Here is more of my 2 cents.
Your nootropic stack need to focus on serotonin and NGF, on acetylcholine receptor upregulation, cross-relational thinking, etc. If anything a lot of those dopaminergic stimulants only stifle creativity and intelligence more so, they just help you slave away at school and work more so.
If your stack increases the optimal function of the many many poorly understood serotonin neural networks and their interdependent cholinergic functions, you will notice that your relationship with people and how you work with them and the work you produce will be of such a greater quality, it will make up for the lack of more work. Quality over quantity, experience over final destination.
2. Changing receptor sensitivity to sex hormones/corticosteroids -> this messes with serotonin and ach -> causes a change in mental state
3. Chronically ill people have almost defunct serotonin systems
4. Stimulants like adderall should be avoided
5. Racetams are okay because they modulate the serotonin system
6. Noot stacks should focus on serotonin and NGF, on ach receptor upregulation, cross-relational thinking
7. Dopaminergic stimulants only stifle creativity and intelligence
8. Serotonin neural networks and interdependent cholinergic functions need to be prioritized
7. Dopaminergic stimulants only stifle creativity and intelligence
Nope. They play a part in many plant derived drugs' ability to endow creativity. The issue is that the brain is not just a dopamine machine predicated purely upon goal seeking. The location of the receptors is as important as the receptor in question. But in pharmaceuticals like adderall, because of the specific sections of the brain which the drug acts upon the D1 and D2 receptors, and the way it effects DAT, synaptic plasticity, it is known among many to have a blunting effect on creativity. It SOUNDS purely bias to say it is only pharma that does this, but that just seems how it stacks up. It is probably because of the extreme acidic metabolism of these drugs, and the extremely brutal way they are thrown at the liver and enzymes. The drug is meant to be very standardized and always work as stated, which means it is especially difficult to break down by the body compared to ground up plant stuff. Brain damage is suggested with these types of ADD meds, but not well established. It my even be that because the drugs are so abusable, the tolerance they induce leads to long term changes and atrophies of other unused parts of the brain. You are physically manipulating real chemistry within the brain, shifting energy from one part to another in a consistent, intense manner. I do not find it extremely implausible that this leads to atrophies within the brain.
I could explain the chemistry slightly more, but that would lead you to making the mistake I have been making- getting obsessed with what the "math should add up to" - when it is how you are thinking that counts the most. This is basically the entire mantra of this forum - which is why I do not like longecity as much. Pill + research = desired result every time - Same mantra as the established medical community. What that is doing is A. Ignoring common sense B. Ignoring physics
So, following this logic, it is not the coffee that is as dangerous as the way you think when your under the influence of the coffee. I suppose somewhere in this world, against plausibility, there is a Buddhist monk who takes ADD meds and is somehow still spiritually intense. Is said medication good for spiritual enhancement? Interesting question.
ADD meds and dopiminergic stimulants have a tendency towards tunnel vision, essentially. You over analyze, you become obsessed with impressing boss/teacher/winning, you over focus, you miss things. Intuition involves a different mental outlook and approach. This is probably why I consistently have people who meditate tell me they are so in control of their lives mentally, and yet I continue to be out of control.
In my case, I do not blame my illness as a direct cause of my lack of control, it is indirectly responsible. I do not have the mental will power to override the challenge it puts on me. Well, challenge is relative. The average person does not try as hard to get by, who does not have to do so. Enduring hardship mentally toughens you. You develop will power and mental fortitude greater than others. The mind is a muscle, without equivocation. This stuff here.
8. Serotonin neural networks and interdependent cholinergic functions need to be prioritized
6. Noot stacks should focus on serotonin and NGF, on ach receptor upregulation, cross-relational thinking
These help people no doubt, but ultimately I believe it is that they train someone to think in a manner- that ultimately you learn to do without the help of the said supplement. After all there is a real risk with taking a great deal of supplements.
2. Changing receptor sensitivity to sex hormones/corticosteroids -> this messes with serotonin and ach -> causes a change in mental state
This is consistent, and probably the largest risk of all herbal supplements, or illicit drugs. Piracetam DOES effect adrenal function, but compared to herbs or things like Crack/Meth, it is hardly worth mentioning.
Edited by sam7777, 18 October 2011 - 03:32 AM.
