I first read about Nootropics several years ago while browsing a popular forum for harm prevention of illicit drugs. I have since stopped using illicit drugs altogether (fortunately!). At the time these drugs seemed to be either too good to be true, or ineffective. However, an idea recently popped into my head while I was doing some math homework a few minutes ago which sparked my interest in this class of drugs once more. Heres my dilemma:
I, like many others, am NOT a math person at all. No matter how hard I work, learn, rehearse, check my work, etc. I am still extremely deficient in the math department. To give you an idea, I am in a junior college and taking Algebra 1 for the fourth (yes fourth) time since high school. I am already enrolled in intermediate algebra next semester, but I am not even sure i can pass Algebra 1 this semester. I have spent COUNTLESS hours with my father who is an excellent tutor attempting to master the world of mathematics to no avail. It seems that my mind just does not function on a formulaic level. I try not to give up, try to give myself a pat on the back, study hard and study long but I still cannot grasp basic mathematical concepts at the age of 18 which many people grasp at the age of 13.
Fortunately, this mental deficiency seems to be very localized, as my skills in english and language arts are superb. I tested into the highest possible english classes at my junior college, as well as reading yet I tested into the LOWEST possible mathematic classes.
This is not the first time I've looked toward chemistry as an aid in my school work. At the moment I take 60-80 milligrams of Adderall XR on days that I need to study (2-3 days a week) to keep my tolerance to the drug down. I am prescribed this medication, and have been taking it for a year. No, I do not have ADD nor do I believe in anything of the sort.
Many people would jump at the opportunity to have a prescription to one of the MOST potent study-aids known to man, yet it seems that it has done little to help me in the math department. I don't know if it's mental set, or what but I've tried to remain positive about my problem. It seems that positive thinking doesn't get you grades, unfortunately.
So, my question to those of you reading this far is thus: is there a Nootropic out there that could help me in the math department? I know racetams are claimed to help with cognitive abilities such as problem solving, should I start off with the generic Piracetam or are there more effective chemicals for my situation? It seems that the effects of Piracetam are subliminal at best from what I've read. I need something that helps with memory, and formulaic problem solving, not just "might do something for ya, might not".
If it helps, these are the vitamins/meds I take: 200mg 5-htp once at night, 1200mg fish oil supplement twice daily, a B-complex multivitamin, 30mg Remeron (mirtazapine) before bed, and 60-80mg's of Adderall XR when I see fit. I weigh 160 pounds and am 6' even, enjoy long walks on the beach and dandelions...errr yeah you geat my drift
Thanks!
Edit - I live in the US, and if a nootropic even exists to help this situation I would appreciate it if somebody could PM me a link to a site which sells high quality supplements. Not sure if this is illegal on these forums or not, if it is then let me know. Most forums do not allow this sort of thing, but seeing as this is entirely legal activity I don't see why not.
Also, I have a past history of substance abuse, namely ecstacy and stimulants as well as marijuana. Is there a drug which could help repair potential damage caused by these drugs over the long term? Thanks again. I realize chemistry can't solve everything, so maybe I'm asking too much hah