All drugs that affect the metabolic processes in the brain are called nootropics. Of the variety of drugs, one can distinguish such as "Piracetam", "Nootropil" and "Lucetam".
These drugs contain the same active substance. Therefore, to say that it is better - “Piracetam”, or “Nootropil”, or “Lucetam”, will be a little wrong.
However, these drugs, despite the same composition, are produced by various pharmaceutical companies, which can affect the degree of purification of the components or the quality of the drug as a whole.
Indications
The pharmacological effect of drugs that contain piracetam as the main component is based on the effect of this element on the central nervous system.
Indications for use are quite numerous, but you can focus on the main diseases for which it is necessary to prescribe nootropics.
First of all, this applies to neurology:
- Violations of the vessels of the brain;
- cerebrovascular insufficiency, manifested in impaired attention and memory, headaches and dizziness;
- circulatory disorders;
- conditions after brain intoxication;
- decrease in cognitive functions, including in Alzheimer's disease.
Psychiatry also uses Piracetam or Nootropil. Which is better, the doctor decides in each case, although, as already mentioned, the drugs differ only by the manufacturer.
Indications:
- depressive syndrome, in which there is intolerance to antipsychotics;
- sluggish conditions - schizophrenia or psycho-organic syndrome, as well as inhibited states.
In narcology, in acute poisoning with substances, any nootropic drug is prescribed in combination with other drugs. Which is better - "Piracetam", or "Nootropil", or "Lucetam"? What is best for the patient is determined based on the condition:
- withdrawal morphine or alcohol syndrome;
- poisoning or overdose of morphine, barbiturates, ethanol and other substances;
- chronic alcoholism with persistent mental disorders.
In addition, Piracetam (or Nootropil) is used to treat children with the following diseases and conditions:
- consequences of perinatal brain damage;
- delay in psycho-speech development (ZPRR) ;
- oligophrenia, cerebral palsy.
The standard effect is to change the speed of impulse propagation in the brain, improve metabolic processes and the interaction between the hemispheres.
In addition, with organic brain lesions during various acquired diseases or disorders that occurred during the period of prenatal development of the fetus, as well as during childbirth, drugs of the nootropic group both in tablets and in ampoules have a restoring effect.
In the event that minor violations of memory and attention, as well as other cognitive functions occurred for other reasons, people begin to take drugs on their own, following the instructions.
Piracetam or Nootropil: reviews
The use of any medication without a doctor’s prescription is undesirable, and in some cases dangerous. However, despite this, many not only take nootropics to improve memory and speed up learning or for preventive purposes, but they also set up experiments on themselves.
Reviews about this drug from consumers are different, which is associated with the characteristics of the body. Differences can also be attributed to suggestibility.
The use of the drug "for memory" usually does not give a quick and lasting positive effect. At the same time, those who took nootropics as an experiment note that the benefits of the drugs are much less than the harm. Thus, the manifestation of side effects occurs earlier than the improvement, if you take on your own “Lucetam”, “Nootropil” or “Piracetam”.
Which is better: reviews and studies
According to world statistics and expert reviews, these drugs of the nootropic group show poor effectiveness in the treatment of post-stroke conditions and dementia (acquired dementia), and in some cases there are no improvements at all.
To date, in America, "Piracetam" was excluded from the list of medicines. This drug is equivalent to biologically active additives, since its therapeutic effect is not so pronounced that you can use the tool as the main one.
In Russia, studies conducted using the drug for children with Down syndrome also proved that the substance does not have any effect on cognitive function. Therefore, there is no longer a question regarding such drugs as Piracetam or Nootropil. Which is better from these drugs, in this case, it doesn’t matter anymore.
Contraindications
For any medication, you should always pay attention to contraindications. They are both absolute and relative.
You can not use nootropic drugs during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Their use in hemorrhagic stroke and in the case of an end stage of renal failure is also absolutely contraindicated.
In the event that a pregnant or lactating woman needs to take the medicine, they compare the possible benefits and harms for the child that Nootropil or Piracetam can bring. What's better? In this case, the name of the drug does not matter, since the main active ingredient in the named funds is the same.
It is impossible to use "Piracetam" and its derivatives in children under the age of 12 months and in people whose sensitivity to the components of the drug is increased.
Negative effects on the central nervous system
Side effects occur only in 3% of cases. In most patients, they are either very weakly expressed, or simply no pronounced effect is observed from the drug.
The central nervous system can respond to taking drugs from the group of nootropics as follows:
- exacerbation of the course of epilepsy;
- drowsiness and depression;
- In some cases, headaches and dizziness may occur, sexuality increases.
Other side effects
Very rarely there is an increase in body weight due to metabolic disorders when using nootropics. In isolated cases, from the gastrointestinal tract, nausea, diarrhea, or stomach pain is observed.
In the presence of these side effects, the question arises: "Piracetam" or "Nootropil" - which is better to use? "Since the active substance in these medicines is the same, the side effects do not differ.
Combination of drugs
Often when taking a medicine, it becomes necessary to use one or more other drugs as indicated by the doctor. With the simultaneous use of nootropics and drugs used in diseases of the thyroid gland, sleep disturbances and irritability are possible.
In addition, there is evidence of an increase in the effectiveness of the drug for the treatment of thrombophlebitis while taking it with nootropics. When deciding whether to take medications such as Nootropil or Piracetam (which is better, the doctor decides in each case), you should take into account the drugs used in parallel.
Who is releasing?
The only difference between the described drugs is that they are released by different manufacturers, as noted earlier.
The drug "Lutsetam" is produced by the company "Egis" (Hungary). In Russian pharmacies, the medicine is sold in different forms:
- 5 ml ampoules (No. 10) - about 280 rubles;
- 800 mg tablets (No. 30) - about 80 rubles.
Means "Piracetam" is produced by Russian manufacturers "Marbiopharm" (Mari-El Republic) and "Vertex" (St. Petersburg). It can be purchased in the following forms:
- ampoules of 5 ml (No. 10) - 38 rubles;
- tablets 200 mg (No. 60) - 27 rubles;
- 400 mg capsules (No. 20) - 28 rubles.
"Nootropil" - a drug manufactured by "USB Pharma" (Belgium). In pharmacies is implemented in the form of:
- ampoules of 5 ml (No. 12) - 377 rubles;
- 800 mg tablets (No. 30) - 295 rubles.
Prices are approximate and may vary by region or even pharmacy. Nootropics are dispensed without a prescription, but there is evidence that in the Republic of Belarus a prescription is needed to purchase these funds.
As you can see, domestic pills and ampoules are several times cheaper than imported drugs. Piracetam or Nootropil - which is better with such a difference in price? If necessary, the patient himself must answer this question. It all depends on how much he trusts the Russian manufacturer and is ready to be treated with domestic drugs.
conclusions
Medicines are needed to treat diseases. This is necessary for those people who are used to stimulating themselves with various drugs. In the case of natural forgetfulness or the onset of a period when you need to quickly remember and learn everything (especially if it is a huge amount of material), it is better to gradually develop the brain and learn everything on time.
If we are talking about a condition in which special means are needed, then we can ask ourselves: “Nootropil” or “Piracetam” - which is better? ”In this case, use drugs under the supervision of a doctor and in complex therapy.
I would like to note that the recommendations and reviews given above are not the advice of a doctor. The information is provided for informational purposes only and cannot be used as a clear guide to action.