Overview

Vinpocetine is a man-made chemical similar to a substance found in the periwinkle plant (Vinca minor). In Europe, it's sold as a drug called Cavinton.

Vinpocetine might increase blood flow to the brain and protect brain cells (neurons) against injury.

People use vinpocetine for memory, dementia, stroke, hearing loss, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

In the US, vinpocetine is allowed to be included in dietary supplements, but its status is controversial and may change. The FDA has yet to make a final ruling. In 2019, the FDA issued a warning for those who are pregnant or may become pregnant to avoid vinpocetine due to safety concerns.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

  • Diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, that interfere with thinking (dementia). Taking vinpocetine by mouth for up to 4 months might slightly improve thinking skills in people with dementia. But it's not clear if it helps long-term.
There is interest in using vinpocetine for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Vinpocetine is possibly safe for most people when used appropriately for up to one year. It can cause some side effects including anxiety, stomach discomfort, sleep problems, headache, dizziness, and flushing of the face.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Vinpocetine is possibly safe for most people when used appropriately for up to one year. It can cause some side effects including anxiety, stomach discomfort, sleep problems, headache, dizziness, and flushing of the face.

Pregnancy: Vinpocetine is possibly unsafe when used during pregnancy or by those who may become pregnant. Vinpocetine might increase the risk of miscarriage and might cause harm to the fetus. Avoid using.

Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if vinpocetine is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Bleeding disorders: Vinpocetine might increase the risk of bleeding. Use cautiously if you have a bleeding disorder.

Weakened immune system: Vinpocetine might weaken the immune system in some people. This might reduce the body's ability to fight infections. If you already have a weakened immune system, check with your healthcare provider before using vinpocetine.

Surgery: Vinpocetine might slow blood clotting. This might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using vinpocetine at least 2 weeks before you are scheduled for surgery.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with VINPOCETINE

    Vinpocetine might slow blood clotting. Taking vinpocetine along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

  • Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with VINPOCETINE

    Warfarin is used to slow blood clotting. Vinpocetine might increase how long warfarin is in the body, and increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin might need to be changed.

Dosing

Vinpocetine has most often been used by adults in doses of 10 mg two or three times daily by mouth for up to 4 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
View References

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.