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Benztropine works wonders for ADHD but has downsides - alternatives?

adhd stimulants dopamine transporter dri dopamine reuptake inhibitor benztropine dat

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#1 markyy

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Posted 15 September 2023 - 07:52 PM


Hi all, I've had a horrible time finding a way yo effectively treat what I believe to be a pretty typical presentation of mixed-type ADHD.  Stimulants like Adderall, Ritalin, Vyanse/Dexedrine all overstimulate and do more harm than good.

 

Enter benztropine.  It's the closest thing I've found to feeling normal: dramatically increases ability to focus, stay on task, etc.  Problem is, it's an antichoniergic.  Even at small doses (I take 0.25 mg at bedtime), I'm experiencing poor short term memory, sexual dysfunction, and extreme weakness (used to run 10 miles/week, now can't run at all).

 

It seems reasonable to theorize that benztropine's inhibition of DAT reuptake is really helping with the ADHD symptoms.  While the drug's anticholinergic effects may also help alleviate those symptoms to a degree, it seems reasonable to conclude the antimuscarinic properties of benztropine are responsible for the bad side effects.

 

Any theories on a "pure" DAT reuptake inhibitor that could be worth trying that could accomplish what benztropine is doing while avoiding side effects?  Drugs like Mirapex are incredibly demotivating and sedating (and seem to really act on D2/D3).  Modafinil and armodafinil overstimulate (and have effects beyond dopamine).  I've tried pretty much every typical treatment under the sun.

 

Thanks for any ideas here.  While something FDA approved would be ideal, absolutely willing to try supplements and/or research chems (if I can get my hands on them).



#2 Galaxyshock

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Posted 04 October 2023 - 02:49 PM

Well anticholinergics aren't the way to go. Have you tried Ginkgo Biloba?



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#3 markyy

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Posted 04 October 2023 - 03:03 PM

Thanks!  I have not tried Ginkgo Biloba.  Is there a particular type/brand you recommend?



#4 Galaxyshock

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Posted 04 October 2023 - 03:16 PM

Try to get an extract standardized to both ginkgo flavone glycosides and terpene lactones. I've personally used OstroVit Ginkgo Biloba Extract powder with good benefits on cognition, it's pretty cheap product. I don't have ADHD so can't say personally about its efficacy, but nickname NeuroNootropic found Ginkgo beneficial for his ADHD. I haven't looked that much into it but there seems to be evidence base for Ginkgo in ADHD treatment, either alone or as adjunctive. Worth a shot in my opinion.



#5 markyy

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Posted 04 October 2023 - 03:19 PM

Thank you!  Seems like there are a decent number of standardized extracts from reputable brands on Amazon.  Will order today.


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#6 Galaxyshock

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Posted 05 October 2023 - 06:47 AM

Good, give Ginkgo at least a few days to a week as you may not feel it work immediately. It's not exactly a stimulant similar to classic ones, but Ginkgo does have both stimulative and calming properties.

 

I also started to think of Fasoracetam, it has some efficacy for certain types of ADHD, have you tried it?



#7 markyy

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Posted 19 October 2023 - 06:51 PM

I also started to think of Fasoracetam, it has some efficacy for certain types of ADHD, have you tried it?

 

I have some fasoracetam but am afraid to try it due to side effects (fatigue, sexual).  Have you tried it?



#8 Galaxyshock

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Posted 20 October 2023 - 08:31 AM

I have some fasoracetam but am afraid to try it due to side effects (fatigue, sexual).  Have you tried it?

 

I took it like five years ago for anxiolysis / hoping it upregulates GABA-B. I liked the effect it had, no side effects except that it kinda had that "chemical feeling" to it, which many synthetic nootropics tend to have. I can't remember the doses I took. Maybe try it with low doses first and see how you feel?



#9 Mind

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Posted 15 April 2025 - 06:56 PM

Just an FYI: groundbreaking ADHD researchers are now admitting that the whole ADHD industry is built on junk science.


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#10 AdderallTumeric4us

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Posted 26 August 2025 - 02:17 AM

"Thanks for any ideas here.  While something FDA approved would be ideal, absolutely willing to try supplements and/or research chems (if I can get my hands on them)."

 

Hello, perhaps you've not yet considered this plant-based chemical that is exciting and relatively new to the scientific community at the nootropic levels, the plant-based alkaloid Pseudoindoxyl.

It is thought to have cognition affecting qualities, though it is not certain how. It is one of the alkaloids in Kratom actually, one of the 3 alkaloids, it is more interesting at its effects levels than the other 2 primary kratom alkaloids in ways that are less about the mu-opioid receptor. But pseudoindoxyl is intriguing at levels other than just pain mitigation you may find hopeful or curious! 

 

Take a look, see if it captivates your attention, it would be curious to hear some experiences for these purposes: 

Pseudoindoxyl

  • Pain management: Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl holds the promise of being a natural alternative for pain management. The analgesic properties of this alkaloid have attracted those seeking relief from pain without the use of traditional prescription medications. For individuals searching for natural pain relief, Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl may offer an intriguing possibility.
  • Mood enhancement and stress relief: Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl's effects on mood enhancement and stress relief are gaining attention. It may have the potential to improve mental well-being and reduce stress.
  • Stress is an ever-present challenge in our fast-paced lives. Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl is being explored for its potential to enhance mood and alleviate stress. Understanding how it may positively impact mental well-being is a crucial part of this exploration.
  • Focus and cognitive enhancement: The possibility of Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl as a nootropic is an exciting avenue of research. It may enhance focus and cognitive function, providing an alternative to traditional cognitive-enhancing substances.

https://kratomcountr...e-pseudoindoxyl

 

 

Anyone mess with it yet for various nootropic effects?

What do yall think?







Also tagged with one or more of these keywords: adhd, stimulants, dopamine transporter, dri, dopamine reuptake inhibitor, benztropine, dat

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