A 'nootropic' used as an add-on for cortical myoclonus
Piracetam
A 'nootropic' medicine used as an add-on treatment for cortical myoclonus, generally well tolerated.
What is Piracetam?
Piracetam is a medicine sometimes called a 'nootropic'. In the UK it is used as an add-on treatment for cortical myoclonus, a condition causing sudden, brief, jerky movements that come from the brain's surface. It is used together with other medicines rather than on its own, under specialist supervision. It is generally well tolerated; the more common effects include weight gain and feeling restless or agitated. If it is to be stopped, the dose is usually reduced gradually rather than stopped all at once.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Piracetam — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Piracetam is a medicine in a group often described as 'nootropics'. Its established medical use in the UK is as an add-on treatment for cortical myoclonus, a movement disorder in which a person has sudden, brief, involuntary muscle jerks arising from the outer layer of the brain. It is taken by mouth and used alongside other medicines that treat myoclonus rather than as a standalone treatment. It is prescribed and supervised by a specialist. It is generally regarded as well tolerated compared with many other medicines.
How it works
The exact way piracetam works is not fully understood. It is thought to act on nerve-cell membranes in the brain, influencing how nerve cells communicate, which appears to help dampen the abnormal bursts of activity that cause the sudden jerks of cortical myoclonus. Because its effect is partial, it is used as an add-on to boost the effect of other myoclonus medicines rather than to replace them. It is taken regularly to keep this effect steady, and the dose is adjusted by the specialist to balance benefit against side effects.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Specialist manufacturer.
A 'nootropic' medicine used in the UK as an add-on treatment for cortical myoclonus, alongside other medicines, under specialist care.
Practical use
How to take Piracetam
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Take it by mouth as prescribed, alongside your other myoclonus medicines.
- Take it at evenly spaced times to keep its effect steady.
- Do not stop it suddenly; the dose is usually reduced gradually if it is to be stopped.
- Tell your prescriber about any kidney problems, as the dose may need to be lower.
- Report any new restlessness, agitation, anxiety or low mood, or weight gain.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Piracetam
Advantages
- Can improve control of cortical myoclonus when added to other treatments.
- Generally well tolerated compared with many other medicines.
- Taken by mouth.
Disadvantages
- Used as an add-on rather than a complete treatment on its own.
- Can cause weight gain and feelings of restlessness, agitation or anxiety.
- The dose may need lowering in people with reduced kidney function.
Practical use
Good to know
A helpful thing to know about piracetam is that, for its licensed use, it is an add-on: it is used together with other medicines for cortical myoclonus to improve overall control, not on its own. It is generally well tolerated, which is one of its strengths, but it can cause weight gain and make some people feel restless, agitated, anxious or low, so any mood or behaviour change is worth reporting. If treatment needs to stop, it is usually reduced gradually rather than stopped suddenly, to avoid symptoms returning abruptly. Because it is cleared by the kidneys, the dose may need lowering if the kidneys do not work well. Note that 'nootropic' products sold for 'brain boosting' are not the same as this specialist, supervised use.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to piracetam should not take it.
- It is used with caution, or avoided, in people with severe kidney problems or a bleeding tendency.
- It is used with care in pregnancy and breastfeeding, under specialist guidance.
Monitoring
- Reviewing how well the myoclonus is controlled and any side effects.
- Watching for mood or behaviour changes and weight gain.
- Checking kidney function, as the dose depends on it.
Side effects
- Weight gain.
- Restlessness, agitation, anxiety, irritability or low mood.
- Drowsiness, tiredness or, in some people, difficulty sleeping.
Key interactions
- It may affect blood clotting, so it is used with care alongside blood-thinning medicines.
- Other medicines that affect mood or alertness may add to its effects.
- Tell your prescriber about everything you take, including over-the-counter products.
Available as: Tablets and an oral solution taken by mouth.
Answers
Piracetam: frequently asked questions
What is piracetam used for?
In the UK it is used as an add-on treatment for cortical myoclonus, a condition causing sudden, brief, jerky movements, taken alongside other medicines under specialist care.
Is it a 'brain-boosting' drug?
It is sometimes called a 'nootropic', but its established medical use is for cortical myoclonus; products sold for 'brain boosting' are not the same as this supervised use.
Is it well tolerated?
It is generally regarded as well tolerated, though it can cause weight gain and make some people feel restless, agitated or anxious.
Can I stop it suddenly?
No. If it needs to be stopped, the dose is usually reduced gradually rather than stopped all at once, to avoid symptoms returning abruptly.
Does it matter if my kidneys are not working well?
Yes. Piracetam is cleared by the kidneys, so the dose may need to be lower if your kidney function is reduced.
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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