nootropics-motivation-reddit

Hacking Motivation with Nootropics

David Tomen
Author:
David Tomen
12 minute read

best-nootropics-for-motivation

Are you stuck in a career that doesn’t inspire you? Or a relationship that doesn’t excite you? Or a lifestyle that doesn’t fulfill you?

Of the many excuses and issues for this complacency, one problem that surfaces the most is lack of motivation.

To make matters even worse – lack of motivation to change things that could make your life better often end up making you feel guilty and depressed.

And if left unchecked, a slow but steady spiral into long-term guilt, poor self-esteem and ongoing depression.

So what can you do to boost motivation? And where does that energy come from? That’s what we’re going to explore in this post.

We each have a limited amount of time on this planet. And no matter what stage you are in life. Realize this body will not live forever. It’s time to take back control. And learn how to change up the things you can change to create the life that you want to live.

This is where nootropics may be able to step in. And provide the brain food you need to steer you on a new path. Toward the things you want to achieve.

The Neuroscience of Motivation

Dopamine and Motivation

Researchers have long known that the neurotransmitter dopamine is involved in pleasure and reward. More dopamine in your brain results in feelings of greater pleasure. And the presence of dopamine in your brain pushes you to seek this ‘reward’ of pleasure. 

But researchers have recently discovered that dopamine also regulates motivation.

Dopamine provides the initiative and perseverance
needed to go after what is important to you.

In 2012, a team at Universitat Jaume I of Castellón changed the thinking and prevailing theory on dopamine. Mercè Correa said, “It was believed that dopamine regulated pleasure and reward and that we release it when we obtain something that satisfies us.

But in fact, the latest scientific evidence shows that this neurotransmitter acts before that. It actually encourages us to act. In other words, dopamine is released in order to achieve something good or to avoid something evil.”[i]supplements-for-motivation-and-energy

Dopamine levels vary by individual. Some people are more persistent than others when going after goals. Which you’ve likely noticed in the people around you when it comes to athletics, school and work.

Those with higher dopamine levels get more done.

Dopamine helps you to maintain the level of activity needed for what you intend. Whether it’s positive or negative. Depending on what you’re after. The goal to be a good student, or to abuse drugs.

High levels of dopamine could also explain the behavior of sensation-seekers because they are motivated to act. You see this in extreme sports. Or wildly successful musical performances.

Correa went on to say, “Depressed people do not feel like doing anything and that’s because of low dopamine levels”.

This lack of energy and motivation is also related to several debilitating health problems. Often associated with mental fatigue. Diseases like Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia.

supplements-for-lack-of-motivation

Slacker or Go-Getter

Another study by a team at Vanderbilt University used a PET scan to map the brains of go-getters and slackers. And they found that those willing to work for rewards had higher levels of dopamine in the two areas of the brain known to be involved in motivation and reward (striatum and ventromedial prefrontal cortex).

On the other hand, slackers had higher dopamine levels in an area of the brain called the anterior insula. This area is involved in emotion and risk perception.

This last observation came as a complete surprise to researchers. Because more dopamine in the insula is associated with a reduced desire to work. Even if it means earning less money.[ii]

Glutamate AMPA-Receptors and Motivation

nootropic-stack-like-adderallTurns out that dopamine is not the only neurotransmitter involved in motivation. In 2014, researchers discovered that glutamate neurons in a specific region of your brain (dorsal raphe nucleus) activate dopamine neurons in the dopamine-reward pathway.

Glutamate receptors are associated with neural communication, memory formation and learning. When glutamate AMPA-receptors in this area of the brain (dorsal raphe nucleus) are stimulated. It ends up activating the dopamine reward system.[iii]

The researchers followed this pathway all the way through using special tracers and labeling compounds.

The reward (or motivation) pathway starts with stimulation of glutamate AMPA-receptors that connect to dopamine neurons. Which in turn follows the pathway to the nucleus accumbens. The brain structure linked to motivation, pleasure and reward.

The Motivation Missing Link in Nootropics

Common wisdom in nootropic circles (so far) advise us to boost dopamine to hack motivation. It is true that as dopamine levels rise in the nucleus accumbens (reward pathway), motivation, pleasure and reward are all affected.

But this same common wisdom would have you believe that if you boost overall dopamine levels in your brain, you’ll increase motivation. And it’s just not true.

In fact, if you increase dopamine levels too much, excess dopamine converts to norepinephrine. You get irritable and can’t sleep.

The missing link in this dopamine → reward → motivation pathway are glutamate AMPA-receptors.

Rather than boosting overall dopamine levels and hoping for the best. We need to encourage stimulation of glutamate AMPA-receptors to in turn, fire up dopamine neurons. And send dopamine on its way to the nucleus accumbens.

nootropics-motivation-reddit

Best Nootropics for Motivation

We know that dopamine is critical to motivation. In the lab, researchers have demonstrated that without enough dopamine, rats starve themselves to death. Despite having access to food.[iv]

But in our world it’s doubtful that you have problems with motivation to eat. Or drag yourself out of bed in the morning. So basic dopamine levels are likely not an issue.

But what about changing course in an unfulfilling career? Or getting started on that book you want to write? Or plowing through boring and tedious work that’s just part of the job?

To successfully tweak and boost motivation, you need to address the efficiency of the dopamine – motivation pathway. And this is where many of the racetam nootropics come to the rescue.

Here’s a brief list of the most potent nootropics that we’ve discovered so far that will boost motivation. First on this list is ensuring we have enough dopamine available because it’s an integral part of the dopamine – motivation system.  The rest of this list of nootropics are supplements that can influence your glutamate AMPA-receptors. And modulate the effectiveness of the main neurotransmitters that affect the motivation pathway in your brain.

  • Iodine – This essential trace element combines with tyrosine to form thyroid hormones T4 and T3. Thyroid hormones affect every cell in your brain and body. Within your brain, T4 is converted to T3 by selenium which then affects gene expression controlling metabolism within cells. And activates dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine.[vi]
      It’s highly unlikely that you’ll see Iodine on any nootropic list to boost motivation. But a malfunctioning thyroid which is often caused by not enough iodine results in poor cognition, difficulty learning, problems with recall, depression, anxiety and certainly a lack of motivation.
  • Nefiracetam – This fat-soluble racetam nootropic is structurally similar to Aniracetam. Nefiracetam increases the amount of time calcium channels in neurons remain open. Enhancing signaling in the pathway critical for long-term potentiation and forming long-term memories.
     
    Nefiracetam also potentiates protein kinase C alpha (PKCα) which is involved in long-term potentiation (LTP).[vii] PKCα is dependent on glutamate signaling. And Nefiracetam activates Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) which is critical in memory formation.[viii] Again dependent on glutamate signaling. Remember, glutamate signaling fires dopamine neurons which leads to a boost in motivation.
  • Noopept – This peptide-derived nootropic related to the racetam-family, Noopept increases BDNF, stimulates dopamine, nicotinic and serotonin receptors.[ix] Boosting energy, cognition, memory, logical thinking, mood and motivation.
     
    Noopept also boosts Alpha and Beta brain wave You become calmer and more creative. It’s easier to go into a flow state. And you are prone to making innovative and resourceful decisions.
  • Oxiracetam – This water-soluble ampakine nootropic in the racetam-class of compounds modulates AMPA receptors.[x] Oxiracetam increases acetylcholine And boosts ATP synthesis in brain cells.
     
    Oxiracetam significantly improves cognition, memory, sensory perception, reflexes and motivation.
  • Phenylpiracetam – This water-soluble nootropic in the racetam-class of compounds is known for its stimulatory effects. It increases the density of acetylcholine (ACh), NMDA, GABA and dopamine receptors in the brain.[xi] More receptors mean more binding sites for neurotransmitters that affect memory formation, cognition, sleep, mood and motivation.
     
    Similar to Noopept, Phenylpiracetam has been shown in clinical studies to affect Alpha and Beta brain waves. And like Ritalin or Adderall, this nootropic increases the effectiveness of dopamine in your brain. Increasing alertness, decision-making capability, cognition and motivation.
  • Piracetam – The first racetam ever developed, this nootropic modulates AMPA and NMDA receptors.[xii] And boosts the flow of acetylcholine (ACh), sensitivity and density of ACh receptors in your brain.
     
    Piracetam also boosts cerebral blood flow. Delivering more oxygen and nutrients to neurons. Improving neural signaling, cognition, memory, focus and motivation.
  • Pramiracetam – A derivative of and more potent than Piracetam, Pramiracetam stimulates choline uptake in your brain. And has a profound effect on the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh).[xiii] Boosting energy levels, providing focused stimulation for better mental drive and motivation.
  • Resveratrol – Resveratrol is a polyphenol that some plants produce in response to stress, such as injury or fungal infection. Recent research shows this polyphenol works like an ampakine nootropic in the brain.
     
    Resveratrol is an inhibitor of enzyme PDE4 (Phosphodiesterase-4).[xiv] Studies demonstrate that when you inhibit PDE4, you raise levels of cAMP in the brain. cAMP-dependent pathways in the brain activate AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase).
     
    Inhibiting PDE4 and boosting cAMP also makes the effect of normal dopamine production more effective. Boosting processes in this stream of chemical pathways in the brain increases learning, memory and motivation.
  • Rhodiola Rosea – In Russia, Rhodiola Rosea is widely used as a remedy for fatigue, poor concentration, and decreased memory. It’s also believed to make workers more productive. Research shows Rhodiola can increase attention to detail-oriented tasks by improving concentration over a prolonged period. The ideal study nootropic.
     
    Rhodiola Rosea stimulates your nervous system to fight fatigue that stifles mental clarity. And studies show it even saves injured neurons. And encourages the growth and development of brain cells (neurogenesis).[xv]
     
    Any kind of fatigue you experience – regardless of source – Rhodiola Rosea is like your “magic bullet”. Mood, energy, stamina, concentration and motivation can all increase with a dose of this herb.
  • Sulbutiamine – Synthesized in the lab from Vitamin B1 (thiamine), Sulbutiamine is another favorite of mine because it boosts memory, motivation and is a heck of an antidepressant.
     
    Thiamine is essential for producing the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh).[xvi] ACh is used to relay messages between neurons in your brain. And is critical for cognition, learning, memory and motivation.

Final Notes on Motivation

If you’ve ever felt mentally drained after writing an exam, an intense study session, a misunderstanding with your partner, or working out a business problem – select 2 – 3 nootropics from the list above for your nootropic stack.

Or save some time and money and get a bottle of Mind Lab Pro® which contains an effective dose of N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine to raise dopamine levels in your brain. As well as Rhodiola Rosea which is widely used as a remedy for a lack of motivation, fatigue, poor concentration, and decreased memory.

And if a lack of energy is holding you back, try a bottle of Performance Lab® Energy which helps your brain produce the fuel it needs for better motivation

Energy and motivation go hand-in-hand.

When I’m energized, it usually translates into motivation to get things done. When energy stores are depleted in my brain and body, I’m burned out and nothing much is going to happen.

Mental fatigue has a variety of causes. Depleted neurotransmitters can cause fatigue as well as a host of other issues. A lack of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) which is the energy source for brain cells is another cause of mental fatigue. And leads to neurodegenerative disease.

Hormones that are out of balance can cause fatigue. And poor cerebral circulation which provides oxygen and nutrients to brain cells can result in fatigue.

The amount of available mental energy in your brain has a direct influence on your cognitive performance.

So now that you know how the motivation pathway works in your brain. Add two or three of the nootropics suggested in this post. Or just get some Mind Lab Pro® and Performance Lab® Energy. And instead of feeling guilty for being a slacker, join the go-getters who are living life to the fullest.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may also contain other affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

[i] Correa M., Salamone J.D. “THE MYSTERIOUS MOTIVATIONAL FUNCTIONS OF MESOLIMBIC DOPAMINE” Neuron 2012 Nov 8; 76(3): 470–485. (source)

[ii] Treadway T.T. et. Al. “Dopaminergic Mechanisms of Individual Differences in Human Effort-Based Decision-Making” The Journal of Neuroscience, 2 May 2012, 32(18):6170-6176 (source)

[iii] Qi J., Zhang S., Wang H.L., Wang H., de Jesus Aceves Buendia J., Hoffman A.F., Lupica C.R., Seal R.P., Morales M. “A glutamatergic reward input from the dorsal raphe to ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons.” Nature Communications. 2014 Nov 12;5:5390. (source)

[iv] Berridge K.C., Robinson T.E. “What is the role of dopamine in reward: hedonic impact, reward learning, or incentive salience?” Brain Research; Brain Research Reviews. 1998 Dec;28(3):309-69. (source)

[v] Testa B., Mayer J.M. (1 August 2003). Hydrolysis in Drug and Prodrug Metabolism. John Wiley & Sons. pp. 109–. ISBN 978-3-906390-25-3. (source)

[vi] Peterson A.L., Gilman T.L., Banks M.L., Sprague J.E. “Hypothyroidism alters striatal dopamine release mediated by 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy).” Synapse. 2006 Apr;59(5):317-9. (source)

[vii] Malenka R.C., Kauer J.A., Perkel D.J., Nicoll R.A. “The impact of postsynaptic calcium on synaptic transmission — its role in long-term potentiation” Trends in Neurosciences Volume 12, Issue 11, p444–450, 1989 (source)

[viii] Moriguchi S., Han F., Shioda N., Yamamoto Y., Nakajima T., Nakagawasai O., Tadano T., Yeh JZ, Narahashi T., Fukunaga K. “Nefiracetam activation of CaM kinase II and protein kinase C mediated by NMDA and metabotropic glutamate receptors in olfactory bulbectomized mice.” Journal of Neurochemistry. 2009 Jul;110(1):170-81 (source)

[ix] Ostrovskaya R.U., Gudasheva T.A., Zaplina A.P., Vahitova J.V., Salimgareeva M.H., Jamidanov R.S., Seredenin S.B. “Noopept stimulates the expression of NGF and BDNF in rat hippocampus.”Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine. 2008 Sep;146(3):334-7. (source)

[x] Copani A., Genazzani A.A., Aleppo G., Casabona G., Canonico P.L., Scapagnini U., Nicoletti F. “Nootropic drugs positively modulate alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid-sensitive glutamate receptors in neuronal cultures.” Journal of Neurochemistry. 1992 Apr;58(4):1199-204. (source)

[xi] Firstova Y.Y., Abaimov D.A., Kapitsa I.G., Voronina T.A., Kovalev G.I. “The effects of scopolamine and the nootropic drug phenotropil on rat brain neurotransmitter receptors during testing of the conditioned passive avoidance task” Neurochemical Journal June 2011, Volume 5, Issue 2, pp 115-125 (source)

[xii] Stoll L., Schubert T., Müller W.E. “Age-related deficits of central muscarinic cholinergic receptor function in the mouse: partial restoration by chronic piracetam treatment.” Neurobiology of Aging. 1992 Jan-Feb;13(1):39-44. (source)

[xiii] Brust P. “Reversal of scopolamine-induced alterations of choline transport across the blood-brain barrier by the nootropics piracetam and pramiracetam.” Arzneimittelforschung. 1989 Oct;39(10):1220-2. (source)

[xiv] Li Y.F., Cheng Y.F., Huang Y., Conti M., Wilson S.P., O’Donnell J.M., Zhang H.T. “Phosphodiesterase-4D knock-out and RNA interference-mediated knock-down enhance memory and increase hippocampal neurogenesis via increased cAMP signaling.” Journal of Neuroscience. 2011 Jan 5;31(1):172-83 (source)

[xv] Panossian A., Wikman G., Sarris J. “Rosenroot (Rhodiola rosea): traditional use, chemical composition, pharmacology and clinical efficacy.” Phytomedicine. 2010 Jun;17(7):481-93. (source)

[xvi] Martin P.R., Singleton C.K., Hiller-Sturmhofel S. “The Role of Thiamine Deficiency in Alcoholic Brain Disease” National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism nih.gov Retrieved April 7, 2016 (source)

Subscribe to the Nootropics Expert newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest developments in the nootropics space.

Head First 2nd Editon

The Award Winning Guide to Healing & Optimizing Your Brain with Nootropic Supplements.

Head First 2nd Edition

NEW! Eliminate Brain Fog, Low Energy, Moodiness, Difficulty Sleeping, Memory Loss or Anxiety. Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Walmart and more...



Where to Buy Nootropics

Wondering where to buy the best nootropic supplements? Well, you’re in the right place. Because here you will find the nootropic supplements that I personally use and recommend. Each supplement has a link to the company store and product that I use. I also include a link to my full review for each supplement here […]

The Definitive Guide to Nootropics

Nootropics can help increase your memory, boost learning ability, improve your mood and assist overall brain function. If you’re new to nootropics, or wonder about the difference between a nootropic and a smart drug, then this page is for you. Here you’ll find the definition of a nootropic, how to pronounce the word “nootropic”, the […]

The Most Comprehensive Nootropics List

This is our big list of the most popular Nootropics in use today. Here you’ll learn what each nootropic is, what it does and suggested dosages. What is this List of Nootropics About? Nootropic supplements are cognitive enhancers aiming to improve brain function. Whether you are looking to treat mild cognitive impairment, improve mental focus, or biohack […]



Free Secrets of the Brain 3rd Edition

Get “Secrets of the Optimized Brain,” 92 nootropics to help you plan your Nootropic Stack when you sign up for my newsletter:

Join The Discussion - 124 comments

Daria Ratliff
May 7, 2021

Hi, David

just wanted to give an update about your advice you gave me on the last conversation we had on this topic. I’ve been giving my 16 year old son L-tyrosine and Rhodiola Rosea first thing in the morning and he is doing great! I wanted to thank you for being so generous in suggesting that combination for him. It’s simple and his mood has improved greatly in two weeks!

We all come for advice but not always give you much feedback 🙂
Here is mine!

Thank you again and I appreciate your help!

    David Tomen
    May 7, 2021

    Thank you Daria. Much appreciated.

Carlos
April 14, 2021

Hello David, I have noticed that Tryptofan makes me wake up in the middle of the night, even with doses of only 200 Mg, but it helps me fall asleep, the problem is that it makes me wake up, Why this happens to me and how could it solve it ? (I already consume 400 mg of magnesium glycinate and it does not prevent me from waking up)

    David Tomen
    April 15, 2021

    Carlos, L-Tryptophan is funny like that. It works for some and not for others. Not sure why …

    Waking up in the middle of the night typically has to with a drop in blood sugar. Try a tablespoon of “raw” honey before bed. And try using Lemon Balm, L-Theanine, and even CBD Oil before bed. You will find full review of each here on Nootropics Expert.

      Carlos
      April 18, 2021

      Thank you very much David, lastly I would like to know if any of the mentioned nootropics are soluble in fat or can I take them with water?
      Potasium Citrate, Tart Cherry, Alpha Lipoic Acid, N-Acetyl L-Cysteine

        David Tomen
        April 19, 2021

        Carlos, all are water-soluble except Alpha Lipoic Acid which is both water- and fat-soluble.

        Carlos
        April 26, 2021

        Thank you for your generosity Master, you already have heaven earned by helping so many people like me. I would like to know just one more thing, if L Tryptofan is not for me because of what I told you, how else can I safely stimulate Seratonin? Because I consume Tyrosine during the day and I want to keep the Seratonin balanced and I do not want take 5 htp

        David Tomen
        April 26, 2021

        Carlos, a far better option for increasing serotonin is L-Tryptophan. Much easier to dose compared to 5-HTP and far safer.

        Nothing else directly stimulates production of serotonin.

Daria Ratliff
April 4, 2021

Hi, David

I am so happy to have found your blog. This is wonderful! I have 16 years old twins and they’re both involved in sports. I do understand that they’re still “underage” for nootropics, however I find it a bit intriguing when it comes to kids and medication. Regular doctors do not hesitate to stuff drugs on kids, so my question is: why not to try nootropics on teens?

Here are my son’s issues:

He plays baseball and practices about 4 hours a day for 5 days a week. Two games in the same day once a week. He complains of low motivation. He has thought on quitting baseball several times. Sometimes we feel that he is “depressed” and he has reported feeling drained and not willing to do things. He loves baseball.

(My daughter has other issues but I will send you a question on a different article).

After coming upon this article I realize that the stress, fatigue, lack of motivation and all can be directly related to energy levels. He is drained at the end of the day.

Am I making the right connection here?

I have been giving him L-theanine at night along with zinc before he goes to bed. He seems to be improving his overall mood because he seems less irritable. His mood is getting better. But I think that he could have a bit help when it comes to energy.

Would you suggest starting him on any of the nootropics above, if I’m making the right connection?

Sorry for the long comment.
Thank you!

    David Tomen
    April 4, 2021

    Daria, L-Tyrosine and Rhodiola Rosea may be OK because they’re natural and won’t mess with the development going on in young brains.

    I’d avoid experimenting with the any of the racetams however at that age.

      Daria Ratliff
      April 7, 2021

      Thank you for your reply!

      That was my main concern since he is only 16. I noticed that L-thianine is helping along with zinc at bedtime. But I will try tyrosine and rhodiola.

      I will let you know how that goes.
      Thanks for the answer.

      Daria Ratliff
      April 9, 2021

      Hi, David

      I have one question about L-tyrosine and Rhodiola Rosea for my son. Nootropics are best when taken on empty stomach in the morning, however how should I administer these two to my son? Give them together in the morning before eating anything or split them with Tyrosine in the morning and Rhodiola before bed (because of its calming efefcts)?

      I am also giving him 200mg L-thenaine + 10mg of zinc at night and I do see great improvements in his behavior. He is calmer and more at ease with himself.

      I would appreciate your input on the timing for L-tyrosine and Rhodiola. The dosages are 350mg of L-tyrosine and 200mg of Rhodiola Rosea (with 3% rosavins) that I’m planing on giving him.

      Thank you!

        David Tomen
        April 9, 2021

        Daria, L-Tyrosine increases dopamine and Rhodiola Rosea boosts serotonin AND norepinephrine. I recommend using them both twice a day during the day. And not before bed.

        Daria Ratliff
        April 12, 2021

        You are great! Thank you!

        David Tomen
        April 15, 2021

        So are you Daria. Thank you!

wong
January 18, 2021

Hi david

I am really glad to come to your website and realize there is something wrong with my brain. The stuff you mention in this article exactly fits me.

“Depressed people do not feel like doing anything and that’s because of low dopamine levels”. More dopamine in the insula is associated with a reduced desire to work. Even if it means earning less money. Unwilling to learn! Slackers and that is me!

I have bad gastrointestinal problem have realize what is wrong with me and I heed your advise to heal my leaky gut and took Performance Lab Prebiotic and i have seen great good results after one week. I don’t get diahorrea after every meal. All the above has lasted me for 20 years!

I also take NutriGenesis® Multi for Men and Performance Lab
Energy, Mind Lab Pro and high quality B complex. The next thing i am fixing now is my BDNF and leaky brain. I am currently on Magnesium DHA , N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC) and recently started Berberine .

I am also having minor depression and would like to get motivated again. I have tried NALT, Lithium orotate, L dopa but the effects were minimal.

i am thinking of getting of Sam-E after reading your review as it is a potent nootropics for depression or should i continue to use other nootropics to boost my bdnf + leaky brain ( Reservatrol, Tumeric, )

or stimulate glutamate AMPA-receptors. (iodine,Rhodiola Rosea
)

sorry for my long post. I really want to find a way out of my depression and motivation after 20 years.

    David Tomen
    January 18, 2021

    Wong, the good news is you are making progress. So don’t be too hard on yourself. A real “slacker” would not even come to Nootropics Expert!

    Instead of NALT you may have better luck with 500 mg L-Tyrosine twice per day. I do not recommend using L-DOPA to try and raise dopamine. And too difficult to dose and most people dealing with your kind of issues have more success with L-Tyrosine.

    Have you seen my post on healing a Leaky Brain? https://nootropicsexpert.com/how-to-heal-a-leaky-blood-brain-barrier/ One supplement not on that list but will be added as soon as I have time to do it is Quercetin which has been shown to have the unique ability to heal a leaky gut/leaky brain. https://nootropicsexpert.com/quercetin/

    It take time to heal a messed up microbiome but it sounds like you are making progress. You do need to activate AMPA receptors for motivation. And Rhodiola Rosea and Resveratrol are your best options if you don’t want to use any of the racetams.

    But do continue to use nootropics to boost BDNF and heal a leaky brain. This is an ongoing, long-term project that you’ll be doing for years. But month by month things should improve.

    SAM-e works for some people and not for others. It’s worth trying. But I highly recommend trying 500 – 1,000 mg L-Tryptophan before bed and see if that helps. Also try 500 – 1,000 mg of GABA before bed as well. And see if that helps.

    One last thing. There is plenty of recent evidence that depression can also be caused by inflammation. See this post and scroll down to the section on how to get inflammation under control: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-supplements-for-brain-fog/

      wong
      January 19, 2021

      Thanks for the helpful advise.

      Anyway I forgot to mention I do feel very minor side effects like bloating , gas,constipation and feel like vomiiting after supplementing with berberine for 1 week but i realize my tummy get bigger and there are obvious fats around my waist just within 7 days of taking 500mg ,3 times a day.

      Is this because of “Berberine affects muscle protein synthesis and causes muscle atrophy” or the probiotic that i am taking? Change the brand i am taking or it just don’t suits me.

        David Tomen
        January 22, 2021

        Wong, one of the known side effects of just starting Berberine can include cramps, diarrhea, gas, constipation or stomach pain. It’s likely because Berberine is a potent natural ‘antibiotic”. That “fat” you are describing is more than likely bloating.

        So you’ve two choices. Keep using Berberine until those side effects subside which they likely will. Or drop it as a supplement altogether. If you decide to continue try dropping to one dose of 500 mg per day and see how that feels. Then work up to 3-times per day slowly.

Fred
December 14, 2020

Dear David, I wrote you a long comment (sorry for that) asking for help, it was a few weeks back & would appreciate your input on it.

    David Tomen
    December 15, 2020

    Fred, I must have missed your comment. If it was too long the system likely just deleted it. That’s not really what this comments section is for. Keep it as brief as you can and I’ll try to answer.

Kevin Dean
December 10, 2020

Hi David

I’m 48, nearly 49, and my life has spiralled out of control. Xmas is upon me and I’m sat at home alone surrounded by boxes and I’m knee deep in trash. I’ve had days in my kitchen. I eat little other than processed sugary food for a hit.

I’ve pleaded with my doctor for help. I’m ADHD (combined, UK Psych speak for pure, old skool, ADHD), I’ve suffered depression anxiety all my days, have chronic sleep problems and no routine in life. I’m prescribed 70mg Lisdexamphetamine daily, with 40mg Duloxetine and a stack of vitamins and minerals etc. I’m now suspected autistic/absorbers due to high IQ.

I can no longer move for fear of not doing whatever perfectly. I crashed last summer when I just wanted the world to leave me alone, but there’s no getting away.
Social services have supposed to be helping me but nothing forthcoming. I’m now presently losing the will to finish this message so I’ll be quick. I’ve no motivation, no clarity and feel like dirt both to myself and to how I’ve behaved toward others. I hold myself to extreme standards, but these are no longer enough.

The few people I knew and loved have gone. Social Services are not here unless you are over 80. I’ve just began looking at Ashwagandra, Curcumin, CBD etc for an answer, but the endless possibilities I could handle cognitively even 2 years ago now turn my head to putty.

I’m desperate for some clarity, to stop my kinds endless jabber sending my ideas in circles until I’m out of mental energy.

I need an intervention by someone/something. Nootrpic? Can I buy it herein the Uk?

Thanks
Kevin

    David Tomen
    December 10, 2020

    Kevin, I hear you and yes, nootropics likely could help you. But first, you need to find out the source of the problem. Otherwise, you’re guessing and hoping for the best. Nothing works that way.

    If I was in your situation and could not figure it out on my own I would look for a naturopathic doctor who was willing to work with me. Until we found out what was wrong physically. And then make recommendations on what to start with.

    The key to success with nootropics is trial and error. That is trying something to see if it works. If not then try the next supplement. And then the next, etc. Until you find something that makes you feel a little bit better.

    Then you find out everything you can about that one thing that made you feel a little bit better. Find out exactly how it works. And find other supplements that do a similar thing in your brain and body.

    If you are truly ADHD then follow the protocol described in this article exactly and see if you feel better: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/

    Depression and anxiety are two very different things. Here’s information about depression: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-depression/

    And here is information on anxiety: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-anxiety/

    But I suggest you pick one problem first and work on that. Otherwise, you’ll be overwhelmed and not get anything done. Do this while you are looking for a new doctor or medical professional who is willing to listen to you.

Troy
July 28, 2020

Hi David!

Is there any way nootropics can help everyone who’s feeling lethargic all the time?

I’ve used several nootropics, from Rhodiola to L-Dopa. Those all work for 2 hours maximum then I feel lethargic again.

Seems like I’m about to or already developed Serotonin Syndrome or something similar. Bromocriptine works for maximum 4 hours.

Is there any fix at all?
(I’m not feeling low in energy, but just not getting the will power or motivation to work or do anything. If a tiger chases me for example, then I would suddenly get into F&F mode and do whatever is necessary).

I’m bipolar type 1, in this 2 types of moods are present, extremely low mood and extremely up mood. In my case, I get extremely lethargic and extremely energetic time to time. The problem is, nowadays the extremely energetic mood is coming very less often.

Putting 10mg of Camphor under my tongue works, it gives me the extreme energy that I need, but soon after using it, like 4 hours after being in a high energy state, I start to feel anxious and depressed at the same time. Terrible thoughts come in my mind, I start to worry about small things which no-one does. That’s why I don’t use Camphor unless it’s very necessary.

    David Tomen
    July 28, 2020

    Troy, try something like Noopept with Alpha GPC which should boost your productivity. Nothing is going to work for any more than 2 – 4 hours no matter what you try. Other racetams may help as well. Aniracetam, Oxiracetam etc. https://nootropicsexpert.com/the-top-7-racetams-which-one-is-best/

    But your most fundamental source of energy comes from your mitochondria. If your mitochondria are not producing ATP like they should nothing else will work. See one of my posts on “energy” like this one for example: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-energy-supplements-to-buy-in-2020/

    And Camphor is made from turpentine. It should NOT be used internally. It’s been shown to cause liver damage even when used topically.

Silviu
July 23, 2020

Hi David,

I have a question, what do you think about adrenal fatigue or chronic fatigue? I talked with a few good doctors about using nootropics in order to cope with my lack of energy, motivation, concentration, verbal fluency and with my anxiety, but all of them told me that medium and long term use of nootropics can back fire, especially when taking in consideration the function of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, because all these nootropics also stimulate the use of the bodies naturally produced endorphins, and have similar effects like illegal drogs do, that make you even more tired and fatigued after you used them, especially when you are suspected of adrenal fatigue. So what’s your angle on this? Thanks a lot!

    David Tomen
    July 23, 2020

    Silviu, it’s BS and they have no idea what they’re talking about. I’ve been using nootropics daily for the last 13 years and they saved my life. We have tens of thousands in the Nootropics Expert community who will tell you the same thing.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.