biotredin and Cerebrolysin. Popular neuropeptides are Noopept, Semax, Selank. Polypeptides include Cortexin, Cerebramin.

Drugs to reduce the effects of hypoxia. The best remedy is Hydroxymethylethylpyridine succinate.

Nootropics with the effect of vitamin-like substances or adaptogens. These include products based on folic and succinic acid, vitamins E and B15, ginseng root. Idebenone stands out in this category.

Drugs to normalize the condition of blood vessels (vasotropes). They help get rid of cerebral problems. Stand out - Instenon, Cinnarizine. Vinpocetine may be prescribed.

Memory improvement is achieved by using nootropics from the following subgroups:

  • cholinomimetic and anticholesterase drugs – Amiridin and Choline;
  • hormonal-type drugs - Corticotropin, ACTH, as well as a number of drugs related to endorphins and enkephalins.

A significant difference in the effectiveness of nootropics is revealed when considering such a feature as the time of their development. Older or first-generation drugs continue to be used, but they have an increased risk of side effects. These drugs are mainly derivatives of Piracetam - most are racetams.

Most popular drugs

Currently, depending on the type of psychogenic deviation, first and second generation nootropics are used, as well as drugs from the latest developments. You can make an indicative list of the most popular nootropic drugs:

  1. Piracetam or similar products (Lucetam, Nootropil). Form of administration to the body – tablets for oral administration, intramuscular injections And intravenous drips. The most characteristic effects are the normalization of metabolic processes and blood circulation. Considering that Piracetam belongs to the first generation of drugs, one can expect side effects such as an increase in platelet levels, leading to a deterioration in blood clotting.
  2. Pramiracetam is available in tablet form. Although it is an older development, it has high cognitive properties, which helps improve memory. Has sedative abilities. Can be used for a long course of therapy. The drug should not be taken if you have kidney failure.
  3. Cavinton. Analogs are Neurovin and Vinpocetine. In addition to neuralgia, this drug is recommended for some ophthalmological pathologies and hearing problems. The course of treatment is quite long – 2-7 months. During the acute phase of the disease, it is administered by injection, and as the disease weakens, a transition to tablets is made.
  4. Phenibut. You can use its analogues - Bifren and Noobut. Release form – tablets, powder for injection solutions, capsules. This nootropic is effective for increasing mental response and physical performance, relieving stress, getting rid of anxious feelings and phobias, and improving sleep quality. Prescribed for hypoxia. Useful when traveling by water, because... eliminates the influence of pitching. The course of treatment lasts 30-40 days. The drug should not be taken simultaneously with sedatives and sleeping pills.
  5. Hopantenic acid (often sold under the name Pantogam). Recommended to reduce motor excitability. Positive effect is detected within 25-30 days after the start of treatment, but the full course can be 5-6 months.
  6. Glycine. Best known as an anti-stress drug. Helps relieve excessive excitability and irritability. It has a pronounced sedative effect and also helps normalize metabolism in the body.
  7. Cerebrolysin. It is used for serious damage to the central nervous system, incl. useful for Alzheimer's disease. Most commonly administered by injection, and most widely used as a treatment post-traumatic syndrome and consequences of stroke.
  8. Encephabol. It can be prescribed to both adults and children, while in the latter case a suspension with additives that improve taste is used. The drug is a strong neuroprotector and antioxidant with high cognitive abilities.

Latest generation drugs

Pharmacology around the world is taking active measures to improve nootropics, resulting in more effective and safe drugs. The following nootropic drugs have gained popularity:

  1. Phezam - used to normalize blood supply to the brain, improve protein metabolism and energy. It has vasodilating properties.
  2. Phenylpiracetam – necessary during the period after stroke rehabilitation. Often used to improve memory, concentration, and to eliminate convulsive phenomena.
  3. Noopept is especially effective for normalizing cognitive brain functions, eliminating anxiety and phobias, and for chronic headaches of a neurogenic nature.
  4. Selank – helps relieve stress and eliminate anxiety. It increases mental reaction, fights apathy and gloomy mood.

Nootropics also find a worthy place in child psychiatry and pediatrics. For babies, these drugs are available in the form of granules for making syrup or in the form of ready-made syrup. The most common use is for cerebral and encephalopathic disorders, as well as for significant retardation in intellectual development and lack of memory. For children, we can recommend stimulant drugs such as Picamilon and Cogitum, as well as drugs with a sedative effect - Cortexin and Phenibut.

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

Nootropics - what kind of medicine?

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

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

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

The primary effect of nootropics is positive impact on the nervous system. The secondary effect 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 effectiveness, as they have additional effects - relaxing, sedative, antihypoxic, etc.

Only a doctor can determine which nootropics are best to take. Eat different groups drugs, each of which has its own indications.

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

Who are the drugs indicated for?

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

Schoolchildren and students will find medications useful for better assimilation of information during intense workloads and exams.

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

What other indications exist for taking medications? This:


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

The most popular nootropics

In the ranking of cerebroprotectors, the first places are occupied by true nootropics without additional effects. Many of them belong to medicines of previous generations, but they are not losing ground due to 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(nasal drops, from 400 rub.). It contains peptides that have a powerful nootropic, protective, antioxidant, and antihypoxic effect.

What other nootropics do doctors prescribe?

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

The medicine improves mood, accelerates 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 its psychostimulating effect, Phenotropil cannot be purchased without a prescription!

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


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

New generation drugs

Nowadays, combination drugs containing several active ingredients are very popular. A representative of the latest generation of drugs is Orocetam(from 500 rub.) - a derivative of orotic acid and piracetam. The drug is used for severe injuries, intoxications, improves the metabolism of brain tissue, and prevents the development of hypoxic phenomena.

Another remedy - Fezam(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 case of dementia, decreased intelligence. At the same time, the drug dilates blood vessels, optimizing cerebral blood flow.

New generation nootropics are 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 gamma-aminobutyric acid derivatives - Picamilon, Gammalon, Gamalate B6, Neuro-norm.

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


Children are most often prescribed medications Phenibut, Pantogam in syrups, an older child can be given tablets or capsules. Considered harmless to the body Glycine- an amino acid related to the body. Also used in pediatrics Cortexin, Picamilon, limited - Mexidol, Neuromultivit. Course use corrects childhood pathologies of the central nervous system and prevents the progression of diseases.

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Nowadays, to stimulate brain function and protect nervous reactions, new generation nootropic drugs are used, the list of which is so impressive that it takes up several pages. Mainly complex means, consisting directly of a nootropic component and auxiliary substances that improve the nutrition of nerve cells - amino acids, vitamins, etc.

How do new nootropic drugs differ from old ones?

People have been using nootropic drugs 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 foods 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 improves and thought processes. The simplest nootropics also include coffee, green tea, nicotine, amphetamines. These are so-called brain stimulants. 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 mid-twentieth century, there was a major leap forward in the study of brain function. 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 is of interest only to doctors. In addition, today racetams are mainly used in therapy. This is the basis of new generation nootropic drugs. Racetams are chemical structure derivatives of pyrrolidine. Here short list 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.

Newest nootropic drugs

Because the the latest tools are combined, they combine new generation racetams and Excipients. Modern nootropic drugs such as:

  • Diapiram;
  • Orocetam;
  • Yukamen;
  • Thiocetam;
  • Apik;
  • Binotropil.

Most often, patients who have suffered 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 vessels. Many It is considered the best nootropic drug. We agree with this statement, but we would like to note that other means have also shown themselves to be very good. In addition, almost all nootropic drugs have few contraindications and side effects, which greatly simplifies the prescription and use.

Elderly patients are better off giving 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 responds to moderate physical activity by releasing serotonin and other hormones that have a beneficial effect on neural connections and the nervous system as a whole.