Energizers & Memory Boosters | Natural Stimulants

                   

Modafinil

Modafinil (Modalert, Modafil, Modvigil) is a memory-improving and mood-brightening psychostimulant. It is thought to work by affecting certain chemicals in the brain that control the sleep/wake cycle and is proven to enhance wakefulness, attention capacity and vigilance.

Increasing numbers of students use modafinil. The benefits of modafinil use as one of the "study drugs" or neuroenhancers are substantial and proven. It's consumption at several leading American and British universities is quite common among students seeking a competitive edge in exams, where drug-testing is not yet routine.

There are a number of significant differences between Modafinil and traditional study drugs such as Ritalin and Adderall. Subjectively, Modafinil feels a lot smoother and cleaner. It is also much less likely to cause feelings of anxiety, jitteriness or excessive locomotor activity. The instance of hypersomnolent 'rebound effect' is also much lower.

Modafinil is often used to help people stay awake during work hours for people with work schedules that interfere with a normal sleep routine (shift work sleep disorder-SWSD). It is also used in the treatment of sleep disorders such as narcolepsy & sleep apnea.

The US military are interested in modafinil too. Modafinil was reportedly used by Allied combat soldiers in both Gulf Wars and Iraq. It is also currently used by Astronauts on the International Space Station.

Experimentally, Modafinil is used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease; depression; attention-deficit disorder (ADHD); myotonic dystrophy; chronic fatigue; amnesia and jet-lag.

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Dosage

The recommended dose of Modafinil is 200 mg given once a day.

Doses up to 400 mg/day, given as a single dose, have been well tolerated, but there is no consistent evidence that a higher dose delivers additional benefit beyond that of the 200 mg dose. Modafinil is non-addictive and the elimination half-life is 12 - 15 hours.

Take modafinil by mouth with or without food, usually once daily in the morning or the afternoon. If you are using modafinil for shift work sleep disorder, take it 1 hour before you start your work shift .

Side Effects

The most commonly observed adverse events (less than 5%) associated with the use of Modafinil were headache, nausea, nervousness, rhinitis, diarrhea, back pain, anxiety, insomnia, dizziness, and dyspepsia.

Consult a doctor immediately if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (e.g., agitation, confusion, depression, abnormal thoughts, hallucinations).

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, stop taking this medication and seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of face/tongue/throat), skin blisters/peeling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Contraindications and warnings

It is important to consult with your physician before using Modafinil, particularly for those with:

- Hypersensitivity to the drug or other constituents of the tablets (wheat gluten),

- Previous cardiovascular problems, particularly while using other stimulants,

- Cardiac conditions, particularly: Left ventricular hypertrophy and Mitral valve prolapse.

Before using modafinil, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of medications for high blood pressure. For example beta blockers such as: Atenolol or metoprolol, guanabenz, clonidine, methyldopa, prazosin, "blood thinners" (e.g. warfarin), street drugs (e.g. methamphetamine, MDMA-"ecstasy"), drugs that affect liver enzymes that remove modafinil from the body (e.g., azole antifungals such as itraconazole/ketoconazole, rifamycins such as rifabutin/rifampin, anti-seizure medications such as carbamazepine/phenobarbital).

Modafinil can speed up or slow down the removal of other drugs from your body by affecting certain liver enzymes. These affected drugs may include certain antidepressants (e.g. TCAs such as clomipramine or desipramine, SSRIs such as fluoxetine, fluvoxamine), cyclosporine, diazepam, phenytoin, propranolol, theophylline, triazolam.

Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks before, during, and after treatment with modafinil. In some cases a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction may occur.

Ritalin

Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is the most commonly prescribed psychostimulant and is indicated in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy, although off-label uses include treating lethargy, depression, neural insult and obesity. It is most commonly known as the brand name Ritalin which is an instant-release racemic mixture, although a variety of brand names, and formulations exist. Methylphenidate is a mild central nervous system stimulant thought to exert its effect by enhancing dopaminergic transmission in the brain.

Therapeutic uses

Ritalin is the most commonly prescribed psychostimulant and works by increasing the activity of the central nervous system. It produces such effects as increasing or maintaining alertness, combating fatigue, and improving attention.

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy, a chronic sleep disorder characterized by overwhelming daytime drowsiness and sudden attacks of sleep, is treated primarily with stimulants. Ritalin is effective in increasing wakefulness, vigilance, and performance.

Adverse effects

The most common side effects of taking methylphenidate are nervousness and insomnia. Other reactions include hypersensitivity (including skin rash, urticaria, fever, arthralgia, exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme with histopathological findings of necrotizing vasculitis, and thrombocytopenic purpura); anorexia; nausea; dizziness; palpitations; headache; dyskinesia; drowsiness; blood pressure and pulse changes, both up and down; tachycardia; angina; cardiac arrhythmia; abdominal pain; and weight loss during prolonged therapy. Very rare effects include reports of Tourette's syndrome, toxic psychosis, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

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Important information about Ritalin

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Ritalin may cause dizziness, blurred vision, or restlessness, and it may hide the symptoms of extreme tiredness. If you experience these effects, avoid hazardous activities.

Ritalin is habit forming. You can become physically and psychologically dependent on this medication, and withdrawal effects may occur if you stop taking it suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Talk to your doctor about stopping this medication gradually. Do not crush, chew, or open any "once-daily" Ritalin tablets or capsules. Swallow them whole.

Who should not take Ritalin?

You cannot take Ritalin if you:

- have heart disease or high blood pressure;
- have arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries);
- have glaucoma;
- have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or phenelzine (Nardil) in the last 14 days; or
- have a history of drugs or alcohol abuse.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:

- problems with your thyroid,
- an anxiety disorder,
- epilepsy or another seizure disorder, or
- diabetes.

You may not be able to take Ritalin, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

It is not known whether Ritalin will harm an unborn baby. Do not take Ritalin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is also not known whether Ritalin passes into breast milk. Do not take Ritalin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should Ritalin be taken?

Take Ritalin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Phendimetrazine is either taken once a day (sustained release formula) or two to three times daily (immediate-release formula) before meals on an empty stomach.

Do not take Ritalin in the evening because it may cause insomnia.

Do not crush, chew, or open any "once-daily" phendimetrazine tablets or capsules. Swallow them whole. Never take more of this medication than is prescribed for you. Too much Ritalin could be very dangerous to your health. Store Ritalin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if a dose is missed?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose or if it is already evening, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. A dose taken too late in the day will cause insomnia. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if someone overdoses on Ritalin?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a Ritalin overdose include restlessness, tremor, rapid breathing, confusion, hallucinations, panic, aggressiveness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, an irregular heartbeat, and seizures.

What should be avoided while taking Ritalin?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Ritalin may cause dizziness, blurred vision, or restlessness, and it may hide the symptoms of extreme tiredness. If you experience these effects, avoid hazardous activities.

Do not take Ritalin late in the day. A dose taken too late in the day can cause insomnia.

Ritalin side effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Ritalin and seek emergency medical attention:

- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- an irregular heartbeat or very high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision); or
- hallucinations, abnormal behavior, or confusion.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Ritalin and talk to your doctor if you experience:

- restlessness or tremor,
- nervousness or anxiety,
- headache or dizziness,
- insomnia,
- dry mouth or an unpleasant taste in your mouth,
- diarrhea or constipation, or
- impotence or changes in your sex drive.

Ritalin is habit forming. You can become physically and psychologically dependent on this medication, and withdrawal effects may occur if you stop taking it suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Talk to your doctor about stopping this medication gradually.

What other drugs will affect Ritalin?

You cannot take Ritalin if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or phenelzine (Nardil) in the last 14 days. Changes in insulin and other diabetes drug therapies may be necessary during treatment with Ritalin.

Methylphenidate should not be prescribed concomitantly with tricyclic antidepressants, such as desipramine, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors, such as phenelzine or tranylcypromine, as methylphenidate may dangerously increase plasma concentrations, leading to potential toxic reactions (mainly, cardiovascular effects). Methylphenidate should not be prescribed to patients who suffer from severe arrhythmia, hypertension or liver damage. It shouldn't be prescribed to patients who demonstrate drug-seeking behaviour, pronounced agitation or nervousness.

Dexedrine

Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) is a psychostimulant which is known to produce increased wakefulness and focus in association with decreased fatigue and appetite. It is perhaps the archetypal psycho-stimulant. Drugs with similar psychoactive properties are often referred to or described as "amphetamine analogues", "amphetamine-like", or having "amphetaminergic" effects. Enantiomerically pure dextroamphetamine is more powerful than racemic amphetamine and has stimulant properties that are similar to those of methamphetamine, but is slightly less potent.

Uses

Clinical

Prescribed for weight loss, depression, fatigue, concentration problems and for nightshift workers and as a study aid.

Experimental

Though such use remains out of the mainstream, dextroamphetamine has been successfully applied in the treatment of certain categories of depression as well as other psychiatric syndromes. Such alternate uses include reduction of fatigue in cancer patients, antidepressant treatment for HIV patients with depression and debilitating fatigue, and early stage physiotherapy for severe stroke victims. If physical therapy patients take dextroamphetamine while they practice their movements for rehabilitation, they learn to move much faster than without dextroamphetamine, and in practice sessions with shorter lengths.

Military

The U.S. Air Force uses Dexedrine as one of its two "go pills," given to pilots on long missions to help them remain focused and alert. (Conversely, the Air Force also issues "no-go pills"; prescription sedatives used after the mission to calm down. The Tarnak Farm incident was linked by media reports to the use of this drug on long term fatigued pilots. A military tribunal did not accept this explanation, citing the lack of similar incidents. Newer stimulant medications with fewer side effects, like modafinil are being investigated and sometimes issued for this reason.

Illicit

Along with Adderall and Ritalin, non-prescription use of dextroamphetamine has been reported for the feeling of elation (euphoria) and for use as a study aid, social aid and party drug. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a large percentage of American college students reported illicit stimulant use in 2004.

Famous users

Priscilla Presley used it after Elvis gave it to her to stay awake during class.

The English pop group Dexys Midnight Runners were named after Dexedrine, which was popularly used as a recreational drug among Northern Soul fans at the time.

Johnny Cash is known for having abused dextroamphetamine for the majority of his career. Cash frequently mentions this abuse in his 1997 autobiography.

Waylon Jennings is known to have used Dexedrine during his early career, before switching to cocaine. He describes its use and his addiction in depth in his 1996 autobiography.

In the Beatles Anthology documentary, Paul McCartney says that The Beatles used it during their early days to endure hours of playing at clubs in Hamburg, Germany.

Hugh Hefner has spoken openly about his usage.

Contraindications

Dextroamphetamine treatment along with MAO inhibitors is strongly contraindicated. Treatment should also be avoided in patients suffering from physical health conditions including cardiovascular diseases, hypertensive disease, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma and anorexia.

Treating patients with a substantial history of drug abuse is strongly inadvisable. However, it has been reported that people with undiagnosed adult ADD may actually abstain from further drug abuse, as they may have been self-medicating in order to control their undiagnosed ADD.

Caution should be taken when treating chronically depressed or bipolar patients for an irrelevant condition, as in depressed patients the initial psychological state of pride and optimism with an absence of depression may provoke abuse, while bipolar patients could go into a manic state.

Side Effects

Dexedrine use, either for recreational or medical use, can induce many different effects as shown below. In general any negative effects are increased with an increasing dosage amount. If used at standard medical dosages, there are relativly few serious associated adverse effects. (Unless dextroamphetamine is contraindicated with another drug one is taking.)

Physical effects

Physical effects of dextroamphetamine can include a reduced appetite, anorexia, hyperactivity, dilated pupils, flushing, restlessness, dry mouth, headache, tachycardia, bradycardia, tachypnea, hypertension, fever, diaphoresis, diarrhea, constipation, blurred vision, aphasia, dizziness, twitches, insomnia, numbness, palpitations, arrhythmias and tremors. In high doses or chronic use convulsions, dry or itchy skin, acne, pallor can occur. With high chronic dosages, a myocardial infarction (heart attack) can occur.

Psychological effects

Psychological effects of dextroamphetamine can include anxiety (by increased norepinephrine), euphoria (by increased dopamine), altered libido, increased awareness, alertness, concentration, energy, excitability, sociability, irritability, aggression, psychomotor agitation, self-confidence, feeling of power or superiority, repetitive behaviors, paranoia and typically in high doses and/or chronic use, amphetamine psychosis. A serene calming sensation (in association with bradycardia) can also be induced by dextroamphetamine.

Withdrawal effects

Withdrawal symptoms from Dexedrine primarily consist of mental fatigue, mental depression and an increased appetite. Symptoms may last for days with occasional abuse and weeks or months with chronic abuse or chronic medicinal use with severity dependant on the length of time and the size of doses taken. Withdrawal symptoms may also include anxiety, agitation, excessive sleep, vivid or lucid dreams (deep REM sleep), suicidal thoughts and psychosis.

Synephrine HCL

Synephrine HCL is the synthetic version of synephrine that is derived from Bitter Orange. Synephrine is a supplement proven to encourage fat loss and has gained significant popularity as an alternative to Ephedrine HCL, a similar substance.

Synephrine increases the metabolic rate without affecting heart rate or blood pressure. Synephrine is used to activate the adrenaline system causing the release of adrenaline and noradrenaline and supports the breakdown of fat.

How much should be taken?

The recommended daily amount of Synephrine is 60 mg devided into three 20 mg doses.

Interactions

Do not use Synephrine if pregnant or nursing. Do not exceed recommended dosage. Not recommended for people that have been treated for, or are diagnosed with high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid disease, kidney disease, depression or other psychiatric conditions, renal disease, recurrent headaches, spasms, have asthma, or are taking asthma medication, or if you are using a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI).

Potential side effects if used incorrectly:

Headache, sweating, sleeplessness

Less common side effects include:

Dizziness; nausea; nervousness; restlessness; stomach irritation.

Rare side effects include:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); difficulty urinating, heat stroke, heart attack, hypertension, stroke.

Ephedrine HCL

Ephedrine HCL is the synthetic equavilant to natural Ephedra found in plants such as Sida Cordifolia and is used as a stimulant, appetite suppressant, fat burner, concentration aid, decongestant, and to treat hypotension associated with anaesthesia.

Guide to taking Ephedrine

Ephedrine should only be taken by individuals who are healthy and do not have any serious health conditions. Before beginning to take this, always read the warnings on the label to acquaint yourself with the possible complications that could result. If you develop any symptoms then it is smart to either decrease your dosage or stop taking it altogether. It is important to note that the negative claims regarding Ephedrine have been greatly blown out of proportion.

If you are new to Ephedrine, you should start with the smallest dosage possible which for most individuals is 8 to12 mg. Start by taking it once a day or split it up into two portions.

The stimulant properties of Ephedrine are incredible but you must figure out how much your system can handle at first. A full dose of ephedrine is 24 mg and that is too high to start with. Starting with a low dose of Ephedrine allows your body time to gradually get used to it.

As time goes by you can increase the dosage but do not go overboard and think that if a little is good then a lot would be even better. It is wise to consume no more than 72 mg on a daily basis that are broken up into three equal servings.

Ephedrine can make a person feel restless. If this is the case, simple go for a quick walk or jog to work off the nervous energy. Alternatively, reduce the amount you are taking.

If you take it too late in the day it can affect your sleep patterns so in the beginning it is not recommended that you take it any time after 2pm.

Your body will become accustomed to Ephedrine rather swiftly so in order to make it as effective as possible for yourself, keep taking it for no more than 6 weeks at a time. Then take 2 to 4 weeks off and go back to it after that time. On a weekly basis, take it 5 days and then give your body a rest for two. It is worth noting that some manufacturers of Ephedrine advise their customers to take the product for as long as 12 weeks before breaking. For first timers this is most likely too long a period.

Possible side effects of Ephedrine:

Most common side effects (if used incorrectly) include:

Headache, sweating, sleeplessness

Less common side effects include:

Dizziness; nausea; nervousness; restlessness; stomach irritation.

Rare side effects include:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); difficulty urinating, heat stroke, heart attack, hypertension, stroke.

Do NOT use Ephedrine if:

- you are taking furazolidone or have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (eg, phenelzine) in the last 14 days
- you have severe high blood pressure, severe heart blood vessel disease, a rapid heartbeat, or severe heart problems
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you have a history of heart problems, diabetes, glaucoma, an enlarged prostate or other prostate problems, adrenal gland problems, high blood pressure, seizures, stroke, blood vessel problems, an overactive thyroid, or severe asthma

Be cautious about taking Ephedrine if you are using any of the following medicines:

- Rauwolfia derivatives (eg, reserpine) because the effectiveness of Ephedrine may be decreased
- Beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), cocaine, furazolidone, indomethacin, methyldopa, MAO inhibitors (eg, phenelzine), oxytocic medicines (eg, oxytocin), rauwolfia derivatives (eg, reserpine), or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because the actions and side effects of Ephedrine may be increased
- Bromocriptine, catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors (eg, entacapone), digoxin, or droxidopa because the actions and side effects of these medicines may be increased
- Guanadrel, guanethidine, mecamylamine, methyldopa, or reserpine because its effectiveness may be decreased by Ephedrine