Post: #26

(06-02-2014 01:35 PM)2014 Wrote:  

(06-02-2014 11:55 AM)Valentine Wrote:  Caffeine is the most popular stimulant in the world for a good reason - it helps you stay alert and get shit done. Problem is that there can be all sorts of nasty side effects such as jitteryness, anxiety, nausea, heart palpitations etc.

Not anymore. L-Theanine is an amino acid which completely removes the negative sides. Boom. Brilliant way for a beginner to get into nootropics with an awesome legal short-term enhancer.

Recommended Brand:
Natural Stacks Smart Caffeine (with L-Theanine in 2:1 ratio) http://bit.ly/43gffsf

Or if you want to purchase them separately:
NOW Foods L-Theanine 200mg http://bit.ly/1xfdw54 (take 400mg L-theanine for every 200mg caffeine)
SNS Caffeine 200mg http://bit.ly/as53ff4c

True, but if you just drink a lot of green tea it will have the same effect, be healthier and is cheaper.

With a standard cup of green tea having between 14-61mg of caffeine per cup (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19007524 ) and about 5mg theanine (http://bit.ly/SoJWrT ), it's far more effective and efficient to get it through capsules.

Post: #27

So you're saying the L-Theanine will do away with the negative effects of caffeine, like headaches and (what happened to me a while back when I took some crappy caffeine-based weight loss supplement) extreme hunger?

Also, while caffeine will make me physically alert, does this combination enhance cognitive ability and improve concentration?


On modafinil: any recommended brands readily accessible on Amazon? Wikipedia mentions Provigil.

Post: #28

Headaches from caffeine is an uncommon symptom but it does eliminate all noticeable negative side effects for most people. The only way you'll truly know is by testing it using pure caffeine + theanine at the recommended doses, as it could be any number of factors such as your individual biochemistry, dosage, contamination etc which is causing the headaches.

Stimulants (eg caffeine) suppress hunger not aggravate it in most people. I'm not sure what supplement you took but try actual caffeine tablets and see how you feel.

Stimulants enhance alertness and concentration, often resulting in a tunnel focus eg caffeine, Ritalin, modafinil. They're productivity enhancers rather than intelligence enhancers as you'll be more focused to get tasks done but on an IQ test you wouldn't do any better.

Modafinil - not available on amazon as it's a prescription only drug. A friend recently bought off of http://www.medsforbitcoin.com for quite cheap if you convert to bitcoins, but the subreddit for nootropics also recommends a few trustworthy vendors.

Post: #29

(06-02-2014 09:44 AM)boycottamericanwomen Wrote:  I just got my Modafinil in the mail last week. Modalert 200mg tablets from Sun Pharma (an indian pharma company).

It definitely increases my focus, and I'm a guy with pretty bad ADD. If I pop a 200mg tablet, I'll have pretty solid concentration for the next 4 or 5 hours and can just totally focus on whatever it is that I am doing.

So yea Fathom, I'd really check into Modafinil if you are looking for something that will help with your concentration for studying. Downside is the stuff is pretty expensive, it cost me like 150 dollars for 40 pills.

Also, I take it one day on, one day off. If you take it everyday, it stops working as well, and it can also cause nausea and headaches if taken daily.

If you get a diagnosis of shift-worker sleep disorder, narcolepsy, generalized daytime fatigue, etc. it's significantly cheaper, and very easy to do.

I pay $10 for a 30 day supply.

I take it ~5 days/week. It's not habit-forming, but good to cycle off to maximize effect.

Post: #30

(06-03-2014 12:28 AM)Valentine Wrote:  Modafinil - not available on amazon as it's a prescription only drug. A friend recently bought off of http://www.medsforbitcoin.com for quite cheap if you convert to bitcoins, but the subreddit for nootropics also recommends a few trustworthy vendors.

I bought mine from Rx Rex, I found him on that reddit page. Took about 6 weeks to arrive, which was kind of a bummer. I am going to buy it from a vendor on Silk Road with bitcoins next time, hopefully it will come faster.

Post: #31

(06-03-2014 01:47 AM)PHC19 Wrote:  

(06-02-2014 09:44 AM)boycottamericanwomen Wrote:  I just got my Modafinil in the mail last week. Modalert 200mg tablets from Sun Pharma (an indian pharma company).

It definitely increases my focus, and I'm a guy with pretty bad ADD. If I pop a 200mg tablet, I'll have pretty solid concentration for the next 4 or 5 hours and can just totally focus on whatever it is that I am doing.

So yea Fathom, I'd really check into Modafinil if you are looking for something that will help with your concentration for studying. Downside is the stuff is pretty expensive, it cost me like 150 dollars for 40 pills.

Also, I take it one day on, one day off. If you take it everyday, it stops working as well, and it can also cause nausea and headaches if taken daily.

If you get a diagnosis of shift-worker sleep disorder, narcolepsy, generalized daytime fatigue, etc. it's significantly cheaper, and very easy to do.

I pay $10 for a 30 day supply.

I take it ~5 days/week. It's not habit-forming, but good to cycle off to maximize effect.

I am living in Asia and it's not really available where I am at. I checked every pharmacy, believe me.

Has anyone here used Piracetam? I used it at 2500mg a day for 3 weeks and didn't really notice any effects. It's supposed to improve memory and concentration but I didn't really notice any effect at all, other than a weird feeling of pressure in the center of my brain.

Post: #32

Caffeine and theanine combo ismuch more than either alone, I would def say there is some synergy going on.

I supp with theanine a couple times a week, but I remember the first time I combined the two I had the best workout of my life. I took 200 mg of each. Normally that much caffeine is way too much and I would not be comfortable, but with theanine I felt like a beast who was calm but powerful. No fatigue

Post: #33

Thinking about taking this https://www.onnit.com/alphabrain/#ingredients-use it is a blend of lots of different things my roommate listened to Joe Rogan's podcast he uses it and likes it. Probably gets paid to say it but I've heard good things about it but never used it myself curious if anyone has taken it or has opinion on it.

Post: #34

(06-03-2014 10:02 AM)boycottamericanwomen Wrote:  Has anyone here used Piracetam? I used it at 2500mg a day for 3 weeks and didn't really notice any effects. It's supposed to improve memory and concentration but I didn't really notice any effect at all, other than a weird feeling of pressure in the center of my brain.

The best dose is 4.8g twice a day (http://bit.ly/U9bgM7 ) for piracetam but the only noticeable effects will be perceptual (colours sharper, more intricacy to sounds etc) and more creative ideas flowing.

It boosts intelligence but this will only be measurable with free IQ tests before-and-after such as Cambridge Brain Sciences. It doesn't enhance concentration, though you'll see improvements short-term memory, reasoning ability (problem-solving) and verbal fluency using tests.

The weird feeling of pressure is due to choline depletion (a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine). Either eat a load of eggs or chicken every day, or take a choline supplement.

The best and most bioavailable are CDP Choline (also enhances uridine production for intelligence http://bit.ly/1tEH8Tka ) or Alpha GPC (also enhances growth hormone release http://bit.ly/1kFR0Xra ) though they can be a bit expensive. I personally take ALCAR for the acetyl group (http://bit.ly/1hvYdipa ) and choline bitartrate for choline (http://bit.ly/1kFRKvJa ) every day.

(06-03-2014 10:48 AM)Bergalerg Wrote:  Thinking about taking this https://www.onnit.com/alphabrain/#ingredients-use it is a blend of lots of different things my roommate listened to Joe Rogan's podcast he uses it and likes it. Probably gets paid to say it but I've heard good things about it but never used it myself curious if anyone has taken it or has opinion on it.

This new Alpha BRAIN is very expensive for what it is, you're better off buying the vitamins, amino acids, choline etc separately. If you're looking for an all-in-one nootropic, there's nothing like the CILTEP stack (available here: http://bit.ly/1oStaQ1A ). This stands for Chemically Induced Long-Term Potentiation, which basically means your neurons (brain cells) will form connections faster thus supercharging your speed of learning and duration of memory.

You can read others experiences on Reddit here (http://bit.ly/1pPgNl3a ) but generally the consensus is that you feel more alert and focused, with some even saying that “CILTeP is as powerful as Modafinil”. I've not taken CILTEP personally but the science behind it is sound and the positive anecdotes are plentiful. Be warned though it does potentiate stimulants, which means you'll have to reduce your caffeine dose to compensate as you'll be more sensitive to it.

Post: #35

Guys. With exception to our friend in Asia, just go to the doctor with a plan and explanation for why you need Modafinil. Don't bother with Amazon, the black market, etc. Most of that shit is fake. Modafinil is 100% legit. Outside of a few items (whey, creatine, fish oil, D3) the supplement industry is rife with chicanery and pseudo-science. Go with pharma.

Tell the doc you're a shift worker, volunteer fireman, cop etc. and sleep issues are affecting your quality of life. They don't really know, care, or are able to validate WTF you do for a living. Furthermore, modern day doctors are really nothing more than a rubber stamp for the pharmaceutical industry. They are literally financially incentivized to send you on your merry way with a bromide of all sorts of expensive pills, many of which come with a small co-pay if you have decent insurance. I know. I work in the medical industry.

This shit is not rocket science.

Post: #36

Well, still on the topic of prescriptions, then, how about Armodafinil as an alternative to Modafinil?

Post: #37

Not sure if I should start a new thread but since it's applicable here, I'll ask.

How can a person increase their concentration ability naturally, without drugs?

I mean I can take Modafinil, or Ritalin, but I believe in natural solutions to problems.

Post: #38

(06-04-2014 09:04 PM)boycottamericanwomen Wrote:  Not sure if I should start a new thread but since it's applicable here, I'll ask.

How can a person increase their concentration ability naturally, without drugs?

I mean I can take Modafinil, or Ritalin, but I believe in natural solutions to problems.

the racetams improve concentration & focus. Piracetam, aniracetam. I think Noopept as well. Much much more subtle than a stimulant though.

Post: #39

Increasing Intelligence Without Supplements
One crucial aspect of intelligence is working memory capacity, which is our ability to retain relevant and ignore irrelevant information. Studies show that increases in WMC increase fluid intelligence, which is interesting as it was thought to be unchangeable and undergo an irreversible decline from your 30s onwards.

You can improve WMC through a brain-training exercise known as dual n-back, which requires you to remember two stimuli (eg a sound and a colour) n trials back. Incidentally this is the only form of 'brain training' that is scientifically proven to improve intelligence permanently ( http://on.wsj.com/1i4EEZc ).

Here's an example of how dual 2-back works:
By the 3rd trial you may be shown green, red then blue as well as the sounds A, F then G. On this 3rd trial you then have to indicate whether each of the stimuli on this new trial (G and blue) is the same as 2 trials back (A and green).

Increases in intelligence is correlated with educational and career success, income and even health measures. Anecdotally people say they are able to hold more information in mind at once (eg when ordering food remembering 10 different orders), faster problem-solving, sharper in conversation (verbal fluency) and more creativity.

You can download a free dual n-back application here (http://bit.ly/1kwx8Mg ).

This is the best non-supplement method of increasing intelligence, which can of course be stacked with the many nootropics previously mentioned for even greater gains.

Post: #40

Hey guys tell me what you think of my current stack

Just bought off amazon:
L-theanine
Lion's mane mushroom extract

What I'm taking in addition:
B-complex w/ Vitamin C
Ginseng complex with royal jelly
Magnesium
Zinc
D3
Fish oil
Copper

Post: #41

(06-05-2014 02:29 PM)AfgScarface Wrote:  Hey guys tell me what you think of my current stack

Just bought off amazon:
L-theanine
Lion's mane mushroom extract

What I'm taking in addition:
B-complex w/ Vitamin C
Ginseng complex with royal jelly
Magnesium
Zinc
D3
Fish oil
Copper

Looks like a good compilation of the most popular recommendations from this forum. I especially like the Royal Jelly as it stimulates glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), which is great for long-term cognitive health.

Few critiques:
- Don't take B-complex w/ Vitamin C every day (B vitamins are fairly plentiful in a varied diet, the complexes tend to have 1000%+ of RDA of certain B vitamins and also the antioxidant effect of vitamin C may actually be harmful http://bit.ly/1unAsv0 )

-Vitamin D3 should be okay at 5000 IU and fish oil less than 4g over the long-term

- I'd be wary about dosages, as you may be getting too much of certain vitamins/minerals depending on your diet. No-one wants to hear this but you have to record your food intake for a few weeks to get a real idea of what vitamins/minerals you're actually deficient in. Overdosing on anything even 'healthy vitamins' is not good for you. I use http://www.cronometer.com.

Post: #42

That brain program looks interesting, I'll try it out.

I'm throwing out my Modafinil. The stuff gives me pretty bad cramps in the stomach, and it also lessens my ability to feel emotion. It's a strange effect but it's like I am unable to feel normal emotion while on the stuff. I remember back in my teens, Ritalin had that same effect, which is why I refused to take it.

Post: #43

(06-05-2014 05:26 PM)Valentine Wrote:  

(06-05-2014 02:29 PM)AfgScarface Wrote:  Hey guys tell me what you think of my current stack

Just bought off amazon:
L-theanine
Lion's mane mushroom extract

What I'm taking in addition:
B-complex w/ Vitamin C
Ginseng complex with royal jelly
Magnesium
Zinc
D3
Fish oil
Copper

Looks like a good compilation of the most popular recommendations from this forum. I especially like the Royal Jelly as it stimulates glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), which is great for long-term cognitive health.

Few critiques:
- Don't take B-complex w/ Vitamin C every day (B vitamins are fairly plentiful in a varied diet, the complexes tend to have 1000%+ of RDA of certain B vitamins and also the antioxidant effect of vitamin C may actually be harmful http://bit.ly/1unAsv0 )

-Vitamin D3 should be okay at 5000 IU and fish oil less than 4g over the long-term

- I'd be wary about dosages, as you may be getting too much of certain vitamins/minerals depending on your diet. No-one wants to hear this but you have to record your food intake for a few weeks to get a real idea of what vitamins/minerals you're actually deficient in. Overdosing on anything even 'healthy vitamins' is not good for you. I use http://www.cronometer.com.

I didnt click on your link but come on man ?.... You are worried about overdosing on Vitamin B and C ? They are water soluble and need to be replaced daily. Vitamins and minerals from foods are easily destroyed not to mention arent even there in the first place. Our food is complete crap. Even organic food isnt much of a step up since the ground has no minerals l anymore. Yes organic food is safer in the sense of the chemicals and NON GMO but a lot still lacks nutrition.

Take your water soluble vitamins daily and take a lot

I am also about to start a stack of noots. Just waiting for my buddy to put it all together. I think it will consist of 2 of the racetams and noopept. Will report back

Post: #44

(06-05-2014 09:09 PM)BIGINJAPAN Wrote:  I didnt click on your link but come on man ?.... You are worried about overdosing on Vitamin B and C ? They are water soluble and need to be replaced daily. Vitamins and minerals from foods are easily destroyed not to mention arent even there in the first place. Our food is complete crap. Even organic food isnt much of a step up since the ground has no minerals l anymore. Yes organic food is safer in the sense of the chemicals and NON GMO but a lot still lacks nutrition.

Take your water soluble vitamins daily and take a lot

Whilst it's true hypervitaminosis is more likely to occur with fat-soluble vitamins, every day getting a ridiculous excess of water-soluble vitamins is not good advice. It's better to exercise some caution with supplementation because even in the off-chance there's no health damage, there's certainly no health benefit to unnatural mega dosing.

Our modern diet is deficient in vitamins and minerals comparatively to our traditional diet, but we still need to establish exactly what our body needs before taking every supplement 'just in case'. Tracking mineral/vitamin intake is the first step, but really everyone should be getting blood tests to determine the vitamin/mineral content in their body.

I for one followed a well known blogger's supplementation advice and got toxic levels of vitamin D because I never established exactly how my body responds my current lifestyle. There's no one-size-fits-all solution, so if we truly want to get healthier the first step is self-knowledge.

Check out that link about vitamin C, it basically illuminates why we shouldn't be supplementing with antioxidants (vitamin A, C, E, etc) as it basically makes us more fragile. This is further evidence that vitamin supplementation should only be used to correct specific known deficiencies.

(06-05-2014 09:09 PM)BIGINJAPAN Wrote:  I am also about to start a stack of noots. Just waiting for my buddy to put it all together. I think it will consist of 2 of the racetams and noopept. Will report back

Awesome, if your anything like me you'll love Noopept - massive gains in IQ, creativity and perception. I'd test them separately, using Cambridge Brain Sciences to first establish a baseline then testing again whilst 'on' each nootropic as some will have better objective benefits than others, whilst some will have better subjective benefits.

Also it may be worth getting a choline source if you don't eat a lot of chicken/eggs. Enjoy your new intelligence!

Post: #45

(06-03-2014 12:28 AM)Valentine Wrote:  Stimulants (eg caffeine) suppress hunger not aggravate it in most people. I'm not sure what supplement you took but try actual caffeine tablets and see how you feel.

Going back to this topic. I got the Smart Caffeine tablets and tried it for the first time today. Took one this morning and one in the afternoon. I can't say it created any type of heightened focus or increased alertness, but maybe it's because I was tired to begin with.

The first capsule had an effect about twenty minutes in. I felt slightly jittery (typical caffeine effect), a little bit "hot," but didn't experience an increased heart rate. I also got the sniffles, though maybe it was 'cause of the air conditioner being on.

The afternoon was similar (though without the sniffles). What morning and afternoon had in common, though, was a distinctive discomfort in my throat, almost as if I was coming down with a cold.

As far as feeling hungry, I don't know about caffeine suppressing it, it just doesn't work out like that with me. About an hour after taking the morning capsule I felt that distinctive sharp pang of hunger and had to eat something.

By the way, the stuff I'd taken that I mentioned above was Hydroxycut. I swallowed like two or three tablets and was nowhere near any food source (uptown Manhattan snobby neighbourhoods, not even a damn hot dog stand). By the time I got to the restaurant we were going to, I thought I was going to die of hunger. hah

I'll keep trying the Smart Caffeine and see how it works out.

Post: #46

(06-06-2014 02:54 AM)Valentine Wrote:  Awesome, if your anything like me you'll love Noopept - massive gains in IQ, creativity and perception. I'd test them separately, using Cambridge Brain Sciences to first establish a baseline then testing again whilst 'on' each nootropic as some will have better objective benefits than others, whilst some will have better subjective benefits.

Also it may be worth getting a choline source if you don't eat a lot of chicken/eggs. Enjoy your new intelligence!

I might go for choline..I find that Noopept doesn't work for me any more..the first effect was amazing and then afterwards it was like...nothing.I got mine from Liftmode..product seems pure and they deliver el pronto!

Post: #47

Been looking into Piracetam and Sunifiram. I'd like to go ahead and order some, but I wanted to be sure I wasn't about to buy some snake oil before doing so. Has anyone here ordered through Smart Drugs for Thought? They seem to have a good reputation on some of the other forums, Amazon and eBay.

Post: #48

I've always been afraid of taking supplements because of side effects. Any concern about these brain boosting pills and powders? Short and long term?

Post: #49

Anyone try sulbutiamine / "Arcalion?" Available over-the-counter.

Gives me a boost, seems to help concentration, but results are variable. It sometimes puts me in a bad mood.

Post: #50

Sulbutiamine is pretty good, it also is supposedly good for sex drive. It's more bioavailable than thiamine (Vitamin B1).

@MrConflicted most of the racetams are extremely safe to take, particularly the racetam chemicals. You can find a downloadable PDF regarding the earlier Racetams on the "Research" page at https://www.smartdrugsforthought.com/