7 replies to this topic

[Dorho]

I've been taking bacopa for over a month now and it's definitely one of those substances that I can feel affecting me - not in a positive way though. For me, bacopa has been so far a "feel bad" herb. It gives me anxiety and awakens all kinds of nasty memories from the depths of my brains. The only reason I keep taking it is because I wish I would get the long-term nootropic effects.

What I would like to ask is are the possible long-term benefits worth the anxiety, and more importantly, are they independent from the short-term effects (serotonin modulation?), which, as already stated, are negative in my case. Does anybody know the scientific explanation for the long-term effects?

[FunkOdyssey]

If bacopa is not making you feel well then stop taking it.

[Dorho]

If bacopa is not making you feel well then stop taking it.

Well, thanks for trying to help me, but there's also the "no pain, no gain" way of approaching things. As you well know, some prescription medications may have serious negative effects (even opposite to the ones they're being prescribed for) for weeks after starting to use them and similarily, if bacopa does have substantial nootropic effect, then it might well be worth the anxiety I've been experiencing so far.

I just wish someone would know the exact way bacopa changes the brains after long-term use.

Edited by Dorho, 06 January 2010 - 07:19 PM.

[drmz]

Could it be the improved clarity/alterness that makes you more anxious?

Edited by drmz, 06 January 2010 - 07:18 PM.

[Dorho]

Could it be the improved clarity/alterness that makes you more anxious?

I'm not sure if I think more clearly after using it because even if it does have a positive effect on clarity, it has come very slowly. The anxiety can be bad for concentration at times so it's definitely net negative so far.

[humanhibernaculum]

Bacopa gave me those feelings if I took it during the day. If I take it at night before bed, it works better. That's just me. I've always had better luck with ashwagandha (on a daily basis) and rhodiola (seldomly). When I really need it, I take Relax-All (w/ phenibut) but only one at a time (maybe 2 or 3 throughout the day if I'm going to have significant anxiety all day, ie holidays), and never more than once a week. The "serving" on the bottle is 4 at a time, but I would not recommend that.

Furthermore, meditation every morning is the best anxiety remedy I can give.

I wouldn't hold onto bacopa if it's treating you like that. Yeah, maybe it'll show some positive signs eventually, but I wouldn't count on it, and with so many other options, I wouldn't go through with it. The positives from it are so subtle to me personally, so I don't think it's worth the pain you're going through.

[spider]

When one takes a dose of a benzodiazepine that is a bit too high, you often experience the opposite effect. You get more anxious. So, I think you probably should half your dosage or quit it all together.

[Dorho]

Thanks for the tips. From now on, I'll take it before going to bed and cut my dosage to half.