Piracetam

About Piracetam

This belongs to the group of medicines known as GABA analogues.

Piracetam acts on the central nervous system. It is thought to protect the cerebral cortex in the brain against a deficiency of oxygen. The cerebral cortex is responsible for consciousness and for voluntary activity and plays a role in perception, memory, and mental ability.

Piracetam is used alongside other medicines in the treatment of cortical myoclonus. This condition results in short involuntary movements or jerks due to stimuli from the central nervous system. This can also result in difficulty with speech, loss of hand function and an inability to walk. Piracetam has also been used following trauma or surgery, and in a variety of other disorders such as alcoholism, vertigo, senile dementia, stroke, and behavioural disorders in children.

Piracetam is available in tablet and oral liquid form.

It is also sometimes known as: Nootropil. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Piracetam

Before taking any of this medicine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby, or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from liver or kidney problems
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Piracetam

• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Piracetam oral solution has quite a bitter taste. Drinking a glass of water or fruit juice immediately after each dose should help.
• Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of piracetam contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Piracetam can cause drowsiness. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside piracetam.

Can Piracetam cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Diarrhoea, weight gain, drowsiness, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), nervousness, mood changes, hyperactivity or skin rashes.

If you experience any other worrying side effects, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist.

How to store Piracetam

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 16/09/2002