I got interested in nootropics when I realized that the reason my memory and cognitive function went to crap because I was taking bupropion 150mg 2x day for the past 4 years. I went to go see my doctor about it and his answer was adderall, which I have to say really wasn't for me. I felt more focused, but at the expense of feeling like I was on drugs. The jaw clenching, speed feeling definitely wasn't for me. I decided to do my own research of the problem on the internet and came across this site which had introduced me into the world of nootropics.
I've been taking piracetam for about two weeks now and I've been experimenting with different doses, anywhere from 1g to 4.8g per dose, 3x a day. I found that the optimal dose for me was 2.4g per dose, along with choline bitarate supplementation. I haven't gotten the choline completely figured out yet, but I've believe taking 250mg with each piracetam dose is the right amount for me. I've also decreased my bupropion to 150mg 1x day and started taking ashwaghanda 450mg 2x day, lithium oratate 5mg 1x day, ALCAR 500mg 2x day and fish oil 1g 2x day.
As far as the effects go, I will say they have been very positive so far. Even though I decreased the bupropion, my mood hasn't altered for the worse in any way. In fact, my mood usually is better throughout the day. The focus is starting to come back and I feel that my thoughts are being streamlined and words come to my mouth without taking any detours along the way. My memory has also improved, it's by no means exceptional, but I feel that it's getting better everyday. The effects are definitely different than any of the prescription drugs I've taken. With those, I feel that the effects are there and immediate, but they only mask the underlying problem and as soon as they wear off, I'm back to where I started, but I feel like my brain has been taken for a ride. Taking my current stack, I feel that the positive effects gradually increase as time goes on, which is a great feeling. I like to compare it to while being on a diet or working out where you're making small changes everyday, but you know in the end that the change will be big.
Overall and I am thrilled at the positive outcome of the nootropics I'm taking now. I actually ordered some aniracetam and pramiracetam to give those a try. I haven't taken the pram yet, but I have tried the aniracetam. At first glance, I'm not that fond of aniracetam because it's made me feel fatigued and amotivated, which is something that I'm trying to avoid.
Edited by guyonabuffalo, 19 May 2013 - 10:14 PM.