It would be better if you asked on LW only if you had something more specific (for example, if you had developed a theory of akrasia and thought a particular nootropic might help as has been done with sulbutiamine).
Well, I already researched general info, but I thought I would ask on LW because I suspect the commenters here are less likely to forget to take placebo effect or coincidence into account when describing effects.
I know it’s tangential to the site topic, but it is the open thread, not a top-level thread.
Agreed, I’m curious to know what rational people think about specific nootropes. You should start a nootrope discussion in the discussion page.
For what its worth, I’ve lurked around the imminst forums, and am generally impressed with the level of carefulness.
As for my own use:
I tried Modafinil a few times, at small doses (about 25 mg and 10 mg). Both times I had greatly enhanced focus, and reduced tolerance for nuanced complex thought. That is, I took it while programming and found I could focus and execute a design, but had a hard time stepping back to think a design through (I just wanted to get to work, damnit!).
Also, even on my small doses, taken in the morning, I was completely incapable of sleep for the next 40 hours or so (the last 20 hours of which were incredibly unproductive and almost painful). I’m sensitive to uppers in general though.
Needless to say, I don’t plan on using Modafinil again, unless an extreme situation arises. On the other hand, I’ve met plenty of people who seem to be able to take it daily at high doses with no negative side effects.
I would point out that if you are interested in general information, there are many larger sites to search for information. Some quick links:
http://www.erowid.org/
http://www.imminst.org/forum/
http://www.reddit.com/r/Nootropics/
http://www.bluelight.ru/
It would be better if you asked on LW only if you had something more specific (for example, if you had developed a theory of akrasia and thought a particular nootropic might help as has been done with sulbutiamine).
(For completeness, I keep a record of my nootropics in http://www.gwern.net/Nootropics )
Well, I already researched general info, but I thought I would ask on LW because I suspect the commenters here are less likely to forget to take placebo effect or coincidence into account when describing effects.
I know it’s tangential to the site topic, but it is the open thread, not a top-level thread.
Agreed, I’m curious to know what rational people think about specific nootropes. You should start a nootrope discussion in the discussion page.
For what its worth, I’ve lurked around the imminst forums, and am generally impressed with the level of carefulness.
As for my own use:
I tried Modafinil a few times, at small doses (about 25 mg and 10 mg). Both times I had greatly enhanced focus, and reduced tolerance for nuanced complex thought. That is, I took it while programming and found I could focus and execute a design, but had a hard time stepping back to think a design through (I just wanted to get to work, damnit!).
Also, even on my small doses, taken in the morning, I was completely incapable of sleep for the next 40 hours or so (the last 20 hours of which were incredibly unproductive and almost painful). I’m sensitive to uppers in general though.
Needless to say, I don’t plan on using Modafinil again, unless an extreme situation arises. On the other hand, I’ve met plenty of people who seem to be able to take it daily at high doses with no negative side effects.
Good idea, I created a discussion.