Is there any role of piracetam in severe breath holding spells?

 What is dose of piracetam?

It is a nootropic drug that is known to improve cognitive function, memory, and learning. However, there is limited evidence to support its use in the treatment of  severe breath-holding spells.

In children, breath-holding periods are typically a benign ailment that goes away on its own. However, in extreme circumstances, breath-holding spells  can cause unconsciousness, seizures, and even brain damage.

It has been studied in various neurological conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and stroke. However, there is limited research on its use in breath-holding spells. Some studies have suggested that it may be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of breath-holding spells in children.

In few study, children with severe breath-holding spells were treated with it for three months. The study found that it significantly reduced the frequency and severity of breath-holding spells. The authors suggested that piracetam may have a protective effect on the brainstem, which is involved in the regulation of breathing.

However, more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of piracetam in the treatment of breath-holding spells. It is important to note that piracetam is not approved by the FDA for the treatment of breath-holding spells, and its use should only be considered under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Dose is 40mg/kg/day in 2 divided dose 

It is mentioned in IAP text book 

Other drug tried are iron ,theophylline .