concentration/focus supp

hi guys,

looking for something to assist with daily mental focus/concentration,

i have a very high paced job and the last few months i struggle to zone in on 1 item and complete it as my focus gets lost easily, or i'll jump between various tasks and a have a ton of things only half way.


spoken to my GP and she said i could try Concerta, but not sure if i want to jump straight onto that route.

Concerta at what mg? It really works very well to focus and get the job done.

All meds aside, make time for meditation. Start of at 2 mins a day and work your way up. Won’t change things overnight but after a week of 5 minute sessions I guarantee you’ll feel the difference.

I’m of the opinion that these days we lack peace, quiet and alone time. There are way too many distractions in this day and age and it affects our ability to focus big time.

Give it a try for a few weeks it won’t cost you anything.
Google some “how to tips “ and get started

Hoosain wrote: All meds aside, make time for meditation. Start of at 2 mins a day and work your way up. Won’t change things overnight but after a week of 5 minute sessions I guarantee you’ll feel the difference.

I’m of the opinion that these days we lack peace, quiet and alone time. There are way too many distractions in this day and age and it affects our ability to focus big time.

Give it a try for a few weeks it won’t cost you anything.
Google some “how to tips “ and get started

And to focus on this point even more. Micro dosing an antipsychotic is far better than stimulating yourself, is it isn't just the prefrontal cortex that you stimulate it's all your thoughts. So in essence you going to stimulate -> create anxiety -> get fatigue from adrenaline -> require higher dose stimulants and so the process circles around. ADHD specialists/ psychiatrists focusing primarily on ADHD use a typical combination of a stimulant / low dose anti psychotic (either risperdal/ fluanxol/ zyprexa) "all micro doses, not the dose you use for psychiatric episodes", that part is vital to slow down the racing mind, they then normally prescribe sodium valproate (mood stabilizer) and omega 3.. Out of that whole cocktail the most important medication is the antipsychotic.. People who primary use stimulants for treatment increase sympathetic activity in the body, have surges of adrenaline, increased cortisol levels and suffer risks of adrenal fatigue (even though that is a loosely used word and has far greater meaning than the context it's used in).

So to start again, what Hoosin said, mindful meditation, taking breaks during the day, disconnecting from technology in the evening, practicing good sleep hygiene, cut out coffee, drink chamomile tea (stopping coffe you will get a dip for about 2 weeks and then your body starts to produce great energy without the need for stimulation). Rest 8 hours a night, don't over train, and if you want something that helps cortisol levels look at stress damage control by solal (this isn't a gimmick, it has dropped my cortisol by over 100). I chased the stimulation route for 7 years, not fully understanding how the brain worked and I landed up in a spiral hitting a dose of 108mg of Concerta twice a day. I initially started on 18mg. I am now breaking a contramyl of 54 in half (they can break) and that is the max stimulation I need.. Any higher and i start to develop anxiety, I start to get energy but then it dips the following days and my heart rate increases. I was very reluctant of anti psychotics and their role in balancing neurotransmitters, but 2nd generation anti psychotics can be life savers for many.. Here is an example, Leponex can be administered for bipolar of a dose up to 900mg a day, I use a quarter of a 25mg tablet (no leponex isn't the right medication of calming thoughts but great as a sedative), what I'm trying to give is an example of how low the dosing is needed to get the required effect. However it's a very long road to see what works and what doesn't. I have taken every single medication that has some reference boost for cognation. From dexedrine, vyvanse, adderall, provigil, donepezil, cognimed, abilify, fluanxol, risperdal, zyprexa, strattera.. literally if it had a chance of boosting cognation I have tried it and tried it excessively. I now realize that all I needed to do was slow down the racing mind, and allow my head space to be in a positive space and I deliver better output than I ever have in my life..

Good luck

@ Oupa - i believe she said 18 to 36 mg a day

Hoosain wrote: All meds aside, make time for meditation. Start of at 2 mins a day and work your way up. Won’t change things overnight but after a week of 5 minute sessions I guarantee you’ll feel the difference.

I’m of the opinion that these days we lack peace, quiet and alone time. There are way too many distractions in this day and age and it affects our ability to focus big time.

Give it a try for a few weeks it won’t cost you anything.
Google some “how to tips “ and get started

thank you, i will defs do some research and look into , not just wanting to jumo straight onto pharmaceuticals

00pump wrote:

Hoosain wrote: All meds aside, make time for meditation. Start of at 2 mins a day and work your way up. Won’t change things overnight but after a week of 5 minute sessions I guarantee you’ll feel the difference.

I’m of the opinion that these days we lack peace, quiet and alone time. There are way too many distractions in this day and age and it affects our ability to focus big time.

Give it a try for a few weeks it won’t cost you anything.
Google some “how to tips “ and get started

And to focus on this point even more. Micro dosing an antipsychotic is far better than stimulating yourself, is it isn't just the prefrontal cortex that you stimulate it's all your thoughts. So in essence you going to stimulate -> create anxiety -> get fatigue from adrenaline -> require higher dose stimulants and so the process circles around. ADHD specialists/ psychiatrists focusing primarily on ADHD use a typical combination of a stimulant / low dose anti psychotic (either risperdal/ fluanxol/ zyprexa) "all micro doses, not the dose you use for psychiatric episodes", that part is vital to slow down the racing mind, they then normally prescribe sodium valproate (mood stabilizer) and omega 3.. Out of that whole cocktail the most important medication is the antipsychotic.. People who primary use stimulants for treatment increase sympathetic activity in the body, have surges of adrenaline, increased cortisol levels and suffer risks of adrenal fatigue (even though that is a loosely used word and has far greater meaning than the context it's used in).

So to start again, what Hoosin said, mindful meditation, taking breaks during the day, disconnecting from technology in the evening, practicing good sleep hygiene, cut out coffee, drink chamomile tea (stopping coffe you will get a dip for about 2 weeks and then your body starts to produce great energy without the need for stimulation). Rest 8 hours a night, don't over train, and if you want something that helps cortisol levels look at stress damage control by solal (this isn't a gimmick, it has dropped my cortisol by over 100). I chased the stimulation route for 7 years, not fully understanding how the brain worked and I landed up in a spiral hitting a dose of 108mg of Concerta twice a day. I initially started on 18mg. I am now breaking a contramyl of 54 in half (they can break) and that is the max stimulation I need.. Any higher and i start to develop anxiety, I start to get energy but then it dips the following days and my heart rate increases. I was very reluctant of anti psychotics and their role in balancing neurotransmitters, but 2nd generation anti psychotics can be life savers for many.. Here is an example, Leponex can be administered for bipolar of a dose up to 900mg a day, I use a quarter of a 25mg tablet (no leponex isn't the right medication of calming thoughts but great as a sedative), what I'm trying to give is an example of how low the dosing is needed to get the required effect. However it's a very long road to see what works and what doesn't. I have taken every single medication that has some reference boost for cognation. From dexedrine, vyvanse, adderall, provigil, donepezil, cognimed, abilify, fluanxol, risperdal, zyprexa, strattera.. literally if it had a chance of boosting cognation I have tried it and tried it excessively. I now realize that all I needed to do was slow down the racing mind, and allow my head space to be in a positive space and I deliver better output than I ever have in my life..

Good luck

thank you for all the info
i can believe that it is a long road to find exactly what works as people differ alot,

i have tried cutting out all stimulants as i find i'm awake but the mind is racing even more

i will have a look at the Solal product
this product was recommended by a freind, not sure if it s gimmick thing though

www.primeself.co.za/shop/total-focus/

Try it.. Let us know.. I can however vouch for stress damage control as I have bloods as evidence showing its effect.

Hi Oom G,
Why not read up on Nootropics and give it a try first. There are lots of really great options to try. I personally can vouch for Flmodafinil.
Works like a charm.

00pump wrote: Try it.. Let us know.. I can however vouch for stress damage control as I have bloods as evidence showing its effect.

thanks bud,will do

RedHulk wrote: Hi Oom G,
Why not read up on Nootropics and give it a try first. There are lots of really great options to try. I personally can vouch for Flmodafinil.
Works like a charm.

howsit bud,

yeah that the is path i'm currently on, found 1 or 2 that sounds good and Pump recommended an interesting product from Solal at a good price

I have tried a few stuff myself as well. Modafinal definitely works. I just find it way to easy to increase the dosage and chase the "high" more and more.

Tried the over the shelf stuff as well, KeenMind, NeuroVance, Biostrath. None of them I can notice a difference. Trying Mentat now and I can actually feel a difference. About a week now that I am on it and so far its been good.

Will try that solal product pump recommended.

A few interesting links.

Meditation:
transcendental-meditation.co.za/johannesburg/

Inflammation:

psychopharmacologyinstitute.com/section/...ory-agents-2055-4073


Then something I spoke with my psychiatrist about is choline. Alpha glycerol phosphoryl choline: it's an optimal form of choline for entering brain tissue for memory enhancement. Look into some studies that came out last year or the year before, I can't remember when I read about it.

Second that!! Alpha GPC is friggin phenomenal stuff bro. Can definitely vouch for that but kak expensive.

RedHulk wrote: Second that!! Alpha GPC is friggin phenomenal stuff bro. Can definitely vouch for that but kak expensive.

do you use it occasionally or "24/7"

Just occasionally when I'm really flat. But it's a very good Nootropic to use as often as possible. Crosses blood brain barrier and there's no typical build up of tolerance like with stims.

The Stress Damage Control from Solal is good hey. Definitely worth it. Also look into Mucuna Pruriens and Lion's Mane.

Things like Modafinil can help. Caffeine nicotine always decent options as safer everyday compounds (sensitivity becomes an issue). Racetams and other nootropics can be hugely impactful but won't last for very long. Other drugs designed for such can cause issues and side effects. Is vyvanse available in SA as that seems very interesting.

I would warn taking anything SOLAL branded. Quack imo.

MPhilosopher wrote: Things like Modafinil can help. Caffeine nicotine always decent options as safer everyday compounds (sensitivity becomes an issue). Racetams and other nootropics can be hugely impactful but won't last for very long. Other drugs designed for such can cause issues and side effects. Is vyvanse available in SA as that seems very interesting.

Not directly available, only if your psychiatrist can prove why it would be more beneficial for you over drugs that are already availabl. Then you would need to get a section 21 via the MCC, for you to legally have a 6 month supply. Then you wait for the meds to be shipped from US to UK (UK it's not legal, from the UK here. Your psychiatrist then holds onto the medication and gives you month to month supply. The whole process is extremely expensive and it isn't like you able to just adjust your dose out of the blue without paper work, shipping etc.. You also land up having to see the psychiatrist monthly to evaluate your response to the medication.

Oh f*ck man what a pain. Honestly docs dishing out traditional amphetamines for children like its candy. But buying something that can be used safely with some knowledge and guidance becomes a massive issue. I guess anyone on this board is very familiar with that situation :silly:

MPhilosopher wrote: Oh f*ck man what a pain. Honestly docs dishing out traditional amphetamines for children like its candy. But buying something that can be used safely with some knowledge and guidance becomes a massive issue. I guess anyone on this board is very familiar with that situation :silly:

It's quite a battle.. It isn't the wonder drug everyone makes out, I have tried low to high dosing, I respond better to straight dexedrine, and use that, but it's very easy to abuse.. I use 3, 3 times a day and that works nicely for me.

Oupa wrote: Concerta at what mg? It really works very well to focus and get the job done.

Hi Oupa,

quick Q
so i have a mate that uses Concerta and he gave me 3 x 18mg tablets so i could test it before going to purchase a full bottle.

used one this morning and withing a hour or so i felt super anxious, like almost so jacked up that i was too awake to focus on anything which would counteract the purpose of using it

is anxiety a side affect of it? and would that feeling subside if i used it daily for awhile

i am also working on some meditation methods as suggested below and looking into all the natural supplements the guys recommended

Don't take concerta/ritalin unless you really need it and tried all other available alternatives. It's the closest legal thing to street drug stimulants and once you are used to taking it, if you want to get off it the mental withdrawal symptoms are not fun. If you only use it for 4 weeks or so you can expect to feel lethargic and hazy for about a week. After long term use it's hard to come off.

On the plus side it's very effective at fat loss for the first few weeks and you can get twice as much done in the day.

Concerta is for your mind what steroids is for your body. Expect a 'post cycle' recovery period just like steroids where you have little motivation and focus.

Most people gave decent replies but im going to give one froma perspective off being diagnosed at a young age with OCD, ADD and MDD. First thing they had me on was serdep 50m. Draines my sex drive and general drive for stuff. Did help with anxiety and depression like a boss but denied my capabilities of what i call "wrapping my head around stuff". Grades dropped.

They dropped the serdep and gave me lexamil 40mg never lookes back. Makes me feel great. Noreal sides doesnt let my emotions cloud my focus but also doesnt make me feel groggy
They added concerta 36mg later on and in the beggining i felt like a frickken hero. Like a super smart hero focussing every moment. But i had to bump up the dosage each time.

Now looking back i would never have taken it. I struggle eating in a caloric surplus in general. I cant go a day without concerta. I cant sleep properly. It is a very risky thing to pump your brain full of stimulants constantly. Anxiety out of this world...

So if you dont want to get your focus and mental strength intact and ready at any moment. I would suggest not taking stimulants.
I saw 00pump mention antipsychotics.

Ive only taken valporic acid. And let me tell u its a brain fog galore drug for me. I couldnt take it for longer than 3 days. I was slowly feeling crazy on it.

Just my 2 cents. Dont f*ck with nootropics andpsych meds like its a game. It will haunt u for the rest of your life. Its almost like playing around with roids and being put on trt because u didnt properly analyse whatwas happening to u.

Btw just a study for anyone reading this seemingly i spoke about antidepressants. Dont take antidepressants and tamoxifen or clomid with each other. They interact badly and reduces the effectiveness of each other. ( www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_articl...ssants-and-tamoxifen )there is the study to prove my claim