Sign inBefore taking piracetam
Before taking piracetam make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you have problems with your kidney or liver.
- If you have a blood clotting or bleeding problem.
- If you have recently had surgery.
- If you have ever had a brain haemorrhage.
- If you have Huntington's Chorea (a movement disorder).
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
How to take piracetam
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take piracetam exactly as directed by your doctor.
- Piracetam is usually taken two or three times a day.
- Piracetam tablets can be swallowed with a drink of water. Do not break or chew the tablets as piracetam has a bitter taste.
- If you are taking the oral solution, drinking a glass of water or soft drink after taking your dose can help to take away the taste.
- Try to take piracetam at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
- If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose in which case skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up.
Getting the most from your treatment
- If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
- Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
- Do not stop taking piracetam without speaking to your doctor first. Stopping suddenly can cause your symptoms to worsen.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Can piracetam cause problems?
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Increased weight | Eat a well-balanced diet containing plenty of fruit and vegetables |
| Drowsiness | Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert |
| Restlessness, nervousness | If troublesome, discuss this with your doctor |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store piracetam
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Nootropil® Tablets 800 mg, UCB Pharma Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated May 2007, accessed May 2009.
- Manufacturer's PIL, Nootropil® 33% Solution, UCB Pharma Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated May 2005, accessed May 2009.
- British National Formulary; 57th Edition (March 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.