Generic Piracetam

Common use

Piracetam's chemical name is 2-oxo-pyrrolidone, or 2-oxo-1-pyrrolidine acetamide. Piracetam is a cyclic derivative of GABA. It is used to enhance cognition and memory, slow brain aging, increase blood flow and oxygen to the brain, aid stroke recovery, and ameliorate Alzheimer's, Down's syndrome, dementia, and dyslexia, among other diseases and conditions. Piracetam either may inhibit brain damage resulted from a variety of factors such as hypoxia and excessive alcohol consumption. Piracetam showed good results in treatment of post-stroke aphasia, epilepsy, cognitive decline following heart and brain surgery, dementia, and myoclonus.



Dosage and direction

Piracetam is administered intramuscularly, as a drop intravenous or as a slow intravenous infusion. Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor as your dose depends on your age and condition. The recommended daily dose is 3-12 g which should be divided in 2-4 takes. Starting dose is 800 mg, 3 times daily. Then the dose is reduced to 400 mg 3 times daily. In children the dosage should be reduced and taking of the medication is not advised after 4pm due to exciting and stimulating action of Piracetam which is able to disturb the night sleep of the patient. Piracetam tablets should be swallowed with some amount of water. Do not break or chew the tablets due to their bitter taste. The treatment course continues 2 - 3 months, severe cases require 6 - 12 months of treatment.



Precautions

Before to use Piracetam inform your doctor if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding, if you have problems with your kidney or liver. Your doctor also should be warned if you have a blood clotting or bleeding problem, disorders of haemostasis, have recently had surgery, a brain haemorrhage, or are allergic to any medication. If suddenly discontinue treatment with Piracetam this may stimulate myoclonic or generalised seizures in some myoclonic patients. Piracetam should be used cautiously in patients with known renal impairment.



Contraindications

Piracetam cannot be administered in patients with acute kidney failure, in children with diabetes and in individuals who showed allergy to fruit juices, essences, etc. in history. The drug is not recommended in children under 1 y.o.



Possible side effect

Adverse reactions to Piracetam were described as mild and transient. The most common rare side effects are: mental stimulation, agitation, motor disinhibition, insomnia, irritability, lack of balance, reduced ability to concentration of attention, anxiety, sleep disturbances, stomachodynia, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, decreased appetite, dizziness, headache, extrapyramidal disorders, convulsions, tremors, increased sexual activity, worsening of angina. Side effects most frequently observed when used doses exceed 5 g a day.



Drug interaction

Piracetam stimulates activity of thyroid hormones, antipsychotic (neuroleptic) medications, oral anticoagulants (against a background of high doses of piracetam), psychostimulants. Co-administration with neuroleptics reduces the risk of extrapyramidal disorders, hyperkinesia.



Missed dose

Try to take Piracetam at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses. If you forgot to take a dose take it as soon as possible unless it is almost time for your next dose. If it occurred just skip the forgotten dose and continue your regular schedule. Do not exceed the recommended dose and do not take two doses at once. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up.



Overdose

Symptoms of overdose show up as irritability, insomnia, tremor, or aggravation of heart failure in older patients. In this case reduction of the dose is needed.



Storage

Keep Piracetam out of the reach and sight of children. Storage is recommended in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and sunlight.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Clinical Verification

Last Clinically Updated: August 15, 2026

Written By

Dr. Elena Vance, PharmD

Clinical Specialist in Neuropharmacology

Fact Checked By

Marcus Thorne, MS

Biomedical Data & FDA Label Verification

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Arthur Campbell, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist (ABPN)