Quick guide to the most popular nootropic supplements. All can be stacked, or taken alone. Neurostim +C is a good premade stack, though I like to add piracetam to it when I need to concentrate in order to learn (only 4 more months of grad school at night, yay). All of these typically take days to weeks to make a noticeable improvement on concentration and focus, and are best taken in longer periods (2-3 months) followed by down time of one month. As with all supplements, start with the basics, and move on from there.
Piracetam (2-oxo-Pyrrolidine Acetamide) - is a derivative of the neurotransmitter GABA (Gamma Amino Butyric Acid). Chemically related to the amino acid Pyroglutamic Acid (Pyrrolidine Carboxylic acid), which occurs in cerebrospinal fluid and plays an important role in cognitive functioning.
-Biochemical Effects-
-Enhances Brain Metabolism (By increasing Glucose Utilization, Blood & Oxygen Flow){Boosts mental energy & cerebral circulation}
-Increases Cerebral Phospholipids & Cellular Membrane Fluidity (By interacting with the polar head moieties of the phospholipid bilayer) {Supports healthy neuron communication & structure}.
-Supports Cognitive Receptors (By amplifying the density of the Muscarinic Cholinergic {Frontal Cortex, Striatum, & Hippocampus}, NMDA (N-Methyl-D-Aspartate) {Hippocampus}, & AMPA (Alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-Methyl-4-isoxazole-Propionic Acid) Cerebral Cortex Receptors {Strengthens neurotransmitter receptors involved in memory and neuroprotection}
-Stimulates the Corpus Callosum, an area of the brain that controls communication between the left and right hemispheres (Increases communication between both hemispheres) {Involved in speech and creative thinking}.
- Stimulates the Locus Coeruleus, (specialized neurons) {Involved in information processing, attention, cortical/behavioral arousal, learning and memory}
-Inhibits Platelet Aggregation (By increasing Red-White blood cells & Platelet deformability, inhibiting thromboxane A2 synthetase or antagonism of thromboxane A2, reducing von Willebrand's factor & fibrinogen levels) {Supports Healthy Blood Flow}.
-Decreases EEG complexity (Increases cooperatively of brain functional processing) {Positively effects Neuro-Electrical Functioning}.
-Has a significant antioxidant effect.
-Overview-
Piracetam positively supports healthy cognitive & cardiovascular functioning by a multifaceted means of action.
-Notes-
Approved & used since 1970’s worldwide (Europe, Asia, and South American) for various health conditions. Recommended by many healthcare professionals and health organizations, such as the Life Extension Foundation, as a Nootropic.
Piracetum is the first step in the use of nootropics, it also stacks nicely with all of the following.
-Dose-
2-6 grams daily.
-When can I feel it?-
Works within an hour to a few days.
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Aniracetam - Aniracetam (1-Anisoyl-2-pyrrolidinone) is a fat soluble potent analog of Piracetam.
-Biochemical Effects-
Similar to Piracetam, but due to its fat solubility its effects last longer and is far more potent.
- Helps increase communication between your left and right sides of the brain, resulting in improved creatively, perception, and more.
- Has an more potent AMPA receptor enhancing effect than Piracetam, resulting in better focus and concentration.
- Been reported to be best ‘cetam for anti-anxiety effects
-Dose-
750-1,500 mg daily with meals.
-When can I feel it?-
Works within an hour to a few days.
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Oxiracetam - (4-hydroxy-2-oxo-1-pyrrolidinacetamide) is a potent fast acting water soluble analog of Piracetam. Works faster than all other racetams.
-Biochemical Effects-
Similar to Piracetam, but much stronger than Aniracetam and far faster acting. The preferred premium Nootropic for the elite smart drug user.
- Supports multiple aspects of Cognition
- Boosts Brain ATP levels (Mental Energy)
- Increase Choline Acetylcholinetranferase the neuro-enzyme that creates Acetylcholine (in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and striatum) {Memory Support}
-Dose-
800-1,600 mg daily.
-When can I feel it?-
Works within an hour to a few days.
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Pramiracetam
(N-{2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl}-2-oxo-1-pyrrolidine-acetamide) is a fat soluble potent analog of Piracetam, the most potent Racetam compound being about 15 times stronger than Piracetam.
-Dose-
100-300mg daily
Availability
Sporadic due to customs issues.
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L-Huperzine - A is a natural plant alkaloid (extracted from Huperzia serrata), which quickly and potently boosts memory, learning, and concentration. Used worldwide for decades in adults and high school students. Is considered the most potent short term memory enhancer available.
-Biochemical Effects-
- Potently raises Acetylcholine (main memory neurotransmitter) by inhibiting its breakdown from Acetylcholinesterase.
- Strengthens the Brain's NMDA receptors (Enhances Focus, Learning, and Brain Functioning)
-Dose-
Take 200-400 mcg daily for best results with meals.
-When can I feel it?-
Works within an hour to a few days.
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Alpha GPC (Alpha L-GlycerylPhosphorylCholine), also known as choline alfoscerate, is an unique NeuroActive form of choline that rapidly penetrates the blood brain barrier, naturally found in small amounts in milk and soybeans.
-Biochemical Effects-
- A precursor for the neurotransmitter AcetylCholine [Supports Memory].
- A precursor for PhosphatidylCholine [Supports Brain Structure]
-Dose-
300-2000 mg daily.
-When can I feel it?-
Works within a few days.
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Vinpocetine (Ethyl Apovincamine) is a derivative of vincamine (a phytonootropic from periwinkle). While less potent as a mental stimulant than vincamine, Vinpocetine is the preferred nootropic for Enhancing blood flow to the Brain, Eyes, and Ears. Its effects on Cerebral Blood Flow far exceeds all other nootropics.
-Biochemical Effects-
-Enhances Brain Metabolism (By increasing Glucose Utilization, Blood & Oxygen Flow) (Boosts mental energy & cerebral circulation)
- Stimulates the Locus Coeruleus, (specialized neurons) (Involved in information processing, attention, cortical/behavioral arousal, learning and memory)
-Inhibits Platelet Aggregation (Reduces abnormal blood clots).
-Has a significant antioxidant effect.
-Dose-
20-40 mg daily with meals.
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Theanine (gamma-ethylamino-L-glutamic acid) is an unique amino acid found in trace amounts in green tea. It converts in the brain into GABA, the neurochemical involved in inhibiting over active mental activities, such as stress, anxiety, worrying, and nervousness. Unlike herbs theanine protects & enhances Cognition, without causing sleepy or drowsiness.
-Biochemical Effects-
- Instant relaxation due to its potent effects on raising GABA
- Unlike the supplement GABA it passes through the blood brain barrier readily and has superior GABA raising effects.
- Has been studied compared to Paxil.
-Notes-
In Japan it is used in soft drinks much like caffeine is added in the US, but to relax rather than stimulate the mind.
-Dose-
200-1000mg daily.
-When can I feel it?-
Works within a few hours.
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Acetyl-L-Carnitine (2-Acetoxy-3-(trimethylaminium)butanoic acid) is an amino acid-like compound related to Choline found in high levels in brain cells.
-Biochemical Effects-
- Increases Acetylation of Coenzyme A (a precursor to Acetylcholine) [Memory Enhancer]
- Enhances transport of fatty acids into the mitochondria [Increased Cellular Energy Levels]
-Dose-
500-3000mg daily
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Choline supplements should be taken during the administration of all nootropics. Lecithin (caps and granules) is a cheap choline source. Lecithin should be taken in doses of 5-8 grams daily to support the nootropics. Alpha GPC (listed above) is another source for choline. It is more effective / more expensive, but only requires dosing in the 1-3 gram range to support choline levels in the brain.
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STACKS
Simple Stack :
1-2 grams piracetam every 8 hours with 5 grams lecithin daily.
Study Stack - Simple :
1-2 grams piracetam every 8 hours / 5 grams lecithin / 10mg Vinpocetine every 8 hours
Advanced Stack :
2 grams piracetam every 8 hours
500 mg aniracetam every 8 hours
1 gram Alpha GPC every 8 hours
Study Stack - advanced :
1.5 grams piracetam every 8 hours
500 mg aniracetam every 8 hours
1.5 grams Alpha GPC every 8 hours
15 mg Vinpocetine every 8 hours
150 mcg Huperzine every 8 hours
Anxiety / Concentration Stack :
500 mg aniracetam every 8 hours
200 mg theanine every 8 hours (plan for one dose prior to a speech or presentation)
After all test are done stack :
500mg Theanine
1.5 grams Phenibut (do not study on phenibut)
5 grams lecithin
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