How to replace Vinpocetine if it gives you a headache

For various forms of impaired cerebral circulation, doctors prescribe medications from the group of psychoanaleptics. These products are widely used in cardiology, neurology, ophthalmology and other branches of medicine. A representative of this group is Vinpocetine - it has an affordable price and is often used in the complex treatment of vascular diseases.

Despite its availability, many people buy Vinpocetine analogues, the use of which has a similar effect.

General information about the medicine

Vinpocetine is a drug from the group of psychoanaleptics that can improve cerebral circulation and improve the quality of life of a person who is at risk of developing vascular pathologies. Taking Vinpocetine improves metabolic processes in brain tissue and stabilizes blood flow. This drug has a complex effect on brain structures, improves blood circulation, and reduces the resistance of brain vessels. Vinpocetine is a cerebral circulation stimulant. Thanks to the action of the drug, blood vessels dilate, tissue stability increases, access of oxygen and glucose to the brain improves, thereby reducing the risk of developing serious diseases.

The drug Vinpocetine improves the transport of glucose to the neurons of the brain and provides the tissues with all the necessary substances. Thus, taking this medicine allows you to have an antioxidant effect, reduces the effects of ischemia, and reduces the risk of developing vascular diseases. As practice shows, the medicine is well tolerated and can be used by almost all groups of people with problems with cerebral circulation.

Vinpocetine is available in the form of tablets for oral administration or ampoules for intravenous administration. One tablet contains 5 mg of the main substance - vinpocetine. You can buy the medicine in cardboard packages of 10 or 30 pieces, which contain cell blisters. Vinpocytine injections are available in 2 ml ampoules, which contain 10 mg of Vinpocytine, as well as excipients including ascorbic acid and water for injection.

Piracetam or Vinpocetine – which is better?

An analogue of Vinpocetine is Piracetam, which is a synthetic nootropic drug for the treatment of neurological diseases. Available in tablets and injection solutions, it can be prescribed to children and adults.

The basis of the drug is piracetam - it stimulates metabolic processes in parts of the brain, increases the synthesis of phospholipids and RNA. Application allows you to increase memory, facilitate the learning process, and improve mental performance. The main indications for the use of Piracetam are the following conditions:

• consequences of stroke;
• comatose states;
• vascular diseases;
• depressive disorders;
• cerebral palsy;
• Parkinson's disease.

Piracetam is prescribed not only for neurological diseases, but also for mental disorders, as well as conditions in which there is a decrease in intellectual abilities.

Piracetam differs from Vinpocetine not only in composition, but also in some effect after use. Therefore, without first consulting a doctor, replacing one medicine with another is strictly prohibited. Similarities between medications in affordable prices. So the price for Piracetam ranges from 50 to 100 rubles per package.

Table – existing forms of piracetam with prices *

Operating principle

Vinpocetine tablets have the ability to improve and stimulate cerebral blood flow and have a pronounced antihypoxic and vasodilating effect. Taking the medicine increases active substances in the brain structure, increasing the absorption and utilization of glucose. Vinpocetine is a nootropic and psychostimulant drug. Taking the medicine fully supplies the brain with oxygen, improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system, increases resistance to the development of hypoxia, and does not interfere with peripheral blood supply.

The active component of the drug, vinpocytine, has the ability to improve metabolic processes, dilate blood vessels, and have a positive effect not only on the functioning of the brain, but also on the heart muscle. A special feature of the drug is that its components act directly in the area of ​​ischemia, which allows it not to disrupt other processes occurring in the human body. The positive properties of the drug lie in the following mechanism of action:

1. Stimulates the exchange of norepinephrine and serotonin in brain tissue.
2. Improves access of glucose to brain structures.
3. Increases the number of red blood cells.
4. Reduces blood viscosity.
5. Normalizes venous outflow.
6. Reduces the resistance of cerebral blood vessels.

Doctors in the field of neurology assure that taking Vinpocetine tablets does not have an effect on the systemic reduction of blood pressure, but with regular use it stabilizes the levels and reduces the risk of developing a hypertensive crisis. This drug is most often used for acute or chronic conditions where there is a risk of stroke. In addition, you can take the medicine even at the initial manifestations of symptoms, when, against the background of impaired cerebral blood supply, memory decreases and concentration is impaired.

Vinpotone or Vinpocetine – which helps better?

Vinpoton is a corrector of cerebral circulatory disorders. The basis of the drug is Vinpocetine, which has a vasodilator, antiaggregation, and antihypoxic effect. Vinpoton is a development of the Polfa pharmaceutical plant (Poland) and has an affordable price that does not exceed 30 - 60 rubles per package.

The intake improves blood circulation and is prescribed as a symptomatic remedy in the treatment of stroke, brain injury, memory impairment and other conditions accompanied by impaired cerebral blood flow. The effect of taking it appears 1 – 2 weeks after the first dose.

Unlike Vinpocetine, Vinpoton has a smaller list of contraindications and is better tolerated.

Instructions for use of Vinpoton tablets will allow you to obtain more detailed information about the medicine.

Indications

As the instructions for the drug indicate, Vinpocytine tablets can be used for acute or chronic cerebral circulatory failure. This medicine is used in cardiology or neurology to treat the following diseases and disorders:

1. Decreased memory and concentration.
2. Constant fatigue due to stressful situations.
3. Attacks of angina.
4. Comprehensive treatment of migraine.
5. Acute and chronic insufficiency of blood supply to the brain.
6. Encephalopathy.
7. Traumatic brain injuries.
8. Vascular disorders in the tissues of the visual system.
9. Optic nerve atrophy.
10. Meniere's disease.
11. Neurocirculatory dysfunction, accompanied by panic attacks.
12. Prevention or acute stage of stroke.

Vinpocytine tablets can also be used for other diseases, but this medicine is mainly used in combination with other medications. With minor age-related changes, the tablets can be used independently as a prophylactic for diseases caused by impaired blood supply.

Cinnarizine or vinpocetine – what to choose

Cinnarizine is a nootropic drug that improves blood circulation in parts of the brain and increases mental performance. Cinnarizine and Vinpocetine have similar effects, are included in the same price category, but differ in composition and release form.

One tablet contains 25 mg of Cinnarizine, which is the basis of the medicine. You can buy the drug in a single form - tablets for oral administration. The mechanism of action is aimed at dilating blood vessels and improving blood flow in the peripheral tissues of the brain.

Cinnarizine is used in the symptomatic treatment of neurological pathologies, including:

• cerebrovascular insufficiency;
• vestibular disorders;
• migraine prevention;
• diabetic angiopathy;
• cardiac ischemia.

Indicated for frequent headaches, tinnitus, frequent dizziness, or decreased memory and concentration. Unlike Vinpocetine, Cinnarizine can be prescribed to children over 5 years of age.

Contraindications for use include pregnancy, allergies to the composition, galactosemia, acute vascular pathologies.

The dosage depends on the diagnosis. Cinnarizine is a domestically produced drug and has an affordable price that does not exceed 50 rubles. per pack of 50 tablets.

Table – existing forms of the drug Cinnarizine with prices *

Method of administration

Vinpocytine tablets should be prescribed by a doctor individually for each patient and only by a doctor after establishing a final diagnosis. The dosage is determined depending on the stage and severity of clinical symptoms, as well as the characteristics of the patient’s body. The instructions for the drug contain a standard dose of the drug. So, adults are recommended to take 1 tablet (5 mg) of the drug three times a day with a sufficient amount of water. If necessary and only as prescribed by a doctor, the dose of the drug can be increased and amount to 2 tablets (10 mg) of the drug per dose. The course of treatment can last up to 2 weeks. If necessary, the treatment course can be increased or decreased.

Vinpocytine tablets cannot be used during pregnancy, lactation or pediatrics, since clinical trials have not been conducted in children or pregnant women, so it is difficult to say how the body will react to taking the medicine.

Injections of the drug are administered intravenously as a dropper or slow infusion. The daily dose should not exceed 2 ampoules. Basically, the drug in the form of injections is used in hospital treatment for more complex conditions.

Pharmacological properties

Vinpocetine has a wide range of applications; it is used not only to improve cerebral circulation, but also to normalize the functioning of the musculoskeletal system as a whole.

The drug improves blood microcirculation in the brain, improves oxygen transport in tissues by reducing affinity for red blood cells. Vinpocetine enhances the exchange of hormones such as serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. It is characterized by antioxidant activity and has a cerebroprotective effect.

The drug is characterized by rapid absorption, its properties spread to the entire body an hour after taking the tablet. The substance of the drug is in the proximal parts of the digestive tract. It is excreted through the kidneys and intestines, but the kidneys do most of the work.

Side effects

In rare cases, after taking Vinpocytine tablets, adverse reactions of the body may occur, including:

1. Stomach ache.
2. Nausea.
3. Sleep disturbance.
4. Headache or dizziness.
5. Heart rhythm disturbance.
6. Skin rashes.

The appearance of the above symptoms is a reason to stop taking the drug and also seek medical help. Many doctors believe that the vast majority of adverse reactions in the body are a consequence of improper use of the drug.

Vinpocytine should be taken with special caution by people with hypotension, heart pathologies, and diabetes mellitus. If an elderly person is taking the drug, you need to monitor your blood counts.

Interaction

Despite the good tolerability of the drug, Vinpocetine tablets are incompatible with heparin or anticoagulants, as this can provoke the development of vasculitis, hemorrhage or other disorders of the circulatory system.

It is not recommended to take the drug together with anticonvulsants, as this will reduce their effect. Vinpocytine tablets can be used with other medications, but still, if a person is taking any medications, he must inform the doctor about this.

Analogs

There are quite a lot of drugs available on the pharmacological market that can compete with Vinpocytine. Many medications have the same composition and mechanism of action, but are produced under a different trade name and have a different cost. Structural analogues of Vinpocytine include Vero-Vinpocetine, Cavinton, Korsavin and others. In case of increased sensitivity to vinpocytine or ineffectiveness of the drug, the doctor may prescribe analogs based on the mechanism of action: Nootropil, Ginko biloba, Phezam, Maxidol, Piracetam and others. You can take any analogue of the drug only after consulting a doctor.

Analogues of Vinpocetine tablets - list with prices

• Cavinton - from 400 rubles;
• Piracetam – from 100 rubles;
• Korsavin – from 300 rubles;
• Cinnarizine – from 70 rubles;
• Vinpoton - from 300 rubles;
• Bravinton - from 400 rubles.

For comparison, the price of vinpocetine:

Table – existing forms of the drug Avamys with prices *

Reviews

Varvara Karimova, 46 years old, Moscow

About a year ago, some incomprehensible fears began, but the further it went, the more bad I felt, asthenia, muscle weakness appeared, and I constantly felt tired. I was in no hurry to see a doctor, but when my heart began to tingle and my blood pressure to jump, I went to the doctor, who prescribed me to take Vinpocytine tablets, as well as vitamins and something for the heart. The course of treatment was prescribed for 2 weeks, but I noticed improvements much earlier. Literally after 2 days of taking it, the panic fears disappeared, I felt a surge of strength, but slept a lot, because the doctor also prescribed sedatives. More than 5 months have passed since the treatment, I feel much better.

Igor Semenov, 33 years old, Vladivostok

More than a year ago, my dad’s blood pressure increased significantly; he called an ambulance, which carried out an emergency hospitalization. While they were taking him to the hospital, both legs gave out; his condition was extremely critical; he was immediately taken to the intensive care unit. A few hours later, the doctor said that dad had cerebral encephalopathy. Dad was in the hospital for more than 2 weeks and gradually began to recover. When I bought the medicine I saw that the list included Vinpocytine injections. After being discharged home, he was prescribed the same drug, but only in tablets; he took 1 tablet three times a day, for a course of 10 days. My father took a very long time to recover from his illness, but as the doctor says, there is a positive trend and in a few months he will be able to get back on his feet. More than 6 months have passed since that day. Yesterday we had another examination, the doctor again prescribed Vinpocytine tablets, saying that they will help improve blood flow to the brain and prevent the development of a stroke.

Vera Bryantseva, 38 years old, Omsk

Vinpocetine tablets were prescribed to me by a cardiologist when problems with high blood pressure appeared. The doctor said that taking this medicine can be compared to “vitamins” for the brain, as they will improve its functioning and bring blood pressure back to normal. I took the pills for 10 days, 1 three times a day. I didn’t notice relief right away, but after 4 days. Not only did my blood pressure return to normal, but my head practically didn’t hurt, I felt lightness and a surge of strength. This spring everything happened again, and I started taking Vinpocytine again. The result is very good and the medicine is inexpensive. My doctor advised me to take the pills 2 times a year, in spring and autumn, for a course of 10 days. Since then I feel much better.

Katerina Vetrova, 33 years old, Moscow

Over the past few months I have been having headaches more and more frequently. A few weeks ago I decided to go see a neurologist. I was prescribed an MRI, which showed that the vessels were narrowed. The doctor prescribed me Cavinton tablets, but at that time they were not available in the pharmacy, so I decided to buy Vinpocytine. I took 1 tablet 3 times a day for 2 weeks. I can say with confidence that the medicine is very good and this despite the fact that it is much cheaper. She admitted to the doctor that she took the analogue, but he approved it. After the treatment, I forgot what a headache was. I feel much better. The doctor said that after six months you can repeat taking the drug.

Olga Rak, 22 years old, Minsk

Since childhood, I have had increased intracranial pressure, so I often complain of headaches and periodic nosebleeds. I took a lot of medications, but at my last appointment I was prescribed Vinpocytine. I took them for several weeks, the result was quite good, but before that I took Cavintom, so it seems to me that it is a little better than Vinpocytine.

Margarita Ovechkina, 45 years old, Ufa

Vinpocytine tablets were prescribed to me by a doctor for VSD, which was accompanied by severe panic attacks. In addition to these drugs, I also took others, but it seems to me that it was Vinpocytine that helped me cope with the problem. The tablets have a vasodilating effect and improve blood flow. I took the pills for 2 months. After the first doses of the medicine, I felt severe dizziness, but the doctor told me to continue taking it, and this symptom is the body’s natural reaction to the drug. In fact, after 4 days the dizziness disappeared and I began to feel much better. While taking the pills, as well as after the treatment course, I began to feel good, I had practically no headaches and panic attacks were less intense. The drug is good and not at all expensive. Now I take this medicine twice a year, in spring and autumn.

Miroslava Tishchenko, 36 years old, Krasnodar

My grandmother is 78 years old, and she has been taking Vinpocytine tablets for more than 7 years, but in courses. She says that the medicine is good, and most importantly, cheap and helps her preserve her memory. This drug was first prescribed to her by a doctor when she complained of headaches and high blood pressure. Since taking the medicine, her condition has been much better, but she complains that her ears are blocked. There is no point in talking about side effects, because the age is no longer the same. I was also prescribed Vinpocytin a year ago for vegetative-vascular dystonia, but I did not notice any significant improvements from taking it. Therefore, when the doctor advised me to repeat the course, I bought Cavinton. Despite the fact that these are almost two identical drugs, Cavinton is much better, but also more expensive.

Alexander Karlov, 50 years old, Sverdlovsk

Vinpocytine injections were prescribed to me during hospital treatment for a mini-stroke. When I was discharged home, the doctor told me to switch to tablets and take 1 tablet three times a day, for a course of 1 month. The doctor said that taking them would reduce the risk of another stroke. The drug is very good and is no different from expensive analogues that my friends who have problems with the heart and blood vessels take.

Maria Kravchenko, 32 years old, Moscow

A neurologist prescribed me the drug Vinpocytin for complaints of periodic dizziness and headache. I took the drug for 2 weeks, the result was quite good. The same drug was prescribed to my mother after a stroke, so I know that it is very good and has a reasonable price.