35 replies to this topic

[ScientiaPotentiaEst]

Thank you for writing the update! You didn't happen to set up a multivariate analyse in order to isolate the relationships and dynamics between the substances used and their affects.
Also, I noticed you used Uridine. Was this uridine-5'-monophospate (UMP) or triacetyluridine (TAU)?

[cjgymrat]

Do you believe the low-dose lexapro imparted any nootropic/ neuroregenerative effects? Is there anything about escitalopram's mechanism of action which caused you to favor it over other potential SSRI's?

[khemix]

Do you believe the low-dose lexapro imparted any nootropic/ neuroregenerative effects? Is there anything about escitalopram's mechanism of action which caused you to favor it over other potential SSRI's?

I took it strictly based on the theoretical notion that serotonin aids in neurogenesis. I noticed it impaired a form of "flash memory" - the exercise flashes a number of pictures for a split second and you're supposed to count them all up in your head - SSRIs impaired this task. I favored escitalopram because of its "clean" pharmacology, it affects very few other receptors outside the SERT transporter. However experience has shown me it is not good, and I even think it has anti-histmaine properties (H-1) which are not good for cognition. The best SSRI by far is Zoloft (sertaline) in terms of how I tolerate it, its very clean too, and gives some dopamine reuptake. There was some benefit on SSRIs, as they cleaned up the internal chatter which could sometimes be distracting. Ideally I would like an SSRI with a half life less then 12 hours, which Straterra actually has as it blocks SERT. Strattera is actually amazing, it has a 5-hour half-life and interesting profile... on it I felt like my frontal lobe was dancing (some kind of high?) and I was absolutely sharp and motivated. I was a sponge for knowledge... I absorbed everything around me, paying attention required zero effort, and I felt great. Unfortunately this runs out after 3 days of consecutive use and taking it causes lethargy - no doubt by a-2 autoreceptors - but sporadically you can retain some of the magic. Just use low doses, no more than 40mg. It's also bloody expensive.

Thank you for writing the update! You didn't happen to set up a multivariate analyse in order to isolate the relationships and dynamics between the substances used and their affects.
Also, I noticed you used Uridine. Was this uridine-5'-monophospate (UMP) or triacetyluridine (TAU)?

UMP.

I'll have a much better report on things within a year, trying a lot of interesting things. In particular indirectly activating the frontal-lobe with specific 5-HT antagonists, clogging D2 autoreceptors, etc.

Until then I advise you to n-back. I would bet my life on it - it is not placebo. It must be done properly however.

Edited by khemix, 08 December 2012 - 07:56 PM.

[samuilov]

I like your methods and ideas would you happen to have some new updates on the matter?

[clockwatcher]

Any updates OP?

[khemix]

So here is the final update. The brain is a stubborn organ and while there were significant gains (about 10 IQ points) they were not permanent. If I maintain the mental regime for a period of two weeks I keep gains that are general enough to be applied to other tasks. But if I stop this program for 2 weeks, I tend to regress back to normal in a similar manner to how weight training works. What's worth noting though is that I can regain my cognitive abilities quicker than it took to develop them. Drugs and supplements are also key. Without them I am barely above baseline.

I won't go into the details but I have learned a number of things from this. (mind you this may only be true to my particular brain).
1) Norepinephrine is bad for cognition. Any time I increase NE I get a wired feeling and my thinking ability suffers greatly. Guanfacine works by decreasing NE and I find I get cognitive gains, likely do to increased ACh levels.
2) Acetylcholine is key to intelligence and memory. Whether choline forms or galantamine, anything that raises ACh makes me sharper and more fluid, as well as giving me stronger memory.
3) Dopamine D2 receptors are GOOD. I was taught D1 receptors were key in working memory, and while that may be true, experimenting with solian and roprinorole has shown me D2 receptors have a key role in memory, motivation, and focus.
4) Don't mess with glutamate. Anything that tinkers with glutmate, either by antagonizing (memnatine or Mg) or depleting (piracetam) makes you stupid.

Well, that is all I got. Sorry to disappoint.