Piracetam (Cerecetam) 800mg tablet is a GABA derivative used for the treatment of cortical myoclonus (movement disorder that causes uncontrollable twitching and jerky movements of arms and legs). Doctors most commonly use it for breath-holding attacks, seizure disorder (epilepsy), dizziness (vertigo), a learning disorder marked by difficulty reading (dyslexia), and a movement disorder often caused by antipsychotic drugs (tardive dyskinesia).

It belongs to a class of drugs called nootropics in the racetams group, which are smart drugs used to improve brain memory and function. However, evidence to support this use is unclear, with some studies showing modest benefits in specific populations and others showing minimal or no benefit.

What does Piracetam (Cerecetam) 800mg contain?

Piracetam is the active ingredient in Cerecetam 800mg, a man-made substance developed in the 1960s to treat motion sickness. It was labeled as the first drug to be a nootropic, used to enhance memory, learning, and cognitive functions without causing sedation or stimulation. Its efficacy has been documented in cognitive disorders and dementia, vertigo, cortical myoclonus, dyslexia, and sickle cell anemia, but clinical application in these conditions is not established.

In the UK and other European countries, doctors mainly prescribe Piracetam for myoclonus, but it is used off-label for other conditions, such as learning difficulties in children, memory loss or other cognitive defects in the elderly, and sickle-cell vaso-occlusive crises. Japan approves Piracetam as a prescription drug, while it is available over-the-counter in Hungary.

How does Piracetam (Cerecetam) 800mg work?

Although researchers have not well delineated the precise actions of Piracetam, evidence suggests that it enhances neurotransmitter (chemical messengers in the brain) transmission, particularly of acetylcholine and glutamate, and facilitates memory and learning in humans. Researchers hypothesize that it acts on ion channels or ion carriers, thus increasing neuron excitability.

Piracetam is thought to increase cell membrane permeability and fluidity. It interacts with the polar heads in the phospholipid membrane, improving membrane stability and allowing the membrane to function normally with regard to transport of substances across the membrane, chemical secretion, and receptor binding and stimulation. This is thought to restore nerve transmission in aging and other disease processes and provide neuroprotective and anticonvulsant effects.

Piracetam also improves the fluidity of platelet membranes and decreases the adhesion of red blood cells which improves blood flow through the brain and kidneys. It may also facilitate the deformability of red blood cells in capillaries, which is useful for cardiovascular disease.

Who cannot take Piracetam (Cerecetam) 800mg?

This drug is contraindicated to those who are/have:

• Children below 8 years old
• Allergy to Piracetam, other pyrrolidone derivatives, or any of the excipients.
• Cerebral hemorrhage (stroke due to a bleeding in the brain)
• Huntington’s chorea
• Severe kidney disease
• Liver disease

How should you take Piracetam (Cerecetam) 800mg?

Take the drug in the dose and frequency advised by your doctor. Read the information leaflet provided by the manufacturer. Dose will vary depending on your condition and tolerability. View Additional Information tab for dose recommendations.

You may take it with or without food. Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water or soft drink to mask the bitter taste. Do not chew, crush, or break it. They advise taking this medicine at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level in the blood.

Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Avoid abrupt discontinuation of this drug without talking to your doctor as it may cause withdrawal symptoms (headache, anxiety, seizure, and twitching or jerking movements) and relapse of the disease. Your doctor may suggest an appropriate regimen to gradually stop the treatment.

What if you miss a dose?

If you missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

What if you take too much?

Never take more than the prescribed dose. Symptoms of overdose are vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Seek emergency medical treatment in case of an overdose.

What are the side effects of Piracetam (Cerecetam) 800mg?

Like other medicines, it can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them. Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or worsen. Some side effects include:

• Headache
• Dizziness and nausea
• Weight gain
• Nervousness or anxiety
• Insomnia or sleeplessness
• Muscle spasm, hyperactivity

What other precautions should be taken?

Children

They have not established the safety and efficacy for children below 8 years old.

Elderly

There are no studies that limit the drug’s usefulness in this age population. However, the elderly have more age-related kidney and liver disease and are more likely to take blood thinners, which may require precaution.

Pregnancy

Women who are pregnant should not take it unless under a doctor’s advice.

Breastfeeding

Unless under a doctor’s advice, women who are breastfeeding should not take it.

Drug-Disease Interactions

Inform your doctor if you have:

• Hemorrhage
• Increased risk of bleeding (e.g. gastrointestinal ulcer)
• Blood disorder
• History of stroke
• Undergoing major surgery, including dental surgery (Piracetam may increase bleeding)
• Kidney disease

Drug-Drug Interactions

Concomitant use with thyroid hormones may cause confusion, irritability, and sleep disorder. Intake of this drug may increase the effects of anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs. Inform your doctor if you are taking any of these medications.

Alcohol

Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking this medication.

Driving

This drug may impair your ability to drive and operate machinery as it may cause drowsiness, weakness, and impaired coordination.

Diet and Lifestyle

• Follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly as they improve memory and cognitive functions.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
• Avoid stress through deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, etc.
• Create a bedtime routine to help in relaxation and stress management.

How should you store Piracetam (Cerecetam) 800mg?

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. 
• Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
• Do not keep expired medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Quick Tips

• Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may lead to withdrawal symptoms. 
• Inform your doctor if you have a bleeding disorder or if you are taking medications that help thin your blood.

What company produces Piracetam (Cerecetam) 800mg?