Advertising on the portal

What pills should you take to improve your memory? Means to improve memory and brain function: drugs, vitamins, products, traditional methods


Modern medicine opens up a huge number of opportunities for people. Regardless of the type of activity, medicine makes it possible to improve memory and nootropics will help with this, which we will discuss in detail in this article. These drugs will help you become more concentrated and have a positive effect on flexibility of thinking, intelligence and activity.

Nootropics are neurometabolic stimulants that improve memory, activity and mental agility.

Important! Using medications without first consulting a doctor can have the opposite effect and make you feel worse!

Nootropics have a positive effect and strengthen:

  1. Memory
  2. Neuroplasticity of cells
  3. Concentration
  4. Thought processes
  5. Strengthens the nervous system as a whole

Let's look at how nootropics act on the human body:

  • Stimulate blood circulation
  • Create obstacles to oxygen starvation
  • Improve cognitive functions, that is, processing and memorization of any information
  • When taking these drugs, the flow of glucose into the body improves.

Some historical facts:

  • The term “nootropic” translated from Greek means “I change”, “I turn” (Noos - mind, tropos - change)
  • The concept of nootropic drugs was developed by Belgian pharmacologists in 1963. The first drug in this group was -.
  • Before the creation of nootropic substances, there were predecessors, psychostimulants - substances that tended to temporarily increase a person’s endurance.

Memory loss usually occurs in older people when brain activity is disrupted. The main reasons associated with memory loss are:

  • Bad habits
  • Poor nutrition
  • Stress that adversely affects the entire body as a whole
  • Overworking of the body on a constant basis

Of the vitamins that improve memory, folic acid (B9) and other compounds from subgroup B are especially important; nicotinic acid (PP) is also useful. Taking vitamin complexes or medications should be discussed with your doctor, where you will receive the right advice.

In order for the brain to function well without taking drugs, it is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle and follow the rules of proper nutrition, however, there are cases when a person follows all this, but the functions of thinking still weaken.

Nootropics are used for diseases of the central nervous system:

  • Alcoholism (psychoorganic syndrome)
  • Consequences of traumatic brain injuries
  • Impaired thinking and memory
  • Speech problems
  • Depression
  • Ischemic stroke
  • Neuroinfections
  • Hyperkinesis
  • Urinary disorders
  • Migraines
  • Neurotic and neurological disorders

And also, when dementia is detected, mental and psychological development is delayed, and also in order for an improving effect to occur.

Each medication has both indications for use, in this case all of the above, and contraindications. Contraindications are:

  • Severe impairment of the renal system
  • Pregnancy and lactation period
  • With the individual sensitivity of the human body
  • In case of tissue hemorrhage

Types of nootropics

There are two types of nootropics, these are:

  1. Synthetic
  2. Natural
  • Synthetic nootropics. The most common drug used for impaired attention, inability to concentrate, as well as in the presence of any other disorders is piracetam.
  • Acefen is a medicine that improves brain activity and stimulates memory.
  • Selegiline is a drug used to treat elderly people. It was invented specifically for Parkinson's. When you take this nootropic, your mood improves and you feel better.

The products are prescribed exclusively by a doctor after examination and are medicines. The list of medications is much wider; we have only given examples of the most common ones.

Natural nootropics. In addition to the use of medicines, natural substances and amino acids are also used along with them.

Natural nootropics are: neuroexel, lecithin, gotu-kola.

Classification of nootropics

  1. Agents that tend to stimulate metabolic processes in nerve cells:
  • piracetam
  • aminalon, picamilon
  • pantogam
  • acephen
  • glycine, actovegin
  • vitamin B15, vitamin E, folic acid and others
  1. Drugs that have a positive effect on blood vessels:
  • isthenon
  • vincepotine
  • cinnarazine
  1. Means that have a positive effect on learning and memory:
  • galantamine
  • endorphins
  • corticotropin

In order to improve brain activity and memory, you need to eat right.

Products that improve brain function: cereals, nuts, eggs, leafy vegetables, blueberries and black currants, fish, apples. You should lead an active lifestyle and maintain proper sleep and wakefulness. Sleep allows the nervous system to rest and recover. Do not forget about a straight back; straight posture is the key to mental health.

Side effects of drugs

The following side effects may occur when taking medications:

  1. Headaches, insomnia;
  2. Increased sensitivity to external factors;
  3. Pronounced irritability;
  4. Pressure changes;
  5. Nausea, discomfort inside the stomach;
  6. Diarrhea, constipation;
  7. Allergic reactions of the body are also possible.

Nootropics are prescribed by doctors: neurologist, psychiatrist, ophthalmologist, cardiologist, pediatrician, neurosurgeon.

One of the Massachusetts psychiatrists named Emily Deans believes that an absolutely healthy person does not need to take pills; in his opinion, they can only do harm.

While a large number of scientists say that the drugs were created only to help the brain work productively and improve memory, some of them have shown the devastating effect of Alzheimer's disease.

In order to clearly decide, you should be examined by a doctor. You should not start a course of medication on your own; this can result in serious negative consequences for the body.

Nootropic drugs for children are special medical products that help strengthen the nervous system. With their help, stimulation of the metabolic process in the child’s nervous tissues is activated.

Properly selected medications will be an effective and safe remedy for children. Pediatricians often prescribe drugs to increase brain activity and restore the body in cases where children have suffered trauma, eating, cerebrastia, internal hypoxia, if the child needs to increase intelligence and flexibility of thinking.

Tablets to improve brain activity can have a positive effect on the child’s body as a whole, and in particular:

  • Significantly improve the child’s memory;
  • Stimulate memory to remember information;
  • Develop the child's creative abilities;
  • Increase activity and curiosity;

A neurologist will select effective treatments for children of different ages, from newborns to adolescence.

Indications for use of drugs

  1. Cerebral palsy
  2. Lack of concentration
  3. Underdevelopment
  4. Speech delay
  5. Nervous system damage during childbirth
  6. Hyperkinesis

Contraindications for use

  1. Decreased kidney activity
  2. Degenerative diseases of the nervous system
  3. Increased intracranial pressure
  4. Intolerance by the child's body.

Important! Experts noted that children tolerate treatment with nootropic substances more easily than adults. Taking medications will not interfere with a child's sleep, but for an adult, their use may result in a side effect in the form of insomnia.

When children take nootropics, side effects occur in very rare cases and are mild in nature.

One of the popular tablets for children is a medicine called Pantogam. The drug is prescribed by a doctor in cases of hydrocephalus, as well as in the presence of various injuries. Pantogam reduces the number of seizures that affect the child’s nervous system. One of the signs of neurological diseases is headaches, in this case the doctor also prescribes pantogam, it also has an analgesic effect and increases the child’s concentration.

Along with Pantogam, there is another drug called Glycine, which is prescribed to patients of any age. Glycine is prescribed even to the youngest patients to increase attention, develop memory, and normalize night sleep.

Medicines should be taken only after consulting a doctor and must be combined with moderate physical activity, proper nutrition, as well as various mental exercises in the form of crosswords and puzzles.

Over the counter

Without a doctor's prescription you can purchase in pharmacies:

  • Glycine. Application form: 1 tablet 3 times a day.
  • Undevit. Complex of vitamins A, B, C, E and P. Application form: 2-3 tablets per day, used daily for 20-30 days.
  • Aminalon. Application form: 1/3 of the daily dose 3 times a day. Daily dose: children from 1 to 3 years: 1-2g, from 4 to 6: 2-3g, over 7 years: 3g. Used from 2 weeks to 4 months.
  • Bilobil. Application form: 1 capsule 3 times a day for 3 months
  • Intellan. Application form: 1 capsule 2 times a day after meals, morning and evening. Use for 4 weeks
  • Ginko Boloba. Application form: 1 capsule (80 mg). Apply 2 times a day for 6-8 weeks
  • BrainRush. Application form: 1 capsule (80 mg). Apply 2 times a day for 6-8 weeks

Video

The ability to think logically, notice and remember facts, and build chains of conclusions is what distinguishes humans from animals. The work of the brain is a subtle biochemical and electrochemical process. Attention, memory, freshness of perception primarily depend on the state of nerve cells - neurons and their nutrition. It is common to think that enhancement drugs are only needed by older people, but this is not the case. Memory and thinking disorders are possible at any age and are due to a number of reasons.

Causes of brain disorders

Doctors do not recommend self-treating even minor weakening of brain function, primarily because this may be a sign of a serious illness. Memory, attention, and learning ability may deteriorate for the following reasons.

  1. Poor blood circulation in the brain - long-term uncomfortable posture, atherosclerosis, osteochondrosis, hypertension, vascular thrombosis, ischemia, stroke.
  2. Improving brain function is problematic when smoking and drinking alcohol, since nicotine and alcohol are strong vascular poisons. When they enter the body, the brain is the first to suffer - after all, it needs sufficient blood supply more than any other organ.
  3. Traumatic brain injuries, general intoxication of the body, previous infectious diseases.
  4. Stress, lack of sleep, lack of rest.
  5. General exhaustion of the body, malnutrition, dietary restrictions. In this case, the body develops a chronic deficiency of vitamins and minerals necessary for brain function.

In order for brain function to improve, it is necessary to normalize the regime of active activity and rest, eat right and perform gymnastics to normalize blood circulation in the cervical spine and head. It is useful to do exercises that stimulate mental activity: master new activities, solve crosswords and puzzles, etc. In case of serious memory problems, you should consult a doctor. Currently, there are various drugs to improve brain function, but they must be prescribed by a specialist. The doctor will conduct an examination, select the optimal medicine, dose and determine the course of use.

Memory tablets

All medications to improve brain function can be divided into several categories.

  • Nootropic drugs are drugs that regulate metabolism in the brain and increase its resistance to oxygen deficiency.
  • Drugs that improve blood flow to the brain.
  • Vitamins necessary for biochemical processes in the brain.
  • Amino acids involved in the transmission of nerve impulses and the production of biologically active substances.
  • Herbal remedies that have a stimulating effect on the body as a whole and higher nervous activity in particular.

It should be borne in mind that of all the above, only vitamins and amino acids are relatively harmless. All other drugs have contraindications and can only be used as prescribed by a doctor. Many of them are used for serious mental disorders, organic brain lesions and have side effects.

All drugs, with the exception of stimulants, must be taken in long courses. It is wrong to think that memory and attention will improve immediately after taking the Piracetam tablet. The duration of treatment ranges from several weeks to six months. Sometimes it is necessary to conduct several courses, taking a break between them.

Nootropics

These are drugs to improve brain function, belonging to the group of psychotropic drugs. The mechanism of action of nootropics has not been sufficiently studied. It has been revealed that they have the ability to facilitate the transmission of nerve impulses, stimulate blood supply to the brain, improve energy processes and increase the body’s resistance to oxygen deficiency. As a result, memory improves, learning ability increases, mental activity is stimulated and the brain is resistant to aggressive influences.

Unlike other psychotropic drugs, nootropic drugs are characterized by low toxicity and do not cause circulatory problems.

The most famous representatives of this group are drugs:

  • "Piracetam" ("Nootropil"),
  • "Picamilon"
  • "Phenibut"
  • "Aminalon" ("Gammalon"),
  • "Pantogam"
  • "Acephen."

For the treatment of chronic conditions, tablets to improve brain function are prescribed 1 tablet 3 times a day for 2-3 weeks to 2-6 months. The therapeutic effect is observed two weeks from the start of treatment.

Drugs that improve blood circulation

In this case, due to poor condition of the blood and blood vessels, antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants are prescribed to improve brain function. Antiplatelet agents include the following:

  • "Nitsergoline"
  • "Xanthinol nicotinate" ("Complamin"),
  • "Ticlopidine"
  • "Tiklid"
  • "Courantil"
  • "Pentoxifylline" ("Trental"),
  • "Acetylsalicylic acid"
  • "Clonidogrel."

For anticoagulants:

  • "Solcoseryl"
  • "Heparin"
  • "Cerebrolysin"
  • "Actovegin"
  • “Vazobral.”

Drugs to improve brain function in this group have side effects.

Nerve stimulants

Stimulants have an undoubted advantage - the result of their use is visible almost immediately. Unfortunately, you have to pay for everything. When stimulants are abused, improvements in brain function occur for a short period of time; over time, addiction develops and an increasingly larger dose is required. It also depletes the brain, which can lead to extreme fatigue and headaches.

The most accessible stimulants are found in food.

  • Coffee contains caffeine and L-theanine, which improve blood flow to the brain and stimulate transmission
  • Chocolate and cocoa. The antioxidant flavanols contained in cocoa powder improve biochemical processes in the brain and protect it from the effects of stress factors.

Vitamins

With increased mental activity, it will be useful to take vitamins to improve brain function.

  • Choline. In addition to improving the digestibility of fats in the liver, choline is involved in the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is necessary for the transmission of nerve impulses. To stimulate mental activity, choline is taken 0.5-2 g per day, depending on individual tolerance. Overdose may cause headaches.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids are used by doctors for complex therapy of age-related depression of brain function. They are found in fatty fish, legumes, and walnuts. Daily consumption of 1-2 capsules of fish oil completely covers the body's need for Omega-3 acids.

Amino acids

In addition to vitamins, a number of amino acids are needed to synthesize neurotransmitters and supply brain cells with energy:

  • Acetyl-L-carnitine is involved in carbohydrate metabolism and releases intracellular energy.
  • Tyrosine. Use with caution for diseases of the thyroid gland.
  • Glycine improves brain function, increases efficiency and normalizes sleep. Relieves nervousness, normalizes mood.
  • Creatine regulates energy processes in brain tissue.

There are medications that include several vitamins and amino acids that are aimed at improving brain function and memory.

Complex drugs

  • The drug "Biotredin". Tablets to improve brain function containing threonine and pyridoxine (vitamin B6).
  • Brain Booster is a colloidal preparation of complex composition containing plant materials and a number of neurotransmitters - substances that improve the functioning of neurons.

Dietary supplements and herbal remedies

For minor disorders, tablets are used to improve brain function based on plant extracts.

  • The product "Ginkgo biloba" - flavonoid glycosides and terpenoids from Chinese Normalizes microcirculation, has a vasodilating effect, prevents fat oxidation and has the ability to increase tissue resistance to oxygen deficiency. Do not use simultaneously with other drugs that improve blood circulation during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
  • The drug "Vinpocetine" is an alkaloid of the periwinkle plant. Improves blood circulation in the brain and has anticoagulant activity. Contraindicated for children, pregnant and lactating women, as well as for cardiac dysfunction, in the acute phase of a stroke.
  • “Biocalcium for the Brain” product is a set of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants.
  • Asian ginseng has a general stimulating effect on metabolism, improves blood circulation and glucose metabolism. Recommended for improving brain activity during fatigue, bad mood, and increased nervousness.
  • Rhodiola rosea affects the production of dopamine and serotonin in the central nervous system, which has a beneficial effect on the general condition of the body, memory, attention, ability to concentrate and visual perception.

All of these drugs to improve brain function can be taken for preventive purposes. As with other herbal remedies, the course of treatment is long - at least 3-4 weeks, and on average - 2-3 months.

Precautions

Deterioration in brain activity may be caused by a disease that requires examination and serious treatment. Therefore, before taking pills, consult your doctor for advice. For preventive purposes, take herbal-based drugs and amino acids. Stimulants are used to quickly short-term improve thinking processes. They should not be abused, since long-term use has the opposite effect and consumes brain resources without recovery.

Substances that change bioenergetic and metabolic processes in brain cells have been known since ancient times, when they began to be used in various practices aimed at expanding consciousness. The task of scientists since the beginning of the 20th century has been to make these changes directed and controlled. And after drugs to improve brain function became available to schoolchildren and students, the task of modern researchers became even more complicated: there was a need to increase efficiency without increasing the risk of harm to health.

On this path, researchers faced serious difficulties, since those pills for brain activity that gave a quick and noticeable effect were characterized by a large number of side effects and contraindications. The problem was partially solved by increasing the duration of taking the medication to improve brain function, that is, the gradual and slow accumulation of the active substance, which ultimately gave the same effect. The risk was partially reduced by taking herbal-based drugs, which provided a more natural effect on neurons.

As a result, all means for improving brain function were conventionally divided into more effective and dangerous and less dangerous, but with a slow (weak) effect. Between them there was a large group of drugs that could increase or decrease these parameters depending on the conditions of use:

  • dosages,
  • frequency of use,
  • combinations with other nootropics or substances obtained from food,
  • individual reactions to components, etc.

In an effort to quickly increase their intellectual level and improve brain function after the first encouraging trials, some experimenters often move on to extreme experiments, making a number of mistakes.

5 mistakes in taking pills to improve brain function

  1. Idle work. This situation arises when it works as it should, but the drug is expected to do the impossible - that it will do everything for a person: learn the material, solve a problem, write a term paper. Having taken the drug, such a person sits down to watch TV or play computer games in the hope that it will dawn on him. Indeed, sometimes, if the theme of a television story echoes the theme of an everyday problem, an activated brain can find an unexpected and effective solution to the problem. But more often than not, all your energy and brain activity have to be spent on memorizing a kaleidoscope of news or completing levels in a game. Therefore, when taking the drug during a period of activity, you need to use your brain to solve target problems without wasting energy.
  2. Ignoring contraindications.

    This mistake is most often made by two categories of people:

    • those who consider themselves healthy without knowing about pathologies (for example, before the manifestation of severe symptoms, without knowing about problems with the liver and kidneys).
    • those who neglect seemingly “insignificant” restrictions.

    In the first case, a preliminary examination with a doctor will help you avoid making mistakes to identify the limitations that are indicated in the instructions for pills to improve brain activity. This list almost always includes age limits, pregnancy, kidney disease, and serious cardiovascular pathologies. In the second case, “minor” restrictions are considered, for example, a ban on the use of tablets in case of lactose intolerance (when taking Neopept, Phenibut, Nootropil). As a result, neglecting them results in gastrointestinal disorders and lack of the expected nootropic effect.

  3. Use of potent tablets.

    In everyday healthy life, the use of a super-stimulant, which is acute, is usually not necessary. Drugs like Modafinil are used in the army in real combat conditions, in police missions, during rescue operations, on board the ISS, when maximum physical and mental stress is required for a limited time. Thus, the use of Modafinil enabled helicopter pilots to maintain combat readiness for 88 hours. However, even in controlled experiments, varying the dosage and frequency of administration in different modes, different side effects were observed.

    Potent medications such as Adderall and Ritalin are prescribed only for medical reasons, for example, narcolepsy and attention deficit disorder (ADD) with hyperactivity.

  4. Illiterate combination of funds.

    It is believed that the inclusion of neurotransmitters and activity is simplified by the proper combination of various drugs or supplements. Thus, the experience of those who attended the course shows that “Piracetam” in combination with lecithin and vitamins demonstrates, with long-term use, a more sustainable effect, manifested in increased mental endurance and concentration. Piracetam itself, in combination with antidepressants, increases the effectiveness of the latter, which can both simplify the solution of a medical problem, and vice versa - create unexpected problems. The most popular combination “Piracetam + Choline” also requires prior consultation with a doctor.

    Caffeine by itself is not generally considered to be any effective stimulant of cognitive processes, but with L-theanine, caffeine gives a more stable and long-lasting effect, manifested in the sharpening of short-term memory and the ability to concentrate on tasks.

    In some supplements, the optimal combination of active ingredients is already provided by the manufacturer, and there is no need to experiment with health risks. This mainly applies to multicomponent preparations, in which plant extracts (GABA, Natrol) act as elements.

  5. Exceeding the dosage.

    This is an obvious mistake, which, however, even experienced “nootropics” make when they rely on their previous experience without reading the instructions, or when they want to enhance the stimulating effects contrary to the recommendations. As a result, several types of reactions can occur:

    • In rare cases, with a slight excess of the dose, specific predisposition and individual reactions, the effect may increase without noticeable negative consequences.
    • If the dosage is exceeded once, the opposite effect to the expected occurs. For example, when taking DMAA (geranium extract) in a volume of 150-200 mg, instead of stimulation, an oppressive reaction occurs; the drug begins to act as a hypnotic, suppressing brain activity.
    • If the dose is exceeded under unfavorable conditions (if there are contraindications, combined with alcohol, etc.), cerebral hemorrhage, severe headaches, and nausea may occur.

Review of popular pills to improve brain activity: 5x5

The task of stimulating the cognitive functions of the brain is set for medical reasons in the case of age-related diseases and conditions, in case of developmental disorders in children (for example, with ADHD and problems with concentration). And also if you need to stimulate your intellectual abilities constantly or during a certain period (session, interview, etc.). When treating complex pathologies and diseases, they often choose neurometabolic stimulants synthesized in laboratories. When trying to expand their intellectual capabilities on an ongoing basis, they often turn to safer natural tablets to improve brain activity.

Group of synthetic stimulants

  1. « Nootropil / Vinpocetine"(commercial name of piracetam). Historically, the first nootropic, synthesized by Belgian pharmacologists in 1963. It was after its creation that it was proposed to introduce the term “nootropics” to distinguish these drugs that improve brain activity from psychostimulants, which have numerous side effects. Among the side effects of this drug, an increase in the level of anxiety was recorded due to long-term use in people prone to neurotic reactions, which led to insomnia. This, like most other nootropics, is also prohibited during pregnancy and breastfeeding. You can buy Vinpocetine here.
  2. « Glycine" One of the most famous nootropics, which gained popularity due to the fact that it is sold without a prescription and has a minimum of contraindications and side effects. Because of this, students love him. However, an attempt to use “Glycine” forcefully (that is, with an increased dose based on a sharp acceleration in the speed of thinking and memorization) does not lead to success, since this “slow” nootropic is designed for quantitative accumulation during the course (preferably in combination with vitamins). You can order "Glycine" here.
  3. « Phenibut" A more powerful tool that allows you to feel unemotional and completely calm and intellectual with a slightly slower reaction, which is fully consistent with its intended purpose. It is used for irritability, feelings of fear, tension, and insomnia. But the tablets have numerous contraindications and side effects, manifested in headache and dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, skin rash, itching, etc. It is safer to use its analogue from the MRM company.
  4. « Aminalon" These tablets, which have a psychostimulating effect and restore the brain after cerebrovascular accidents, can cause a feeling of fever, insomnia, and vomiting. However, such effects occur mainly in cases of overdose or hypersensitivity to the components. A doctor can prescribe tablets for children from 3 years of age to accelerate mental development. An over-the-counter equivalent from Now Foods can be ordered on iHerb.
  5. « GABA" The active ingredient is gamma-aminobutyric acid, one of the main inhibitory neurotransmitters of the central nervous system, which also takes part in metabolic processes in the brain. It is also available in the form of tablets and is prescribed for circulatory disorders in the brain, for anxiety and irritability, to increase stability during mental and physical stress. Contraindications include chronic and acute kidney diseases. You can order here.

Group of natural stimulants

The components, when combined with each other, produce a synergistic effect, multiplying the effect of the pills for the brain.

The best pills for the brain: definition by components

To understand which drugs improve memory and increase intellectual endurance better than others, it is advisable to first determine your preferred components - those that you would like to see in the drug - and then select a nootropic containing these components.

So, among the most proven - that is, effective and, in recommended dosages, safe - elements that give a nootropic result, the plant Ginkgo Biloba, Asian ginseng, any of the substances containing Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, B vitamins are most often called. When it comes to relieving stress and tension, motherwort, mint, and lemon balm are most often mentioned. Less often - pumpkin, hops, chamomile.

  • Ginkgo Biloba extract can be found in the monocomponent nootropic of the same name and in the multicomponent preparations “GABA” and “TinkFast”.
  • Asian ginseng, which is used to increase energy levels, improve cognitive abilities and enhance the effects of vitamins, is found as an ingredient in GABA and TinkFast.
  • Omega-3 can most often be found in natural seafood (in fish oil capsules), flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, and walnuts. Of the drugs mentioned above, only GABA contains seafood (for example, squid meat, shark liver), walnuts, and pumpkin seeds as a source of Omega-3.
  • B vitamins are best represented in the preparations “Natrol” and “TinkFast”, which, among other vitamins, contains pyridoxine (B6), which improves metabolism in tissues, and tocopherol (E), which improves the supply of blood vessels to the brain.
  • Anti-stress components are more represented in the Natrol preparation (for example, motherwort), where glycine is responsible for the nootropic effect, and sage and licorice root are responsible for the functioning of the immune and nervous systems.

If we systematize all the data, then in the informal competition of tablets for memory and brain activity, “GABA” has the greatest potential, however, the final choice of the drug depends on the entire set of tasks that are set for the nootropic.

Nootropics for adults and children are medications that have a stimulating effect on learning. They strengthen memory and mental activity. Such drugs increase the brain’s resistance to injury, hypoxia, and intoxication. This group has effects such as sedative, antidyskinetic, vasovegetative, mnemotropic and others.

Such drugs are prescribed only by specialists for decreased performance, sleep disorders, dizziness, alcoholism and other conditions. Let's look at the mechanism of action of the drugs and the list of the best nootropics.

Nootropics: what are they?

New generation nootropic drugs are drugs that improve cerebral circulation, assimilation ability, and stimulate mental activity. they make the brain more resistant to oxygen starvation and the effects of toxic substances.

A number of substances classified as nootropic drugs have a wide spectrum of action. The latest medications help patients survive psycho-emotional stress and normalize the functioning of the nervous system. When taking this group of drugs, nutrition plays an important role. Nootropics increase the brain's resistance to various adverse effects.

The principle of action of nootropics

Natural nootropics can trigger the synthesis of ribonucleic acid and protein compounds in the central nervous system. The medicine at the cellular level reduces the appearance of free radicals. The main effect is antioxidant. The main effects of the drugs are:

  • calming;
  • psychostimulant;
  • antidepressant;
  • antiepileptic;
  • adaptogenic;
  • mnemotropic;
  • vasovegetative;
  • antiparkinsonian;
  • nootropic;
  • increasing clarity of consciousness and others.

Nootropics of the new latest generation do not cause psychomotor agitation and addiction in patients. Their action is based on the following processes:

  • launching energy processes in neurons;
  • improvement of polysaccharide processing procedures;
  • decreased need of nerve cells for oxygen;
  • suppression of free radicals in cells;
  • launching plastic processes in the central nervous system.

New effective nootropics trigger adenylate cyclase, increasing its concentration in nerve cells. Thanks to all the effects, a person’s memory, thought processes, attention are strengthened, and the ability to learn increases.

Nootropics for VSD are prescribed to improve the metabolic processes of nervous tissue and blood supply. But nootropic courses are only part of complex therapy.

Nootropics and harmful alcohol are incompatible during therapy. Drinking alcoholic beverages has a negative effect on the body. Alcohol affects the cells of the nervous system. Stimulants are used to bring the brain into a natural rhythm.

Therefore, there will be no therapeutic effect for alcoholism. The medicine improves blood flow in the brain, for this reason alcohol quickly seeps into the tissues and cells of the nervous system. The result is a stronger destructive effect of alcohol.

Indications and contraindications

Modern effective nootropic drugs are prescribed for the following problems and autological conditions:

  • reducing physical activity and mental abilities to zero;
  • difficulties with concentration and memory;
  • ischemic stroke;
  • complications of changes in cerebral blood flow;
  • stuttering;
  • senile dementia;
  • neuroinfections;
  • enuresis;
  • consequences of TBI.

Important! Medicines can be used to treat ophthalmological diseases such as retinal pathologies of vascular origin, open-angle glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.

Children's doctors prescribe new, latest generation nootropics for the following ailments:

  • delayed speech development;
  • changes in the mental development of the child;
  • damage to the central nervous system;
  • mental retardation of varying degrees of manifestation.

Nootropics for children are indicated if the syndrome is diagnosed.

A nootropic drug cannot be prescribed to patients who have:

  • hypersensitivity to components in the composition;
  • hemorrhagic stroke;
  • manifested decrease in kidney activity;
  • carrying a baby and lactation period;
  • Gettington's chorea.

Side effects

Usually the drug is well tolerated by patients, but in some cases the following side reactions may occur:

  • allergic reactions;
  • disturbance of night sleep;
  • instability of blood pressure;
  • excessive nervousness;
  • daytime sleepiness;
  • dyspeptic pathologies.

In older people, manifestations of coronary insufficiency may become more pronounced. If you take nootropics for severe epilepsy, seizures may become more frequent.

TOP 9 best nootropics for adults and children: list of drugs

Let's look at the best nootropic drugs that can be taken by both adults and children. The best nootropics can improve brain function, human memory, and concentration. After taking it, the patient’s sleep and general condition improve.

Such products can be produced in the form of tablets, syrup, or nasal drops. Solutions for intramuscular administration. Drops are instilled into each nasal passage for an extended period of time.

Many people are interested in the question of which drugs are harmful and which are the most effective and beneficial for the mind. The effectiveness rating is based on patient reviews.

Glycine is used to improve memory and brain function. Glycine has many important functions in the body, primarily in the nervous system. The drug protects against low mental performance, hypertension, aggressiveness, conflict, psycho-emotional stress, poor sleep, and bad mood. Indicated for the complex treatment of traumatic brain injuries, stroke, and alcohol poisoning.

The drug is produced in tablet form. They should be absorbed and kept under the tongue. The tablets have a sweet taste and are therefore well tolerated by children. G Licin is prescribed for the following pathologies:

  • encephalopathy;
  • traumatic brain injuries;
  • deviant behavior in a child;
  • ischemic stroke;
  • prolonged stress;
  • neuroses and neurosis-like conditions;
  • low mental performance.

With proven effectiveness, the drug is prescribed for vegetative-vascular dystonia. But if you have dystonia, you will need to consult a doctor.

The drug has virtually no restrictions on its use. They are approved for use by infants, women during breastfeeding and pregnancy. You cannot use the product only in case of personal intolerance to the components in the composition.

After taking it, patients noted the following benefits:

  • cheapness;
  • no contraindications;
  • natural components in the composition;
  • has a small number of third-party reactions.

Minus there is poor effectiveness of application.

Prices for Glycine in online pharmacies:

Phenibut plays an important role in brain activity. Taking the drug normalizes the metabolism of nerve tissue. This means that cortico-subcortical connections are strengthened, which increases the effectiveness of interaction between different parts of the cerebral cortex.

Phenibut normalizes blood circulation in the brain and is good for memory and attention. Taking the drug helps improve night sleep, has an antioxidant effect, stimulates the activity of mental processes, and increases the emotional stability of the nervous system. The product can be used in pediatrics and for the elderly.

Indications for use are:

  • depression and chronic stress;
  • changes in blood supply to the brain;
  • vestibular disorders;
  • enuresis;
  • for speech development;
  • excessive fatigue;
  • decreased concentration;
  • behavior correction in children;
  • neuroses;
  • prevention of motion sickness.

The drug should not be given to children under 8 years of age. It should also not be used in cases of severe renal and hepatic impairment.

After taking the drug, the following advantages were noted:

  • normalizes sleep;
  • helps with depression;
  • cheapness.

Minus serves what is available with a prescription.

Prices for Phenibut tablets 20 pcs.

Tenoten is the best medicine characterized by anti-anxiety and antidepressant properties. This means that it helps strengthen the central nervous system. Good for memory and normal brain function. Does not have a calming effect.

The product is indicated for use in pediatrics for children with:

  • moderately expressed functional lesions of the central nervous system;
  • anxiety and worry;
  • excessive irritability;
  • memory loss;
  • chronic stress.

The child tolerates the drug well.

Contraindications are:

  • personal intolerance;
  • lactose deficiency;
  • pregnancy and breastfeeding;
  • children under 3 years old.

Tenoten adult is not prescribed to children under 18.

The benefits of the drug have been proven and the following advantages have been noted:

  • opportunity to give to children;
  • has a gentle effect on the nervous system;
  • absolute compatibility with any other drugs;
  • does not have a direct effect on the brain;
  • characterized by good efficiency.

Minus is that in case of severe nervous disorders it has no effect.

Prices for Tenoten in online pharmacies:

Prices for Tenoten lozenges 40 pcs.


Prices for Tenoten lozenges 20 pcs.

Piracetam is on the top list of the best drugs. Active component, as it improves blood supply. The drug is a nootropic and helps improve cognitive functions. Has an effect on the central nervous system. The drug does not cause a vasodilator effect. Taking it helps improve microcirculation.

The drug is prescribed for:

  • treatment of memory disorders;
  • intellectual impairment in the absence of a diagnosis of dementia;
  • severe psychoorganic syndrome accompanied by dizziness.

The product must not be used when:

  • component intolerance;
  • end-stage renal failure;
  • hemorrhagic stroke;
  • Huntington's chorea.

Plus is clear brain function after taking it.

Minus– with large dosages, a change in physiological state is observed from drowsiness to overexcitation.

Prices for Piracetam in online pharmacies:

Prices for Piracetam capsules 400 mg 60 pcs.


Prices for Piracetam tablets 800 mg 30 pcs.


Prices for Piracetam tablets 200 mg 60 pcs.


Prices for Piracetam tablets 400 mg 60 pcs.

Phenotropil is one of the best remedies, which is characterized by a pronounced anti-amnestic effect. Taking this drug affects the integrative activity of the brain. The concentration of a person improves. It has a positive effect on metabolic processes and blood circulation in the brain.

The drug is indicated to be taken for:

  • diseases of the central nervous system of various nature;
  • neurotic states that are accompanied by lethargy;
  • mild to moderate depression;
  • psychoorganic syndromes;
  • convulsive states;
  • for the prevention of alcoholism.

The drug should not be taken in case of personal intolerance to the composition. It is dangerous to use in acute psychotic conditions, atherosclerosis.

The advantages include:

  • enhances the focus and activity of the body;
  • increases mental activity and improves brain function.

The disadvantages include:

  • high cost of the drug;
  • the drug has an accumulating effect;
  • the presence of third-party reactions.

Prices for Phenotropil tablets 100 mg 10 pcs.


Prices for Phenotropil tablets 100 mg 30 pcs.


Prices for Phenotropil tablets 50 mg 10 pcs.


Prices for Phenotropil tablets 50 mg 30 pcs.

Pantogam

Pantogam is characterized by nootropic and anticonvulsant effects. Combines a mild sedative effect with a mild stimulating effect. Improves metabolic processes during alcohol intoxication. Activates mental and physical performance, reduces motor excitability. Can increase the brain's resistance to hypoxia.

Adults are prescribed the drug in tablet form. Children are prescribed syrup. The number of drops depends on the patient's disease.

Prescribed in the following cases:

  • cognitive impairment in neurotic disorders;
  • schizophrenia, which is accompanied by cerebral organic failure;
  • decreased mental performance;
  • children with mental retardation;
  • epilepsy with slowing of mental processes.

The product should not be used if the component is intolerant, with acute kidney disease, pregnancy or breastfeeding.

The advantages include:

  • has a mild effect;
  • has virtually no third-party reactions.

Minus It is considered to be something that extinguishes the nervous system.

Prices for Pantogam online pharmacies:

Prices for Pantogam tablets 250 mg 50 pcs.


Prices for Pantogam active capsules 300 mg 60 pcs.


Prices for Pantogam syrup 100 ml


Prices for Pantogam active capsules 200 mg 60 pcs.


Prices for Pantogam active capsules 300 mg 30 pcs.


Prices for Pantogam tablets 500 mg 50 pcs.

Cortexin

Cortexin is a polypeptide medicine that contains the necessary well-selected composition of polypeptides. Characterized by a tissue-specific effect on the cerebral cortex. Cortexin normalizes the learning ability of patients and enhances cognitive skills. Improves the functions of the central nervous system after suffering stress and the bioelectrical activity of brain cells. The best drug for students.

To have excellent memory, as well as attention, it is simply necessary to improve and reinforce mental activity. After all, attention, as well as memory, depend on the state of health and activity of the brain.

This is necessary and useful not only for specialists, but also for students, students, and the elderly.

So memory, is it failing you?

Sometimes we forget times, dates, numbers, names, sayings. And we come up with the excuse “I forgot.”

To improve memory, you can train your memory and attention, eat properly and rationally, lead a correct and healthy lifestyle, but a number of different medications can also be useful.

There is a large selection of such drugs in pharmacies; let’s look at the most effective ones.

2.Intellan

Release form: syrup, capsules.

Purpose: Brain activity stimulator. It is used for weakened memory, stressful situations, nervous tension and fatigue, impaired concentration, developmental delay in children, dizziness and tinnitus, depression.

Children from three years of age and adults can be admitted. Not recommended for pregnant and nursing mothers.

Side effects: insomnia when taken at night.

Contraindications: diabetes mellitus type 2 and 1, exudative diathesis, hypersensitivity to components.

3.

Release form: 20% solution, 5 ml in ampoules, capsules, granules for children, tablets.

Purpose: Improves blood circulation in the brain and metabolic processes, increases the body's energy reserves. Improves memory, attention, improves memorization during the learning process. It is used for diseases of the central nervous system, atherosclerosis, after injuries, intoxication, and depression.

Taken after meals. Suitable for children over 1 year old and adults. Not recommended for pregnant and nursing mothers.

Side effects: insomnia, irritability, anxiety; in elderly patients, sometimes there is an exacerbation of heart failure and gastrointestinal disorders.

Contraindications: in the presence of allergic reactions from eating essences, fruit juices, acute renal failure in children with diabetes.

4.


Release form: pills.

Purpose: The drug is similar to piracetam, and also has a psychostimulating effect. It is used after injuries that are accompanied by a decrease in intelligence, memory and attention. For learning disorders, depression, alcoholism, hypertension. For the treatment of memory and attention disorders, it helps to increase resistance to stress, preventing the development of fatigue.

Adults are welcome. Not recommended for pregnant and nursing mothers. Taken after meals. Hours of taking the drug in the first half of the day.

Side effects: increased blood pressure, insomnia, hyperemia of the skin.

Contraindications: individual intolerance to the components of the drug.

.
Release form: pills.
Purpose: With decreased attention, memory, deterioration of intellectual abilities, speech, vision. Cerebral circulation improves, which ensures a better supply of brain cells with oxygen and glucose, metabolism is controlled, and blood properties are improved.

Take after meals, preferably at certain hours.

Side effects: possible - skin rashes, mild nausea, headache with dizziness.

Contraindications: acute cerebrovascular accident, peptic ulcer, erosive gastritis, acute coronary syndrome, hypotension, pregnancy and the entire period of lactation, sensitivity to components.


6.

Release form: solution, tablets.

Purpose: Ginkgo biloba preparation. It is used for encephalopathy with decreased intelligence, attention and memory, for dizziness, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, and asthenic conditions.

Take after meals, preferably at a certain time. Admission from 18 years of age.

Side effects: nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, itching, eczema, headache with dizziness.

Contraindications: pregnancy and the entire period of lactation, gastritis, peptic ulcer, acute coronary syndrome, blood reactivity disorders, acute cerebrovascular accident, sensitivity to components.


7.


Release form: pills.

Purpose: Has a calming effect without relaxing the muscles. It is used for conditions accompanied by irritability, anxiety, fear, tension, and sleep disturbances.

Take after meals. Admission from 18 years of age.

Side effects: possible - headache with dizziness, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, rash, itching, eczema, redness, skin rash.

Contraindications: pregnancy and the entire period of lactation, erosive gastritis, peptic ulcer, acute myocardial infarction, acute cerebrovascular accidents, blood clotting disorders, hypersensitivity to the drug.

8.


Release form: pills.

Purpose: Helps normalize all processes in the brain, improves memory, enhances thinking, and has a psychostimulating effect. Helps restore speech after acute cerebrovascular accidents. Widely prescribed in pediatrics for children with mental retardation.

Side effects: possible – feeling of heat, vomiting, insomnia.

Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

9.

.
Release form: tablets, syrup.

Purpose: Used in children with mental retardation, mental retardation, speech delay, and epilepsy. For trigeminal neuralgia, subcortical hyperkinesis.

Take after meals. Can be taken from the age of three.

Side effects: possible - allergic reactions: rhinitis, conjunctivitis, skin rashes; sleep disturbances or drowsiness, tinnitus.

Contraindications: acute severe kidney disease, pregnancy, lactation, sensitivity to components.

10.


Release form: pills.

Purpose: It is used for acute disorders of cerebral circulation, for vegetative-vascular crises, for anxiety with feelings of fear, irritability, and also to increase the body's resistance to mental and physical stress.

Use the drug at certain hours, regardless of meals.

Side effects: possible - nausea, irritability, agitation, anxiety, headache with dizziness, rash, itching.

Contraindications: for acute and chronic kidney diseases, with intolerance to the components of the drug.

12.

Release form:
Pills; oral solution in a bottle with a 2 ml pipette attached. 1 tablet contains: alphadihydroergocriptine – 2 mg, caffeine – 20 mg. 2 ml of solution contain: alphadihydroergocriptine – 2 mg, caffeine – 20 mg.

Indications for use:

Indications for use:
Cerebrovascular insufficiency (mismatch between the need of brain tissue for oxygen and its delivery), including due to cerebral (brain vessels) atherosclerosis; residual effects after cerebrovascular accident; decreased mental activity, memory impairment regarding recent events, decreased attention, orientation disorders; preventive treatment of migraine; cochleovestibular disorders (dizziness, tinnitus, hypoacusia) of ischemic origin (developed due to insufficient blood supply to the cochlea of ​​the inner ear); retinopathy (damage to the walls of blood vessels in the retina), in particular diabetic (associated with high blood sugar) and Raynaud's disease (narrowing of the lumen of the vessels of the extremities); chronic venous insufficiency.

Directions for use:
Prescribe 1-2 tablets or 2-4 ml (1-2 pipettes) 2 times a day. The drug should be taken with meals, with a small amount of water.

Side effects:
In rare cases - nausea, pain in the epigastrium (the area of ​​the abdomen located directly below the convergence of the costal arches and the sternum). Skin itching, rash. Possible decrease in blood pressure. Vasobral does not have a long-term hypotensive (blood pressure-lowering) effect, therefore, when prescribing it to patients with arterial hypertension (persistent increase in blood pressure), the need to use antihypertensive (blood pressure-lowering) drugs is not excluded. With the simultaneous administration of Vasobral and antihypertensive drugs, the development of arterial hypotension (a decrease in blood pressure below normal values) and fainting is possible.

Contraindications:
Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. Safety of use in pregnant women has not been proven. Prescribing vasobral to nursing mothers can lead to a decrease in lactation (milk production).

13.


Biotredin is a combination drug that is designed to improve tissue nutrition and respiration, mental activity, and mood.

The active ingredients of this medicine are L-threonine and pyridoxine, which, when entering the body, are converted into glycine and acetic acid.

The resulting substances significantly affect brain function and, among other things, reduce the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

As a result of the full cycle of transformations, the components of the drug decompose into water and carbon dioxide - therefore, human health cannot suffer even from the use of an excess dose.

Biotredin is produced in the form of sublingual tablets, which, according to the instructions for the drug, begin to act ten to fifteen minutes after administration. The dosage, regimen and duration of the course of use of this drug depend on the reasons for which it was prescribed.

To increase concentration and relieve fatigue syndrome in adults and children, maintenance therapy is carried out in small doses. For alcoholism, the dose and frequency of taking Biotredin may be significantly higher. To enhance the effect, manufacturers recommend combining the use of this medicine with Glycine.

Biotredin should not be taken while intoxicated or in combination with tranquilizers, antipsychotics and antidepressants. While using this product, you may experience dizziness and sweating.

Biotredin has an anti-alcohol effect, reduces the manifestation of symptoms that occur in patients with alcohol dependence upon cessation of alcohol use. There are reviews about Biotredin that say that its use increases mental performance and normalizes metabolism. Release form Biotredin is produced in tablets.

Indications for use According to the instructions, Biotredin is prescribed if the patient has a pathological craving for alcohol, which is accompanied by decreased mood, irritability, hunger, and internal discomfort. Biotredin is used for chronic alcoholism, in a state of withdrawal syndrome (a condition against the background of a sharp refusal of alcohol).

There are positive reviews about Biotredin, the effectiveness of its use by adults, adolescents, and children with reduced concentration and mental performance.

10 foods that improve memory:

  1. Whole grains - (wheat - used as the main raw material for making bread, muffins (products), vermicelli, khinkal and lavash; rye - used as the main raw material for making bread and crackers; oats; corn; brown or brown rice; spelt; millet ; triticale; amaranth; buckwheat and others.)
  2. Nuts,
  3. Blueberry,
  4. Fatty fish,
  5. Tomatoes,
  6. black currant,
  7. Breakfast cereals,
  8. Sage,
  9. Broccoli,
  10. Pumpkin seeds.

Do you remember?

Publication date: 2012-10-15
Last modified: 2020-01-16

Dear visitors of the Farmamir website. This article does not constitute medical advice and should not serve as a substitute for consultation with a physician.