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Suggest Treatment For Brain Abnormality And Problem Focusing
Question: Hello Doctor ,
I need a good advise on medication . I am lacking motivation and concentration and this has impacted my learning process academically . I am now trying to get out of this brain abnormality and become successful in my career .
I have trouble focusing for 4 hours exam that has become crucial for my career growth . I do not have problem when sitting for 30 mins -40 mins continuously ;however, beyond that time I cannot study (or sit for the exam) . I lose focus and get question wrong . I have tried every possibility that can help me stay focused , but nothing seems to work . I have been struggling for 1 and half years now .
Important thing to note here is that I do not lack content knowledge but concentration for a long duration . It has become a do or die situtation for my life/career now and I am here to get help .
I started taking Salbutiamine ( ARCALION ) 200mg strictly for nootropic purpose . For the first few days I felt really good , I took 200+200 mg on third day and appeared for a mock exam . I could concentrate really well for 3 continues hours without feeling any discomfort ; and in turn scored 60 points more in the mock exam (510 to 570 increase ) . However, I did not feel any thing significant on the 4th day with 400mg dosage . I have read plenty article that salbutiamine( supplements) develops tolerance quickly ;I am not sure if this is the case with Arcalion . I am on the 5th day and could not concentrate in the exam after 40 mins . I take it in the morning with 2 eggs (for fat solubility ) and milk .
my question is whether I should increase the dosage ? The manufacturer suggest to take the medication for 2 weeks . But I unable to figure out if taking for 2 weeks is going to be effective or should I cycle off and take it 2-3 times a week ,and the at what dosage ?
Aside , is there other such nootropic available OTC that I can use strictly for limited period ( 3 weeks ) . Modafinil is for one , but I am apprehensive of taking it since it caused rashes in many as one of the side effects. I read about Piracetam but not sure if that would help me . I need doctors intervention to know a safe medication I can try for a limited period .
on a side note , I am neither addicted to substance nor have history of substance abuse . I just need a medication that would help me sit for 4 hours . Kindly suggest whether I should continue sulbutiamine for few more days or try a different medication .
I need a good advise on medication . I am lacking motivation and concentration and this has impacted my learning process academically . I am now trying to get out of this brain abnormality and become successful in my career .
I have trouble focusing for 4 hours exam that has become crucial for my career growth . I do not have problem when sitting for 30 mins -40 mins continuously ;however, beyond that time I cannot study (or sit for the exam) . I lose focus and get question wrong . I have tried every possibility that can help me stay focused , but nothing seems to work . I have been struggling for 1 and half years now .
Important thing to note here is that I do not lack content knowledge but concentration for a long duration . It has become a do or die situtation for my life/career now and I am here to get help .
I started taking Salbutiamine ( ARCALION ) 200mg strictly for nootropic purpose . For the first few days I felt really good , I took 200+200 mg on third day and appeared for a mock exam . I could concentrate really well for 3 continues hours without feeling any discomfort ; and in turn scored 60 points more in the mock exam (510 to 570 increase ) . However, I did not feel any thing significant on the 4th day with 400mg dosage . I have read plenty article that salbutiamine( supplements) develops tolerance quickly ;I am not sure if this is the case with Arcalion . I am on the 5th day and could not concentrate in the exam after 40 mins . I take it in the morning with 2 eggs (for fat solubility ) and milk .
my question is whether I should increase the dosage ? The manufacturer suggest to take the medication for 2 weeks . But I unable to figure out if taking for 2 weeks is going to be effective or should I cycle off and take it 2-3 times a week ,and the at what dosage ?
Aside , is there other such nootropic available OTC that I can use strictly for limited period ( 3 weeks ) . Modafinil is for one , but I am apprehensive of taking it since it caused rashes in many as one of the side effects. I read about Piracetam but not sure if that would help me . I need doctors intervention to know a safe medication I can try for a limited period .
on a side note , I am neither addicted to substance nor have history of substance abuse . I just need a medication that would help me sit for 4 hours . Kindly suggest whether I should continue sulbutiamine for few more days or try a different medication .
Brief Answer:
For concentration, I will suggest you other drugs
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for your query XXXX. Welcome to HCM.
Your previous conversation must have taught many things about your problems and possible remedies.
I will answer according to your questions.
Sulbutiamine must be helping you but there is not abundant research done till date. It is taken in the dosage of 400 mg in a day. If the manufactures have given the guidelines for using it, then you should give it a try. Continue it for 2 weeks. Do not stop even if the improvement has gone.
There are no drugs which has been scientifically proven and approved for increasing concentration but few have shown effects like modafinil. armodafinil, bupropion, methylphenidate etc.
You have not taken any of these. Don't be shy or uncomfortable in visiting a psychiatrist, actually it will help you. If the reason would be depression or anxiety then even after taking approved drugs you won't improve. The culprit should be addressed and handled in a better way.
The concentration is dependent upon so many neurotransmitters in brain but dopamine has major role. The drugs like modafinil, armodafinil are only used to increase the concentration and in sleep disorders like narcolepsy etc. If you have found that modafinil is associated with rashes then it would occur in minor number of patients taking it, it doesn't occur in every person taking it. Another option is modification of modafinil like armodafinil, which has very less side effects. These drugs can be taken on as and when required basis.
Bupropion is a anntidepressant drug that increases the level of norepinephrine and dopamine in brain and resolves depression and concentration issues very effectively. I have used it in many of my patients and they have shown much improvement. Bupropion is usually given in the morning in the dosage of 150 mg and gradually dose should be increased to 300 mg within 10 days.
Piracetam and citicolline are not effective drugs at all. The antioxidants and supplements is the way of making money for pharmaceuticals. So don't use it.
You have been told about methylphenidate previously. It is not available easily even at pharma store. you need to have a written prescription from the psychiatrist.
For all the issues I suggest you to consult a psychiatrist, if the opinion differs then you can tell him about the options we have suggested. Using the OTC drugs that are not approved for increasing concentration won't help you much. Take advice from the specialist and follow it.
The drugs I have suggested you have scientific basis for using in your case.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have further query then feel free to ask. Wish you good health.
For concentration, I will suggest you other drugs
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for your query XXXX. Welcome to HCM.
Your previous conversation must have taught many things about your problems and possible remedies.
I will answer according to your questions.
Sulbutiamine must be helping you but there is not abundant research done till date. It is taken in the dosage of 400 mg in a day. If the manufactures have given the guidelines for using it, then you should give it a try. Continue it for 2 weeks. Do not stop even if the improvement has gone.
There are no drugs which has been scientifically proven and approved for increasing concentration but few have shown effects like modafinil. armodafinil, bupropion, methylphenidate etc.
You have not taken any of these. Don't be shy or uncomfortable in visiting a psychiatrist, actually it will help you. If the reason would be depression or anxiety then even after taking approved drugs you won't improve. The culprit should be addressed and handled in a better way.
The concentration is dependent upon so many neurotransmitters in brain but dopamine has major role. The drugs like modafinil, armodafinil are only used to increase the concentration and in sleep disorders like narcolepsy etc. If you have found that modafinil is associated with rashes then it would occur in minor number of patients taking it, it doesn't occur in every person taking it. Another option is modification of modafinil like armodafinil, which has very less side effects. These drugs can be taken on as and when required basis.
Bupropion is a anntidepressant drug that increases the level of norepinephrine and dopamine in brain and resolves depression and concentration issues very effectively. I have used it in many of my patients and they have shown much improvement. Bupropion is usually given in the morning in the dosage of 150 mg and gradually dose should be increased to 300 mg within 10 days.
Piracetam and citicolline are not effective drugs at all. The antioxidants and supplements is the way of making money for pharmaceuticals. So don't use it.
You have been told about methylphenidate previously. It is not available easily even at pharma store. you need to have a written prescription from the psychiatrist.
For all the issues I suggest you to consult a psychiatrist, if the opinion differs then you can tell him about the options we have suggested. Using the OTC drugs that are not approved for increasing concentration won't help you much. Take advice from the specialist and follow it.
The drugs I have suggested you have scientific basis for using in your case.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have further query then feel free to ask. Wish you good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Thank you for answering the queries ,Dr XXXXXXX . I have used Arcalion for a week now . I did observe subtle improvement in my concentration , but not a significant one . As you know from my previous interaction with Dr. Solanki ,I started reading the book he recommended ,and I have started to feel good these days . I do not feel low and have my confidence back ( may be temporarily , or Placebo /actual effect of Arcalion) .
Moreover, he suggested Propranol (Betacap OTC drug) to tackle my anxiety , and it has proven to be a savior. I used it once for a presentation and it worked like a magic .
I know there isn't much clinical tests run on sulbutiame effect , but from your medical experience could you let me know whether it would be safe to take sulbutiamine as and when needed ( once or twice a week) after 2 weeks of completion of instructed dosage ? Because my exam is on Dec 13th .
I understand there is no proven med for increasing concentration permanently , but I need a proper Med to help me stay alert for 4 hours continuously( 8 mins break in between) .For some reason I lose focus after an hour and this is causing difficulty for me to pass an exam . Mostly the restlessness sets in and I start to shake my leg vigorously ,and finally I zone out .
I have not tried Modalert (100mg) , but I want to use it to see if it helps me stay focus . I want to make sure Modalert has not caused aggresive side effects in users in XXXXXXX .
Again , I just need to use any effective drug available to overcome my current feeling for a temporary period . I have reached a point in my career where I need to take my chances and I need to do it in safer way if possible. Kindly advise . Thanks
Moreover, he suggested Propranol (Betacap OTC drug) to tackle my anxiety , and it has proven to be a savior. I used it once for a presentation and it worked like a magic .
I know there isn't much clinical tests run on sulbutiame effect , but from your medical experience could you let me know whether it would be safe to take sulbutiamine as and when needed ( once or twice a week) after 2 weeks of completion of instructed dosage ? Because my exam is on Dec 13th .
I understand there is no proven med for increasing concentration permanently , but I need a proper Med to help me stay alert for 4 hours continuously( 8 mins break in between) .For some reason I lose focus after an hour and this is causing difficulty for me to pass an exam . Mostly the restlessness sets in and I start to shake my leg vigorously ,and finally I zone out .
I have not tried Modalert (100mg) , but I want to use it to see if it helps me stay focus . I want to make sure Modalert has not caused aggresive side effects in users in XXXXXXX .
Again , I just need to use any effective drug available to overcome my current feeling for a temporary period . I have reached a point in my career where I need to take my chances and I need to do it in safer way if possible. Kindly advise . Thanks
Brief Answer:
7 days cycle will be beneficial
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for writing again XXXX.
As I have told you earlier, I have not used Sulbutiamine in my patients but after your request I have gone through variety of literature available on the internet. It says that you should not take is continuously otherwise you will develop tolerance to it. So it will be better to have a cycle of two nootropics alternatively every 7 days, like sulbutiamine for 7 days and other nootropic for next 7 days. This should be the strategy.
It will not work on 'as and when needed' basis but whenever you appear for exam you can start it before 6 to 7 days and by the time of exam you will have enough benefit in your concentration.
You have tried propranolol and it worked, that is good.
Another important drugs are modalert and wakelert. These drugs can be taken as and when required basis. when you take for once it will increase your mood and concentration for up to 5 to 6 hours. I have many friends from pharma industry who are taking these drugs for attending their day long meetings and they have said that this drug works.
In my opinion before exam you have to try mdalert or wakelert for at least one time and check it's effect.
Modalert has not caused any significant side effects in XXXXXXX population. Every drug has some side effects and same is true for modalert and wakelert. Common side effects are headache, dizziness; feeling nervous or agitated; nausea, diarrhoea; trouble sleeping (insomnia); or dry mouth. These do not occur each and every patient and that is why I am asking you to try it before final call.
Best of luck for your exam and you will have success. When you believe in yourself, the goal is half achieved already.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have further query then feel free to ask.
If you do not have further query then close the discussion and rate the answer. Your feedback iv valuable for me.
Wish you good health.
7 days cycle will be beneficial
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for writing again XXXX.
As I have told you earlier, I have not used Sulbutiamine in my patients but after your request I have gone through variety of literature available on the internet. It says that you should not take is continuously otherwise you will develop tolerance to it. So it will be better to have a cycle of two nootropics alternatively every 7 days, like sulbutiamine for 7 days and other nootropic for next 7 days. This should be the strategy.
It will not work on 'as and when needed' basis but whenever you appear for exam you can start it before 6 to 7 days and by the time of exam you will have enough benefit in your concentration.
You have tried propranolol and it worked, that is good.
Another important drugs are modalert and wakelert. These drugs can be taken as and when required basis. when you take for once it will increase your mood and concentration for up to 5 to 6 hours. I have many friends from pharma industry who are taking these drugs for attending their day long meetings and they have said that this drug works.
In my opinion before exam you have to try mdalert or wakelert for at least one time and check it's effect.
Modalert has not caused any significant side effects in XXXXXXX population. Every drug has some side effects and same is true for modalert and wakelert. Common side effects are headache, dizziness; feeling nervous or agitated; nausea, diarrhoea; trouble sleeping (insomnia); or dry mouth. These do not occur each and every patient and that is why I am asking you to try it before final call.
Best of luck for your exam and you will have success. When you believe in yourself, the goal is half achieved already.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have further query then feel free to ask.
If you do not have further query then close the discussion and rate the answer. Your feedback iv valuable for me.
Wish you good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Hello Dr. XXXXXXX . Thank you for writing back . I have few final queries -
I stopped Sulbutiamine and tried Modalert (100mg) this morning . I must say , I felt the effect after 2 and half hour or so . I wan't tired felt moderately euphoric and alert . Though I could not write the exam this morning ,but I studied for 90 mins and the effect was surprisingly noticeable as I did not feel any sign of restlessness . Its been 8 hours and I still feel as good as I feel after 8-9 hours of sleep . The drug does work .
I want to use 200mg tomorrow morning and sit for my 4 hour long mock exam .
So, I want to know whether I should up the dose to 200mg ( 100 + 100 mg , I only have 100mg tablets ) as 200mg is the standard dose mentioned ?I want to use 3 times a week untill my exam ,i.e in ~ 15 days. So hope that is fine?
Also, should I consume it empty stomach for better absorption and effect ? Kindly elaborate a little .
And thank you for your suggestion during my tough times .
I stopped Sulbutiamine and tried Modalert (100mg) this morning . I must say , I felt the effect after 2 and half hour or so . I wan't tired felt moderately euphoric and alert . Though I could not write the exam this morning ,but I studied for 90 mins and the effect was surprisingly noticeable as I did not feel any sign of restlessness . Its been 8 hours and I still feel as good as I feel after 8-9 hours of sleep . The drug does work .
I want to use 200mg tomorrow morning and sit for my 4 hour long mock exam .
So, I want to know whether I should up the dose to 200mg ( 100 + 100 mg , I only have 100mg tablets ) as 200mg is the standard dose mentioned ?I want to use 3 times a week untill my exam ,i.e in ~ 15 days. So hope that is fine?
Also, should I consume it empty stomach for better absorption and effect ? Kindly elaborate a little .
And thank you for your suggestion during my tough times .
Brief Answer:
Modalert is a good drug
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for writing again.
It is good that it worked for you. I use in my patients 100-400 mg of modafinil in a day. It should be taken under the observation and guidance of a psychiatrist. I can not further give you details about it's dosage and effects because site does not allow a doctor to suggest dosage of prescription drug. It is because of the possible abuse of the drugs.
Food slows it's absorption but whole amount of drug reaches to plasma eventually, so it can be taken after food, there is no harm. Effects will appear after 2 to 3 hours.
It can be used as and when required basis depending upon the needs for study. I would not suggest you to take it regularly. I strongly recommend you to visit a psychiatrist for prescription and stop the drug whenever your exams are over.
Hope I have answered your query. If you do not have further query then close the discussion and rate the answer.
In future you can ask query directly to me on this link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ravi-soni/67402
Wish you good health and bright future ahead.
Modalert is a good drug
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for writing again.
It is good that it worked for you. I use in my patients 100-400 mg of modafinil in a day. It should be taken under the observation and guidance of a psychiatrist. I can not further give you details about it's dosage and effects because site does not allow a doctor to suggest dosage of prescription drug. It is because of the possible abuse of the drugs.
Food slows it's absorption but whole amount of drug reaches to plasma eventually, so it can be taken after food, there is no harm. Effects will appear after 2 to 3 hours.
It can be used as and when required basis depending upon the needs for study. I would not suggest you to take it regularly. I strongly recommend you to visit a psychiatrist for prescription and stop the drug whenever your exams are over.
Hope I have answered your query. If you do not have further query then close the discussion and rate the answer.
In future you can ask query directly to me on this link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ravi-soni/67402
Wish you good health and bright future ahead.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
Answered by
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