Drug reference

Piracetam

CNS Stimulant · CNS Stimulant and Cognition Enhancer

CNS StimulantCNS Stimulant and Cognition Enhancer

CDSCO approvedSchedule H

EXCRETION

—

not curated

INTERACTIONS

—

none in our sources

PREGNANCY

or females of childbearing potential,

FDA category + note

Mechanism

Piracetam is purported to be a cognition enhancer. The exact mechanism of action is not detailed in the provided texts.

Indications

Myoclonic seizures (adjunctive treatment)Alzheimer’s disease (AD)Multi-infarct dementia (MID)Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)Common symptoms of the elderly (dizziness and episodic memory lapses)Mental retardation in childrenLearning defectsAttention deficit disorderTransient ischaemic attacks (TIAs)Cerebrovascular accidentsStrokeOrganic psychosyndromesSequelae of head injuryElectroconvulsive therapy (ECT)Brain surgery

Dosing

Adult: seizures of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. Adult dosing can begin with 500 or 1000 mg/d. The dosage can be increased every 2–4 weeks by 1000 mg to a. maximum dosage of 3000 mg/d. The drug is dosed twice daily. Adverse effects include somnolence, asthenia, ataxia, infection (colds), and dizziness.. exhibits linear pharmacokinetics over a wide dose range (10–600 mg, single oral dose).…

Pregnancy & lactation

Pregnancy

or females of childbearing potential,

Drug interactions

Acenocoumarol

Moderate

Database

Increased prothrombin time (PT) and INR, leading to increased bleeding risk.

Monitor INR closely when initiating or discontinuing piracetam in patients on acenocoumarol. Adjust acenocoumarol dose as needed.

Ibuprofen

Moderate

Database

Increased risk of bleeding (e.g., gastrointestinal bleeding, bruising, epistaxis).

Monitor for signs of bleeding. Use with caution, especially in patients with pre-existing bleeding risks or other drugs affecting hemostasis. Consider alternative analgesics if high risk.

Levothyroxine

Moderate

Database

Increased CNS excitability (e.g., confusion, irritability, sleep disturbances, tremor).

Monitor for CNS symptoms. Consider dose adjustment of either drug or discontinuation if symptoms are bothersome.

Methylphenidate

Moderate

Database

Increased anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, tremors, palpitations, headache.

Monitor for excessive CNS stimulation. Adjust doses of either drug if necessary. Advise caution with other stimulants.

Warfarin

Moderate

Database

Increased prothrombin time (PT) and INR, leading to increased bleeding risk.

Monitor INR closely when initiating or discontinuing piracetam in patients on warfarin. Adjust warfarin dose as needed.

Alcohol

Mild

Database

Unpredictable effects on cognitive function, potentially masking or altering alcohol's effects.

Advise caution. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.

Aspirin

Mild

Database

Potentially increased risk of bleeding, though less pronounced than with oral anticoagulants.

Monitor for signs of bleeding, especially in patients with pre-existing bleeding disorders or those undergoing surgery.

Clopidogrel

Mild

Database

Potentially increased risk of bleeding, though less pronounced than with oral anticoagulants.

Monitor for signs of bleeding, especially in patients with pre-existing bleeding disorders or those undergoing surgery.

Heparin

Mild

Database

Potentially increased risk of bleeding.

Monitor for signs of bleeding, especially in patients with pre-existing bleeding disorders or those undergoing surgery.

Levetiracetam

Mild

Database

Potential for additive CNS effects or increased incidence of side effects common to racetams (e.g., nervousness, insomnia), though generally well-tolerated.

Monitor for increased CNS excitability or other side effects if co-administered, especially at high doses.

Valproic Acid

Mild

Database

Theoretical possibility of increased sedation or other CNS side effects, though piracetam is generally well-tolerated.

Monitor for increased CNS depression if co-administered, especially at high doses of either drug.