Evidence supporting the use of: Oxiracetam
For the health condition: Confusion
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Oxiracetam is a synthetic nootropic compound belonging to the racetam family, developed in the 1970s. Its primary investigated use has been in cognitive enhancement and as a potential treatment for cognitive deficits, particularly in the elderly. There is some scientific evidence suggesting that oxiracetam may have beneficial effects on cognitive impairment, including symptoms such as confusion, particularly in the context of mild to moderate dementia and organic brain syndromes.
Clinical studies, mostly small and of variable quality, have shown modest improvements in cognitive domains such as memory, attention, and orientation in elderly patients with cognitive decline. For example, double-blind placebo-controlled trials have demonstrated statistically significant but clinically modest improvements in certain cognitive tests among patients with dementia or post-traumatic cognitive symptoms. However, the effects are generally considered mild, and larger, high-quality studies are lacking.
Regulatory agencies such as the FDA and EMA have not approved oxiracetam for the treatment of confusion or dementia-related symptoms, citing insufficient evidence. Most meta-analyses and systematic reviews conclude that while oxiracetam is well-tolerated, its efficacy in treating confusion per se is not firmly established, and more robust research is needed.
In summary, oxiracetam's use to support or treat confusion is backed by limited scientific evidence, primarily from small clinical trials in populations with cognitive impairment. The overall quality and strength of evidence are low (rated 2/5), and it is not a standard or approved therapy for confusion.
Other health conditions supported by Oxiracetam
Concentration (poor)Confusion
Dementia
Memory and Brain Function
Senility
Thinking (cloudy)