9 replies to this topic

[BigJohn]

I am currently taking a stack of nootropics on a daily basis. I was wondering that if I stop taking them, will my brain become so accustomed to the effects of the nootropics, that my brain's capability to function at a high level will be diminished? Will my brain's ability to function become worse than it was before I started using nootropics? The information on this topic is limited. 

 

This is my current stack: 

 

Morning Stack:

Piracetam- 1000 mg
Oxiracetam- 800 mg
Sulbutiamine- 200 mg
Aniracetam- 500 mg
CDP Choline- 250 mg
Choline Bitartrate- 800 mg

Afternoon Stack

Piracetam- 1000 mg
Oxiracetam- 800 mg
CDP Choline- 250 mg
Aniracetam- 500 mg
Choline Bitartrate- 600 mg
Vinpocetine- 20 mg
Sulbutiatmine- 200 mg

•  

[VERITAS INCORRUPTUS]

Yes and no 

 

For a period of time there will be some downregulation that will self correct in due time, but leave a slightly diminished state for a period.  Depending on how long you use that stack and with what daily frequency will determine to a large degree the tolerance that develops.  Some even have withdrawals-type symptomatology from prolonged/chronic use(abuse) of certain agents within this scheme.

 

Most everything is within an action/reaction axis, and as such if something is acted upon to cause enhanced action, the reaction is generally to tune it down or downregulate, also know as tolerance.

 

Responsible use, such as cycling and intermittent use (ie., 3 days on, 3 days off; use on more an occasional "boost as needed" basis), will help stave off the induction of tolerance.

 

Best of Success!

Edited by VERITAS INCORRUPTUS, 18 August 2014 - 05:48 AM.

[BigJohn]

Outstanding reply. Exactly the type of information that I was looking for. So what you're saying is, any instance of diminished brain function due to the cessation of a nootropics regimen is temporary? It is good to know that the benefits of nootropics can be experienced without potential diminished brain function after cessation. I plan on switching to a 5 days on, 2 days off plan in my regimen.

[VERITAS INCORRUPTUS]

Yes, downregulation is temporary in most all instances, except within extreme abuse.  The degree of downregulation and therein the time period it will require to have the necessary pathways upregulate back to normal will depend on the degree of use and within individual variance in response.

 

Even with a 5 on/2 off protocol it is still best to not do so for too chronic a period.  Such as 4 weeks on/2 weeks off.

 

 

[BigJohn]

So downregulation is temporary, even with a nontoxic substance such as a racetam? I didn't know that it was possible to abuse a nootropic (racetam specifically). Would you recommend using my stack every other day? 3-4 times a week? Do you think that I will still be able to experience maximum brainpower and effects of this stack, even using the stack 3-4 times a week? 

 

I was keeping my doses consistent because I have read that the beneficial effects of racetams become stronger with continued, consistent use. SInce they are non-toxic and neuroprotective, I figured that there was no harm in consistently taking them on a daily basis. Thank you for the clarification though.

[VERITAS INCORRUPTUS]

Recommendation:  Definitely cycle the sulbutiamine for best effects.

Most all others are far less prone to tolerance and some will actually have greater potentiation over some time, as so noted.

Still it is a good idea to not engender potential downregulation with too chronic or frequent dosing.

It takes a lot to abuse these, but there is a possibility within extreme use.

 

[adamh]

I quit piracetam after about 5 years of using it. I noticed right away after a few days my memory was worse, concentration worse, and just felt a lot dumber. I did not notice a leveling off but only quit for a month or so to see if it was causing insomnia. Sleep was no better without it and no benefits to quitting. I only took about 700 or 800 mg a day plus a choline source.

[BigJohn]

The thing is, I don't want to become dependent on nootropics. Nootropics are great, and the benefits ate clear (more fluid speech, quicker thinking, heightened vigilance). I was just concerned that if I stopped taking nootropics, my brain would possibly be worse off then before I started taking nootropics. I read somewhere that nootropics can lead to long-lasting positive changes in brain structure, as well as stimulating the growth of new synapses and neural pathways, however, information is limited on this topic. 

[StevesPetRat]

The thing is, I don't want to become dependent on nootropics. Nootropics are great, and the benefits ate clear (more fluid speech, quicker thinking, heightened vigilance). I was just concerned that if I stopped taking nootropics, my brain would possibly be worse off then before I started taking nootropics. I read somewhere that nootropics can lead to long-lasting positive changes in brain structure, as well as stimulating the growth of new synapses and neural pathways, however, information is limited on this topic.

I'm not sure something that causes permanent impairment post-cessation would really qualify as a nootropic, know what I mean?

That said, the only ones that may cause temporary problems are ones that hit a particular monoamine hard, particularly dopamine.

[BigJohn]

 

I'm not sure something that causes permanent impairment post-cessation would really qualify as a nootropic, know what I mean?

That said, the only ones that may cause temporary problems are ones that hit a particular monoamine hard, particularly dopamine.

 

 

I was just concerned because I have heard by word of mouth that people often feel dumber after stopping nootropics, and I wanted to know if what I heard held any merit. Any man made substance that is ingested that affects the dopamine receptors could have potential to cause a bit of short term impairment. Upregulation would then occur after a short period of time, according to Verritas Incorruptus.