+++
title = "Brain supplements: A two month summary"
publishDate = 2023-01-06T00:00:00+01:00
lastmod = 2024-11-18T18:28:15+01:00
tags = ["supplements", "nootropics"]
categories = ["mind"]
draft = false
meta = true
type = "list"
[menu]
  [menu.posts]
    weight = 3003
    identifier = "brain-supplements-a-two-month-summary"
+++

Over the past two months I've been trying out some brain supplements for my issues with focus and concentration.

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In particular, I was using the following stack on a (nearly) daily basis:

-   150mg pregabalin
-   200mg caffeine
-   300mg Alpha GPC (occasionally 600mg, if I knew it was a busy day)
-   200mg L-Theanine
-   500mg Lion's Mane extract

Overall, it has been great. My focus improved, my energy levels have increased on average to the point where I can function pretty well at work. My sleep quality has improved, although I still do rely on a 25-50mg dose of diphenhydramine occasionally. I blame the caffeine.

I have had a few rough days, particularly around the holidays, when I forgot to take one or more of the supplements.

Despite the marked improvement, I still find it difficult to focus past work. I currently start at 1400, which means that I lose a lot of my day. If I want to have energy left to last the day, I wake up past noon, and then rely on the caffeine to stay up. I finish work around 21, 2230, depending on the day.

I think, of all the supplements, the Alpha GPC is the most notable one, as it seems to significantly decrease the effort that concentrating requires. It makes maintaining focus much easier.

I have noticed that the L-Theanine seems to work well together with the pregabalin to quell my anxieties and help me be more present in the moment. It's not quite to the point where I'm completely 'there', but it's close enough for now.

I can't say anything about Lion's Mane. I have not noticed any clear effect that I can attribute to it so far.

Caffeine is obviously a big one. I must note here that taking it _without_ the L-Theanine leads to jitters for me. Can be quite unpleasant. I have not noticed any changes to my heart rate on the 200mg dose, which is good.

Anyway,

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