Pramiracetam
Pramiracetam (brand name – Pramistar) works in part by binding to acetylcholine receptors and modulating them to increase the effectiveness of acetylcholine transmission. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that has a direct effect on cognitive functions.
Furthermore, this drug may increase communication across the corpus callosum (a thick band of nerve fibers), the part of the brain which connects the right and left hemispheres.
It is an analogue of Piracetam (a medication in the racetams group) and has similar effects to other racetam nootropics. It is similar to other racetams in the sense that its mechanisms seem dependent on some peripheral effects and the adrenal glands.
It is sold under the brand name Pramistar by Menarini (the leading Italian pharmaceutical company in the world) as a treatment for attention and memory attention deficits in seniors with vascular and neurodegenerative dementia in some Eastern European countries and Italy.
This drug was developed in 1979 by Parke-Davis, a division of the Warner-Lambert pharmaceutical company (since 2000, it is part of Pfizer).
Uses
The main benefit of taking this drug is an improved cognitive ability overall. Moreover, it can increase sensory perceptions as well as technical and logical thinking, long-term memory, and the ability to learn.
After using this drug, many people say that it helps them participate in social situations. This may be due to the emotional blunting effects and its ability to reduce social anxiety.
Additionally, it has been used to treat pathologies affecting blood vessels in the brain or degeneration of nerve cells. These problems usually affect seniors as well as individuals suffering from traumatic brain injury.
In addition, it can prevent loss of memory and cognitive decline in people with brain trauma.
Dosage
The usual recommended dose (after various studies done on testing its effectiveness) is 1200 mg per day, divided into 2 or 3 doses a day.
After about 30 minutes, it usually reaches its maximum potential. This drug is fat-soluble, therefore, it absorbs better with a meal containing fatty acids.
Half-Life
The half-life of this drug is 4.5 to 6.5 hours in humans, however, people who are slow metabolizers may experience its effects for a longer time. To reduce the risk of insomnia, take this drug in the morning and avoid stimulants (caffeine) in the afternoon.
Side Effects And Precautions Of Pramistar
Common side effects may include:
- dizziness;
- headaches;
- sleep disturbances, especially if you take it in the afternoon.
Rare side effects (less than 1% of all users) may include:
- urinary incontinence (enuresis);
- diarrhea;
- muscle cramps;
- depressed mood;
- confusion;
- muscle tremors;
- decreased appetite;
- dyspepsia (digestive disorders);
- dry mouth.
Because it can cause extra stress on the liver and kidneys, people with liver or kidney disease should not use this supplement. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding a baby, avoid this supplement since there are no studies regarding its safe use.
Noopept
It is the brand name for N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester, a drug that has similar effects to piracetam. More exactly, it provides a mild cognitive boost after intake and a psychostimulatory subtle impact.
Its method of action is similar to the other racetams. It works on the NMDA and AMPA receptor sites and their pathways of function. Moreover, it has an affinity with the ACh receptor sites and the acetylcholine system.
It is currently a prescription medication in Russia. The European Medicines Agency has not yet approved its use. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration has not yet approved its use as well.
Uses
Due to its neuroprotective properties, it is used to prevent oxidative damage and apoptosis in the brain. Furthermore, it has been shown to stimulate two proteins involved in preserving and strengthening damaged neurons in the hippocampus (a region of the human brain which forms part of the limbic system) as well as generating fresh neurons.
Moreover, it helps with memory, anxiety, and emotional stress. Also, this supplement helps with a good night’s sleep as well it reduces drowsiness, irritability, and headaches.
Note – although this supplement has been shown to produce cognitive improvements in people showing age-related declines, no studies have been done to show cognitive improvements in healthy individuals.
Dosage
The usual recommended dose is 10 mg, taken 3 times per day. Don’t take more than 40mg during any 24-hour window.
This drug is capable of reaching maximum concentration within approximately 20 minutes after intake, making it one of the fastest acting supplements available.
Side Effects And Precautions
Common side effects may include:
- memory impairment;
- headaches;
- brain fog;
- appetite changes;
- mood swings;
- nausea;
- sleep problems (insomnia);
- decreased motivation, especially for long use;
- restlessness;
- increased anxiety and panic attacks;
- agitation;
- irritability.
Pramiracetam vs Noopept – Which Is The Better Nootropic?
Pramiracetam (an analogue of Piracetam) is an effective nootropic that is known to improve memory and learning with very few side effects. Also, it increases certain aspects of intelligence. Since this supplement is so effective, a lot less is required in order to achieve a desired effect.
Noopept has all the effects of Piracetam, however, it is more effective and much stronger. It is said to be 1000 times stronger than Piracetam. Its impressive effectiveness doesn’t necessarily mean that its effect is more powerful, it just attunes itself better to the brain’s receptors.
Despite being so potent, it does not lead to dependency or addiction since it does not accumulate in the human body.
In conclusion, Noopept is considered the best nootropic for value, potency, and safety.
3 Ways to Improve Cognitive Function Without The Use Of Supplements
#1 Get Enough Sleep
If you do not get sufficient sleep every night, your cognitive function will be notably impaired, plus, you will need to take more nootropics. Aim for 7 hours of sleep per night.
#2 Physical Exercise
Regular physical activity releases brain chemicals important key for concentration, memory, and mental alertness. Aim for one and a half hours of walking per day (daily) or one hour of bike riding or jogging, every second day.
#3 Nutrition
Eat brain-healthy foods that contain the minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, essential fats, and phytonutrients the brain needs to thrive.
Here are the top brain-healthy foods to include in your regular diet – spinach, kale, broccoli, sweet potatoes, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, walnuts, almonds, red kidney beans, lentils, chickpeas, navy beans, hazelnuts, rosemary, and turmeric.
Image credit – Shutterstock & Getty
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References https://nutragy.com/what-are-nootropics/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1786500 https://examine.com/supplements/noopept/