Alpha GPC (L-Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine, choline alfoscerate) is a choline source derived from soy or sunflower lecithin. It is also naturally present in small amounts in your body.
Alpha GPC is more bioavailable than other sources of choline for brain benefits. Unlike choline citrate or choline bitartrate, it easily crosses the blood-brain barrier. This makes Alpha GPC a preferred choline source with experienced nootropic users.
Alpha GPC is a precursor to the essential neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
Alpha GPC helps:
- Brain Energy. Alpha GPC improves mood, and boosts mental energy. The extra choline can increase alertness and clarity of thought.
- Neurotransmitters. Alpha GPC is prized for its ability to improve memory. Its high bioavailability makes it a great source of choline for producing the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
- Brain Optimization. Alpha GPC boosts the development of new brain cells. And enhances your brain’s ability to repair damaged cell membranes.
Table of Contents
Overview
Alpha GPC is a type of choline that’s produced in small amounts in your body. You can also get it from eating organ meats, dairy and wheat germ.
Choline is considered an essential nutrient because when your body uses it faster than it can produce it, you need supplemental choline either from food or a supplement.
You need choline for the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. And to form phosphatidylcholine (PC), used in building cell membranes.
In fact, choline is so vital to cognition and nerve function that, without it, we couldn’t move, think, sleep or remember anything.
Alpha GPC is used throughout your body. It even helps the production of human growth hormone. Athletes use it for peak performance, and to help build lean muscle mass. It provides more energy for a workout and quicker recovery.[i]
Here we’re talking about how Alpha GPC affects your brain health and chemistry.
Alpha GPC vs. CDP-Choline vs. Choline Bitartrate: What’s the Difference?
Choline is a water-soluble nutrient and its composition is similar to B-vitamins. Alpha GPC, CDP-Choline, Choline Citrate and Choline Bitartrate are all sources of choline.
CDP-Choline (cytidine 5′-diphosphocholine): Is only about 18% choline by weight. Your body naturally synthesizes choline into CDP-Choline (Citicoline). It’s then converted to phosphatidylcholine (PC) which assists cell membranes, and helps create acetylcholine.
Choline Bitartrate: An economical form of choline, and about 40% choline by weight. So 1 gram of Choline Bitartrate offers 400 mg of actual choline. It does not easily cross the blood-brain barrier. So you won’t experience the same level of nootropic benefits as with Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline.
Alpha GPC: About 40% choline by weight and easily crosses the blood-brain barrier. Alpha GPC naturally occurs in your brain as a byproduct of phosphatidylcholine (PC). When your brain needs more choline, and the choline floating around in your brain is running low, it breaks down PC from cell membranes. And turns it into Alpha GPC.
Your body and brain loves it when you use Alpha GPC. Because it doesn’t have to cannibalize its own cells to get more choline.
How does Alpha GPC Work in the Brain?
Alpha GPC boosts brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.
- Alpha GPC boosts acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter tied to memory and overall brain function. Alpha GPC is a precursor to acetylcholine. Improving the efficiency of communications between neurons in your brain. This increase in neural signaling boosts memory, learning, cognitive processing and mental clarity.
In one study, 32 healthy volunteers received either Alpha GPC or a placebo as a pretreatment. Ten days later they were injected with scopolamine to induce amnesia. The researchers found Alpha GPC was able to prevent the impairment of attention and memory normally caused by scopolamine.[ii]
These researchers showed that memory function in young healthy people could be racked up a notch. Simply by taking Alpha GPC as a supplement.
- Alpha GPC directly impacts development of cell membranes in the cerebral cortex. This outer layer of neural tissues or “gray matter” is the information processing center of your brain. It controls intelligence, motor function, organization, personality, planning and touch.[iii]
Published in Clinical Therapeutics, researchers conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s patients. 400 mg capsules were administered 3- times per day for 180 days. The conclusion of this trial showed consistent improvement in dementia patients given Alpha GPC.[iv]
How things go bad:
As we get older, our brain chemistry and energy metabolism changes.
↓ Recall, reaction time and mood diminish
↓ Brain cell membranes degenerate
↓ Acetylcholine levels decline[v]
↓ Nerve growth factor in the brain declines
All of these age-related changes are contributing factors to the neurodegenerative diseases of aging, including Alzheimer’s and dementia.
But even if you’re not concerned with the effects of aging, Alpha GPC can help.
Alpha GPC to the rescue
Research from hundreds of studies have shown that Alpha GPC will:
- Improve memory and learning ability[vi]
- Restore the bioavailability of acetylcholine[vii]
- Restore and boost nerve growth factor receptors in the brain[viii]
- Increase growth hormones in all age groups[ix]
- Boost cognitive performance and memory in Alzheimer’s patients[x]
Alpha GPC is water-soluble and quickly enters your brain after you take it. Once in your brain, it boosts signal transmission, and protects neurons.
Alpha GPC improves your brain function and learning processes by directly increasing synthesis and secretion of acetylcholine. As your body calls for it.
This form of choline is not a precursor to phosphatidylcholine (PC), but is a metabolite of PC. This means once PC is metabolized and stripped of its fatty acids – all that remains is Alpha GPC.
Instead of scavenging your brain’s own membranes for Alpha GPC, you give it exactly the type of choline its looking for.
How does Alpha GPC feel?
If you have trouble getting started in the morning, try coffee and 400 mg of Alpha GPC. Instead of your usual high sugar, high carbohydrate breakfast.
Alpha GPC can be a great way to boost your energy. Take it 45 minutes before you work out.
Alpha GPC helps with memory, mood, mental performance and energy. Its brain support and ability to fuel the acetylcholine in your brain cells should boost cognition in all age and gender groups.
The Research
In one study, researchers showed that Alpha GPC had positive effects for increasing human growth hormone.[xi]
Alpha GPC Increases the Release of Dopamine
Another trial demonstrated the increase in the release of dopamine.[xii] This is particularly significant in showing Alpha GPC can help those suffering from dopamine deficiencies. And alleviating the symptoms of diseases like depressive disorders and Parkinson’s Disease.
Alpha GPC Facilitates Learning and Memory
An ongoing trial demonstrates Alpha GPC improving memory and attention. This research shows Alpha GPC increasing the effectiveness of pairing it with donepezil (acetylcholinesterase inhibitor). Far better than using donepezil on its own.
And in rats, Alpha GPC boosted learning and memory. It increased brain energy mechanisms and decreased age-related structural changes in the brain.[xiii][xiv]
Alpha GPC Relieves Cognitive Impairment in Alzheimer’s
Thirteen published clinical trials, involving a total of 4,054 Alzheimer’s patients consistently showed Alpha GPC:[xv]
- Boosted memory and attention
- Promoted recovery in stroke patients
- Reversed the symptoms of acute cerebrovascular disease
- Is far more effective than using choline or lecithin in treating disease
Dosage Notes
Alpha GPC is about 40% choline by weight. So 1,000 mg of Alpha GPC provides approximately 400 mg of choline.
- Alpha GPC suggested dosage for cognitive benefits is 400 – 1,200 mg per day.
- Athletic training suggested dosage of Alpha GPC is 400 mg first thing in the morning, and another 400 mg dose 15 – 30 minutes before working out.
- Clinical treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia and other cognitive disorders dosage of up to 1,200 mg per day.
For higher dosages, split the daily Alpha GPC total into 2 or 3 doses per day. For example, 1,200 mg would be taken 400 mg at a time.
Side Effects
Alpha GPC is produced naturally in your body. So is considered well-tolerated and safe.
Side effects are rare but can include fatigue, headaches, nervousness, nausea, diarrhea and gastrointestinal issues. This is often an indication you have too much choline in your body.
Because Alpha GPC causes an energy boost in many neurohackers, avoid dosing in the evening. Or you may have difficulty getting to sleep.
Available Forms
Because Alpha GPC tends to liquefy at 99-100%, many suppliers offer 50% Alpha GPC powder combined with 50% of a filler like silicon dioxide. Adjust your dosage accordingly.
Alpha GPC is made from soy or sunflower lecithin. So if you’re trying to avoid soy in your diet look for A-GPC “no soy” or labeled as derived from sunflower lecithin.
Nootropics Expert Recommendation
Alpha GPC 400 – 1,200 mg per day
We recommend using Alpha GPC as a nootropic supplement.
Your body does make some Alpha GPC on its own. And from the food you eat. But studies have shown we don’t get an adequate supply of choline from food sources in our modern diet.
Alpha GPC is especially helpful for those suffering from age-related cognitive decline. Studies show it helps stop or reverse brain degeneration like Alzheimer’s Disease, and other cognitive disorders. Particularly in the early to mid-stages of the disease.
We suggest starting with a dose of 400 mg daily. And Alpha GPC is a great compliment to a stack including any nootropic from the racetam-family. Anything that causes an increase in uptake of acetylcholine in your brain.
You need to provide your brain with the choline it is demanding. Or it starts cannibalizing your own brain cells for more acetylcholine. Signs that you’re lacking adequate choline are headaches.
Use Alpha GPC at a ratio of 1:4. For example, 400 mg of Alpha GPC to 1,600 mg of a racetam like Piracetam.
Age-related cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s may want to up the dose to 1,200 mg per day.
[i] Ziegenfuss T., Landis J. Hofheins J. “Acute supplementation with alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine augments growth hormone response to, and peak force production during, resistance exercise” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 20085(Suppl 1):P15 (source)
[ii] Canal N., Franceschi M., Alberoni M., Castiglioni C., De Moliner P., Longoni A. “Effect of L-alpha-glyceryl-phosphorylcholine on amnesia caused by scopolamine.” International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, Therapy, Toxicology. 1991 Mar;29(3):103-7. (source)
[iii] Kidd P.M. “Neurodegeneration from mitochondrial insufficiency: nutrients, stem cells, growth factors, and prospects for brain rebuilding using integrative management.” Alternative Medicine Review 2005 Dec;10(4):268-93. (source)
[iv] De Jesus Moreno Moreno M. “Cognitive improvement in mild to moderate Alzheimer’s dementia after treatment with the acetylcholine precursor choline alfoscerate: a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.” Clinical Therapeutics 2003 Jan;25(1):178-93. (source)
[v] Cohen B.M., Renshaw P.F., Stoll A.L., Wurtman R.J., Yurgelun-Todd D., Babb S.M. “Decreased brain choline uptake in older adults. An in vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy study.” JAMA 1995 Sep 20;274(11):902-7. (source)
[vi] Drago F., Mauceri F., Nardo L., Valerio C., Lauria N., Rampello L., Guidi G. “Behavioral effects of L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine: influence on cognitive mechanisms in the rat.” Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior 1992 Feb;41(2):445-8. (source)
[vii] Bronzetti E., Felici L., Amenta F. “Effect of ipsilateral lesioning of the nucleus basalis magnocellularis and of L-alpha-glyceryl phosphorylcholine treatment on choline acetyltransferase and acetylcholinesterase in the rat fronto-parietal cortex.” Neuroscience Letters 1993 Dec 24;164(1-2):47-50 (source)
[viii] Vega J.A., Cavallotti C., del Valle M.E., Mancini M., Amenta F. “Nerve growth factor receptor immunoreactivity in the cerebellar cortex of aged rats: effect of choline alfoscerate treatment.” Mechanisms of Ageing and Development 1993 Jun;69(1-2):119-27. (source)
[ix] Ceda G.P., Ceresini G., Denti L., Marzani G., Piovani E., Banchini A., Tarditi E., Valenti G. “alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine administration increases the GH responses to GHRH of young and elderly subjects.”Hormone and Metabolic Research 1992 Mar;24(3):119-21 (source)
[x] Parnetti L., Abate G., Bartorelli L., Cucinotta D., Cuzzupoli M., Maggioni M., Villardita C., Senin U. “Multicentre study of l-alpha-glyceryl-phosphorylcholine vs ST200 among patients with probable senile dementia of Alzheimer’s type.” Drugs Aging 1993 Mar-Apr;3(2):159-64 (source)
[xi] Ceda G.P., Ceresini G., Denti L., Magnani D., Marchini L, Valenti G., Hoffman A.R. “Effects of cytidine 5′-diphosphocholine administration on basal and growth hormone-releasing hormone-induced growth hormone secretion in elderly subjects.” Acta Endocrinologica (Copenhagen).1991;124(5):516-20. (source)
[xii] Trabucchi M., Govoni S., Battaini F. “Changes in the interaction between CNS cholinergic and dopaminergic neurons induced by L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, a cholinomimetic drug.” Farmaco Sci.1986 Apr;41(4):325-34. (source)
[xiii] Traini E., Bramanti V., Amenta F. “Choline alphoscerate (alpha-glyceryl-phosphoryl-choline) an old choline- containing phospholipid with a still interesting profile as cognition enhancing agent.” Current Alzheimer’s Research 2013 Dec;10(10):1070-9. (source)
[xiv] Florio T., Bajetto A., Thellung S., Arena S., Corsaro A., Bonavia R., Merlino M., Schettini G. “Prolonged treatment with α-glycerylphosphorylethanolamine facilitates the acquisition of an active avoidance behavior and selectively increases neuronal signal transduction in rats” Aging Clinical and Experimental Research October 1999, Volume 11, Issue 5, pp 335-342 (source)
[xv] Parnetti L., Amenta F., Gallai V. “Choline alphoscerate in cognitive decline and in acute cerebrovascular disease: an analysis of published clinical data.” Mechanisms of Ageing and Development 2001 Nov;122(16):2041-55. (source)
Can Alpha GPC be taken in the late evening just after a meal ?
Shaz, it depends. I can use it late and my system accepts it. But for some people it could be too stimulating.
Hi David, Can Alpha GPC be stacked with Astaxanthin?
Shaz, yes it can.
Hi, David!
I’m interested in buying alpha-GPC for my grandmother to help improve her memory and mood. She does take an SNRI, as well as lamictal and lorazepan. Are there contraindications there? Are there any other nootropics you’d recommend for an elderly person experiencing memory loss, insomnia, and/or depression? Thanks so much! Your page has been extremely helpful.
Alpha GPC should not be contraindicated with the meds she it on. But I suggest double-checking using the drugs.com interaction checker here: https://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html
My research for rejuvenating the aging brain can be found here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-the-aging-brain/
Hi David,
Thank you for sharing your in depth research & experience with nootropics. I’ve recently purchased NOW brand’s Alpha GPC. I’m wondering how I can pair it with Vyvanse 20 mg. Should I try it without the stimulant at first? Here’s what I take on days I dose to give you a better idea:
Pre- stimulant: L- Theanine 150 mg
Ashwagandha: 200 mg
Curcumin: 250 mg
Coenzyme Q10: 50 mg
Vitamin B6: 25 mg
Omega 3’s: 500 mg EPA 250 mg DHA (4 hours post dosing)
1 cup black coffee: 2-3 hours after dosing
I dose 3-4 times a week. I take weekend breaks which can extend in to the week as well.
Recently, I started 5000 IU vitamin D & 100 mg vitamin K. Ideally, I want to keep my Vyvanse intake low and wean off of them on to nootropics. I realize that might not be seamless as I haven’t experimented with many others.
Thanks
Ayaz, Vyvanse needs dopamine so I suggest also using 500 mg L-Tyrosine 3-times per day. And get a high quality B-Complex supplement that uses bioactive B-Vitamins.
Thank you for your response.
I take the following as recovery from my stimulant course:
L – Theanine 100 mg
Magnesium Glycinate 200 mg
Vitamin C 150 mg
NALT 175 mg
Melatonin 1.5 mg
What brand would you recommend for NALT & B-Complex? Is there any difference between L-Tyrosine and NALT?
Thanks,
Ayaz
Ayaz, there is some debate about bioavailability with NALT vs L-Tyrosine. Studies show that Tyrosine seems to be more effective than NALT. But practical user experience including mine find that both are equally effective. So I use the 175 mg NALT in Mind Lab Pro (https://bit.ly/3lh3w8a) AND 500 mg L-Tyrosine from here because it’s pure: https://amzn.to/2KjPUv1
And for the B-Complex, I use the one made by Life Extension because it’s pure and they use bioactive vitamins instead of synthetics that others use. You can find that here: https://amzn.to/3qohRRO
David, when do you know if you’re overdoing it with the vitamins/supplements? With the list i’ve shown above, im currently taking 5 pills on days i take vyvanse. If i choose to add NALT powder & B-complex, it’ll be 7 different things. Are there any studies that show how much the liver can handle?
Ayaz, it depends on how healthy your system is and what you can tolerate. Don’t forget that most of these nootropic supplements are called “supplements” for a reason. Because they are supplementing what you are not getting from food every day. If you are concerned about what your liver can handle I suggest getting your labs done and finding out how healthy your liver is. Do this test every once in a while until you are satisfied that you are not doing any damage.
I’m taking these supplements: https://nootropicsexpert.com/what-i-take/. And honestly, I do need to update that list to my current stack because it has changed. And I’ve added a few more supplements. But my liver is perfectly happy with the supplements I’m taking.
It’s either get it all from the food you eat every day which unfortunately is not possible any more. Or get the nutrients from supplements. That’s the only two ways you can give your body and brain what it needs to thrive.
Thank you very much for this detailed article on alpha GPC!
I have a huge exam un 80 days so I am planning on taking alpha GPC along with phenylpiracetam, do I still have to follow the 1:4 ratio? It sounds like that would be too much but idk.
Alma, the recommended Phenylpiracetam dosage is 100 mg twice per day. And you need some Alpha GPC each time you use it. 300 mg Alpha GPC is a standard dose so I’d try that and see.
But keep in mind that some people complain about developing tolerance to Phenylpiracetam quickly. So you may want to consider taking it only on days when you need the extra focus. Or try cycling it one week on and one week off.
Hello! I had a question building off of this.
If I can’t supplement the other racetams for any reason, is it better to do a lower dose/omit Alpha GPC, or could I proceed with the recommended dose?
My biggest concern is that most listings for pramiracetam is a far higher cost than I am willing to invest considering the amount I would need for the recommended 1:4 ratio. Thanks for your answer in advance!
Emily, Alpha GPC is a great supplement on its own and should provide the benefits described in the review above. And 300 mg is the lowest recommended dose. Which you would use 2 or 3-times per day.
Hello david
Can i use alpha GPC and cognizin at the same time?
If so, what would be the dose of each?
Could it be alpha GPC in the morning and cognizin at night?
Wilbert, I use Cognizin (in Mind Lab Pro) and a separate Alpha GPC supplement. 1 cap of MLP in the morning and at noon. And 300 mg Alpha GPC morning, noon and at 4 PM.
You may not need that much choline however. Each of us is different and how our brain’s use these nutrients is different to a certain extent.
But each share a choline molecule for the synthesis of acetylcholine in a different part of the cycle.
Would you recommend cycling on and off alpha gpc 50% with 300 mg per day supplementation when on cycle? Is it possible to develop tolerance? Thank you!
Steve, there is no need to cycle Alpha GPC. This choline compound is naturally made in your brain already. All you’re doing to supplying more Alpha GPC than your brain can make on its own.
This is especially important if you are using anything that uses acetylcholine such as any of the racetams. Or even a heavy work or study session that puts an extra load on your brain. Acetylcholine is used throughout your body as a signaling molecule. And most of us are deficient in this neurotransmitter.
You cannot develop “tolerance” to Alpha GPC. You can use too much however. But the side effects of excess acetylcholine usually goes away within a couple of hours.
Hi David,
I have sourced a 300mg of Alpha GPC supplement mixed with 300mg of Calcium phosphate dihydrate, (i guess I missed it prior to ordering) is this a safe combo to use? I don’t have a calcium deficiency.
Thanks!
Brian
Brian, according to Wikipedia, Calcium phosphate dihydrate in prepared breakfast cereals, dog treats, enriched flour, noodle products, poultry feed, as a tableting agent in pharmaceuticals, in some products meant to eliminate body odor, and in some toothpastes as a tartar control agent.
Why it would be included in a nootropic supplement that has Alpha GPC is beyond me. But according to the above it doesn’t sound dangerous. I suggest asking the manufacturer why they included it in that supplement.
Does Alpha GPC need to be taken with food? How much better absorbed is it taken with or without food?
Sam, Alpha GPC is water-soluble and does not need to be taken with food. It gets to your brain soon after you take it with water.
Ive been taking Alpha GPC for the past few weeks as I’ve been withdrawing from a tricyclic antidepressant. I am experiencing bad withdrawal symptoms. I came across this information:
“A major mechanism of withdrawal from tricyclic antidepressants is believed to be due to a rebound effect of excessive cholinergic activity due to neuroadaptations as a result of chronic inhibition of cholinergic receptors by tricyclic antidepressants
Does this mean I shouldn’t be taking Alpha GPC?
Leyla, based on that quote you shouldn’t be using Alpha GPC. Because that quote is saying you are already dealing with excess choline activity due to withdrawal from the drug.
Where did you find that quote? I’d like to read the entire study. Because a lot of people come here looking for answers on avoiding the severe side effects of antidepressant discontinuation withdrawal symptoms. And so far, I haven’t found an answer.
I found the abstract of the case study here. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9262526/
After coming across this study, I immediately stopped taking the Alpha GPC. This was four days ago. It seemed to be the only logical explanation for what seemed to be such exasperated withdrawal effects. I couldn’t understand- I had been withdrawing from the TCA slowly yet I felt the awful peak of the withdrawal effects last week, when I stopped taking the TCA altogether after all these months of slow withdrawal. In this same week, I had doubled my Alpha GPC dose to 240/day. Big mistake. I stopped the Alpha GPC four days ago. I cannot stress just how much better I finally feel. I feel TOTALLY different! I had no idea that that this type of antidepressants was an anticholinergic nor did I understand just how detrimental anticholinergics are to memory, which is why I began the alpha gpc in the first place as a desperate attempt to improve my deteriorating memory – now I know the true underlying cause. I can honestly say as I’ve slowly been withdrawing from the TCA while taking Alpha GPC, I believe I can attest to the correlation between the excess choline from the Alpha GPC in conjunction with reactivated choline receptors after being on an anticholinergic for nearly two years. Now I’ll be on a journey to repair some of the damage done by these awful drugs – any tips?
Leyla, any supplement that helps repair acetylcholine receptors should help. Those are typically nootropic supplements that increase Nerve Growth Factor and/or Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). You should also take a look at PC (https://nootropicsexpert.com/phosphatidylcholine-pc/) and PS (https://nootropicsexpert.com/phosphatidylserine-ps/). Both supplements should affect acetylcholine receptor density.
Hi David, does alpha gpc lower testosterone levels?.
What can I take for nicotinic receptors other than nicotine?
Greetings.
Claudio, Alpha GPC will not touch testosterone. And do a search using the search function above the top menu for “nicotinic”. You’ll get a list of the nootropics that affect nicotinic receptors. Nootropics like Noopept comes to mind.
Hello David
How often to use Alpha-gpc?
Thanks
Adjai, it depends on your body and brain’s demand for more acetylcholine. Regular suggested dosage is 300 mg 2 – 3-times per day.
Hi
if a person wanted to manufacture their own Alpha GPC products, how does a person get the information on where to start , what machinery is needed and what raw materials ect?
There doesn’t seem to be much information out there on the manufacturing process of Alpha GPC just that it is a source of choline derived from soy or sunflower.
Would really appreciate it if I could get some information on the manufacturing process?
Ryan, this question needs to be put to a biochemical engineer and not someone like me. Maybe try asking these guys? http://purelife-bio.com/products/alpha-gpc/
Hello David
How long to consume Alpha GPC?
Thanks
Adjai, I do not understand your question. Do you mean how often should you use Alpha GPC?
Hello David
Alpha GPC has effect on prolactin levels
thanks
Serge, what effect does Alpha GPC have on prolactin? I’ve not been able to find any evidence it.
How long does A-GPC stay in your system?
Daria, the half-life of Alpha GPC is around 4 hours. Which means there shouldn’t be any left in your system 8 hrs. after taking it.
Hi David, I have been taking Effexor Xr 75mg (venlafaxine) over the years and notice cognitive decline (I’m only 34 yo). Now i wanted to do something about it and have started using Alpha GPC. Unfortunately the effects are the opposite of what i expected, i.e. increased brain fog and even depressed mood. I am taking 300 mg as that is the lowest dose, but even taking half produces the same negative effects. Do you have any idea why this is happening? I would be much obliged. Thanks in advance.
Marco, sounds like you have enough acetylcholine which is the reason you experienced what you did. Effexor is an serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). These are extremely powerful drugs. And from what I’ve seen over the last few years they play havoc with human brain health.
Is the drug helping you? Because if it does provide benefit that gives you a head-start in identifying at least some of the cause of your mental health issues. And makes it easier to find some natural nootropics that can do the same or similar thing.
But Serotonin Syndrome is all over the literature for this drug. And you need to be careful what you try.
Let’s assume Effexor has caused brain damage. And now you’re experiencing brain fog. Is that true? If so, I suggest carefully studying the post I wrote on dealing with brain fog. It has a list of suggestions you can try and many of them are not contraindicated with Effexor. https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-supplements-for-brain-fog/
Thank you for your quick response. Yes, Effexor is helping me big time. Of course there are downsides to it, but overall the benefits outweigh them. I do not imagine going back to where I have been before taking this drug (no power to do things and a feeling of not being in my body, not being able to be “in the moment”).
I am aware about the serotonine syndrome and therefore keeping away from supplements like 5-htp, l-tryptophan or St. John`s Wort.
I will read through your article on brain fog – looks very interesting.
Thank you once again.
Hi David, can Alpha GPC be used as a replacement for Nicotine and would it provide same rewarding benefits that Nicotine does? If no, then is there anything which is fast acting and as rewarding as Nicotine?
Stephanie, there are two types of acetylcholine receptors; nicotinic and muscarinic. Alpha GPC and most other choline precursors act on muscarinic receptors. But nicotine works only on nicotinic receptors.
But be aware of everything else the nicotine affects as well. It’s not just acetylcholine. https://nootropicsexpert.com/nicotine/. So to answer your question, the answer is “no”.