Since PS is my first nootropic (correct me if I'm wrong - I think it qualifies as a bona fide 'noot'), it seems fitting that my first post should be in this thread.
I started taking The Vitamin Shoppe's PS complex about 3 days ago using the max dose (3 softgels) listed on the bottle. It lists the contents per softgel as 500mg Phosphatidylserine
Complex (Sharp PS, whatever that is exactly), 100mg Phosphatidylserine, 25mg PC and a couple other things. I'm not sure about the difference between Sharp PS and just plain PS - Sharp appears to be a proprietary substance of the Enzymotec Corp., but that doesn't really tell me anything. So I'm not sure if I'm taking 1,800mg or just 300mg of actual PS.
Anyway, I'd prefer straight PS but this stuff was all I could get locally and I wanted to try a small bottle before ordering an expensive bucket of bulk powder online. I've felt a little foggy, but it seems to be strictly physiological whereas cognitively I'd describe the effect as clear and mellow, if that makes sense. In other words, if I stop typing right now I could easily stare at the wall for a few minutes and just go blank. But if something demands my attention or I just decide to start typing again, I have no problem training my focus on the task at hand.
Understand that part of the reason I went with PS right off was the cortisol lowering aspect. I fit the high cortisol profile to a tee and have for five or ten years now. So I'm wondering if I've been living in a state of constant stressed out hypervigilance for so long that the 'fog' I described above is just 'normal' and only seems strange because it's been so long since my mind has been able to catch its breath, as it were. It's just a theory.
Honestly, I don't think I'd like to feel this way long term, but it seems like something that might go away after my body becomes accustomed to this stuff. I may also reduce the dose in a few days and see what happens. The other thing is I've been trying to limit my caffeine consumption so maybe that's the problem. I do feel somewhat clearer after a cup of tea or coffee, but it doesn't last very long.
Otherwise, my sleep quality seems to have improved the past couple nights, which has been wonderful. Could be a placebo effect, but I'll take it anyway. From what I understand, it'll take some time to get a proper sense of how this stuff will affect me in the long run (especially in terms of memory enhancement, etc.) so I'm content to get some rest while I wait and see.
I would like to know whether anyone else has experienced the fogginess with PS.
I've also ordered some Piracetam, ALCAR, and Sulbutiamine and will introduce those once I've decided what I think about the PS. Uncertain about proper dosage and how to go about adding the new stuff to my regime. Any suggestions? I've got some professional training of an intensely cognitive nature coming up next month and want to have my stack pretty much established by then as I'll need to know exactly what I'm doing and that it's not going to cause any problems, etc.
This is a great forum. I look forward to learning more and interacting with you folks.