Posted by Michael Bell on March 1, 2003, at 13:47:23
Wow, this stuff seems to work. It's a Russian nootropic that is GABA bonded to niacin (vitamin B3). GABA by itself doesn't pass through the brain barrier easily, but it does when bonded with niacin.
In the past, I've tried a variety of herbs and drugs. I always try them one at a time so that I know which effects to attribute to which drugs. I've taken SJW, 5htp, kava, theanine, selegiline (deprenyl), adrafinil, and tyrosine.
SJW -- made me more anxious for a few days, then curtailed much of the anxiety. Quit it because it also dampened my emotions and killed motivation
5htp - helped sleeping at night, but not with daytime anxiety
Kava - took care of anxiety, but made me almost "high"; also was sedating at times
theanine - great supplement. My second favorite for Social Phobia. Problem was it increases alpha waves, never felt strong positive emotionality
selegiline (5 mg/day) - sexual stimulator, not good for social phobia. Made me more paranoid than before, hyper stimulated
tyrosine - same effects as selegiline, with super high paranoia and some random explosive rage problems
adrafinil - made me hyperfocused, did nothing for anxiety either way
and finally...
PICAMILON - according to sites, takes up to an hour to work. With me, it takes a little over an hour, and when it kicks in, but I am anxiety free for about 5-6 hours. Definately not sedating, maybe a little stimulating if anything. I take twice the daily recommended dose, since I believe social phobics have severe dysfunction of the GABA system.
Anyway, that's where I stand to date. I'll try to keep this board updated on my progress every week or so.
Later!
poster:Michael Bell
thread:205031
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030301/msgs/205031.html