NPR: More students turn to 'smart drugs'

Excessive dopaminergic activity can definitely get in the way. The ratio between productive effects and unproductive/uncomfortable effects can generally be avoided by sticking to low doses of amphetamine augmented by -racetam use. Maintaining an alkaline blood pH (i,e., eat your fruits and veggies) and taking caffeine will increase the strength and duration of amphetamine by inhibiting excretion.While sticking to low doses generally prevents overstimulation, if you experience anxiety or discomfort, l-theanine or low to moderate doses of kava can be taken to counter balance the symptoms. L-theanine is an anxiolytic (i.e., anti-anxiety) amino acid found in green tea that stimulates alpha brainwave production. Kava is a beverage prepared by soaking the roots of piper methysticum in water. It has a calming effect, however it becomes sedating in higher doses which can be counter productive. In general, I would recommend keeping amphetamine use to a bare minimum, as it carries both a less desirable risk profile than alternative 'smart drugs' and is highly illegal. If you must use amphetamine, keep in mind that toxic effects begin at 50mg in sensitive users, and that 50mg is generally far more than the optimal for use as a productivity aid. You would also be well advised to obtain an ADD diagnosis, so that your aspirations of higher education are not destroyed by our draconian drug laws.

One way to avoid both unproductive dopaminergic side effects, as well being forced to move from your dorm to a prison cell is to make use of the novel -finil stimulants. They possess similar cognitive benefits and wakefulness promoting qualities to amphetamine, however they are not as psychoactive and do not act on the dopamine system. While the better researched modafinil in a controlled substance in the United States, its pro-drug adrafinil is not.

-racetams are a highly recommended tool for didacts. They (and piracetam in particular) have been demonstrated to possess extremely low toxicities and reported side effects in clinical trials. They function in part by increasing transfer to data between the hemispheres of the brain through the corpus callosum and through increasing cholinergic receptor density and utilization of choline in the brain. This means that it improves creative thinking and memory storage. Piracetam is the most economical, however it is extremely foul tasting and less potent. Oxiracetam is a preferable alternative that possesses a sweet taste and lower required dosage. Aniracetam is fat soluble, in contrast to piracetam and oxiracetam, causing it to last considerably longer. When using -racetams be aware that the dose-response curve is parabolic, meaning that anything above or below a specific dose will be less effective. It is also very important to use a choline supplement when using -racetams, as otherwise they will produce side effects rather than cognitive improvement. Also, be warned that -racetams have been reported to significantly increase the effects of amphetamines and psychedelics.

Rhodiola rosea is an underutilized plant with an astonishing range of beneficial effects. It increases synthesis of endogenous opiate peptides, regulates levels of dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline, and acetylcholine, decreases serum cortisol levels, increases ATP production, increases oxygen utilization, activates adipose lipase, stimulates the immune system, and acts as an antioxidant. What all this means it that promotes a calm, clear focus while decreasing stress homones while allowing you to exercise harder and longer while burning more fat while improving your immune system so you get sick less often while decreasing your risk of cancer.

There are many more 'smart drugs' (more formally referred to as nootropics), however this is already far longer than intended, so I will leave the task of further research to you. I hope this information has been interesting and helps you in your quest for greater cognition. Have a wonderful day.

I love how unsensational and fair NPR is compared to its peers. Long live NPR! ^__^

ephedrine and thermadrine wrote most of my college papers (mid-90s). never got lower than an A- on a *drine-fueled assignment. but the ones i decided to write without stimulants? let's just say they lowered my grade point average considerably.

dopamine's fun, but too much fun can get in the way.
cholinergics are both awesome and highly recommended.
google around for racetams, huperzine, etc.