Citicoline

How does Citicoline work?

Citicoline seems to increase a brain chemical called phosphatidylcholine. This brain chemical is important for brain function. Citicoline might also decrease brain tissue damage when the brain is injured.

Are there safety concerns?

Citicoline seems to be safe when taken short-term. The safety of long-term use is not known. Most people who take citicoline don't experience problematic side effects. But some people can have side effects such as insomnia, headache, diarrhea, low or high blood pressure, nausea, blurred vision, chest pains, and others.

Do not take citicoline if:

• You are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Dosing considerations for Citicoline.

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

BY MOUTH:

• For decline in thinking skills due to age: 1000-2000 mg of citicoline per day.
• For ongoing disease of the blood vessels that serve the brain (chronic cerebrovascular disease): 600 mg of citicoline per day.
• For immediate treatment of stroke due to a clot (ischemic stroke): 500-2000 mg of citicoline per day starting within 24 hours of stroke.

INTRAVENOUS:

• Healthcare providers give citicoline intravenously (by IV) for age-related decline in thinking skills or for chronic cerebrovascular disease.

BY INJECTION:

• Healthcare providers give citicoline by shot for chronic cerebrovascular disease.