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Anytime a new nootropic hits the market, there are always courageous early adopters who are the first to try it for cognitive enhancement purposes. This is certainly the case with Cerebrolysin – a nootropic that is still unknown to many members of the brain hacking community.
Cerebrolysin is reported to have incredible potential for improving brainpower and synaptic plasticity while preventing neurodegeneration due to aging. It is considered a promising treatment of Alzheimer’s and is observed to promote neurogenesis in key areas of the brain related to memory storage.
But many are cautious about trying such a novel nootropic without having a clear idea of the potential for long-term side effects as well as short-term adverse reactions. Cerebrolysin is believed to be highly safe, but there have been some Cerebrolysin side effects recorded and it is important that you observe all relevant precautions for usage.
Brain Health
Cognitive Function
Memory- May decrease beta amyloid in the brain
- Promotes neuron health & plasticity
- May improve short-term memory
Cerebrolysin Drug Information
Related Topics
Cerebrolysin is a neuropeptide that is used in several countries around the world to treat neurodegenerative disorders such as senile dementia, Alzheimer’s, cerebral contusions, concussions and other forms of brain trauma.
As a neuropeptide, it is thought to help neurons communicate with each other while offering neuroprotective as well as neurotrophic benefits.
The primary effect of this substance is that it stimulates the development and growth of neurons which can improve the memory and learning capacity of the brain while also delaying signs of aging. It has undergone extensive testing internationally, though its use in North America is limited.
Cerebrolysin is a Nootropic compound produced using purified swine brain proteins. It should be emphasized that this is a natural supplement and it is produced through a safe enzymatic process to ensure pharmaceutical grade quality.
However, it is not vegetarian and the only currently available form is through an injection. For this reason, it may not appeal to everyone and there seems to be greater apprehension about the possibility of side effects.
Why Use Cerebrolysin
Before discussing the safety of this drug, let’s first look at the reasons for using it as a cognitive enhancer or in the treatment of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
It appears to be most effective in the treatment of vascular dementia, which is caused by damage to the network of blood vessels supplying the brain.
This is good news since there is no current treatment for vascular dementia. This drug is said to improve concentration, memory processing, and mood in vascular dementia patients.
Cerebrolysin is also observed to decrease levels of amyloid build-up in the brain. Amyloids are plaque accumulations within brain tissue and are linked as a possible cause of Alzheimer’s. When too much amyloid builds up in the brain, an individual is likely to suffer from impairments in cognitive function as well as declining memory capacity.
Cerebrolysin has been found to control and reduce the level of this plaque progression, therefore slowing down the overall progression of the disease.
In fact, the main therapeutic reason for prescribing Cerebrolysin is to slow down the development of Alzheimer’s or dementia when it is first recognized.
There is also some evidence to suggest that healthy people with no cognitive impairments may benefit from using this supplement. Cerebrolysin injections can increase the rate of neurogenesis in the brain, causing the development of new nerve cells and networks of neurons.
This seems to be very critical in the hippocampus area of the brain, where researchers think memory encoding occurs. If you are able to increase the number of hippocampal neurons, it is theorized that you can achieve better memory retention as well as synaptic plasticity.
These improvements in long-term memory formation and learning capacity are possible both for individuals with dementia as well as normal adults or students who are not experiencing memory deficits at present.
The effects of Cerebrolysin also carry over to facets of fluid intelligence and other cognitive abilities; in studies on dementia patients, giving daily dosages of Cerebrolysin resulted in better mathematical reasoning as well as improved short-term memory recall.
Cerebrolysin Side Effects:
With all the positives listed above, are there any reasons to be wary of using Cerebrolysin dosages? Although research is ongoing, this supplement does appear to have an excellent safety record.
There have not been any notable toxicity or safety concerns including any drug interactions or contraindications. No instances of Cerebrolysin overdose have been reported and this nootropic is believed safe for daily long-term use; however, in most cases Cerebrolysin is administered for a 2 – 3 week period and users are suggested to take an equal length break between usages.
There have been some mild Cerebrolysin side effects observed which include headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. In rare instances, it has led to feelings of agitation, restlessness, difficulty falling asleep, and aggression.
More serious (but extremely rare) side effects including hyperventilation, hypertension, depression, tremors, and vomiting were reported in one study. In other rare cases, it has been known to lead to stomach discomfort, vomiting, nausea, sensations of heat, increased perspiration and lightheadedness.
Contraindications for Cerebrolysin use include hypersensitivity to the active ingredient, Epilepsy and renal failure. While animal studies have not found it to cause birth defects when given to pregnant mother, it is still not recommended for use by pregnant women or nursing mothers. It is also not recommended for people who have kidney issues or are taking anti-depressants or MAO-inhibitors.
Using Cerebrolysin:
One of the main limiting factors about Cerebrolysin at this point in time is the fact that it is only available in an injection. Oral formulations of Cerebrolysin are believed to be ineffective due to the way this compound is processed by the digestive system.
The best method for taking this drug under the care of a physician or qualified medical professional. It must be injected either into a vein or directly into a muscle (not a very pleasant procedure). If you intend to use this nootropic, the generally accepted method is to use one 5 ml ampule each day for a period of five to ten consecutive days.
Following this, take an equally long break from usage and then begin again for up to three or four cycles. The cyclical dosage administration may help to reduce the risk of Cerebrolysin side effects while allowing your body time to adjust and reset its natural balances.
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- Zhang L, Chopp M, Meier DH, Winter S, Wang L, Szalad A, Lu M, Wei M, Cui Y, Zhang ZG. Sonic hedgehog signaling pathway mediates cerebrolysin-improved neurological function after stroke. Stroke. 2013
- Guekht AB, Moessler H, Novak PH, Gusev EI; Cerebrolysin Investigators. Cerebrolysin in vascular dementia: improvement of clinical outcome in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter trial. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis. 2011
- Chen CC, Wei ST, Tsaia SC, Chen XX, Cho DY. Cerebrolysin enhances cognitive recovery of mild traumatic brain injury patients: double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study. Br J Neurosurg. 2013
- Poon W, Vos P, Muresanu D, Vester J, von Wild K, Hömberg V, Wang E, Lee TM, Matula C. Cerebrolysin Asian Pacific trial in acute brain injury and neurorecovery: design and methods. J Neurotrauma. 2015
- Talypov AE, Myachin MY, Kuksova NS, Kordonsky AY. [Cerebrolysin in the treatment of brain injuries of moderate severity]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2014
Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment
21 Comments
Is it really effective for stroke patients? Our doctor is giving this as an option for my husband who just suffered from hemmoragic stroke. He’s currently on therapy. He have his right body part paralized but he can walk now. Thanks.
Hi Ethan, there is significant research showing that it does have benefits for stroke patients. But ultimately this is something your doctor can tell you more about. Here is an article with information on the effects of Cerebrolysin: https://nootriment.com/cerebrolysin-effects/
Hi , I have undergone radiation theraphy at brain for 2 weeks with 300 centigre level, Is this drug a right choice for me to repair my brain cells that suffer and damage from radiation ?
Hi, Is this drug suitable for brain tumor patient who have removed tumor by operation and have done radiation for 10 times course at 300 centigrade level and currently taking Iressa medicine (Target therapy drug) on course. Will cerebrolysin promote growth of tumor cells if there is few cells left in brain area as well?
Hi Passavorn, that is something I would recommend you ask your doctor about as it goes beyond my scope of knowledge. Good luck!
my doctor used to order cerebrolysin for my low back pain, h have disk prolapse at l4-l5 vertebra is this right
I’m wondering if there is any information on how this affects acquired brain injury patients? My sister has an acquired brain injury and has difficulty converting a command into physical action; it seems to take her body longer to respond (partly due to muscular dystrophy from disuse as she is in bed all the time). I’m looking for something that will help her to re-learn how to speak, move her limbs on command, etc.
Thanks
Why don’t doctors give cerebrolysin if the patient has fever?
Is there any relation between fever and side effects of drug?
Hi Thiha,
I would ask your doctor for the reasoning behind this, but it may be because a fever is indicative of other types of illness or infection. Your doctor might want you to fight off the underlying cause of the fever before you start taking a new drug.
My daughter suffered from texoplasmos during pregnancy and borned with some difficulty. Less oxegen and that csused her less in growth and delay with unclearness of speaking and memory. My brother is a doctor and recommended cerebrolysin to improve her momory and speaking skills. Please advice if the medecine will be effective and can
imprvd the ability of memory, focus, and speaking and if the medecine has any bas side affect
add racetam which increases the blood flow and oxygen levels in brains
Hi, is Cerebrolysin only effective in an injection? Oral formulations of Cerebrolysin has no results? My mom has Alzheimer’s dementia
and also unfortunately got traumatic brain injury half an year ago. The Cerebrolysin is good as an effective treatment? Thank you!
My mother has been taking cerebrolycin 2 times a week for 6 weeks now. A week ago, I started to notice blood drops on her clothes directly after she takes the shot. Today, I found out that the source of the blood was her left nipple. The blood is red, but as light as water. She also takes Plavix as well as Donheimer daily. Is this one of cerebrolycin;s side effects with the Plavix. It is worthy to note that the blood appears directly after the shot and remains for 2 days then stops till the next shot.
Hi Gehan,
I would talk to your mother’s doctor to get more information. This may be the result of an interaction, but only a doctor who is familiar with your mother’s medical history and any other medications being used will be able to make an appropriate determination!
Hi,
I am 46. I suffered from hemorragic stroke 3 years ago. Right after it I developed epilepsy as a result of stroke. I am still on karbamazepin 400 but smallest dose, half of it before sleep. First question is / Is it safe or is there interaction between those two / cerebrolysin and karbamazepin? Second question is related to my abilities, as a result of stroke my right foot is not 100% as before (i.e. I cannot drive a car). Is it realistic to expect improvement? I am writing from eastern Europe so doctors do not have much experience with this medication. Thanks
Hi Dejan,
Given your medical history, it’s important to check with a doctor about the appropriateness of this medication for you and your specific needs. I’m sorry I can’t offer better information to you, but it’s important to speak to a doctor who can provide medical advice given your medical history and current medication use.
Hi , My son had a TBI like 13 yrs ago, he is 26 now with bad coordination , diplopia and disperthia,
would this help and on what dosage as it is not known at all in our country
Tamy
Hi Tamy,
You should check with a doctor to determine whether this product is appropriate for your son’s needs or whether there is a better treatment alternative.
is there is any report of developnig fever & rigors when injecting 2 ampoules of cerebrolysin ampoules by IV infusion over 1 hour
I noticed this in 2 cases???
Hi,
My mother 1 week ago had dizziness and the doctor gave her Vazoserc 24 mg twice a day 1 tablet as he thought it is the middle ear effect.
After three days she became better. On the 7-th day she felt again dizziness.
The doctor gave her Cerebrolysin 5ml / day
It will start today this medicin.
Is that going to create any side effects?
Cerebrolysin hatásos Bell- féle bénulásra?