Cerebrolysin is a mixture of low-molecular-weight peptides and amino acids derived from pig brain tissue. It is a neurotrophic drug that promotes neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, and neuroprotection. Cerebrolysin is used to treat a variety of neurological disorders, including stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia.
Cerebrolysin is generally well-tolerated, with few side effects. The most common side effects are headache, nausea, and dizziness. In rare cases, more serious side effects, such as allergic reactions and seizures, have been reported.
Here is a more detailed list of the known side effects of Cerebrolysin peptide:
- Very common: headache, nausea, dizziness
- Common: injection site reactions, fever, chills, fatigue, tremor, anxiety, sweating
- Uncommon: agitation, confusion, insomnia, dyspepsia, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, pruritus, rash, hives, dyspnea, chest pain, tachycardia, hypertension, hypotension
- Rare: allergic reactions, seizures, angioedema, anaphylaxis
The side effects of Cerebrolysin are generally mild and transient. They usually go away on their own within a few days or weeks. However, if you experience any side effects, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Risk factors for side effects
The following factors may increase your risk of experiencing side effects from Cerebrolysin:
- Age: Older adults are more likely to experience side effects from Cerebrolysin.
- Kidney disease: People with kidney disease are more likely to experience side effects from Cerebrolysin.
- Liver disease: People with liver disease are more likely to experience side effects from Cerebrolysin.
- Allergies: People with allergies to pig brain tissue or any of the other ingredients in Cerebrolysin are more likely to experience side effects.
- Other medications: Some medications, such as blood thinners and anticonvulsants, may interact with Cerebrolysin and increase your risk of side effects.
How to reduce the risk of side effects
There are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of experiencing side effects from Cerebrolysin:
- Start with a low dose and gradually increase the dose as tolerated.
- Take Cerebrolysin with food or drink to reduce the risk of stomach upset.
- Avoid taking Cerebrolysin before bed, as it can cause insomnia.
- Tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications and supplements.
What to do if you experience side effects
If you experience any side effects from Cerebrolysin, talk to your doctor. They may be able to reduce the dose or prescribe other medications to help manage the side effects. In rare cases, you may need to stop taking Cerebrolysin altogether.
Cerebrolysin is generally well-tolerated, with few side effects. However, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects of Cerebrolysin before taking it. If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor.