Drug info - for focus: GABA and others?

[seeingred]

What does GABA do that you can buy at your local healthfood store? IS it a sedative type? Also, L-Tyrosine, Taurine, Ginkgo, Ginseng? Do these really work or is it just a myth? Swim has a bunch of these herbal brain boosters.

Has anyone tried a combination of herbal supplements that helped improve concentration better than something like adderall. Swim's considering getting a prescription for adderall, just to use for concentration.

[Beeker]

As for non-prescription look into the Nootropic piracetam. You can buy it in bulk from the Internet an gel-cap it up yourself. I take 800mg-1000mg a day. It's done wonders for my memory and is the only thing that has helped me with my dyslexia.

[Nagognog2]

From the rules:

• Use descriptive Topic Subject. This will help others find what they want to read. Topics with bad Topic subjects may be deleted! - there's nothing more annoying than looking at all those stupid "A stupid question" subject lines. I mean, I'm damn lazy, but how hard is it to type "A stupid question about (insert something here)"? As a rule of thumb, most thread titles should include the full name of the drug discussed.

A rule many tend to forget will cause a mass of warnings soon...Rules are here:

http://www.drugs-forum.com/forum/ann...t.php?f=43&a=1

[Gonzo_Shaman]

SWIM likes GABA, and also thinks GABA mixes well with Valerian if used for sedative purposes. SWIM is considering maybe one day using it with OTC Codeine syrup and a small booster-dose of antihistamines as a cure for his more debilitating insomnia-attacks.

Ginseng is pretty good, I (I can't incriminate myself with Ginseng, right? ) take it every day. Definite stimulant effects, yet also bringing on a focused and tranquill state of mind if used correctly. It also has definite libido-enhancing effects. Adverse effects of Ginseng mainly concern overdose; jitteriness, fluid retention (followed by diarreah), headaches, etc.

I also use Ginkgo, but it's probable nootropic properties are clouded by placebo. Large doses of Ginkgo cause headaches and dizziness.

SWIM is yet to try Piracetam.

[spacelord]

yeah, ain't GABA sedating? so GABA agonists and stuff that is metabolised to GABA should act in that way to. so how can it be helpful in keeping vigilance?

[Hover]

Originally Posted by spacelord

yeah, ain't GABA sedating?

It is... when it can cross the BBB.

so GABA agonists and stuff that is metabolised to GABA should act in that way to. so how can it be helpful in keeping vigilance?

In small doses many GABA agonists can increase focus in individuals whose attention is being hindered by anxiety-inducing worries such as what occurs when studying for crucial exams.

Years ago Swim noticed that the phenobarbital he had been prescribed had this effect on him, made him very methodical in his approach to mentally demanding tasks. Later Swim noticed that practically all benzos also had the same effect on him. Since "small dose" is the key expression, a weak GABA agonist supplement could likely produce this effect on some individuals.