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Then what is it? I don't have a PDR on hand, but Wikipedia says it's an "analeptic", a central nervous system stimulant used specifically to control sleepiness.
by silentbicycle 16y ago
Then what is it? I don't have a PDR on hand, but Wikipedia says it's an "analeptic", a central nervous system stimulant used specifically to control sleepiness.
- digitailor 16y agoThe PDR describes its action as "unknown."
- silentbicycle 16y agoDoes that mean something like, "it has stimulant-like effects, but its actual mechanism is more complex and not fully understood"? Serious question, not trying to sound flippant.
- digitailor 16y agoThe PDR is very vague on this for a reason- they have no idea. The doctors I have spoken to about it seem to think it is not a stimulant, it is something "better." They are calling it a wakefulness promoting agent. This isn't just PR boobspeak- the docs don't equate it with speed or coke, and with good reason. It has NOT been shown to have the long term damaging effects on dopamine and serotonin receptors those drugs do.
- silentbicycle 16y agoOk, thanks. IIRC, the exact mechanism for piracetam isn't fully understood either (something involving acetylcholine) - they decided to create the "nootropic" designation for it rather than classify it as a stimulant. The general consensus is that it's safe (no known LD-50, relatively mild side-effects) and makes orange juice taste horrible.
- mmt 16y agoI find rxlist.com contains essentially the same (straight from the manufacturer) information as a PDR, without the bulk, expense, and latency of paper distribution.