Ranking the best nootropic drugs for 2022

Human health is increasingly exposed to risks due to stress, nerves, overwork. Nootropics are used to optimally maintain the nervous system and improve brain performance. Consider popular nootropic drugs and evaluate their impact on the human body. We will tell you what to look for and how much this or that drug costs.

Nootropics - what is it?

Nootropics (neurometabolic stimulant) - means that affect the mental functions of a person (improve mental activity, memory, learning ability). It is believed that such a medicine is not addictive. A large number of drugs from different manufacturers have appeared on the market, this is due to the increased need for nootropics. The question of which firm to buy has more to do with pricing than performance.

You need to choose popular models, manufacturers and medicines that are suitable for the composition for yourself after studying the composition for a particular situation, and assessing possible risks.

Each remedy comes with an instruction, where it is prescribed for which cases the medicine is effective, recommendations are given on how to take it.

Composed mainly of plants, herbs or isolated amino acids. But many of them are considered synthetic. They act differently for each person, so it is necessary to start taking such medications after agreeing with your doctor. The scope of nootropics is very large, not all of their properties have yet been studied.

Types of Nootropics

Let us analyze in more detail what are the components of drugs and what properties they have.

• Herbs

Most of these medicines are made from herbs. They may include natural leaves and roots of herbs or plant extracts made in the laboratory.

• Adaptogens

Protect the human brain from stressful situations and negative emotions. They are a subcategory of plant substances.

• Phospholipids

A type of fat derived from fish, soy, animal organs. It has the function of restoring brain cells.

• Amino acids

Increase cognitive functions of the brain, help to cope with stress.

• Choline

Natural nootropic, supports brain function, improves memory.

• Antioxidants

For example, maritime pine bark extract has high antioxidant activity.

• Citicoline

Increases the level of phosphatidylcholine in the brain.

Nootropics are also classified according to the features of the mechanism of action:

1. Mnestic (improve cognitive processes). They include: a group of racetams (piracetam, pramiracetam, etc.), cholinergic agents (choline chloride, bethanechol, etc.), neural peptides and amino acids (glycine, biotredin, etc.).
2. Neuroprotectors (perform a protective function of the brain). Includes antioxidants, calcium-based substances, vasodilators.

What are nootropics for?

Initially, the indication for the use of drugs was brain dysfunction in the elderly, today the list is much wider. The name, type, indications for use may be different.

Consider a wide range of diseases in which these substances are prescribed.

For adults

• Alzheimer's disease;
• consequences of TBI;
• neuroinfection;
• intoxication;
• VSD;
• chronic alcoholism;
• memory impairment.

For kids

• delayed speech and mental development;
• mental retardation;
• cerebral palsy;
• attention deficit disorder.

Harm of nootropics

Such drugs do not cause serious harm, they do not affect any important functions, but it is still necessary to observe minimal precautions.
There are a number of contraindications and side effects.

Contraindications:

• children's age up to 3 years;
• period of pregnancy and lactation;
• diseases of the endocrine system;
• allergy to the components of the drug;
• severe renal failure.

If the drugs are used strictly on the recommendation of a doctor, then there should be no side effects.

In rare cases, there is:

• nervousness;
• lethargy and drowsiness;
• a sharp jump in blood pressure.

There are a lot of nootropics on the market now, the best pharmaceutical companies produce them with different composition and for various diseases. The functionality of such drugs is great.

The consumer is faced with the question of which is better to buy. How not to make mistakes when choosing a manufacturer and drug, how to choose the most effective one. The price of the drug largely depends on the manufacturer. Many manufacturers sell drugs in an online store.

The answer to the question of where to buy: in a pharmacy or on a website with a delivery function is obvious to many. Pharmacy medicine, in some cases, can be even more expensive in price.

On the site you can see the description of the medicine, compare the price and order online. When the question is how to choose, the selection criteria should be tailored to your situation, new generation drugs cover a wide range of indications and are distinguished by an abundance of medicinal components that make up the composition (herbs, additives and excipients).

Means are used as prescribed by the attending physician. The rating material is for informational purposes only, the most popular drugs may not be the best for you.

Rating of popular nootropic drugs for 2022

prospectus

A nootropic drug with a normalizing effect, which includes: antibodies to the brain-specific S-100 protein, affinity purified, modified - 10,000 IU* of the Prospectus modifies the functional activity of the brain-specific protein S-100. Prospecta is ideal in the post-COVID period: It helps to return to normal life faster, because it is very difficult to switch and return to work mode.

Dosage and administration: 2 tablets 2 times a day for a course of 6 months

Holiday conditions: Prescription

Prospect strengths:

1. promotes the restoration of cognitive functions: restores brain function, memory, reduces fatigue;
2. contributes to the tolerance of physical and emotional stress;
3. improves brain function at all levels;
4. does not have unwanted side effects;
5. has no significant contraindications;
6. convenient release form.

Weak side Possible reactions of increased individual sensitivity to the components of the drug. In rare cases, the drug may cause drowsiness.

Nootropil

The drug contains the active substance piracetam. Provides the brain with plenty of oxygen. Usually prescribed for problems with the muscles of the arms and legs (uncontrollable twitching, convulsions) caused by problems in the central nervous system or in the brain. Treatment is carried out in a course. Assign as part of complex therapy. The price varies from 280 to 390 rubles.

Its operation and effectiveness are not yet fully understood. Popularity is also promoted by various forms of release (tablets and solution for inhalation). Side effects: lethargy, nausea, vomiting, itching.

• does not have a vasodilating effect;
• protects brain cells from hypoxia;
• increases stress resistance;
• helps to cope with great mental stress (study, exams).

• not used for cerebral hemorrhage.

Nanotropil® Novo

Nanotropil® Novo is prescribed for attention disorders and memory impairment, stressful situations, as well as for the prevention of hypoxia and seizures.The drug prevents the development of fatigue and improves mental and physical performance. It works after the first dose, but for the best effect it is recommended to take a course of two weeks to three months. The minimum price is from 300 rubles for a package of 10 tablets of 100 mg.

Side effects: insomnia is possible if you take the drug after 15:00, increased blood pressure, a feeling of warmth, flushing of the skin in the first days of admission.

Contraindications:

• individual intolerance to the components of the drug;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• age up to 18 years.

• does not cause drug dependence;
• there is no drug overdose and "withdrawal syndrome";
• does not affect the respiratory and cardiovascular systems;
• improves blood supply to the lower extremities.

• may cause drowsiness or insomnia;
• dispensed by prescription.

Phenotropil (Phenylpiracetam, Carphedon)

Contains Piracetam. The range of application is very wide: From obesity and pigmentation to schizophrenia and epilepsy. It is an anticonvulsant, neuromodulatory, nootropic drug. Price: 390 - 1036 rubles.

• invigorating effect;
• increases the pain threshold (used as an anesthetic);
• improves the body's ability to withstand stressful situations.

• short duration of the effect;
• may cause side effects;
• increases irritability.

Pantocalcin

An effective and safe nootropic drug for children from the first days of life and adults. It has nootropic, neurometabolic, neurotrophic, neuroprotective, anticonvulsant and sedative effects.
The drug is prescribed to increase mental performance, improve memory and concentration.

Pantocalcin is indicated for:

• Perinatal lesions of the central nervous system;
• delays in mental, speech, motor development;
• ADHD;
• ticks;
• neuroleptic syndrome;
• urination disorders;
• cerebral palsy;
• epilepsy.

Pantocalcin is produced in two forms: oral solution from the first days of life (contains no sugar, strawberry flavor), tablets from 3 years old with a dosage of 250 mg and 500 mg.

The price of the solution is from 415 rubles, tablets - from 430 rubles.

Contraindications: hypersensitivity, acute renal failure, pregnancy (first trimester).

• stimulates metabolic (anabolic) processes in brain tissues;
• has a positive effect on mental activity;
• has a moderate sedative effect;
• reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity;
• used to reduce the severity of psychomotor developmental delay
• suitable for children from birth (solution for oral administration), from 3 years (tablets).

• dispensed by prescription.

Semax

Contains 7 amino acids. Produced in the form of drops (spray) in the nose. It has a stimulating effect on the brain, increases mental performance. Increases the adaptation of brain cells to anesthesia and other brain-damaging influences. Price: from 350 to 1750 rubles.

Contraindications: allergic reactions to the components of the drug, pregnancy and lactation, children under 18 years of age, the presence of neuroses and seizures.

• may interact with any drug;
• long-term effect of the drug (acts during the day);
• there is no overdose even with multiple dose increases.

• price;
• no proven effect.

Calcium hopantenate

This tool increases the resistance of brain cells to hypoxia, has an anticonvulsant, sedative effect. Increases mental and physical performance. Can be used as an analgesic. Enhances the effect of anticonvulsants. Available in tablet form. Price: 46 -146 rubles
Contraindications: pregnancy and lactation, severe kidney disease.

• a wide range of activities;
• price.

• may cause allergic reactions;
• Do not use with other nootropics.

Cavinton

Increases oxygen supply to the brain. Improves blood flow and brain metabolism. Assign for chronic vascular diseases of the eye, with neuralgia. Cannot be used undiluted. Price range: 116 - 420 rubles.

Contraindications:

• children's age up to 18 years;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• severe form of coronary artery disease;
• acute phase of hemorrhagic stroke;
• allergic reactions to the components of the drug.

Side effects: anemia, anxiety, depression, dizziness, headache.

• there is no overdose of the drug;
• price;
• availability in pharmacies.

• effectiveness is not clinically confirmed;
• possible changes in heart rate (not recommended for the elderly).

Piracetam

Piracetam is prescribed in many cases: for problems with the central nervous system, for heart attacks, for problems with blood vessels. Contraindicated in case of allergy to the substances that make up the drug, with Huntington's chorea, children under 3 years of age, chronic renal failure, when taking anticoagulants. Price range: from 30 to 106 rubles.

• good drug tolerance;
• price;
• availability.

• no proven effectiveness;
• negatively affects the stomach;
• impairs appetite.

Cerebrolysin

The composition includes peptides obtained from the brain of pigs. Most often prescribed for violations of cerebral circulation, with strokes, with the consequences of WTC. It is also prescribed for Alzheimer's disease, mental retardation in children. Price: from 1050 rubles.

Contraindications:

• allergic reactions to the components of the drug;
• epilepsy;
• kidney failure;
• do not use with antidepressants.

Produced in the form of a solution for injection Price: from 915 rubles. Side effects: arrhythmia, itching, redness on the skin

• has a calming effect;
• improves memory.

• there is no proven efficacy of the drug;
• one form of release (in the form of a solution for injection);
• price.

Picamilon

Produced in tablet form. Expands the vessels of the brain. These drugs improve blood circulation in the brain. When taken as a course, it improves physical and mental activity. Assign with asthenia, increased anxiety, irritability. Helps to solve children's problems with muscle tone. Price from 53 rubles.

Side effects: dizziness, itching, nausea.

Contraindications:

• allergic reactions to the composition of the drug;
• period of pregnancy and lactation;
• chronic renal failure.

• price;
• used in children from 3 years;
• improves memory;
• availability.

• causes hyperexcitability;
• causes a feeling of anxiety;
• often causes itchy skin.

Glycine

Released in the form of tablets. It is prescribed together with the main therapy for epilepsy, mental decline, stress, psycho-emotional overstrain, sleep disturbance.Reduces the effects of antidepressants and anticonvulsants. Safe for children over 3 years old. Price: from 31 rubles to 660 rubles.

Contraindications: allergic reactions, children under 3 years of age.

• price;
• can be used for children from 3 years;
• has an anti-inflammatory effect.

• long-term use can cause the formation of kidney stones;
• lowers blood pressure (it is not recommended to drink hypotension).

Phenibut

Contains the active substance aminophenylbutyric acid. It is prescribed for such diseases as: neurosis, stuttering in children, enuresis, prevention of anxiety. With a course intake, it improves the functional state of the brain, reduces the level of anxiety, tension, reduces the tone of the brain vessels, and increases mental performance. Price: 58 - 428 rubles.

Contraindications: pregnancy and lactation, renal failure, children under 3 years of age.

• promotes the restoration of deep sleep;
• price.

• negatively affects the stomach;
• according to consumer reviews, does not remove anxiety to the end;
• prescription drug.

Drug Efficacy

It is interesting! According to doctors in developed countries, these drugs are ineffective due to the fact that their action is not documented. In countries that are world leaders, nootropics are not registered as drugs, due to the lack of an evidence base for their effectiveness. The pharmaceutical business in Russia, on the contrary, allows the sale of these substances in the country.

The basis of the therapeutic effect of nootropics, according to the statements of domestic physicians, is:

• increased glucose utilization;
• membrane stabilizing effect;
• improvement of the energy state of neurons;
• strengthening the processes of synaptic transmission in the central nervous system.

Top Producers

The list included only reliable manufacturers that have been operating on the market for a long time.

Russian companies

• B-MIN (Piracetam). Engaged in the production of medicines, food products and dietary supplements. Products have quality certificates;
• Geropharm (Cortexin). It is one of the top 20 successful pharmaceutical companies in Russia. Produces drugs of various directions;
• Pharmstandard-Ufavita (Calcium hopantenate, Picamilon). One of the most influential companies in the country, produces drugs of various spectrums of action;
• Evalar (Theanine). Produces bioadditives. Has the status of “Brand No 1 in Russia”

Foreign companies

• YUSB Pharma S.A. (Nootropil) (Belgium). It has many research centers and factories around the world;
• NOW Foods (DMAE) (America) - the main activity is the production of nutritional supplements.

Nootropics have improved the lives of modern people. They help to cope with panic attacks, alcohol addiction, improve memory and physical activity, improve nutrition. But do not forget about side effects. Medicines should be used only as prescribed by a doctor.