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Overview: Vinpocetine is a chemical that is made in a lab. Dietary supplements containing vinpocetine are used for various brain health-related reasons, but their benefits are not well defined. Common side effects include dizziness, dry mouth, fast heartbeat, low blood pressure, flushing, nausea, and heartburn. Before taking vinpocetine, make sure to tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any medicines or supplements you may be using.

Uses

What is vinpocetine used for?

Vinpocetine is used for many different reasons, but its benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons that people use vinpocetine include the following.

  • For brain health
  • To improve memory and thinking skills
  • To increase energy levels

Note: The FDA has not reviewed vinpocetine for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does vinpocetine work (mechanism of action)?

Vinpocetine is a lab-made chemical. Some products claim it comes from the flowers of Vinca minor (common periwinkle), but vinpocetine is not naturally found in these plants. Instead, a different chemical found in common periwinkle, vincamine, is used by scientists to make vinpocetine.

Some early studies suggest that vinpocetine may help improve blood flow to the brain. As a result, dietary supplements that contain vinpocetine are often marketed with claims that they may help with dementia, improve brain health, and boost memory and thinking skills. But there is very little research on the use of vinpocetine for brain health, and its benefits are not well defined.

There is also interest in using vinpocetine to help with recovery from a stroke. But the benefits for this use are unclear. Some studies show that vinpocetine may help with the recovery of certain types of brain function, while other studies show that it does not. It is not yet clear if vinpocetine is safe for people who have just had a stroke. More research is needed to understand its risks and benefits.

How should I store vinpocetine?

You should store vinpocetine according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of vinpocetine?

The most common side effects of vinpocetine are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of vinpocetine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of vinpocetine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of vinpocetine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Vinpocetine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking vinpocetine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin calledhives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use vinpocetine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take vinpocetine.

  • Ethyl apovincaminate
  • Vinpocetine
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific vinpocetine products they stock.

What should I know about vinpocetine before using it?

Vinpocetine is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep vinpocetine out of the reach of children.

If you use vinpocetine for an extended time, it may begin to cause dizziness and low blood pressure. This may increase your risk of a fall or other injury. If you begin to experience dizziness or low blood pressure, stop taking vinpocetine and speak to your health care provider.

The FDA has not tested vinpocetine products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using vinpocetine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. Also tell them if you have an upcoming surgery planned. Sharing this information will help your health care provider know if this or other supplements are right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Bleeding problems
  • Kidney or liver problems
  • Low blood pressure
  • Past or recent stroke
  • Problems with balance

Other Medicines and Supplements. Vinpocetine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking vinpocetine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Vinpocetine may increase the risk of a miscarriage or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if vinpocetine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does vinpocetine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between vinpocetine and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect vinpocetine, but drinking alcohol while taking vinpocetine may increase your risk for certain side effects, such as dizziness.

Does vinpocetine interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking vinpocetine.

  • A blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots 
  • An antiplatelet medicine, such as aspirin/dipyridamole, cilostazol, clopidogrel (Plavix), or ticagrelor (Brilinta), which is a medicine used to prevent blood clots 
  • A medicine for high blood pressure
  • A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which is in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
  • Aspirin, which is in many prescription and OTC products, including those for pain, swelling, and fever
  • Niacin (Niaspan, Slo Niacin), which is a medicine used to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels

The interactions between vinpocetine and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with vinpocetine is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking vinpocetine with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much vinpocetine?

If you or someone else has used too much vinpocetine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Vinpocetine may be available in a wide range of doses. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to take vinpocetine safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.