Piracetam (Cerebryl, Nootrop, Nootropil) is
a nootropic or cognitive enhancing drug derived from GABA. The first of the nootropic drugs discovered, Piracetam is used for many off-label uses, most prominently improving cognition and ameliorating brain injury. A meta-analysis that found Piracetam effective in improving cognition in coronary bypass patients was intriguing given the cognitive issues ME/CFS patients often experience following surgery. It appears to have anti-depressive and anti-anxiety effects as well.
Piracetam also appears able to enhance mitochondrial functioning and ATP production. Piracetam’s neuroprotective properties after low blood flows to the brain occur (hypoperfusion) in mice could have relevance to ME/CFS and POTS patients with low brain blood flows. Piracetam is sometimes used with a vasodilating drug to improve cognition.
At the vascular level Piracetam can improve the microcirculation and reduces vasular spasms. Problems with the microcirculation could be impairing energy production in Fibromyalgia.
Some evidence suggests that people with aging or damaged brains may benefit more from Piracetum than healthy people. Piracetam Studies are currently exploring Piracetam’s effectiveness in stroke, dementia, brain hemorrhage, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease and others.
ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia Doctors Report
Dr. Teitelbaum recommends Piracetam- 1200mg twice a day for 2 weeks, then 2400mg twice a day for 2 weeks, then adjust to optimum dose (up to 4800mg a day). He recommends that it be taken with Hydergine.
ME/CFS and FM Patients Report
Living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome reports that the dose for ME/CFS ranges from 0.8 grams to 4.8 grams and most people take it three times a day.
Maija Haavisto says Piracetam “may be of the best drugs to treat CFS/ME, because it is frequently helpful, produces hardly any side effects and doesn’t interact with other medications” and puts it on the ‘definitely recommend’ list. If a ‘wired but tired’ feeling is produced reduce the dose.
Maija Haavisto reports the dose is usually 800–4,800 mg a day in 2–3 doses. It can be prepared by compounding pharmacies in the U.S.
