Glycine – placebo or effective?

pharmachologic effect

The main substance of the drug is a non-essential amino acid. It is a mediator of nervous excitation. Thanks to its composition, Glycine has a sedative effect, improves metabolic processes in brain tissue, and increases the body's resistance to various damaging factors, including hypoxia.

Pharmacodynamics

Glycine is a regulator of metabolic processes. The drug increases brain activity and relieves the severity of symptoms of psycho-emotional stress. The drug normalizes sleep, improves mood, and alleviates the symptoms of menopause. Glycine is used as part of complex therapy to treat withdrawal symptoms. The drug reduces the severity of the consequences of traumatic brain injuries and cerebrovascular accidents.

Pharmacokinetics

Glycine penetrates into most biological fluids of the body. As a result of the metabolism of the drug, water and carbon dioxide are formed. Therefore, Glycine does not accumulate in tissues.

Action for VSD

Glycine helps to cope with many vegetative-vascular disorders: it improves heart function and vascular tone, normalizes blood pressure, and restores thermoregulation.

Due to its neurosuppressive effect it:

• improves sleep;
• relieves psycho-emotional stress;
• activates mental activity;
• increases resistance to stress;
• inhibits motor overexcitation;
• eliminates headaches and dizziness;
• reduces alcohol intoxication;
• helps to adapt to the social environment.

But the question arises: does glycine really help all people suffering from VSD? According to statistics, only 50% of users achieve the desired effect. This group includes people who have a neuropsychic form of dystonia, that is, in which pathological processes are localized in the brain.

With the same form of VSD, patients are characterized by mental disorders in the form of depression, panic attacks, mood lability, aggressiveness, and feelings of tension in crowded places. It is precisely these symptoms that the drug is designed to combat by acting on the nervous system.

It is recommended to resort to the help of Glycine in the following cases:

• stressful situations;
• decreased performance;
• deviant behavior;
• cerebrovascular accidents;
• hyperexcitability;
• sleep disturbances, neuroses.

Vegetative-vascular dystonia requires comprehensive treatment and consultation of many specialists. Most of them, neurologists, psychotherapists, and cardiologists recommend drinking glycine for this condition.

Indications for use

The main indications for the use of Glycine include:

• prolonged psycho-emotional stress;
• decreased memory and attention;
• consequences of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke;
• insomnia;
• neuroses;
• encephalopathy of any origin;
• treatment of withdrawal syndrome (hangover) due to alcohol intoxication;
• vegetative-vascular dystonia;
• relief of clinical symptoms during menopause;
• tension headache and dizziness;
• complex therapy of arterial hypertension.

The use of Glycine during breastfeeding is permitted under strict indications and under medical supervision.

The drug is used sublingually (under the tongue) or buccally (between the upper lip and gum). The dosage of the drug is 100 mg. Glycine is prescribed 1 tablet 2-3 times a day. Before using the drug, it is recommended to consult a doctor to determine the required dose, frequency of administration and course duration.

Glycine overdose

Symptoms of a Glycine overdose occur when the drug is taken incorrectly, as well as when it is consumed simultaneously with alcoholic beverages. In order for signs of drug intoxication to appear, a single dose of 15-20 tablets of the drug is required. The main manifestations of overdose include:

• drowsiness;
• dizziness;
• loss of consciousness;
• vomit;
• nausea;
• stool instability;
• dry mouth;
• sopor;
• bronchospasm;
• anaphylactic shock.

First aid before the doctor arrives is to lavage the stomach. To do this, you need to drink 1.5 -2 liters of water and press on the root of the tongue. If the medicine was taken a long time ago, then in order to alleviate the condition, it is recommended to drink an absorbent drug. Severe forms of Glycine overdose require immediate hospitalization. In the hospital, the severity of the condition is determined and appropriate detoxification therapy is carried out.

Interaction

The effect of taking Glycine largely depends on what medications it interacts with. The combined use of Glycine with sedatives of herbal origin is permitted. This combination is used in the complex treatment of anxiety disorders and sleep disorders.

The interaction of Glycine with other nootropic drugs leads to an increased sedative effect. The combined use of these drugs is acceptable.

When Glycine is prescribed simultaneously with drugs from the tranquilizer group, the inhibition of the central nervous system is additive. This combination of drugs is acceptable in the treatment of neuroses, sleep disorders, and psycho-emotional disorders. Dosages are determined by the attending physician based on the disease and the severity of its condition.

The combined use of Glycine with neuroleptics, antidepressants and anticonvulsants reduces the severity of their side effects.

How to fix sleep problems

Adequate sleep is the key to normal human life; without it, neither effective work nor successful study is possible. During sleep, the processing of information that was received during the day occurs, as well as the processes of restoring the resources of the nervous system. But heavy mental and emotional stress can lead to the development of sleep disorders, and you simply cannot fall asleep on time. And it’s so difficult to wake up in the morning. Is there a way out of this vicious circle?

Modern life requires more and more time - after all, you want to do everything, and maintaining a healthy daily routine is almost impossible. However, a lack of proper rest can ultimately lead to quite serious health problems. Helping yourself and your children maintain adequate sleep is within your power.

Distribute the load evenly throughout the week

Nowadays, human life is full of various events and tasks, sometimes excessively. In addition to your main work or study, you need to set aside time for rest, activities with children, personal life and self-development. It's good if you manage to keep up with all this, but remember that such stress can have a detrimental effect on falling asleep in the evening, as well as on the quality of sleep.

This also applies to children to a large extent. Often, in addition to the main school classes, they attend several additional ones. Developing talent in a music school or studying languages ​​in depth, working hard on sports achievements is useful. But such busyness significantly increases the load on the student’s already not fully established nervous system.

Try to coordinate your schedule and your children's schedule so that the workload is distributed approximately evenly throughout the week. It is better that the days when the child attends additional classes do not coincide with the busiest school days. It is also better to do homework in several stages. Be sure to leave yourself at least one day off - a day free from important and time-consuming tasks, free from lessons. Give yourself and your child a break. You can spend your day off actively, in the fresh air, especially if you lead a sedentary lifestyle at work.

It is also worth noting that doctors do not recommend combining any other types of activities for children with school for the first two to three years of school.

What do you do when you have a tablet in your hands?

A tablet or computer is a useful assistant in work and study. These devices also provide the ability to play games and communicate on social networks. In turn, activity on social networks and electronic games can cause sleep disorders for two reasons:

• you play or socialize until late, after which it is difficult for your body to fall asleep
• the nervous system gets too excited and sleep patterns are disrupted

Often both reasons have an effect at the same time. In this case, you need to limit the time spent playing games, especially closer to the night, before bed. Replace sitting on your tablet with something interesting.

Be a positive example for your child. No matter how much you try to explain and convince, the child will remain deaf to words if he sees that his parents are also passionate about games and social networks.

Organize a proper diet

A simple light breakfast should always be present, and the child should also have a balanced lunch at school. If your school organizes lunches, it still doesn't hurt to bring an extra snack. Let you, too, always have sweet fruits, cookies or healthy snacks with you - something that will give you a quick energy boost. It is also important that the main part of the lunch is rich in proteins, since for the nervous system to function properly, a constant supply of amino acids is needed.

The last meal should not be too late. If you want to go to bed at 22-00, then you need to have dinner no later than 20-00. If you really want to have a snack before bed, you can eat something light - drink a glass of milk, kefir, or cookies with herbal tea (for example, mint), a baked apple. Glucose quickly enters the bloodstream and satisfies hunger.

Glycine will improve sleep under high loads

Protecting the nervous system should be approached comprehensively. In addition to the regimen and diet, in case of sleep disorders it needs additional support.

Amino acids, which are building materials for all tissues of the body, are especially urgently needed by the brain, since the activity of metabolic processes is the highest here. Glycine, an amino acid that can be formed in brain tissue, protects the nervous system from overload, has a calming effect, and is a structural component of nervous tissue. But with high psycho-emotional stress, the need for glycine increases tenfold, and the amino acid of one’s own production is not enough. This leads to impaired attention, memory, deterioration of emotional state, and sleep disturbances.

Today, the amino acid glycine also exists in tablet form. Glycine has no age restrictions, since it is a component related to the body. For the prevention and treatment of sleep disorders, regular courses of Glycine are recommended.

Glycine analogs

In cases where the use of Glycine is impossible for some reason, it is recommended to replace it with drugs with similar effects. These include Afobazol, Tenoten, Noopept, Valerian, Mexidol, Picamilon, Ginkum, Piracetam, Novopassit, Divaza, Eltacin.

Which is better: Glycine or Afobazole?

Afobazole is an anxiolytic drug. The drug reduces the manifestations of anxiety syndrome and normalizes sleep. The active ingredient Afobazole is morpholinoethylthioethoxybenzimidazole dihydrochloride. Despite the fact that the drug was specially developed to reduce the excitability of the nervous system, it does not have a hypersedative effect. Taking Afobazole does not cause drowsiness or reduce concentration. Indications for taking Afobazole include:

• sleep disorders;
• increased anxiety;
• irritability;
• various diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, cerebrovascular disease, dementia of various origins, irritable bowel syndrome and other somatic pathologies;
• premenstrual syndrome;
• the need to remove alcohol and nicotine from the body.

Afobazole and Glycine have a similar mechanism of action. Both drugs are available in tablet form. Afobazole is taken with a sufficient amount of water, and Glycine is placed under the tongue. The differences between drugs lie in the active ingredients. Afobazole is a chemical, Glycine is an amino acid natural to the brain. Therefore, taking Glycine is allowed during pregnancy, unlike Afobazole. To enhance the effect of treating anxiety disorders, co-prescription of medications is indicated.

Which is better: Glycine or Tenoten?

Tenoten is a nootropic drug. It has antiamnestic, antidepressant, antiasthenic, antihypoxic and neuroprotective effects. The active substance of Tenoten is affinity purified antibodies to the brain-specific protein S-100. The main indications for the use of the drug include:

• stress;
• neuroses and neurosis-like conditions;
• memory impairment;
• emotional lability;
• encephalopathy;
• organic diseases of the central nervous system.

Glycine and Tenoten belong to the group of nootropic and anxiolytic drugs. Their action is aimed at activating brain activity. The drugs are available in the form of tablets that are taken sublingually. Tenoten is indicated for increased psycho-emotional tension. To improve memory and attention, it is better to choose Glycine. This drug is also suitable for use during pregnancy. Taking medications together is indicated when prescribing complex therapy.

Which is better: Glycine or Noopept?

Another representative of the group of nootropic drugs is Noopept. The drug has a neuroprotective, antioxidant and vegetative-normalizing effect. The active substance of the drug is N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester. Increases the resistance of brain tissue to various damages. With the development of ischemic stroke, Noopept is prescribed to reduce the volume of the lesion. The drug improves the rheological properties of blood, restores memory and cognitive functions of the brain. Indications for prescribing Noopept are:

• memory and attention disorder;
• cerebrovascular accident;
• encephalopathy;
• recovery period after being in a coma;
• consequences of traumatic brain injury.

Glycine and Noopept help improve brain activity and restore memory. Both drugs are available in tablet form. Glycine is used sublingually. Noopept tablets are taken orally with enough water.

Which is better: Glycine or Valerian?

Valerian is a sedative of plant origin. Has a sedative and antispasmodic effect. The active ingredients of the drug are isovaleric acid and borneol ester. Thanks to its properties, the drug helps normalize sleep and stool, reduces the severity of spasms, and improves cardiac activity. Taking Valerian reduces the risk of migraines and epileptic seizures.

The main indications for taking Valerian include:

• sleep disturbance;
• tachycardia of any origin;
• emotional lability;
• neurodermatitis;
• migraine-type headache;
• complex therapy of arterial hypertension;
• menopause;
• increased gas formation;
• constipation;
• epilepsy attacks.

Valerian has restrictions on its use. These include the first trimester of pregnancy, individual intolerance to the components of the drug, depression and low blood pressure. Valerian and Glycine normalize sleep and reduce the severity of anxiety. One of the differences between the drugs is their composition. The active component of Glycine is an amino acid, Valerian is a completely herbal preparation. Taking Valerian can be accompanied by a large number of side effects. Before using medications, it is recommended to consult a doctor. The specialist will conduct the necessary diagnostics and, based on the results obtained, choose a medicine.

Which is better: Glycine or Mexidol?

Mexidol is an antioxidant drug. The active substance of the drug is ethylmethylhydroxypyridine succinate. Mexidol increases the body's resistance to various damaging factors, helps normalize blood microcirculation in the brain, and reduces the severity of alcohol intoxication. The drug improves the rheological properties of blood, stabilizes the processes of wakefulness and sleep. Indications for prescribing Mexidol are:

• consequences of traumatic brain injury;
• neuroses and neurosis-like conditions;
• withdrawal syndrome;
• vegetative dystonia;
• cardiac ischemia;
• cerebrovascular pathology;
• cognitive impairment;
• consequences of acute cerebrovascular accidents.

Glycine and Mexidol have a sedative and nootropic effect. Helps normalize brain activity, restore sleep and reduce the severity of anxiety. The differences between the drugs are in the form of release, active substances and additional properties. Glycine is produced in the form of tablets for oral administration. Mexidol is available in the form of tablets, injection solution and toothpaste. Glycine contains an amino acid that is natural to the brain. The active substance of Mexidol is ethylmethylhydroxypyridine succinate.

Which is better: Glycine or Picamilon?

Picamilon is a drug from the nootropic group. It has an antioxidant, vasodilator and sedative effect. The active substance of the drug is nicotinoyl gamma-aminobutyric acid. Picamilon improves the processes of memory, thinking and attention. Thanks to its sedative effect, the medicine helps reduce the severity of anxiety and normalize sleep. Indications for the use of Picamilon are:

• diseases of the brain of vascular, inflammatory or traumatic origin;
• depression;
• consequences of alcohol abuse;
• migraine-type headache;
• excessive mental and physical stress;
• prolonged stress;
• conditions accompanied by nervous exhaustion;
• open angle glaucoma.

Unlike Glycine, Picamilon has a more pronounced effect. However, its side effects appear much more often and to a greater extent. Glycine has a gradual effect, noticeable after a course of administration. The combined use of drugs is allowed. They complement each other's action. This combination of drugs is actively used by doctors for adolescents during periods of mental overload.

Which is better: Glycine or Ginkoum?

Ginkoum is a sedative of plant origin. The active substance of the drug is ginkgo biloba extract. The action of Ginkoum is associated with improved blood microcirculation in the brain and a positive effect on memory. A course of taking the drug has an antioxidant effect, reducing the risk of developing cancer. The main indications for the use of the drug are:

• cerebrovascular accident;
• dizziness;
• noise in ears;
• cerebrovascular diseases;
• weakness, increased fatigue;
• migraine-type headache;
• high blood pressure;
• encephalopathy of various origins;
• a condition caused by brain hypoxia.

Glycine and Ginkoum are nootropic drugs of plant origin. The range of their actions and indications is largely similar. Glycine is available in tablet form. Ginkoum is produced in the form of capsules for oral administration. The drugs are well tolerated. Before use, it is recommended to consult a doctor to determine the dosage, frequency of administration and course duration.

Which is better: Glycine or Piracetam?

Piracetam is a nootropic drug. It is a cyclic derivative of gamma-aminobutyric acid. The active ingredient of the drug is piracetam. Thanks to its properties, the drug increases the body’s resistance to various toxic substances, minimizes the risk of developing seizures, helps improve the functional activity of the brain, and activates its metabolic processes. The main indications for the use of Piracetam include:

• memory impairments of various origins;
• dementia;
• cortical myoclonus;
• cerebrovascular accidents;
• complex therapy of alcohol intoxication;
• chronic fatigue;
• coma;
• neurasthenia.

Both drugs have a nootropic effect. Glycine is produced in the form of tablets for oral administration. Piracetam is produced in the form of tablets and solution for injection.

Which is better: Glycine or Novopassit?

Novopassit is one of the sedative medicines based on herbal components. The drug has no anti-anxiety and sedative effect. Novopassit helps reduce the severity of anxiety, normalizes sleep, and eliminates tension headaches. Due to its properties, the drug is used to relieve premenstrual syndrome and menopausal symptoms. Novopassit is prescribed for the following conditions:

• migraine;
• conditions accompanied by constant nervous tension;
• neuroses and neurosis-like conditions;
• tension headache;
• sleep disturbance;
• menopause;
• psychogenic itching;
• irritable bowel syndrome.

Both drugs affect the central nervous system. They have a minimal number of contraindications. Novopassit is available in the form of tablets and solution for oral administration. Glycine is produced in the form of tablets for sublingual use. Novopassit contains plant components in combination with semi-synthetic guaifenesin. Glycine is an amino acid that is naturally found in the brain.

Which is better: Glycine or Divaza?

A representative of the group of nootropic drugs is Divaza. The drug has neuroprotective, anxiolytic, antidepressant, antioxidant, neurometabolic and sedative effects. Divaza helps to increase the brain's resistance to the effects of toxic substances, as well as to hypoxia. The medication improves cerebral circulation, memory, thinking and attention. The active ingredients of the drug are antibodies to the brain-specific protein S-100 and antibodies to endothelial NO synthase. Indications for the use of Divaza include:

• ischemic stroke;
• memory and attention disorder;
• emotional lability;
• consequences of traumatic brain injury;
• symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia;
• neuroinfections;
• long-term stress loads.

Divaza and Glycine are used to improve brain activity, stabilize the emotional background, and restore cognitive functions of the brain. The differences between the drugs lie in the mechanisms of action and active substances. Divaza contains antibodies to the brain-specific protein S-100 and antibodies to endothelial NO synthase. Glycine is a naturally occurring amino acid in the brain. Divaza promotes the regeneration of brain cells, increases the speed of transmission of nerve impulses and improves memory. Glycine reduces the excitability of brain cells, normalizes sleep and restores memory. Taking Divaza is contraindicated for persons under 18 years of age. Glycine is approved for use from school age.

Which is better: Glycine or Eltacin?

Eltacin is an antioxidant combination drug. The drug contains glycine, L-glutamic acid and L-cysteine. Eltacin helps normalize metabolic processes in the body, increases its resistance to negative factors and hypoxia, increases endurance and shortens the recovery period after intense physical activity. Indications for prescribing the drug are:

• autonomic dysfunction;
• chronic overexertion;
• alcohol intoxication;
• chronic heart failure;
• recovery after prolonged physical activity.

Glycine and Eltacin have a similar composition, mechanism of action and effects. Thanks to the enhanced composition, Eltacin has more pronounced properties. Concomitant use of drugs is prohibited. This is due to the possibility of glycine overdose. The dosage, frequency of administration and duration of the course should be determined by the doctor.

What is Glycine

One of the nonessential simplest amino acids, which is also a central neurotransmitter. Glycine is a component of protein, produced in the body and supplied to it from the outside with food. In its pure form it is a fine-crystalline white powder. It ensures the conduction of nerve impulses, regulates brain activity, has a sedative effect, and prevents the development of muscle dystrophy.

In the pharmaceutical industry, the biotic drug is produced in the form of lozenges:

• Glycine: white tablets containing 100 mg of active ingredient, 50 pcs. in cell blisters;
• Glycine Bio: white tablets, flat-cylindrical, uncoated, 50 or 100 mg of active ingredient per tablet, packaged in 10–100 pieces in plastic bottles or cell blisters;
• Glycine Forte Evalar: yellow tablets with lemon flavor, contain 600 mg of glycine, vitamins B1, B6, B12.

Additional components of the drugs: soluble MCC, magnesium stearate, povidone.

Glycine enhances protective inhibition in the central nervous system, reducing mental and emotional stress. The drug improves brain performance, neutralizes the effects of toxins on it, and prevents the progression of nervous system disorders due to injuries and ischemia. Glycine eliminates signs of vegetative-vascular disorders, helps you fall asleep easily, and normalizes sleep quality.

Glycine has an affinity for the cells of the body, is quickly absorbed through the mucous membranes, and is distributed in all fluids and tissues. The drug does not form deposits, is non-toxic, breaks down into carbon dioxide and water.

Glycine during pregnancy and lactation

There are still no studies confirming the absolute safety of the drug for pregnant women. Therefore, its use during pregnancy is strictly indicated when indicated and under the supervision of a doctor. The dosage of the drug is selected individually based on the characteristics of the woman’s body.

The use of Glycine during lactation is permitted. The drug has a mild effect on the body. A small amount of the medicine passes into breast milk. The permitted dosage is selected individually for each woman.