Piracetam treatment in patients with cognitive impairment.

Abstract

Piracetam is a cognitive-enhancing agent that is used for the treatment of cognitive impairments of various etiologies. Little is known about its side effect profile, especially in those with psychiatric illness. We herewith present two cases with cognitive impairment who had contrasting responses to piracetam. One of them with organic amnestic syndrome had significant improvement, whereas the other who had an organic personality change as well as a family history of mental illness had significant worsening of behavioral problems after piracetam was introduced. This report highlights the need for caution in the use of piracetam, especially in those with past or family history of psychiatric illness.

• Authors: Mukund G Rao, Bharath Holla, Shivarama Varambally, Dhanya Raveendranathan, Ganesan Venkatasubramanian, Bangalore N Gangadhar
• Journal: General hospital psychiatry (Gen Hosp Psychiatry) 2013 Jul-Aug Vol. 35 Issue 4 Pg. 451.e5-6 ISSN: 1873-7714 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 22763000 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Nootropic Agents
• Piracetam

Topics

• Adult
• Brain Injuries (complications)
• Cognition Disorders (drug therapy, etiology)
• Encephalitis, Viral (complications)
• Humans
• Male
• Nootropic Agents (therapeutic use)
• Piracetam (therapeutic use)
• Treatment Outcome
• Young Adult