What to look for when choosing Glycine analogues

As stress levels rise, people are increasingly turning to sedatives. Their use allows not only to alleviate the condition, but also has a strengthening effect, thanks to the additives.

One of these drugs is Glycine, numerous analogues of which can cause difficulties in selecting a drug and confusion for the average person.

The pharmaceutical industry offers a lot of products that have a similar effect, having different characteristics and compositions. The choice is not obvious, let's try to figure it out.

Analogues containing glycine

Not everyone knows how to replace glycine when it is not available in the pharmacy. Below are preparations that contain aminoacetic acid.

Table 1 - Products with glycine

Eltacin

Eltacin sublingual tablets are an analogue of Glycine based on a combination of the amino acids glycine, cystine and glutamic acid, which ensures high efficiency of the domestic drug. Eltacin is used when it is necessary to detoxify tissues, free radicals from free radicals in order to rejuvenate cells, hypoxia, to improve myocardial contractile function, tolerance to overloads of any origin, to improve the quality of life in patients with heart failure.

The medicine is used in the treatment of heart failure in children and to relieve stress in adolescents.

The cost of Eltatsin is 185 rubles.

Substances with similar effects

A glycine substitute is a substance that produces the same effects as an amino acid. It improves sleep quality, cognitive properties of the brain, improves mood, performance and stress resistance, eliminates anxiety and irritability.

Table 2 - Substances that can replace glycine

Biotredin

The combined type nootropic Biotredin is an analogue of Glycine based on pyridoxine and L-threonine, produced in sublingual tablets by Russian manufacturers. The essence of the action is the activation of neuron metabolism. The drug acts quickly (10 minutes after administration), therefore it is prescribed to children with reduced mental abilities, with decreased memory, concentration, affect, a constant feeling of hunger, an irresistible desire to drink, and with alcohol syndrome.

The cost of Biotredin is 128 rubles.

Glycine analogues

JSC "Marbiopharm" – Glutamic acid

from 63 ₽
Cost of 1 serving – 4.2 ₽

General information:

• country of origin – Russian Federation;
• package volume – 60 tablets;
• dosage per day – 8-12 pcs. (2-3 g).

A neurotransmitter that enhances the transmission of impulses at synapses. Participates in the formation of proteins, ATP, muscle contraction, and potassium transport.

It is a nootropic - an analogue of the drug Glycine, but does not have a sedative effect.

Pros:

• the amino acid is safe and well tolerated;
• does not cause drowsiness.

Minuses:

• I have to take a lot of pills a day.

Merck KGaA – Encephabol

from 955 ₽

Price for 1 serving – 38.2 ₽

General description:

• country – Russian Federation;
• package volume – 50 tablets;
• daily dosage – 6 pcs. (600 mg).

The drug increases glucose uptake in the brain, improves synaptic transmission, stabilizes neuronal membranes, and reduces blood viscosity. This analogue is stronger than Glycine. It affects cognitive abilities and improves them.

Pros:

• the drug can be given to newborns.

Minuses:

• No

Now Foods – L-Tryptophan

Now Foods, L-Tryptophan, 500 mg, 120 Veggie Caps

★★★★☆

from 1,443 ₽

More details

Cost of 1 serving – 20.38 ₽

General characteristics:

• country of origin – USA;
• package volume – 120 capsules;
• daily dosage – 2-6 pcs. (1-3 g).

L-tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin and melatonin. It increases the content of these neurotransmitters in the brain and acts better than Glycine.

Pros:

• the product helps with depression and insomnia;
• well absorbed.

Minuses:

• has little effect on cognitive processes.

Ozone – Piracetam

from 101.99 RUR

Price for 1 serving – 6.79 RUR

Brief information:

• country of origin – Russian Federation;
• package volume – 60 capsules;
• dosage per day – 12 pcs. (2.4 g).

The drug improves mood and mental functions, activates blood supply to the brain, and increases resistance to lack of oxygen. But this analogue is not recommended to be taken before a night's rest, as it may disturb sleep.

Pros:

• the drug does not cause drowsiness.

Minuses:

• You have to take 12 capsules a day.

Geropharm LLC – Cortexin

from 1219 ₽

Cost of 1 serving – 121.9 ₽

Short description:

• country – Russian Federation;
• packaging volume – 10 bottles;
• daily dosage – 1 pc. (10 mg).

The active ingredient is an extract of the cerebral cortex of cattle or pigs. This drug does not affect sleep or mood. Used to increase brain activity as an analogue of Glycine.

Pros:

• short course of treatment (10 days).

Minuses:

• the need for injections under medical supervision.

Materia Medica Holding – Tenoten

from 260 ₽

Price for 1 serving – 6.5 ₽

A brief description of:

• country of origin – Russian Federation;
• package volume – 40 tablets;
• daily dosage – 2-8 pcs.

Homeopathic medicine based on antibodies to the brain-specific protein S-100 applied to lactose. It contains 10-15 ng/g of the active component. There are 2 versions of the drug available - for adults and children.

Pros:

• few contraindications.

Minuses:

• The effectiveness of this Glycine analogue in tablets has not been proven.

OJSC Pharmstandard-Leksredstva – Afobazol

from 389 ₽

Cost of 1 serving – 6.48 ₽

General information:

• country – Russian Federation;
• package volume – 60 tablets;
• dosage per day – 3 pcs. (30 mg).

The drug belongs to the group of anxiolytics: its action is aimed mainly at eliminating anxiety, restlessness, and tension. The product also improves performance and stress resistance.

Pros:

• the medicine produces a pronounced effect.

Minuses:

• Suitable for adults only.

Dosage for infants

Glycine is often prescribed to infants who have problems falling asleep associated with the maturation of the nervous system. Indications for use may include:

• frequent waking up at night;
• insufficient daytime sleep;
• restless sleep;
• long time to fall asleep.

Glycine can be prescribed immediately from birth or after examining the baby by a neurologist. In addition to sleep problems, the medicine is prescribed for the following conditions:

• in the presence of birth trauma;
• if the child was born with hypoxia;
• in the presence of congenital encephalopathy;
• with hypertonicity of the limbs;
• with increased excitability.

This is a completely natural drug, present in the body in its natural form and is easily excreted from the body, therefore its administration is widely practiced by neurologists, including for preventive purposes.

The dosage of the medication for infants is prescribed by the doctor. Usually this is either half or a quarter of the drug, which is given 2 times a day. The duration of treatment is usually a month. If adults take the tablet under the tongue and dissolve it until completely dissolved, then this option does not work with infants. You can give the medicine to babies in the following ways:

• in an aqueous solution: a dose of tablet is ground into powder and then diluted with a small amount of water. The solution is given from a pipette or spoon;
• from a pacifier: dip the pacifier in crushed powder and give it to the baby;
• Mom puts the powder on the inside of her cheek with her clean finger;
• You can add the powder to your drink straight from the bottle. The substance has a pleasant sweetish taste and is usually not objectionable to children of any age.

In the evening, the drug should be given no earlier than half an hour before bedtime. The main condition for normalizing the state of the child’s nervous system is regular use. If the medication is given occasionally, its effectiveness will be reduced.

List of used literature:

• Levin Ya. I., Kovrov G. V. Some modern approaches to the treatment of insomnia // Attending physician. - 2003. - No. 4.
• Kotova O. V., Ryabokon I. V. Modern aspects of insomnia therapy // Attending physician. - 2013. - No. 5.
• T. I. Ivanova, Z. A. Kirillova, L. Ya. Rabichev. Insomnia (treatment and prevention). - M.: Medgiz, 1960.

Where to buy drugs

Drugs and nutritional supplements similar to Glycine can be purchased in the iHerb online store. Here prices are 30-50% lower than in pharmacies, and delivery is carried out all over the world. On the site you can also read descriptions of dietary supplements and detailed reviews, and ask a question to the support service.

Attention! Readers of our magazine in the iHerb store receive a -10% discount on their first purchase. You can get it using promo code AGK4375 when placing an order or by following the link.

Contraindications

Glycine has practically no contraindications. Not recommended for pregnancy and lactation, children under 3 years of age, and hypersensitivity to glycine. There are no disadvantages either.

Side effect

Considered safe, side effects are rare, mainly due to overdose of the drug. No deaths were identified.

An amino acid overdose can lead to low blood pressure, increased heart rate, hyperexcitability or, conversely, feelings of depression and weakness, sudden mood swings, and allergies (redness and itching of the skin). If you do not stop using the drug, anaphylactic shock or Quincke's edema may occur. It is not permissible to use the drug and coffee, they have the opposite effect, and a malfunction may occur in the body against this background.

This once again proves that even a harmless medicine, if used incorrectly, can cause harm to the body.

Most often produced in tablets. Packaging of 10 or 50 pcs. But some manufacturers produce the drug in powder form.