Concentration....medical remedies

MG1962 · 18th August 2009, 11:09 AM

The media seems loaded with various potions and pills that will improve your concentration, memory etc etc etc

As I have gotten older I have found my concentration slipping a bit....yeah I know it is natural lol But I wanted to know does anyone know of any suppliments additives etc that can help beyond the obvious good diet and exercise.

Thanks

HansMustermann · 18th August 2009, 11:21 AM

Well, there is stuff like ephedrine, which actually works. A lot of the herbal supplements which actually work at all are really ephedrine based.

But, like any medicine, you may have to deal with side-effects and/or physiological addiction. In the long term ephedrine depletes dopamine in the brain, though a lot less so than amphetamines, so if you take it long enough you'll eventually have a worse mood without it.

GodMark2 · 18th August 2009, 03:08 PM

Ethanol is my preferred remedy for concentration. Gets rid of it right quick.

Zeuzzz · 18th August 2009, 03:30 PM

Piracetam I found worked quite well in high dosages (1250mg three times a day), though unless you buy the bulk powder form and weigh it up yourself it can be quite expensive. I get the 1fast400 tubs of powder from amazon. Although I found other racetams to have definately noticeable effects (aniracetam, oxiracetam and pramiracetam, which require less dosage) they were not as good for working aids I found, possibly with the exception of aniracetam which seemed good for focussing in exams, but not long term for essays, etc. Some of them were slightly stimulating, but this is not their primary mode of action.

If your going down the stimulant route I found that small dosages of MDPV (1-3mg) taken either sublingually, rectally or insufflated work a charm for essays when I used to be really lacking in motivation. Wrote a 10,000 page essay in a day whilst using that one as a work aid. But it does give mild stimulant paranoia when it wears off, but only really if you start to use it in recreational dosages (3-8mg). Or if you want to stick to more clinically studied and approved stimulants then I would recommend eugeroics like modafinil or adrafinil (work really well for needing less sleep too, modafinil made me need 2 hours less a night, from 8 hours to 6) or xanthines like paraxanthine or caffeine if its more tiredness thats an issue when you try to concentrate. Then there also Ritalin, etc.

But of course, the best advice I can give is: Go and ask your doc

Zeuzzz · 18th August 2009, 03:37 PM

This is quite a comprehensive review of cognitive enhacers and nootropics I posted a while ago By Prof Nutt et al:

Originally Posted by Zeuzzz

These should be less sensationalized than most stuff on the net. Though many of the most popular nootropics are not approved for use, and so some of them get left out for this reason. First ones by David Nutt, and he's quite respected and will be impartial. The list of the main nootropics starts on page 13 and each are discussed afterwards with relevant references to publications. Also covers many natural dietary supplements like Ginkgo biloba and ginseng, which are technically nootropics according to research done on their effects on cognition.

http://www.foresight.gov.uk/Brain%20...0Enhancers.pdf

Cognition Enhancers
Roy Jones
The Research Institute for the Care of the Elderly, Bath
Kelly Morris
University of Bristol
David Nutt
University of Bristol

Deneb · 18th August 2009, 04:37 PM

Originally Posted by Zeuzzz

Wrote a 10,000 page essay in a day whilst using that one as a work aid.

You wrote a 10,000 page essay in a day? That must've been something.

Anyway, I'm no MD, but stimulants/nootropics/etc. can have nasty side-effects that someone who is "getting older" may want to avoid. I may be stating the obvious, but you're far better off trying to find ways to work with what you have than straining yourself by taking drugs to give your mind a slight boost. If anyone can suggest something that can help without potentially causing any harm, feel free to do so, but that's my 2 cents.

Dancing David · 18th August 2009, 05:09 PM

Get enough sleep.

Zeuzzz · 18th August 2009, 06:20 PM

Originally Posted by Deneb

You wrote a 10,000 page essay in a day? That must've been something.

It is. Extremely potent. This was a 24 hour awake-a-thon though, the day before the deadline. MDPV is notorious for causing (intentional or not) insomnia, if dosed correctly.

Quote:

Anyway, I'm no MD, but stimulants/nootropics/etc. can have nasty side-effects that someone who is "getting older" may want to avoid..

This is true for older people certainly. Stimulants probably best to avoid unless your very cardiovacularly fit. Racetams should be okay, as they are prescribed to elderly people for various conditions, and a few other supplement nootropics should be okay. Again, best to ask a doctor/GP. And its always a good idea to take some breif clinical information with you about a substance you might want to use, as there are so many substances out there to use now a days that doctors often have not heard of half of them.

MG1962 · 18th August 2009, 10:03 PM

Thanks for the replys. Especially Zeuss. I am not really looking for a stimulant as such. I was more wondering if there was something natural you could take to lift the natural levels. Sort of along the lines of eating garlic or taking zinc suppliments for various issues

JJM · 19th August 2009, 04:39 AM

Originally Posted by HansMustermann

Well, there is stuff like ephedrine, which actually works. A lot of the herbal supplements which actually work at all are really ephedrine based. ...

Ephedrine should be gone from the market, the FDA banned it (and the herb, ephedra) long ago because it has serious side-effects ... such as death.

Mashuna · 19th August 2009, 05:31 AM

Originally Posted by Deneb

You wrote a 10,000 page essay in a day? That must've been something.

Presumably there weren't many words to each page.

Dancing David · 19th August 2009, 05:38 AM

Originally Posted by MG1962

Thanks for the replys. Especially Zeuss. I am not really looking for a stimulant as such. I was more wondering if there was something natural you could take to lift the natural levels. Sort of along the lines of eating garlic or taking zinc suppliments for various issues

I like B vitamins and taking a multivitamin, I also take breaks and stretch when working.

Fishstick · 19th August 2009, 06:15 AM

Originally Posted by Zeuzzz

It is. Extremely potent. This was a 24 hour awake-a-thon though, the day before the deadline. MDPV is notorious for causing (intentional or not) insomnia, if dosed correctly.

10.000 pages in 24 hours is about 416 pages per hour, or almost 7 pages per minute. That's some results right there!

fagin · 19th August 2009, 06:44 AM

Originally Posted by Fishstick

10.000 pages in 24 hours is about 416 pages per hour, or almost 7 pages per minute. That's some results right there!

Presumably a somewhat confused essay. Good enough reason to stay off the drugs.

Kaylee · 19th August 2009, 06:49 AM

Perhaps tumeric.

I started using it as a supplement for other reasons (along with some black pepper (1/4 tsp black pepper with each tsp of tumeric). The piperin in the black pepper makes the circumin in the tumeric more bioavailable).

I wasn't expecting this result, but it seems to clear the "brain fog" like a good cup of coffee does.

Can't cite any studies -- this is strictly one anecdotal story.

Starthinker · 19th August 2009, 08:45 AM

It helps to get rid of distractions. If I could just close this forum for a while I could get some work done.

Zeuzzz · 19th August 2009, 10:52 AM

Sorry 10,000 word essay. lol.

10,000 pages would've been if I had only put one word on each page

SkeptiChick · 19th August 2009, 01:50 PM

Originally Posted by MG1962

Thanks for the replys. Especially Zeuss. I am not really looking for a stimulant as such. I was more wondering if there was something natural you could take to lift the natural levels. Sort of along the lines of eating garlic or taking zinc suppliments for various issues

o.O But... The title of the thread asks for 'medical remedies'?

If you really want to address the issue, you should speak with your physician.

drzeus99 · 19th August 2009, 01:52 PM

Originally Posted by Zeuzzz

Sorry 10,000 word essay. lol.

10,000 pages would've been if I had only put one word on each page

That's more like it.

Writing a 10,000 page essay in 24 hours is impossible (unless each page had 20 words or less, and even then, it would be close to impossible).

10,000 pages in 24 hours would require composing a page, EVERY 8.64 seconds, non-stop for 25 hours in a row, without ANY breaks at all in that time period.

Now, a 10,000 WORD essay is a different story. That's still around 30-40 pages....quite good for a single day.

JJM · 19th August 2009, 05:56 PM

Originally Posted by Kaylee

... Can't cite any studies -- this is strictly one anecdotal story.

Great, there's nothing like an anecdote to befuddle a topic ...

Kaylee · 19th August 2009, 07:36 PM

Originally Posted by JJM

Great, there's nothing like an anecdote to befuddle a topic ...

Curcumin, an active ingredient of turmeric which is a spice popular in Indian cooking, has been linked to many health benefits.

I’ve not read anything that indicates that assisting in concentration is one of them, but the effect that I experienced was so startling that I decided to post my experience.

I’m the first to agree that anecdotal experiences are inferior to properly conducted studies. But I do think it has its place. YMMV.

MG1962 · 19th August 2009, 10:31 PM

Originally Posted by SkeptiChick

o.O But... The title of the thread asks for 'medical remedies'?

If you really want to address the issue, you should speak with your physician.

What a medical remedy can not have a natural ingredient?

SkeptiChick · 19th August 2009, 11:06 PM

Originally Posted by MG1962

What a medical remedy can not have a natural ingredient?

I didn't say that. But when you're turning down advice about actual medicines, and then saying you wanted something along the lines of "eating garlic"... It sounds like you're not actually looking for a medical remedy at all, and instead are looking for something naturopathic...

MG1962 · 20th August 2009, 07:20 AM

Originally Posted by SkeptiChick

I didn't say that. But when you're turning down advice about actual medicines, and then saying you wanted something along the lines of "eating garlic"... It sounds like you're not actually looking for a medical remedy at all, and instead are looking for something naturopathic...

Apologies then for the vague use of language. By medical I meant something, that had actual research behind it. Either natural or manufactured. I have a natural distrust for anything I see advertised on TV because I dont have the knowledge base to research if celery juice really does work, or super brain improver elixir is anything more than sweeten snake oil.

Hope that clarifies a little

18th August 2009, 11:09 AM	#1
MG1962 Illuminator Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 4,031	Concentration....medical remedies The media seems loaded with various potions and pills that will improve your concentration, memory etc etc etc As I have gotten older I have found my concentration slipping a bit....yeah I know it is natural lol But I wanted to know does anyone know of any suppliments additives etc that can help beyond the obvious good diet and exercise. Thanks
MG1962 Illuminator Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 4,031

18th August 2009, 03:08 PM	#3
GodMark2 Muse Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Oregon, USA Posts: 663	Ethanol is my preferred remedy for concentration. Gets rid of it right quick.
	__________________ Knowing that we do not know, it does not necessarily follow that we can not know.

18th August 2009, 03:30 PM	#4
Zeuzzz Master Poster Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 2,146	Piracetam I found worked quite well in high dosages (1250mg three times a day), though unless you buy the bulk powder form and weigh it up yourself it can be quite expensive. I get the 1fast400 tubs of powder from amazon. Although I found other racetams to have definately noticeable effects (aniracetam, oxiracetam and pramiracetam, which require less dosage) they were not as good for working aids I found, possibly with the exception of aniracetam which seemed good for focussing in exams, but not long term for essays, etc. Some of them were slightly stimulating, but this is not their primary mode of action. If your going down the stimulant route I found that small dosages of MDPV (1-3mg) taken either sublingually, rectally or insufflated work a charm for essays when I used to be really lacking in motivation. Wrote a 10,000 page essay in a day whilst using that one as a work aid. But it does give mild stimulant paranoia when it wears off, but only really if you start to use it in recreational dosages (3-8mg). Or if you want to stick to more clinically studied and approved stimulants then I would recommend eugeroics like modafinil or adrafinil (work really well for needing less sleep too, modafinil made me need 2 hours less a night, from 8 hours to 6) or xanthines like paraxanthine or caffeine if its more tiredness thats an issue when you try to concentrate. Then there also Ritalin, etc. But of course, the best advice I can give is: Go and ask your doc
Zeuzzz Master Poster Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 2,146	Last edited by Zeuzzz; 18th August 2009 at 03:40 PM.

18th August 2009, 03:37 PM	#5
Zeuzzz Master Poster Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 2,146	This is quite a comprehensive review of cognitive enhacers and nootropics I posted a while ago By Prof Nutt et al: Originally Posted by Zeuzzz These should be less sensationalized than most stuff on the net. Though many of the most popular nootropics are not approved for use, and so some of them get left out for this reason. First ones by David Nutt, and he's quite respected and will be impartial. The list of the main nootropics starts on page 13 and each are discussed afterwards with relevant references to publications. Also covers many natural dietary supplements like Ginkgo biloba and ginseng, which are technically nootropics according to research done on their effects on cognition. http://www.foresight.gov.uk/Brain%20...0Enhancers.pdf Cognition Enhancers Roy Jones The Research Institute for the Care of the Elderly, Bath Kelly Morris University of Bristol David Nutt University of Bristol
Zeuzzz Master Poster Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 2,146

18th August 2009, 04:37 PM	#6
Deneb Student Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 40	Originally Posted by Zeuzzz Wrote a 10,000 page essay in a day whilst using that one as a work aid. You wrote a 10,000 page essay in a day? That must've been something. Anyway, I'm no MD, but stimulants/nootropics/etc. can have nasty side-effects that someone who is "getting older" may want to avoid. I may be stating the obvious, but you're far better off trying to find ways to work with what you have than straining yourself by taking drugs to give your mind a slight boost. If anyone can suggest something that can help without potentially causing any harm, feel free to do so, but that's my 2 cents.
Deneb Student Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 40	__________________ Knowledge is gained through effort, Wisdom is bred through suffering, Sanity is sustained by love.

18th August 2009, 11:21 AM	#2
HansMustermann Illuminator Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 3,100	Well, there is stuff like ephedrine, which actually works. A lot of the herbal supplements which actually work at all are really ephedrine based. But, like any medicine, you may have to deal with side-effects and/or physiological addiction. In the long term ephedrine depletes dopamine in the brain, though a lot less so than amphetamines, so if you take it long enough you'll eventually have a worse mood without it.

18th August 2009, 05:09 PM	#7
Dancing David Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Central Illinois Posts: 18,357	Get enough sleep.
	__________________ Resolve then, that on this very ground, with small flags waving and tinny blast on tiny trumpets, we shall meet the enemy, and not only may he be ours, he may be us.- Walt Kelly wow Mr.Philospher, you need some custard poured over your head mayhaps? -kittynh "Exhibit 1338A as to why the Politics forum is "where rational thought goes to die."-Carlitos

18th August 2009, 06:20 PM	#8
Zeuzzz Master Poster Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 2,146	Originally Posted by Deneb You wrote a 10,000 page essay in a day? That must've been something. It is. Extremely potent. This was a 24 hour awake-a-thon though, the day before the deadline. MDPV is notorious for causing (intentional or not) insomnia, if dosed correctly. Quote: Anyway, I'm no MD, but stimulants/nootropics/etc. can have nasty side-effects that someone who is "getting older" may want to avoid.. This is true for older people certainly. Stimulants probably best to avoid unless your very cardiovacularly fit. Racetams should be okay, as they are prescribed to elderly people for various conditions, and a few other supplement nootropics should be okay. Again, best to ask a doctor/GP. And its always a good idea to take some breif clinical information with you about a substance you might want to use, as there are so many substances out there to use now a days that doctors often have not heard of half of them.
Zeuzzz Master Poster Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 2,146

18th August 2009, 10:03 PM	#9
MG1962 Illuminator Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 4,031	Thanks for the replys. Especially Zeuss. I am not really looking for a stimulant as such. I was more wondering if there was something natural you could take to lift the natural levels. Sort of along the lines of eating garlic or taking zinc suppliments for various issues
MG1962 Illuminator Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 4,031

19th August 2009, 04:39 AM	#10
JJM Graduate Poster Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 1,720	Originally Posted by HansMustermann Well, there is stuff like ephedrine, which actually works. A lot of the herbal supplements which actually work at all are really ephedrine based. ... Ephedrine should be gone from the market, the FDA banned it (and the herb, ephedra) long ago because it has serious side-effects ... such as death.
JJM Graduate Poster Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 1,720

19th August 2009, 05:31 AM	#11
Mashuna Ovis ex Machina Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Welsh Wales Posts: 4,122	Originally Posted by Deneb You wrote a 10,000 page essay in a day? That must've been something. Presumably there weren't many words to each page.
	__________________ By the time I was 14 I was too smart for my own God. - Terry Pratchett Mashuna, you are the king of all awesomosity - Hokulele

19th August 2009, 05:38 AM	#12
Dancing David Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Central Illinois Posts: 18,357	Originally Posted by MG1962 Thanks for the replys. Especially Zeuss. I am not really looking for a stimulant as such. I was more wondering if there was something natural you could take to lift the natural levels. Sort of along the lines of eating garlic or taking zinc suppliments for various issues I like B vitamins and taking a multivitamin, I also take breaks and stretch when working.
	__________________ Resolve then, that on this very ground, with small flags waving and tinny blast on tiny trumpets, we shall meet the enemy, and not only may he be ours, he may be us.- Walt Kelly wow Mr.Philospher, you need some custard poured over your head mayhaps? -kittynh "Exhibit 1338A as to why the Politics forum is "where rational thought goes to die."-Carlitos

19th August 2009, 06:15 AM	#13
Fishstick Critical Thinker Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 303	Originally Posted by Zeuzzz It is. Extremely potent. This was a 24 hour awake-a-thon though, the day before the deadline. MDPV is notorious for causing (intentional or not) insomnia, if dosed correctly. 10.000 pages in 24 hours is about 416 pages per hour, or almost 7 pages per minute. That's some results right there!

19th August 2009, 06:44 AM	#14
fagin Muse Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 516	Originally Posted by Fishstick 10.000 pages in 24 hours is about 416 pages per hour, or almost 7 pages per minute. That's some results right there! Presumably a somewhat confused essay. Good enough reason to stay off the drugs.
fagin Muse Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 516	__________________ Reverend of the Universal Life Church

19th August 2009, 06:49 AM	#15
Kaylee Master Poster Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,514	Perhaps tumeric. I started using it as a supplement for other reasons (along with some black pepper (1/4 tsp black pepper with each tsp of tumeric). The piperin in the black pepper makes the circumin in the tumeric more bioavailable). I wasn't expecting this result, but it seems to clear the "brain fog" like a good cup of coffee does. Can't cite any studies -- this is strictly one anecdotal story.
Kaylee Master Poster Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,514	__________________ When everyone think alike, no one thinks very much. -- Walter Lippman''

19th August 2009, 08:45 AM	#16
Starthinker Illuminator Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Iowa Posts: 3,834	It helps to get rid of distractions. If I could just close this forum for a while I could get some work done.
	__________________ Naked People Running on Treadmills \|¦¦\|¦ \|¦\|\|\|\|¦\|\|\|¦\|\|¦¦\|¦\|\|\|\|\|\|\|¦\|¦¦¦¦\|¦¦¦¦\|\|¦\|¦\|¦¦\|¦ \|¦¦\|¦ • Does the blue line only run on Saturday? He who doubts victory has already lost the battle.

19th August 2009, 10:52 AM	#17
Zeuzzz Master Poster Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 2,146	Sorry 10,000 word essay. lol. 10,000 pages would've been if I had only put one word on each page
Zeuzzz Master Poster Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 2,146

19th August 2009, 01:50 PM	#18
SkeptiChick Graduate Poster Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Bellingham, WA Posts: 1,807	Originally Posted by MG1962 Thanks for the replys. Especially Zeuss. I am not really looking for a stimulant as such. I was more wondering if there was something natural you could take to lift the natural levels. Sort of along the lines of eating garlic or taking zinc suppliments for various issues o.O But... The title of the thread asks for 'medical remedies'? If you really want to address the issue, you should speak with your physician.

19th August 2009, 01:52 PM	#19
drzeus99 Hellmouth Beastie Join Date: May 2006 Location: Wherever misfortune has me Posts: 331	Originally Posted by Zeuzzz Sorry 10,000 word essay. lol. 10,000 pages would've been if I had only put one word on each page That's more like it. Writing a 10,000 page essay in 24 hours is impossible (unless each page had 20 words or less, and even then, it would be close to impossible). 10,000 pages in 24 hours would require composing a page, EVERY 8.64 seconds, non-stop for 25 hours in a row, without ANY breaks at all in that time period. Now, a 10,000 WORD essay is a different story. That's still around 30-40 pages....quite good for a single day.
	__________________ < THIS SPACE FOR RENT >

19th August 2009, 05:56 PM	#20
JJM Graduate Poster Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 1,720	Originally Posted by Kaylee ... Can't cite any studies -- this is strictly one anecdotal story. Great, there's nothing like an anecdote to befuddle a topic ...
JJM Graduate Poster Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 1,720

19th August 2009, 07:36 PM	#21
Kaylee Master Poster Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,514	Originally Posted by JJM Great, there's nothing like an anecdote to befuddle a topic ... Curcumin, an active ingredient of turmeric which is a spice popular in Indian cooking, has been linked to many health benefits. I’ve not read anything that indicates that assisting in concentration is one of them, but the effect that I experienced was so startling that I decided to post my experience. I’m the first to agree that anecdotal experiences are inferior to properly conducted studies. But I do think it has its place. YMMV.
Kaylee Master Poster Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,514	__________________ When everyone think alike, no one thinks very much. -- Walter Lippman''

19th August 2009, 10:31 PM	#22
MG1962 Illuminator Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 4,031	Originally Posted by SkeptiChick o.O But... The title of the thread asks for 'medical remedies'? If you really want to address the issue, you should speak with your physician. What a medical remedy can not have a natural ingredient?
MG1962 Illuminator Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 4,031

19th August 2009, 11:06 PM	#23
SkeptiChick Graduate Poster Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Bellingham, WA Posts: 1,807	Originally Posted by MG1962 What a medical remedy can not have a natural ingredient? I didn't say that. But when you're turning down advice about actual medicines, and then saying you wanted something along the lines of "eating garlic"... It sounds like you're not actually looking for a medical remedy at all, and instead are looking for something naturopathic...

20th August 2009, 07:20 AM	#24
MG1962 Illuminator Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 4,031	Originally Posted by SkeptiChick I didn't say that. But when you're turning down advice about actual medicines, and then saying you wanted something along the lines of "eating garlic"... It sounds like you're not actually looking for a medical remedy at all, and instead are looking for something naturopathic... Apologies then for the vague use of language. By medical I meant something, that had actual research behind it. Either natural or manufactured. I have a natural distrust for anything I see advertised on TV because I dont have the knowledge base to research if celery juice really does work, or super brain improver elixir is anything more than sweeten snake oil. Hope that clarifies a little
MG1962 Illuminator Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 4,031