Rating of the best nootropic drugs for 2024

Human health is increasingly at risk due to stress, nerves, and overwork. For optimal maintenance of the nervous system and improving the performance of the brain, nootropics are used. Consider popular nootropic drugs and assess their effect on the human body. We will show you what to look for and how much this or that drug costs.

Nootropics - what are they?

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

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

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

It consists 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 consultation with your doctor. The scope of application of nootropics is very large, not all of their properties have yet been studied.

Types of nootropics

Let us examine in more detail what constituents of drugs are and what properties they have.

• Herbs

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

• Adaptogens

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

• Phospholipids

The type of fats obtained from fish, soy, animal organs. Has the function of restoring brain cells.

• Amino acids

Increases cognitive functions of the brain, helps to cope with stress.

• Choline

Natural nootropic, supports brain function, improves memory.

• Antioxidants

For example, sea pine bark extract - has a high antioxidant activity.

• Citicoline

Increases the level of phosphatidylcholine in the brain.

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

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

What are nootropics for?

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

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

For adults

• Alzheimer's disease;
• the 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 under 3 years old;
• period of pregnancy and lactation;
• endocrine system diseases;
• 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 compositions and for various diseases. The functionality of such drugs is great.

The consumer is faced with the question of which one 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 a drug depends largely on the manufacturer. Many manufacturers sell drugs online.

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, may even be more expensive.

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 matched to your situation, new generation drugs cover a wide range of indications and differ in the abundance of medicinal components that make up the composition (herbs, additives and excipients).

The funds are used as directed 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 2024

Nootropil

The medicine 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, cramps) caused by problems in the central nervous system or in the brain. Treatment is carried out in a course. Prescribed as part of complex therapy. The price ranges from 280 to 390 rubles.

Its performance and effectiveness have not yet been fully understood. Various forms of release (tablets and solution for inhalation) also contribute to popularity. Side effects: lethargy, nausea, vomiting, itching.

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

• does not apply for cerebral hemorrhage.

Phenotropil (Phenylpiracetam, Carphedon)

Contains piracetam. The range of applications 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 pain threshold (used as a pain reliever);
• improves the body's ability to withstand stressful situations.

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

Semax

It contains 7 amino acids. Produced in the form of drops (spray) in the nose. 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.

• can interact with any drug;
• long-term effect of the drug (valid for a day);
• there is no overdose even with a multiple increase in the dose.

• price;
• no proven effect.

Calcium Hopanthenate

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

• a wide range of actions;
• price.

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

Cavinton

Increases the supply of oxygen to the brain. Improves blood flow and brain metabolism. It is prescribed for chronic vascular diseases of the eyes, for neuralgia. Do not apply undiluted. Price range: 116 - 420 rubles.

Contraindications:

• children under 18 years of age;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• severe ischemic heart disease;
• acute phase of hemorrhagic stroke;
• allergic reactions to the components of the drug.

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

• there is no drug overdose;
• price;
• availability at the pharmacy.

• efficacy has not been clinically proven;
• changes in heart rate are possible (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, while taking anticoagulants. Price range: from 30 to 106 rubles.

• good drug tolerance;
• price;
• availability.

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

Cerebrolysin

Contains peptides derived from pig brains. Most often prescribed for disorders of cerebral circulation, with strokes, with the consequences of CMT. 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;
• renal failure;
• do not use with antidepressants.

Available 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 confirmed effectiveness of the drug;
• one form of release (in the form of a solution for injection);
• price.

Picamilon

Available in tablet form. Expands the vessels of the brain. Such funds improve blood circulation in the brain. When taken as a course, it improves physical and mental activity. Prescribed for asthenia, increased anxiety, irritability. Helps to solve children's muscle tone problems. 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 old;
• improves memory;
• availability.

• causes hyperexcitability;
• causes anxiety;
• often causes itchy skin.

Glycine

Available in tablet form. 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 from 3 years old.Price: from 31 rubles to 660 rubles.

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

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

• with prolonged use can cause the formation of kidney stones;
• lowers blood pressure (it is not recommended to drink hypotensive patients).

Phenibut

Contains active ingredient aminophenylbutyric acid. Prescribed for such diseases as: neurosis, stuttering in children, enuresis, prevention of anxiety. When taking a course, it improves the functional state of the brain, reduces the level of anxiety, tension, reduces the tone of the cerebral vessels, and increases mental performance. Price: 58 - 428 rubles.

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

• helps to restore deep sleep;
• price.

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

The effectiveness of drugs

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, nootropic substances are not registered as medicines, due to the lack of an evidence base for their effectiveness. On the contrary, the pharmaceutical business of Russia allows the sale of these substances on the territory of the country.

The basis of the therapeutic action of nootropic drugs, according to the statements of domestic doctors, is:

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

Top manufacturers

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

Russian companies

• V-MIN (Piracetam). It is engaged in the production of medicines, food products and dietary supplements. The products have quality certificates;
• Geropharm (Cortexin). It is one of 20 successful pharmaceutical companies in Russia. Produces drugs of various types;
• Pharmstandard-Ufavita (Calcium Hopantenate, Picamilon). One of the most influential companies in the country, produces drugs of various spectrum of action;
• Evalar (Theanine). Produces dietary supplements. Has the status of "Brand No. 1 in Russia"

Foreign companies

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

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