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I haven't read the whole article, but there is at least one inaccuracy I spotted. Piracetam's primary mechanism of action is glutamatergic, not cholinergic. This is why the known side-effects include anxiety, headaches, insomnia or irritability. The cholinergic impact is less pronounced.


googles

> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glutamic_acid

so wait, the natural protein that correlates with being a fast learner and thinker also causes anxiety, insomnia, and irritability?

I am so not surprised in the slightest.


Citation?


I don't have much time right now to sift through so many papers, but see these for instance:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10583700 , http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1372342

I haven't stated anything outrageous, it's been known for a long time that piracetam is a positive modulator of glutamate receptors.


I'm not disputing that. But I've read a ton of studies about piracetam, and I've always had the impression that its primary mechanism was cholinergic.


It largely depends on what you've read: how reputable the journal, how well-informed and genuine the researchers were etc. Some papers are written just for the sake of making one researcher's 'quota' or fulfilling the minimal requirements for a grant. It's not unusual even in the research community to keep rehashing old information.


I too was distinctly under the impression that piracetam's mechanism was cholinergic and other mechanisms were bit players; Wikipedia likewise gives that impression: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piracetam#Mechanisms_of_action


I always take Wikipedia with a grain of salt, especially when it comes to pharmacology / pharmacodynamics / pharmacokinetics. I may be wrong though, so take my opinions with a grain of salt as well please.

Here's another way of looking at the issue though.

For instance, an example of the symptoms a cholinergic overdose would cause ('bradycardia, sinus arrhythmia, vomiting and respiratory insufficiency'), as opposed to piracetam's most common side-effects listed on Wikipedia ('anxiety, insomnia, irritability, headache, agitation, nervousness, and tremor'): http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14658400

Although not listed on Wikipedia, sinus tachycardia is another potential side-effect of piracetam, perhaps more common than bradycardia. Unfortunately I can't find where I put my Thomson Micromedex toxicology leaflets on piracetam, I'd look up more info.

Btw, I hope I haven't offended you, it's clear you put a lot of work into the article and are passionate about the subject. I'm off to sleep, have an awesome day wherever you are.


So... the evidence for your claim was that some of the side-effects sound similar?




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