I've just recently heard about nootropics and have been pursuing a regimen that i can use to increase long-term memory capacity and cognition. As i am very new to this, i was wondering if i might get some help from some of the more experienced members here. i looked through a lot of the threads but was pretty confused as to what an ideal regimen would be for me. if i could get some suggestions and answers to a few of these questions, that would be pretty sweet.

1.) Do nootropics actually "work" for most people? If so, percentage-wise, how much of a boost to memory and cognition might i expect (rough estimate)?

2.) Any adverse side effects connected with sustained use or cessation of use?

3.) Advice about dosages. How much to take, how many times a day, etc.

4.) ANy other general advice, names and contact info for reputable suppliers. finally, a list of potential nootropics i could use in combination for a memory and cognition boost. This seems like a pretty cool forum with some well-informed individuals, looking forward to seeing what responses i might get.

You have a excellent goal with a little time I believe you can find the ideal regimen.



Yes, although not everyone is able to perceive the effects. A magical percentage does not and can't exist as cognition and factors that effect cognition are highly variable for each person. Some studies do show with single nootropics in certain cognitive areas changes of at least 10% and/or a 130 point increase in SAT scores. Cognitive research forum gives some idea about research done with healthy humans.



It's good to distinguish the difference between some compounds referred to as smart drugs and nootropics. Most true nootropics can rarely cause transient side effects such as nausea, headaches, overstimulation, etc. There are no serious side effects associated with nootropics provided you take the recommended doses and are a healthy person not taking any drugs. If so a simple consultation with a health care professional such as myself can help you determine a safe and effective regimen.



This would depend on what you decided you take.



I have a supplier's list of some of the most reputable companies around listed here.

http://brainmeta.com/forum/index.php?showforum=123

A recommendation for nootropics would be best given knowing exactly which aspects of cognition you want to effect (motivation, creatively, focus, short term/long term memory, mental clarity, mood, etc), why, your age, and an idea of your current diet.

thanks for the rapid reply.

Specifically, "short term/long term memory, mental clarity" would be the cognitive aspects i would like to target with the regimen. age: 17, tall and thin if you need to know body build. Current diet: multivitamin daily, 2-3 meals a day; vegetables, dairy, grains, proteins, vitamin c; generally sufficient in calories (not sure how specific this explanation needs to be). Reasoning: Well, over the summer I probably will be studying a language, so a boost to memory and mental clarity would be helpful. Additionally, next year is my senior year and i will be taking quite a few exams for college credit, then college the year after and beyond.

Not sure if i should be responding by a PM, but hopefully this will be good enough. let me know if i left anything out.

Huperzine A would probably be the best choice for short term memory enhancement, considering your age I would start with 100-200 mcg daily taken 4-8 hours apart with meals. If you notice any nausea I would then consider using Centrophenoxine 1-2 grams daily taken in 2 doses.

Idebenone can be a useful compound in some people for mental clarity and I would suggest starting at 90-180 mg daily with meals taken once a day. If no effects are seen within 2-3 days try up to 360 mg. Otherwise you may have a better response with Pyritinol at 400-800 mg at once.

okay, sounds good.

i'll take your advice about easing in with the dosage. anything i should know about possible harmful side effects of taking any in combination? should i start out with just one first? other than that, thanks for the help, keep up the good work.

Nothing harmful just start slow.

Your welcome.

Are there any possible reactions between certain nootropics and melatonin?

I was taking 3mg of melatonin a night and for some reason or another decided to take 6mg one night. The next day I woke up with what seemed to be strep throat--I went to the doctor and was given a prescription for amoxicillin but the culture turned out to be negative; I never was told what exactly I had. I continued to take 3mg melatonin a night and my symptoms got a bit better but never went away. Another random night I decided to take 6mg again and about an hour later had a fever of 105 started hallucinating and vomiting constantly. The room was spinning uncontrollably it was just bad news. My strep throat like symptoms came back full force the next day. I haven't been taking melatonin for the last week or so and my symptoms have been gradually getting better.

Does anyone have any possible explination as to why this might happen?

Melatonin enhances the immune system and increases cytokines. This effect may also slightly enhance the effects of a fever and worsen someone with autoimmune disorders. Melatonin can have a depressing effect in some people but there is no known direct interaction with nootropics.