Nootropics

[Ahnenerbe]

Nootropics

Most of these pharmaceuticals were originally used to treat a disease such as dementia or for something completely different than brain enhancing, like controlling your bladder. Even though studies these drugs and their effects have been available for over a decade now their use among healthy individuals has not been widespread. Some of the pioneers of the field, Durk Pearson and Sandy Shaw, have been promoting smart drugs since the seventies, but the movement didn't become a bandwagon until the late 80's. Since then at least four popular books have been published on the subject, scientific research interest has escalated and mail order firms have been popping up by the dozen.

Some pharmaceuticals are called 'smart drugs' because of their ability to enhance brain's functions, not because they're smart genetic drugs or nanorobots. Smart drugs aren't addictive either (not in the physical sense anyway) and some of the stuff is not even medicine (see Smart Nutrients). A better word for chemicals that can boost your brain performance would be nootropics (from Greek, 'acting on the mind'), but as it's not nearly as catchy or marketable we're stuck with 'smart drugs' for now.

A very short introduction to your brain

Smart drugs can basically do three different things to your brain:

- minimise the damage to the brain and the natural deterioration of one's brain functions

- repair some of the damage already done

- or enhance brain functions above usual levels.

Human nervous system deteriorates with age through natural ageing process and sometimes due to drinking or smoking. This deterioration is usually caused by an oxidation process, which destroys brain cells and form free radicals that cause further havoc in one's brain. Even though brain cells likely cannot regenerate, it is possible to deactivate free radicals and repair some of the other damage (such as low levels of electric current transmitting chemicals in the brain). And this is can be achieved with smart drugs and some nutrients, such as vitamins.

It is also possible to enhance the brain's natural properties with smart drugs by helping the brain to build new connections. Neurones (brain cells) are connected to thousands of other neurones, which together form a huge neural net. The more connections you have the easier it is for one neurone to send information to another neurone, thus the better your brain works. It is possible to help the brain to grow more of these connections by taking smart drugs.

As these connections are formed when new memories formed, one can actually memorise and learn new things easier if a chemical is there to help your neurones to connect. Smart drugs can also enhance one's mental functions by feeding the brain with more oxygen or increasing the levels of neurotransmitting chemicals that carry electric signals from a neurone to another.

The great smart drugs debate

It's all terribly mind boggling to know that one's brain is working more efficiently (while actually wearing out less) while on smart drugs, but what does it all mean in practise? Will you be able to memorise the whole R&S discography in 20 seconds or calculate cube roots in a snap? No you will not. Even though memory enhancement can be significant in some cases, the reality is often far less glorious.

People report effects ranging from: "It changed my life" to "I got a funny sort of buzz out of them", but not all of the effects are scientifically validated. Although the process of how neurochemicals and smart drugs work is somewhat agreed upon, scientists haven't agreed on whether smart drugs really are effective in healthy people. Many of the test have been done with animals and with mentally dysfunctional patients (esp. those suffering from dementia or Parkinson's disease), but studies on healthy adults also exists. For example, a double blind study on late-middle-aged test subjects showed increase in mental functions after four weeks of taking Piracetam. Studies showing benefits from other drugs in normal test subjects also exist.

Still many researchers and doctors are willing to claim all of the above bogus and encourage people not to self-medicate themselves. But if we keep in mind that the earth was once flat and that even scientists do make mistakes, we might as well look into these drugs and their supposed effects. After all some of these drugs are so cheap and safe that trying them out for yourself might not be a bad idea at all.

What brain boosting substances are there?

Smart drugs are basically of three different variety: drugs, nutrients & herbs. One would think that the definition is clear as anybody can tell an aspirin from a hot dog, but that's not the case really. Many nutrients are classified as drugs when they are potent enough and in some cultures the difference between a medicine (usually synthetic) and a herb (natural) is very hazy. But all of this doesn't really matter that much, if you know the effects, correct dosage and precautions about each product. When you know these things you can quite safely take some of these substances on your own. It is advisable to contact a doctor before starting medicating yourself, even though open-minded and knowledgeable doctors may be hard to find.

Smart Drugs

* Piracetam

(Brand names: Avigilen, Cerebroforte, Cerebrospan, Cetam, Dinagen, Encefalux, Encetrop, Euvifor, Gabacet, Genogris, Meo-Puren, Nootron, Nootropil, Normabrain, Norzetam, Novocetam, Pirrozil, Psycoton, Stimucortex and UCB-6215)

Piracetam is a smart-drug or nootropic. Nootropic means acting on the mind. It is a term first used by Dr. Giurgea to describe a substance found to have useful effects in the treatment of memory loss, age related memory decline and lack of concentration etc. That substance was piracetam (branded Nootropil®), not only was it beneficial, but it was also found to have so few side effects and contraindications that one biochemist described it as as safe as salt!

Since then, nootropics have so-many beneficial affects on mental and memory capabilities, that they have come to be known as smart-drugs. One of the primary differences between nootropics and other memory enhancers is that nootropics have a beneficial effect upon the brain's Corpus Callosum. This area of the brain joins the two hemispheres, it links the logical side with creative side, hence ying and yang. This may be the major reason why creative individuals and brain workers find they can accomplish much more, when they are supplementing with nootropics.

It is the most common smart drug out there, probably because it's not the most recent, it has a wide variety of uses and is quite inexpensive. It is used to treat several illnesses, like alcoholism, dementia and stroke, but should also improve memory and learning in healthy humans. It is supposed to increase the flow of information between the right and left hemispheres of the brain, thus helping in creative problem solving. It is sold as pills and the effective dose is 2400-4800 mg in three divided doses, although some sources report significantly smaller dosages ranging from 800 mg to 2400 mg.It has no know serious side effects, although insomnia, headaches, nausea and stomach disturbances are possible. As with any other smart drug it is the best to try and find out the dose that is good for you while keeping in mind the possible toxicity of the drug (Piracetam has no know toxicity meaning that one probably can't overdose it). Usual starting doses are considered attack at three tablets (800mg each) twice a day, lowering to one or two tablets twice a day after a month.

Piracetam has a synergistic effect with DMAE, centrophenoxine, choline and Hydergine, which means that the effects of Piracetam are amplified when taken at the same time with these drugs.

This product is even not contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing and may be taken by children. No interactions with commonly used pharmaceutical products have been found. There have been no reported cases of overdose. When in doubt, the patient is though advised to discontinue treatment.

Piracetam is a prescription only drug in many countries, but is widely available via mail-order.

* Hydergine

(Brand names: Circanol, Coristin, D-Ergotox forte, L.U.T., Dacoren, Deapril-ST, Decme, Decril, Defluina, DHE, DHET, dihydroergotoxine, Dulcion, Enirant, Ergodesit, Ergohydrin, ergoloid mesylates, Ergoplus, Insibrin, Nehydrin, Novofluen, Orphol, Perenan, Progeril, Redergin, Simactil, Sponsin, Trigot and Unergol)

Another well known smart drug is Hydergine, which is used to treat senility. It is also supposed to increase intelligence, memory and recall, and prevent various type of brain deterioration. Furthermore it is supposed to repair some of the damage done by free radicals.

One of the strongest effects Hydergine has is it's ability to prevent damage to the brain caused by too little oxygen and therefor it is used as an emergency treatment for stroke patients. Known side-effects are mild nausea, dizziness and headaches, but Hydergine is considered virtually non-toxic. A danger of adverse reactions still exists at very high doses and people suffering from psychosis should not use it. An effective dose can be anything from 3 mg to 9 mg, even though doses as high as 12 mg have been tried on healthy humans with no side-effects. Hydergine pills range usually from 1 mg to 5 mg per pill. It is notable that the daily dose should be divided to three equal doses and that the effects may not be noticeable until after several months of use (unless a high dosage is taken).

The legal status of Hydergine is similar to that of Piracetam.

* Vasopressin

(Brand nameiapid, LVP, Lypressin, Postacton, Syntopressin, Adiuretin, SD, DAV Ritter, DDAVP, Desmopressin, Desmospray, Minirin and AVP)

Another prescription drug called Diapid (a trade name for Vasopressin) is widely known for its nootropic effects. Diapid is a brain hormone that is naturally present in your body and which helps in learning new information. It has been used to treat a form of diabetes, because it reduces the need to urinate. It has also been used to treat several conditions leading to memory impairment.

Vasopressin is taken in the form of a nasal spray - 2 to four sniffs three times a day. Its effects are imminent and noticeable; clear headed feeling and increased attention are among reported effects. It is usually sold in c. 12 ml bottles and runs out very quickly if used continuously. Continuous use is also discouraged, because it may cause headaches, nose irritation or abdominal cramps. People with diagnosed hypertension or cardiovascular problems should also proceed with caution (if you don't know what these mean, ask a doctor first). After all this, it might be odd to say that Vasopressin is a generally safe drug, but it is just that. One has to keep in mind that milk or even wheat can produce unfortunate symptoms in a single individual even though most of the people in Europe consume them daily. Vasopressin is a prescription drug and available in many countries.

* Centrophenoxine (Lucidril)

Centrophenoxine is know for its anti-ageing effect (increases the life-span up to 30% in laboratory animals) and for its intelligence boosting properties. It clears out cellular waste product called liposfucin that prevents the normal functioning of neurones. When taken (usually as pills) it breaks down to DMAE in your blood. The effects of these two drugs are believed to be very similar.

Although Centrophenoxine is not sold in the US, DMAE is widely available from health food stores and pharmacists (see DMAE for more information). In Europe Centrophenoxine is a prescription drug and DMAE is less common.

* DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol)

Also known as a drug under the name Deanol-Riker in Europe and widely available as a nutritional supplement in the US. DMAE increases intelligence, memory, energy levels and learning, extends the life span and even elevates mood. Its effects are usually noticeable within half an hour after ingestion (more quickly when taken as a liquid) and continue for a few hours. Some people have reported a build up of tolerance to DMAE after several weeks of use. If tolerance builds up it can be handled by discontinuing the use for a few weeks.

Getting a life through mail order

Smart drugs and nutrients can either be bought at a health store or from a pharmacy (usually with prescription), but the exact details vary from country to country. It is usually best to go and ask at your local pharmacy first and if you can't find it there then resort to mail order. Mail order is the most common form of obtaining smart drugs if the they are unavailable to you otherwise. There are dozens of places you can order drugs from, but as always there's a catch: depending on your country's legislation you may or may not import the drugs.

Piracetam has not been approved by the FDA for use in the United States. This does not mean that it is illegal. It is legal to use, possess, and import piracetam on a 'personal use' basis. Overseas distributors have reported that they have very little trouble shipping to the U.S., and over the past few years piracetam has become available from a number of U.S. companies. What follows is a large excerpt taken from a text on the FDA web site http://www.fda.gov/ circa 2003, covering various elements of legality like 'serious conditions' and 'personal use'.

"For many years FDA has permitted individuals to bring into the country small "personal-use" quantities of drugs sold abroad but not approved in the U.S. -- provided that the drugs do not pose unreasonable or significant safety risks, that their use will not be commercialized, and that they are for a serious condition for which there is no satisfactory treatment available in this country. The policy was designed to allow people to import through their personal baggage small quantities of medicines they may have been treated with while traveling abroad, and to allow individuals with serious conditions the ability to import through the mail personal-use quantities of unapproved drugs that they feel might be helpful in treating their conditions."