Piracetam

About piracetam

Piracetam acts on your brain and nervous system. It is thought to protect the part of your brain called the cerebral cortex against a lack of oxygen. The cerebral cortex is responsible for your thoughts and actions and plays a role in your movement, reasoning, perception and recognition.

Piracetam is used, alongside other medicines, to treat a movement disorder called cortical myoclonus. This condition causes short jerky muscle movements, particularly in your arms and legs.

Before taking piracetam

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking piracetam it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding.

• If you have a blood clotting problem.

• If you have any kind of unusual bleeding or if you have recently had surgery.

• If you have ever had a bleed on the brain (a haemorrhage).

• If you have been told you have a type of movement disorder called Huntington's chorea.

• If you have problems with your kidney or liver.

• If you are on a controlled salt (sodium) diet.

• If you are taking thyroid hormones.

• If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take piracetam

• Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. The leaflet will give you more information about piracetam and a full list of side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take piracetam exactly as your doctor tells you to. It is usually taken two or three times daily. The normal starting dose is nine tablets (three tablets in the morning, three at midday and three in the evening). Your dose may be increased over the first few weeks, and if so, your doctor will tell you how much to take and when to take it. Your dose will also be on the label of the pack to remind you, but if you are unsure about what to do, ask your pharmacist for further advice.

• Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Do not break or chew the tablets, as piracetam has a bitter taste. If you find it difficult to swallow tablets, let your doctor know, as a liquid medicine may be suitable for you.

• If you have been given liquid medicine, drink a glass of water or a soft drink after each of your doses, as this can help to take away the bitter taste it can leave in your mouth. Do not mix the medicine with any drink or liquid.

• Try to take your doses at the same times each day, as this will help you to remember to take them. You can take piracetam before or after meals.

• If you do forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember (unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose). Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.

• Tell your doctor if your symptoms worsen or do not improve after taking piracetam.

• Keep taking piracetam until your doctor tells you otherwise. Stopping suddenly can cause your symptoms to return, so your doctor may want you to reduce your dose gradually when this is necessary.

• If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.

• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable to take with your other medicines.

Can piracetam cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

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