Drugs to build up that mental muscle
latimes.com
Drugs to build up that mental muscle
1–10 of 17 posts
Re: Drugs to build up that mental muscle
#2I'm generally a prude when it comes to drugs, but I wonder how much this would increase cognitive muscles. I say this because I would expect the brain would, after a while, become used to this externally induced effect and therefore disregard internal mechanisms to do so. This is pure conjecture, though.
It would, however, be interesting to momentarily feel what it's like to obtain that kind of concentration in order to try to mimic it without the drug.
Re: Drugs to build up that mental muscle
#3DMAE. Not a drug, an over-the-counter "food supplement."
I was introduced to it by a programmer in Florida. Apparently it increases oxygen availability in the brain. What I found was that it was pretty much a 30 minute cure for programmer's burn out, like a cup of coffee that actually worked by making you clearer and fresher, rather than just more restless and agitated. I wouldn't refer to it as performance enhancing, only performance restoring.
Worth reading up on. I don't remember there being any contraindications, but YMMV.
Re: Drugs to build up that mental muscle
#4[deleted]
Re: Drugs to build up that mental muscle
#5I'm generally a prude when it comes to drugs, but I wonder how much this would increase cognitive muscles . I say this because I would expect the brain would, after a while, become used to this externally induced effect and therefore disregard internal mechanisms to do so. This is pure conjecture, though. It would, however, be interesting to momentarily feel what it's like to obtain that kind of concentration in orde…
Good point. It seems there's no "free lunch"--the body will maintain equilibrium (for example, see caffeine or alcohol consumption).
Re: Drugs to build up that mental muscle
#6For the poker player I suppose it might be worth the risk of taking these pills for a week if millions of dollars are on the line. For programmers though it's a marathon. I think it'd rarely, if ever, be worth the risk.
Re: Drugs to build up that mental muscle
#7DMAE. Not a drug, an over-the-counter "food supplement." I was introduced to it by a programmer in Florida. Apparently it increases oxygen availability in the brain. What I found was that it was pretty much a 30 minute cure for programmer's burn out, like a cup of coffee that actually worked by making you clearer and fresher, rather than just more restless and agitated. I wouldn't refer to it as performance enhancing…
What's the scientific evidence for its effectiveness? In your case, it could simply be the placebo effect.
Re: Drugs to build up that mental muscle
#8Since I have a really terrible memory, I would jump on a memory drug in an instant. As it stands, I'm thinking of getting a prescription for modafinil (this article mentions Provigil, which is just a brand name for modafinil).
There are already regulations in place to prevent abuse of these drugs, but they hardly work. I think that if humans want to use something, then we should be able to use it. Of course, there should be things like surgeon general's warnings on the various substances, and they should be sold with the safety sheet and proper precautions to take.
I'm surprised that more people on HN don't agree with this sentiment. I would presume that the majority of the people here are libertarians, and deregulation of drugs goes hand in hand with that political ideology. My guess is that most people here are worried that any promotion or tacit approval of drugs will lessen their chances of getting selected for funding.
Re: Drugs to build up that mental muscle
#9A good book on supplements for improving memory and focus
"Mind Boosters" Ray Sahelian M.D http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0312195842
It's based on published research (as of 2000) but focuses primarily on reducing "age related cognitive decline." It's less for folks in their teens and twenties and more for folks in their 30's and beyond. Dr. Sahelian also stresses the need for regular exercise, sleep, and human contact and connection to keep our brains healthy.
Probably the best advice that Sahelian offers is to try one thing at a time, start with the lowest effective dosage and understand what co-factors are needed. In general pre-cursors are safer than re-uptake inhibitors because you are making more of the raw materials available for processing rather than modifying the internal regulation. In particular, if you are trying to boost acetylcholine then CDP, PPC, and GPC have many fewer side effects than the re-uptake inhibitors like Huperzine.
I agree with the comment on "restoring" vs. "enhancing" and would also suggest that everyone has limits (e.g. in their need for sleep) that they would do well to recognize. I personally have found meditation to be something that "builds mental muscle" when it comes to stress management and getting through a crunch time with reduced sleep (note: not no sleep) and believe that it's complementary to other methods.
Re: Drugs to build up that mental muscle
#10I'm generally a prude when it comes to drugs, but I wonder how much this would increase cognitive muscles . I say this because I would expect the brain would, after a while, become used to this externally induced effect and therefore disregard internal mechanisms to do so. This is pure conjecture, though. It would, however, be interesting to momentarily feel what it's like to obtain that kind of concentration in orde…
Good point. It seems there's no "free lunch"--the body will maintain equilibrium (for example, see caffeine or alcohol consumption).
The "no free lunch" model is a good one. I have found that cutting out other activities like watching television and limiting the amount of on-line game playing gave me more time, focus, and energy for work. Thinking about what you can give up or defer to get what you want should be part of any calculation around stimulants to reduce your need for sleep. I still drink a lot of very strong tea (because, for me, the side effects were fewer and less burdensome than coffee) but I don't try and get less than six hours of sleep and know that if I cut it to less than four a price will be paid, if not the next day within two to three days.