During the summer I added an Omega 3/6 supplement (EPA: 330 mg, DHA: 220 mg) because I can't eat fish and have been experiencing the following "low Dopamine" symptoms for over a year now:
- brain fog
- lethargy
- procrastination
- easily stressed and irritable
- limited vocabulary, slow thinking and bad memory
I took the supplement thinking it would restore my mental capacity, but it gave me horrible side effects (agitation, worsening brain fog) and by day nine I had my first ever full on panic attack. Turns out Omega 3 boosts acetylcholine and can result in people with already high levels to have panic attacks / develop mental problems. Two days after I stopped it I was back to normal again.
Unfortunately, I feel like I do need either DHA or EPA, but which of these doesn't raise acetylcholine? I don't want to go through a second panic attack, but I'd rather supplement with one of these acids (ideally in a vegetarian form - algea). It seems to switch whichever article you read. Some say DHA helps mental functions, some EPA.
I tried Wellbutrin 150 mg XR for two months early this fall, helped for exactly one week in the middle (made me super fast and productive), but then it pooped out and only the side effects remained (increased social anxiety, sweating and rage outbursts). I recently switched to Aurorix / Moclobemide (a reversible MAOI / RIMA), but so far it is making me more tired and lethargic. I'd rather not take ADs if the answer is a simple brain supplement, but I don't want to repeat past mistakes.