Synergy between SSRI's + certain nootropics

[xburtonchic]

In particular, I'm wondering about the synergy between Celexa (Citalopram), Piracetam, and Lion's Mane mushroom extract. I've been on Celexa for maybe a month now, and my racetam and lion's mane supplements came in today.

I know that "legal" does not always = safer. And just because a supplement is natural doesn't mean it's safer either. I've already taken 800mg of the racetam without any unpleasant effects, actually it looks like I'm seeing the world in HD. Color enhancement seems like the only difference so far though. But anyways, back on topic - would it be okay to add the Lion's Mane to this regime? Or should I test them out separately... like the Piracetam today, the Lion's Mane tomorrow? My doctor hasn't heard of the Racetam class at all, let alone Lion's Mane.

So, in the spirit of disinterest in using myself as a human guinea pig, I figure someone on Bluelight might know a thing or two.

Keep in mind that I've researched Celexa, Piracetam and Lion's Mane thoroughly, but separately. I'm wondering how the three might possibly synergise.

 

[NeighborhoodThreat]

Interesting, it's possible that the improved blood flow that the nootropics are giving you are helping out the antidepressant effects of the SSRIs. I'm not familiar enough with nootropics to give you a more specific answer, however.

I'd be interested to see if anybody else has tried out this combination and gotten similar results.

 

[nAON]

It's hard to judge the pharmacological interactions with stuff like nootropics, simply because their mechanism of action isn't well understood.

However, as there is plenty of anecdotal evidence that -racetams potentiate serotonin agonists, I would think it would also potentiate the effects of the citalopram.

I'm not familiar with the active ingredients in Lions Mane, so can't really comment on that.

 

[freehugs]

First Bad Comedown where you at?

Anyways, I would think that it taking piracetam would only diminish the side effects when you get off of said SSRI.

 

[xburtonchic]

The active ingredient in Lion's Mane is lion's mane extract, from a mushroom called Lion's Mane, one that has been used basically forever to enhance brain function and cognitive ability. The only other ingredient in it is rice powder or rice something, which I assume is what helps turn it into capsule form.

Update: It's been a couple of hours since taking the Piracetam, and I've had no ill effects. I think it might potentiate the SSRI. There's color enhancement, the most noticeable effect. Everything seems peaceful, like I can accomplish anything I put my mind to right now. I feel slightly lifted, much like MDMA but far more muted, but not speedy. I just feel productive, like I want to do something creative. I'm going to give Racetams the go-ahead for a mixture with SSRI's. Tomorrow, I will replace the Lion's Mane with the Piracetam and see what happens with that. If all goes well, on the third day, I'll try a dose of one of the drugs first, and then the next one a few hours later just to be safe. I want to add these two supplements to my daily Vitamin regime (currently Vitamin C, Gentle Iron, Potassium, and Echinacea), but only if I know for sure they are safe.

 

[NeighborhoodThreat]

The active ingredient in Lion's Mane is lion's mane extract, from a mushroom called Lion's Mane, one that has been used basically forever to enhance brain function and cognitive ability. The only other ingredient in it is rice powder or rice something, which I assume is what helps turn it into capsule form.

Update: It's been a couple of hours since taking the Piracetam, and I've had no ill effects. I think it might potentiate the SSRI. There's color enhancement, the most noticeable effect. Everything seems peaceful, like I can accomplish anything I put my mind to right now. I feel slightly lifted, much like MDMA but far more muted, but not speedy. I just feel productive, like I want to do something creative. I'm going to give Racetams the go-ahead for a mixture with SSRI's. Tomorrow, I will replace the Lion's Mane with the Piracetam and see what happens with that. If all goes well, on the third day, I'll try a dose of one of the drugs first, and then the next one a few hours later just to be safe. I want to add these two supplements to my daily Vitamin regime (currently Vitamin C, Gentle Iron, Potassium, and Echinacea), but only if I know for sure they are safe.

This is exactly what I would recommend. Take it nice and slow when adding new things. Because so little is known about nootropics, it is always best to take it slow.

Let us know your progress!

 

[Blue Druid]

Lion's mane is 'Hericium erinaceus'. I've taken the mushroom (cooked) while on Piracetam but haven't noticed any mental changes, though thats with the mushroom rather than any standardised extract.
The mushroom does produce erinacines which stimulate 'nerve growth factor synthesis' (Kawagishi et al, 1991, 1994), apparently stimulating neurons to regrow & they've been mentioned in relation to Alzheimer's & senility treatment & improving cognition (Stamets, Growing Gourmet & medicinal mushrooms, 2000). They extract's also used in the treatment of cancer.