> The glycerinergics are those molecules that can bind to what is known as the 'glycine binding site' of a particular subset of stimulatory receptors (NMDA), and it seems that by stimulating this binding site the overall signalling is increased.<p>'Glycerinergics' has only one result on Google - this article. Even if we assume that they mean it in the same way as we talk about GABAergic or dopaminergic drugs the definition they have stated is fundamentally incorrect. Glycerinergic drugs would be those that bind to any of the same sites that the endogenous molecule glycine binds to - not necessarily just NMDAr sites, this is an over simplification. Further more, to say that NMDA receptors are inherently 'stimulatory' is frankly ridiculous. Ligands can be either agonists or antagonists at a given binding site - examples of non-excitatory NMDAr binding drugs would be the arylcyclohexamine family (PCP, Ketamine, PCE etc) and Dizocilpine (MK-801). Finally, 'overall signalling is increased' is almost laughable. 'Signalling' through which neurotransmitters? In what manner? How is 'overall' measured?<p>While I may not have an absolutely perfect understanding of psychopharmacology, I do know enough not to trust this article - particularly when it is taking about drugs with very little history of human use.<p>If you are considering using the drugs in this article, it might be advisable to question why. Just because a compound is new, does not mean it is going to be better or the effects more desirable than it's predecessor(s). Of course it is possible that it could be, but it seems likely that in reality you are simply exposing yourself to unnecessary health risks for minimal reward. Would it really be so bad to use Piracetam for a couple of years while the phenyl derivative's action in humans is not well documented? Consider your health and the potential gains carefully and make a rational decision.
There is one really awesome supplement that is often overlooked. (Neuroscience is one of my main side-interests and apparently I've been living under a rock in regards to L-Theanine. Well studied, It has a very good safety profile, with no apparent side-effects even in high dosage. It's the reason why I've switched from coffee to green tea.<p><i><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21040626" rel="nofollow">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21040626</a><p></i><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18641209" rel="nofollow">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18641209</a><p><i><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18296328" rel="nofollow">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18296328</a><p></i><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22214254" rel="nofollow">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22214254</a><p><i><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16930802" rel="nofollow">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16930802</a><p></i><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23395732" rel="nofollow">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23395732</a>
In every discussion I have seen of "smart drugs" (nootropics), what is conspicuously lacking is discussion of the actual smart deeds performed by the smart drug users. Self-reported n=1 anecdotes have not established a convincing case that any kind of nootropic actually does anyone any good in the real world.<p>(Maybe I'll edit this comment some more below during its editing time window. Or perhaps this point is so evident that it needs no elaboration.)
I see a lot of people here experimenting with racetams.<p>I caution you to do extensive research on pubmed.gov and at least flip through a few pharmacology and neuroscience books, if you plan on long term use of said racetams. Wikipedia as a last resort or to refresh your knowledge.<p>They all have different properties and on rare occasions, could have completely opposite effects, depending on the person taking them and their genetic markup. A lot of them act on the glutamatergic pathways, and/or have more obscure/newly discovered methods of action.<p>For evidence, I offer 'Levetiracetam as monotherapy or add-on to valproate in the treatment of acute mania-a randomized open-label study.' at <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18369598" rel="nofollow">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18369598</a> and conversly, 'Acute psychosis associated with levetiracetam.' <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12875956" rel="nofollow">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12875956</a> or 'Levetiracetam: An Unusual Cause of Delirium.', at <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23782757" rel="nofollow">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23782757</a><p>Levetiracetam was initially approved for seizure control. I hope you can see from the above mentioned papers that while it can also help someone 'calm down', it can bring another unfortunate person into a manic psychotic state.<p>////<p>The best way to try a nootropic or a new medication for that matter, is to wean yourself off any other supplements and only try one at a time. You'll also need to have a good understanding of the Cytochrome P450, to be able to avoid enzyme induction or inhibition, if you plan to later on add other supplements to your regimen.<p>Especially if you will also be taking Rx medication.<p>You do not want to unknowingly overdose yourself with something or sabotage your 'treatment' by accidentally taking a product that happens to induce the enzyme complex metabolizing one of your other supplements or meds. A supplement or medication that also acts as an enzyme inducer will reduce the time spent in your system of the product's who's metabolism is controlled by said enzyme(s).<p>///<p>To sum up, before putting stuff in your body, do your due diligence and be wary of relying on anecdotal reports of success with said supplements. Results WILL vary, because every body is unique.
Modafinil works great, racetams while they do something, I didn't observe some effect that would be specifically desirable. It's not that they don't have effect, just that they seem overhyped.<p>DMAE for example (if I got letters right), if you take it before sleep, it gives you vivid dreams, since it was suppose to help with generation of neural links, then, this would explain effect.<p>I am still looking and trying to find things that would be helpful without detrimental effects. I should note that anything like adderal I didn't try and don't intend to.
I have done some experiments with nootropics (namely adderal) as well, but failed to notice anything. I am a chain smoker, that could be the reason, I am not sure.<p>I failed to understand the basics behind this "cognitive enhancer" hype, lets say these stuff "really" works, then why we don't see those multi-billion pharmaceutical companies investing on them? If they would really worked, then I should already find all those pharmacy shops around me teeming with nootropics (assuming they have negligible side effects), right?<p>BTW, I am actually from south-east asia, here you can buy almost anything (except LSD etc.) without prescription, and we have dozens of pharmaceutical companies outsourcing drugs to the other side of the world. Moreover, if these companies could really come up with something real, then it could be an "instant hit" here.
Accelerator program start engine (powered by Accenture) is backing UCLA Neuroscientists on the nourishment piece to brain fitness. Full disclosure, I’m on the team for the summer.
Have a look at what we are doing at trubrain and I’ll bring on Dr. Andrew Hill to answer any Neurofeedback or nootropic question.