8 replies to this topic

[markyy]

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).

[Galaxyshock]

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

[markyy]

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

[Galaxyshock]

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.

[markyy]

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

[Galaxyshock]

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?

[markyy]

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?

[Galaxyshock]

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?

[Mind]

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