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Memory-enhancing drugs
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
Drugs that improve memory and concentration, increase energy levels and allow you to work long and efficiently are widely represented by the pharmaceutical industry.
Such medications are sold in pharmacies and are dispensed both with and without a prescription. In any case, even if you do not need a prescription to buy a medicine, you should not self-medicate. A specialist consultation, who will take into account all the features of the human body, and his recommendations on choosing medications that improve memory - this is the main advisor that you need to listen to.
Good memory and attention, as well as excellent performance are not a luxury, but necessary qualities of a modern person. Since we live in an information society, we need to remember large amounts of information, which are increasing every day. This applies to schoolchildren and students, mid-level managers and senior management personnel, specialists in various industries - from medicine, pedagogy, computer technology, construction to scientific activity and knowledge-intensive industries.
In order for a person's attention and memory to always be normal, it is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle. First of all, you need to take care of the quality of your sleep: go to bed on time and get enough sleep. In the same way, memory and performance are affected by good nutrition, a positive outlook on life, lack of stress and a balanced lifestyle. Feasible physical activity and regular training help strengthen the body, and therefore increase the level of memorization processes.
Of course, it is not always possible to follow the recommendations and regularly take care of your own health. The pace of modern life forces a person to be in constant tension and concentration to achieve goals. Very often there is not enough time not only for quality rest and relaxation, but also for a normal, full sleep. Therefore, caring for your own health fades into the background, which, naturally, affects all processes in the body, including attention, memory and performance. In some cases, ordinary laziness does not allow a person to make attempts to improve his own well-being and work efficiency. Undoubtedly, age-related changes also affect a person's cognitive abilities, such as attention and memory.
What should you do in such situations when you are unable to concentrate at the right moment and focus on the task at hand? What emergency aid methods can you resort to in order to be able to remember the required amount of information or adjust your psyche and body to the level of performance that is necessary at the given moment?
One of the most well-known ways to positively change the situation is to take medications that affect the level of attention, memory and performance.
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Drugs that improve attention and memory
The most well-known and effective drugs that improve attention and memory are the following:
- Intellan.
- Piracetam.
- Glycine.
- Memoplant.
- Vitrum memory.
- Phenotropil.
- Tanakan.
- Pantogam.
Let's take a closer look at each of the medications.
Intellan
Release form: this memory-improving drug is available in the form of capsules (20 pieces per package) or syrup (bottle, 90 ml capacity).
Compound:
- One capsule contains: ginkgo biloba leaf extract (50 mg), centella asiatica herb extract (120 mg), herpes monnieri herb extract (20 mg), coriander seed fruit extract (50 mg), amomum subulata fruit extract (50 mg), emblica officinalis fruit extract (110 mg).
- Ten ml of syrup contains: thick extract of ginkgo biloba leaves (50 mg), thick extract of centella asiatica herb (100 mg), thick extract of herpes monnieri herb (10 mg), thick extract of coriander fruits (30 mg), thick extract of amomum subulata fruits (30 mg), thick extract of emblica officinalis fruits (40 mg).
Indications for use - intended to stimulate brain activity in the following cases:
- circulatory disorders in the vessels of the brain;
- deterioration of memory quality and decreased concentration;
- decreased intellectual abilities;
- severe or prolonged stressful situations;
- asthenic conditions of psychogenic and neurotic nature;
- constant nervous and physical tension, chronic fatigue;
- subacute depressive and anxiety states;
- dizziness and tinnitus caused by neurosensory changes;
- The drug can also be used in complex therapy to improve the condition of children with mental retardation.
Contraindications:
- diabetes mellitus type I and II,
- exudative diathesis,
- individual intolerance to some or all components of the drug;
- not recommended for use by pregnant women and mothers during lactation,
- Not for use by children under three years of age.
Directions for use and dosage:
- Adults are advised to take one capsule or two teaspoons of syrup twice a day;
- Children from three to fifteen years old are recommended to take syrup in the amount of one teaspoon per day.
- The drug is taken after meals.
Side effects:
- Insomnia may occur if the drug is used in the evening before bedtime;
- In some cases, allergic reactions to the components of the drug are observed.
Piracetam
Release form: this memory-improving drug is produced in ampoules, tablets and capsules.
Composition: active ingredient – piracetam.
Indications for use:
- circulatory disorders in the vessels of the brain with manifestations of chronic cerebral vascular insufficiency;
- memory and attention disorders, intellectual processes, speech sphere;
- the appearance of dizziness and headaches;
- with reduced motor and mental activity of patients;
- in case of disturbance of the emotional-volitional sphere of patients (depression, asthenic conditions, hypochondria);
- in case of metabolic disorders;
- reduction of the body's energy reserves;
- for pediatric patients, the drug is indicated to accelerate the learning process in order to improve the quality of thinking processes, memorization and reproduction of material, and concentration;
- in childhood - from one year - the drug is used to eliminate the consequences of perinatal brain injuries, as well as in cases of oligophrenia, mental retardation and cerebral palsy.
Contraindications: This memory-improving drug should not be used in the following cases:
- severe renal failure in adults;
- acute renal failure in children, against the background of existing diabetes mellitus;
- pregnancy;
- lactation period in women;
- in the presence of allergic reactions to various food essences and industrial fruit juices;
- increased individual sensitivity to the active substance of the drug.
Directions for use and dosage:
- tablets and capsules are used after meals;
- The dosage of the drug is prescribed by the doctor in accordance with the patient's age period, as well as the main problem that caused the memory impairment.
Side effects:
- sleep disorders in the form of insomnia;
- the appearance of increased irritability or anxiety;
- exacerbation of heart failure in elderly patients;
- exacerbation of gastrointestinal tract dysfunction in elderly patients.
Glycine
Release form: this memory-improving drug is produced in the form of tablets to dissolve under the tongue.
Composition: active ingredient – glycine.
Action of the drug:
- Glycine belongs to the group of drugs of the metabolic group, which affect the regulation of metabolism;
- promotes normalization and stimulation of inhibition processes in the central nervous system;
- affects the reduction of mental and emotional stress, as well as aggressiveness and conflict;
- increases the level of human adaptability to social norms, improves social behavior;
- helps to increase the efficiency of mental work and stimulates productivity;
- improves mood;
- normalizes problems with falling asleep and nighttime insomnia;
- improves the quality of the vascular system, reduces vegetative-vascular disorders;
- improves the functioning of the brain and central nervous system after ischemic strokes, traumatic brain injuries, alcohol and drug intoxication.
Indications for use:
- decreased quality of mental efficiency and performance;
- being in long-term and highly stressful situations;
- types of behavioral reactions that differ from the norm in childhood and adolescence, deviant behavior;
- increased excitability and emotional lability;
- neurotic conditions and neuroses;
- deterioration in sleep quality;
- memory disorders and impaired concentration
Contraindications:
- In some cases, hypersensitivity to the active substance of the drug may be observed.
Directions for use and dosage:
- the drug is placed under the tongue and remains in the mouth until completely dissolved;
- The dosage of the drug that improves memory is prescribed in each specific case after consultation with a specialist.
Side effects:
- the appearance of noise in the ears;
- occurrence of allergic reactions;
- the appearance of excessive drowsiness.
Memoplant
Release form: this drug, which improves memory, is produced in tablets, a homeopathic medicine.
Composition: active ingredient – dry extract of ginkgo biloba leaves.
Indications for use:
- the drug has the ability to improve blood circulation in the brain, as well as peripheral circulation;
- organic disorders of blood circulation in the brain due to age-related changes;
- changes in memory, deterioration in the ability to concentrate, and a decrease in intellectual abilities resulting from negative changes in blood circulation;
- consistently bad mood and negative emotional background;
- dizziness and tinnitus, headaches.
Contraindications:
- the presence of erosive gastritis,
- the presence of gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer in the most acute stage;
- hypocoagulation phenomena;
- the presence of cerebrovascular accidents in acute forms;
- acute myocardial infarction;
- the age of patients is under twelve years, since full data on the effect of the drug on children has not yet been obtained;
- the period of pregnancy and lactation in the mother, due to insufficient study of the action of the drug;
- intolerance to the active components of the drug.
Directions for use and dosage:
- the medicine is taken regardless of food intake;
- The tablet should not be chewed; after swallowing, wash it down with a small amount of water;
- The dosage is prescribed by the attending physician after consultation.
Side effects:
- allergic reactions are periodically observed in the form of reddening of the skin, skin rash, swelling and itching of the skin;
- sometimes gastrointestinal dysfunctions occur;
- the appearance of headaches and dizziness;
- temporary changes in hearing quality;
- decreased ability of blood to clot.
Vitrum memory
Release form: this memory-improving drug is produced in tablets.
Composition: patented raw materials of plant origin.
Indications for use:
- decreased quality of attention;
- deterioration of the processes of memorization and reproduction of information;
- decreased speed of thought processes;
- significant decrease in intellectual characteristics;
- deterioration of hearing, vision and speech, including those caused by age-related characteristics.
Contraindications:
- hypersensitivity to the active substances of the drug;
- hypocoagulation phenomena;
- acute cerebrovascular accidents;
- acute myocardial infarction;
- the presence of gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, as well as erosive gastritis;
- history of arterial hypotension;
- pregnancy and breastfeeding period of the mother;
- age period up to twelve years.
Directions for use and dosage:
- the drug should be taken orally during meals, one tablet twice a day;
- the average course of treatment lasts at least three months;
- Repeated courses of treatment are prescribed by a specialist.
Side effects:
- dyspepsia;
- the appearance of headaches;
- the occurrence of allergic reactions on the skin;
- the appearance of dizziness.
Phenotropil
Release form: this memory-improving drug is produced in tablets.
Composition: active ingredient – phenotropil.
Indications for use:
- diseases of the central nervous system of various nature, especially vascular and metabolic;
- deterioration of the quality of intellectual functions of the brain and mnemonic processes of memory and attention;
- neurotic conditions, lethargy and severe exhaustion of the body, decreased psychomotor activity;
- inability to learn well;
- depressive states in mild and moderate forms;
- decreased stress resistance;
- increasing the efficiency of human activity in extreme conditions;
- correction of circadian biorhythms.
Contraindications:
- pregnancy and lactation, as well as childhood due to the small amount of data on the action of the drug;
- hypersensitivity to the active substances of the drug;
- some organic lesions of the kidneys and liver;
- pronounced atherosclerosis;
- acute psychotic states;
- history of allergic reactions to nootropic drugs.
Directions for use and dosage:
- taken immediately after meals;
- The dose of this memory-improving drug is determined by the doctor.
Side effects:
- the appearance of insomnia if the drug is taken later than 15:00;
- in the first days of taking the drug, swelling of the skin, a feeling of hot flashes, and strong psychomotor agitation are observed;
- increased blood pressure.
Tanakan
Release form: the drug is produced in the form of tablets and a solution for internal use.
Ingredients: active ingredient – ginkgo biloba.
Indications for use:
- consequences of encephalopathies of various origins – strokes and traumatic brain injuries in old age, which cause a decrease in attention and memory, thinking processes, as well as sleep disorders;
- asthenic conditions of a psychogenic nature, neurotic depressions and consequences of brain injuries.
Contraindications:
- hypersensitivity to the active substance;
- pregnancy and lactation period.
Directions for use and dosage:
- taken with food in the form of one tablet or one ml of solution, three times a day.
Side effects:
- In rare cases, gastrointestinal dysfunctions, as well as allergic reactions and headaches, may occur.
Pantogam
Release form: this drug, which improves memory, is produced in the form of tablets and syrup.
Composition: active ingredient – pantogam.
Indications for use:
- changes in the blood vessels of the brain in childhood and adulthood;
- organic brain damage in adults and children;
- hereditary diseases of the nervous system that affect the quality of attention, memory and performance;
- mental retardation in childhood that affects the development of cognitive processes and speech.
Contraindications:
- first trimester of pregnancy;
- severe renal failure;
- hypersensitivity to the drug substances.
Directions for use and dosage:
- the medicine is taken orally fifteen to thirty minutes after eating;
- The dosage of the drug should be prescribed by a doctor.
Side effects:
- allergic manifestations in the form of rhinitis, conjunctivitis or skin rash;
- the appearance of drowsiness and other sleep disorders;
- the occurrence of tinnitus.
Drugs that improve memory and performance
Medicines that improve memory also act as a stimulator on human performance. This simultaneous effect is due to the complex effect of the components of the medicines on brain activity, intellectual abilities and the body as a whole.
The active substances of the preparations have a positive effect on the central and peripheral nervous system of a person, stimulate cerebral circulation and improve the quality of nutrition of the brain and nervous system with useful substances and oxygen. Most medicines contain vitamins, microelements and amino acids necessary for the body. At the same time, metabolic processes in the body are normalized, harmful waste products are removed, which has a positive effect on the condition of blood vessels, fibers and tissues.
Therefore, there is no need to provide a separate list of drugs that affect the increase in human productivity and mental and performance capacity - in this case, it is worth referring to the section that describes in detail the properties of each drug. And after familiarizing yourself with the above properties, make a choice of the appropriate drug. At the same time, it is worth reminding one last time that before using any drug, including drugs to improve memory and performance, you must consult a doctor. Since in some cases the drug you like may be completely unsuitable due to contraindications that can only be identified by a diagnostic specialist.
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Drugs that improve memory in children
It happens that children, and above all schoolchildren, for numerous reasons begin to suffer from memory loss. In such cases, it is necessary to understand the existing problem and find its source. It is possible that by normalizing sleep, work and rest schedule, feasible physical activity, quality of nutrition and psycho-emotional atmosphere at home and at school, you will not have to resort to the use of drugs. But it happens that the deterioration of the child's condition, including his memory, has gone so far that it will not be possible to solve the problem without drug therapy.
It is known that not all drugs suitable for improving attention, memory and performance in adults should be used by children. Most drugs can cause irreparable harm to the health of the baby, so it is strictly not recommended to self-medicate and "stuff" the child with "proven" drugs. Perhaps the tablets or capsules that were so great for a neighbor or relative are absolutely not suitable for babies and teenagers. Therefore, before going to the pharmacy, you need to visit a pediatrician who will refer the parents and child to a neurologist, psychoneurologist and / or other narrow specialists. It should also be noted that drugs that improve memory in children must be used in combination with other means to improve the child's health.
In this section we will provide a list of the safest medications that can be used for children:
- Glycine is a medicinal product that can be used by infants almost immediately after birth.
- Piracetam is indicated for use in children over one year of age.
- Pantogam – from the moment of birth of the child.
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Drugs that improve memory in adults
The most popular and effective drugs that improve memory in adults are presented in the general list of drugs. It should be noted that there are no drugs that are prescribed only to children to improve memory and other intellectual abilities. The pharmaceutical industry produces drugs that are necessarily suitable for adults, and in order to use the product for children, you must carefully read the instructions and follow the specified dosages.
Therefore, to get a full picture of the drugs suitable for adults to strengthen the processes of memorization and reproduction of information, improve the ability to concentrate and increase overall performance, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the previous sections. They described in detail the properties of the drug that will help solve a particular problem, as well as indications for use, contraindications and observed side effects.
The only nuance is the dosage of the drug and the duration of the course of treatment, which are prescribed to patients of young and middle adult age, as well as to elderly patients. There are differences in patients of different groups in the above-mentioned points (dosage and duration of the course of treatment). Usually, the doses of drugs prescribed to elderly patients are more gentle, and the duration of treatment is much longer, including a maintenance dose of the drug during the recovery period after an exacerbation of the problem.
Reviews of drugs that improve memory
Reviews of memory-improving drugs depend on the individual characteristics of patients and therefore cannot be positive in all cases. At the same time, it is necessary to take into account the specifics of the underlying functional or organic disorder that caused memory changes, as well as the correctness of the diagnosis and the quality of the prescribed treatment.
- Intellan
Positive reviews - helps to concentrate and improve the overall psychophysical state, which has a beneficial effect on increasing the ability to remember, as well as general intellectual abilities.
Negative reviews - allergic reactions in the form of rashes and redness of the skin are observed.
- Piracetam
Positive feedback – increased concentration; increased alertness and focus, surges of energy and efficiency; improved condition after waking up from sleep.
Negative reviews - occurrence of a laxative effect.
- Glycine
Positive reviews - helps to cope with increased anxiety and upset nerves in critical stressful situations, for example, during school exams and during exam sessions at higher educational institutions; relieves psychosomatic symptoms, such as neuralgia caused by stress factors; removes excessive irritability; does not have a sedative effect, unlike other drugs; has a pleasant taste.
Negative reviews - for some people it did not have the desired effect of improving memory and increasing the ability to concentrate.
- Memoplant
Positive feedback – helps to increase the level of memorization of information, for example, during the session period for students; copes with problems of decreased concentration, as well as dizziness, tinnitus.
Negative reviews - the appearance of headaches as a result of using the drug.
- Vitrum memory
Positive reviews - the presence of a significant amount of ginkgo biloba extract, more than in similar drugs; prolonged action of the drug - the effect of the drug for a long time after the end of the course of treatment; the appearance of balance and getting rid of absent-mindedness; supporting effect of a stable state of memory and the absence of forgetfulness; improved endurance and getting rid of weakness.
Negative reviews include dizziness; skin rash after taking the drug, which goes away after the course of treatment is completed.
- Phenotropil
Positive reviews – helps to cope with emotional instability, improves mood, has a stimulating effect on the overall level of performance; improves memory and concentration; normalizes sleep; helps with chronic fatigue.
Negative reviews include insomnia, increased excitability, and the presence of skin allergic reactions.
- Tanakan
Positive reviews – improves memory quality; helps relieve migraines; copes with circulatory problems.
Negative reviews - the expected strong effect of the drug improving memory was not observed.
- Pantogam
Positive reviews – helps to normalize night sleep; improves the state of cognitive processes in children and normalizes other functions of the child’s body.
Negative reviews - allergic reactions of various types.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Memory-enhancing drugs" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.