Piracetam is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat myoclonus (sudden jerking of muscles).
This medicine may also be used to treat vertigo (dizziness with sensations of spinning), memory loss, and lack of concentration or alertness. It may be used in children together with speech therapy to treat dyslexia (learning difficulty that affects the ability to read, write, and speak).
Piracetam may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Piracetam exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Piracetam is available as a tablet, capsule or oral solution.
If you are taking the tablet or capsule, swallow it whole with a glass of water.
If you are taking an oral solution, swallow the undiluted solution with a glass of water or soft drink to reduce the bitter taste. Use the measuring device (e.g. spoon, cup) provided to measure out your prescribed dose.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition.
Piracetam must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- severe kidney disease
- bleeding in the brain
- Huntington's disease (a rare inherited condition that damages certain nerve cells in the brain)
as Piracetam may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- severe bleeding disorder
- at risk of bleeding e.g. stomach ulcer
- history of stroke
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Piracetam to a child or the elderly. Children or elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
Your doctor may need to perform blood tests to make sure that your kidney function is normal before you take this medicine and thereafter depending on your doctor's advice.
Piracetam may cause drowsiness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: weight gain, nervousness, weakness, uncoordinated movements and muscle spasm.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- pass out bloody or black as tar stools
- vomiting blood or ground-coffee like material
- unusual bleeding or bruising
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for thyroid disease e.g. levothyroxine
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. acenocoumarol, aspirin
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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