Modafinil, also known as Provigil, is a drug used to treat several sleeping disorders, including narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder and excessive daytime sleepiness associated with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome.
Modafinil side effects may occur because of the drug's mechanism of action. It works by affecting chemicals in the brain that help regulate wakefulness and appetite (e.g., dopamine, histamine).
Modafinil can also cause serious side effects not related to its mechanism of action. One serious side effect is an increased risk of experiencing heart attacks or strokes if you're at an elevated risk for cardiovascular problems.
Anyone who has a history of heart disease or stroke should consult his or her doctor before taking Modafinil.
If you've previously suffered from any form of heart disease, you're at a higher risk for developing another heart condition. Modafinil will put this risk even higher.
What The Science Says
A 2014 study published in the journal Research in Cardiovascular Medicine found that Modafinil can substantially increase your risk of experiencing cardiovascular issues and other health problems such as strokes, heart attacks and death.
Modafinil may cause blood clots or blockages that can obstruct the flow of blood to the heart. This could trigger a myocardial infarction (i.e., a heart attack). It could also trigger an arrhythmia (an abnormal heartbeat) or sudden cardiac arrest.
Furthermore, it can cause hyper-coagulability which is when there's excessive bleeding and clumping together in your blood vessels, increasing the likelihood of stroke and internal bleeding.
Modafinil may also increase your risk of suffering a stroke since it increases blood pressure levels in some individuals which is already high as it is because of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome or taking other drugs to treat sleep disorders.
How Modafinil Affects The Heart
Modafinil, like all stimulants, works to keep the brain alert and awake. But unlike many stimulants it does not affect serotonin levels and as such has no effect on dopamine levels in the brain. This is why it does not lead to hyperactivity or anxiety in people who are on it for sleep disorders.
However, because it affects dopamine levels in the body, Modafinil can also cause abnormal heartbeats. This is why they can cause clots that can block blood flow to the heart which may cause a heart attack.
Some of the symptoms of a possible heart attack include: chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting and dizziness.
Modafinil is also very risky for people who already have heart issues such as heart disease or stroke or are experiencing a blood clot.
For some people, it may interfere with the body's natural ability to regulate blood pressure levels and increase heart rate as needed.
Occasionally, people have experienced more serious adverse effects that may require emergency medical attention.
These include:
Irregular heartbeat
Heart palpitations or tachycardia
Sudden cardiac arrest and heart failure.
Blood clots including ones that can obstruct blood flow to the heart which could lead to a heart attack and death.
People who have or are suffering from pre-existing heart conditions or stroke should consult with their physician before taking Modafinil.
If you're not sure if you're at an elevated risk for cardiovascular problems, there are several online tools such as the 10-year coronary heart disease (CHD) risk calculator that can help you establish your risk of developing heart conditions in the next decade.
Modafinil may cause blood clots or blockages that can obstruct the flow of blood to the heart. This could trigger a myocardial infarction (i.e., a heart attack). It could also trigger an arrhythmia (an abnormal heartbeat) or sudden cardiac arrest.
The short answer is, yes. Can I do it safely? Probably not...
Depending on how you use Modafinil, there's a possibility that the two substances might interact with each other in a way that could be dangerous.
Although mixing Modafinil and Alcohol together can cause quite a few complications, it is certainly possible to take Modafinil at the same time as drinking alcohol.
In fact, there are people who do this on a fairly regular basis. But it's certainly not recommended.
However, there are plenty of people out there who swear by this practice as a way to drink less while also getting hammered with no hangovers.
How Do Modafinil & Alcohol Work In Combination?
If you're taking Modafinil to treat your ADHD or narcolepsy, then the negative effect of combining Modafinil with alcohol probably isn't going to outweigh the positive effects of having a few drinks.
There are a lot of anecdotal reports online where people discuss how they've used Modafinil as a way to get drunk but with no hangovers.
Modafinil is a prescription drug that was originally created to treat sleep disorders such as narcolepsy and sleep apnea.
However, the effects of the drug were noticed early on and it's now often used off-label by many people who want to get stuff done.
Modafinil works in a variety of ways to improve wakefulness in users.
It stimulates the release of several neurotransmitters including histamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine and glutamate.
Modafinil also increases the expression of GABA-A receptors in the brain which leads to an overall calming effect on users.
The way this interacts with alcohol is pretty complex but basically this means that it can mess you up good if you combine these two substances together when you drink enough so that your blood alcohol content (BAC) gets above .04% or so.
Mostly you'll just be impaired by them both together (some people are very sensitive to Modafinil and Alcohol - instead of feeling energetic they actually become agitated and depressed).
What Are The Dangers?
In rare cases, you can have dangerous reactions that lead to seizures or even death.
But the chances of that are really really small.
When you drink any amount of alcohol, your body will release some amount of the neurotransmitter GABA in order to slow down or calm you down (this happens because alcohol is a very potent GABA inhibitor).
Modafinil works differently, but it's going to have the same effect on you: it will amplify the traditional effects of alcohol on your brain.
Modafinil is thought to be less habit-forming than most stimulants, especially if used responsibly and only for an intended purpose (like treating narcolepsy).
The safety record is very solid because there are no addictive substances in it and tolerance isn't really a thing with Modafinil like it is with nearly every other stimulant out there (including caffeine).
Modafinil's medical uses make combining it with alcohol akin to mixing alcohol and any other common prescription drug.
The primary danger of mixing Modafinil with alcohol is that your judgment will be impaired to the point where you need to be extra careful about everything you do.
This is true for a lot of people, but it's especially dangerous if you're already an alcoholic or just someone who has a tendency towards risky behavior when they drink.
Modafinil is also very strong in comparison to other stimulants so if you try mixing it with any other kind of drug - including alcohol - then you're going to dramatically increase your chance of having serious side effects.
Should You Mix Alcohol And Modafinil?
Mixing Modafinil and Alcohol is a really bad idea.
Modafinil is only meant to be taken with a clear mind - alcohol certainly isn't going to do that for you.
If you're going to drink alcohol with Modafinil, the best-case scenario is that you'll have a fun night but feel pretty worn out in the morning (though according to some anecdotal reports online, people actually experience zero hangovers the next day).
The worst-case scenario could be something much worse including unconsciousness, seizures or even death.
Modafinil on its own can cause side effects such as headaches, nausea, anxiety and insomnia in some users but these side effects are generally short-lived and only occur during the first few days of use.
Other side effects associated with long-term use of Modafinil include anxiety, lack of appetite and impaired judgment (which could make it dangerous to mix with alcohol).
If you use Modafinil as part of your lifestyle, then that's fine - but don't mix it with alcohol.
References:
https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/modafinil-addiction/modafinil-and-alcohol/ (Mixing Modafinil With Alcohol)
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00305292 (Modafinil-Alcohol Interactions in Healthy Volunteers)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23141152/ (Effect of modafinil on impulsivity and relapse in alcohol dependent patients)
Researchers have discovered that modafinil, despite having been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a drug to promote wakefulness, does raise blood pressure.
Modafinil is used in the treatment of hypersomnolence, such as in narcolepsy and in sleep apnea.
In order to determine whether or not there were any side effects of modafinil, researchers at the University of California San Diego studied six healthy subjects who took 200mg doses of modafinil daily for 21 days.
These subjects were monitored before they took the drug as well as during and after their regimen was completed.
After they had finished their regimen, researchers found that there was a significant increase in blood pressure among those who had taken modafinil compared to when they had taken a placebo pill.
The short-term increase ranged from 6% to 17%, during which time systolic blood pressure increased by 10mmHg. It should be noted that some individuals also experienced an increase in heart rate while on the drug, but it was not drastic enough for them to be considered clinically meaningful.
How Modafinil Affects The Blood & Body
Researchers state that they are not entirely sure how modafinil works and that is why they tested it on healthy subjects.
The drug is believed to work by increasing the amount of orexin in the brain, which helps stimulate wakefulness.
Researchers used an fMRI to track what happens in the brain when a person has a working memory task, such as counting backward from 100 by 7s while looking at a screen displaying random numbers.
The results showed that there was a significant increase in activity in the prefrontal cortex among those who had been given modafinil compared to those who had taken the placebo.
The researchers say that future studies should include larger groups of people who take modafinil and should be conducted over longer periods of time.
They also state that more research should be done on the drug's effects on blood pressure and its use by those who do not have a history of sleep apnea or insomnia.
Different Effects On Blood Pressure
It has also been known that women respond differently than men do when taking modafinil. Women experienced greater improvements of executive functioning, working memory and spatial planning than men did.
Additionally, women had higher increases in blood pressure after taking modafinil compared to men.
The researchers believe this could be attributed to women having naturally lower levels of orexin in their brains than men do. Women were also less likely than men to experience increases in heart rate after taking modafinil.
According to the researchers, these differences in the responses of women and men could account for some of the higher risks of cardiovascular problems seen among female patients who were using modafinil.
Although it is possible that more research needs to be done on this subject, private practice doctors have not been put off by these findings.
However, they do recommend that people should still take modafinil only as prescribed by their doctors.
It is also recommended that those who are on it should continue eating healthy diets and exercising regularly to help control their blood pressure while taking it.
They also encourage anyone who takes blood pressure medication to make sure their doctor knows they are taking modafinil, so they can adjust their dosages accordingly if necessary.
References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18548832/ (Effect of modafinil on cerebral blood flow in narcolepsy patients)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18275558/ (Cerebral blood flow changes in man by wake-promoting drug, modafinil: a randomized double blind study)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10096265/ (Does short-term treatment with modafinil affect blood pressure in patients with obstructive sleep apnea?)
Modafinil isn't addictive, though there have been rare cases of abuse and addiction.
Modafinil (Provigil) is a prescription drug that gives cognitive benefits without the "jitteriness" side effects caused by caffeine or other stimulants.
The active ingredient in Modafinil is actually adrafinil, which was first synthesized in France in 1974.
Modafinil was a product of a research program looking for drugs with nootropic properties to help treat memory and concentration problems in sleeping patients.
Researchers created this drug with the intention of administering it to patients who were suffering from narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea who were unable to stay awake during the day without stimulants like caffeine.
When it was first approved in France, the drug was given to patients suffering from narcolepsy, and a year later, the FDA approved it for use as a wakefulness-promoting agent for people with shift-work disorders.
The drug is used for a variety of indications when it is used according to the directions as prescribed.
Overuse of Modafinil by those who do not have depression or other sleep disorder can lead to over stimulation of the nervous system.
Abuse of Modafinil may also result in permanent physical damage under extreme conditions involving regular abuse lasting over one year.
It is usually a safe drug to use, though some rare cases have been reported where the patients experienced injuries unrelated to their prescribed daily dose.
Is Modafinil Bad For Your Heart?
Modafinil has no effect on the heart, though any stimulant can cause an elevated heart rate when taken in high doses or when used for an extended period.
This will cause increases in blood pressure, fast breathing, and irregular heart rhythm.
If you notice any of these signs and symptoms, stop using this drug immediately.
If it is used as prescribed, there are no serious side effects apart from headaches, nausea or vomiting if the drug is taken with food.
To avoid any of these side effects, always take Modafinil on an empty stomach.
Is Modafinil Bad For Your Liver?
Modafinil is known to have a slight effect on the liver, but this is reversible.
Some patients who have taken Modafinil for extended periods of time showed mild, reversible liver damage which returned to normal once they stopped taking the drug.
Other users reported no side effects on the liver, with levels of enzyme activity returning to normal after discontinuation of Modafinil.
It has been shown that drugs with a similar mechanism like Modafinil can damage your liver when used over a long period of time.
The most common drugs that are known to cause mild liver damage when used for long periods are alcohol and acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Modafinil when taken in low doses over long periods of time is not dangerous.
There will be no serious side effects, and there will be no serious health problems associated with it either unless you take it at extremely high doses continuously for one year or longer.
That being said, I'm not a doctor and everyone is different, so do your own due diligence before jumping on the Modafinil-hype-train.
Is Modafinil Bad For Bipolar?
It has been shown that Modafinil can exacerbate bipolar disorders, so it should be taken with caution, if you're bipolar.
The way Modafinil works is by boosting the brain's dopamine system.
In bipolar people, when there is hyperactivity in the "reward" part of the brain, dopamine does not get released as much as it should.
When there is not enough dopamine released it can lead to a manic episode.
This may mean that people who use Modafinil may become manic and go into a full-blown mania without even realizing it because their brains don't release enough dopamine on their own.
Modafinil will more than likely not cause bipolar, because Modafinil is a pure stimulant.
However, it's not impossible that someone who was already bipolar may turn into a full-blown mania.
Modafinil can be dangerous for those with bipolar depression, because it may exacerbate those types of symptoms.
If you're feeling depressed while taking Modafinil and the depression won't go away, discontinue use
immediately.
Is Modafinil Bad For Your Kidneys?
Modafinil is known to cause a change in kidney function tests (some of which are very rare.)
Some users have reported that they have experienced mild kidney pain, dark urine, while others have reported no side effects on the kidneys at all.
A person's body may react differently to Modafinil than another person who uses the same dosage or even higher dosage.
The reason why you may be experiencing these side effects is because the drug causes your kidneys to excrete excessive amounts of dopamine into the urine.
Modafinil also causes a decrease in levels of dopamine when it is used for an extended period of time.
Modafinil works by boosting your brain's own production of dopamine, which will last throughout the day and improve cognitive functions.
If your dopamine levels are high your kidneys will try to compensate by removing excess amounts of it from your body through urination.
That being said, Modafinil has shown no long-term damage or permanent kidney damage when used as prescribed for the treatment of narcolepsy or sleep apnea.
Modafinil seems to have few to no effect on the kidneys, though it may be risky when used for extended periods of time or if you're in an emergency situation where your kidneys are already severely compromised.
Modafinil is generally a very safe drug to use, and most people won't experience any side effects from it.
References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10505821/ (Health-related quality of life effects of modafinil for treatment of narcolepsy)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548274/ (Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2815156/ (Evaluation of modafinil effects on the cardiovascular system)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18729534/ (Approved and investigational uses of modafinil : an evidence-based review)
In this article, I will take a closer look at 5 Nootropics that are similar to Adderall (but without the side effects).
In the past year or two, nootropics have become a very hot topic, and for good reason. The brain is an underdeveloped organ. While it does so many things, there is still more that can be done with it.
Adderall is a psychostimulant medication prescribed for people with ADHD and other conditions involving short attention span or hyperactivity. It contains amphetamine salts which improve concentration and reduce hyperactivity by increasing dopamine levels and norepinephrine activity in the brain.
Like most drugs though Adderall has side effects which include loss of appetite (weight loss), insomnia, nausea, etc. Most people report that their mood improves when taking Adderall but this could be due to the increased dopamine levels rather than anything else.
5 Nootropic Alternatives to Adderall
5. Piracetam
Piracetam was first discovered in 1964 by a Romanian chemist. It is the world's first nootropic and recognized as one of the greatest achievements in pharmacology.
It is a racetam and was used as a potent cognitive enhancer in Russia during the Soviet Union, Eastern Bloc and even China.
Piracetam has been used to treat Alzheimer's disease, a mild cognitive impairment which is a pre-clinical stage of Alzheimer's disease, memory loss after stroke, dyslexia, Alzheimer's type dementia, and many more ailments.
Piracetam improves attention span and enhances learning ability by enhancing acetylcholine levels in the brain (this neurotransmitter helps control memory formation).
It also increases blood flow which increases oxygen supply to the brain. It also has other benefits such as anti-inflammatory effects on the body that improve joint pain while reducing migraines for example.
4. Noopept
Noopept is widely known for being able to improve memory and cognition in comparison to Piracetam (a racetam).
It was discovered in 2001 by a Russian chemist. Noopept has many of the same benefits as Piracetam, and scientists are looking at it for a number of neurological disorders
Amongst them is Alzheimer's disease which is why it is widely used today as a nootropic supplement.
It improves attention span, learning ability, and memory and even contains anti-inflammatory effects while reducing joint pain (which makes it perfect for bodybuilders).
3. Vinpocetine
Vinpocetine is found in certain types of mushrooms and is mainly used to treat vascular problems such as strokes by stimulating cerebral blood flow (as mentioned above).
It can also improve memory, concentration, and mood.
This nootropic works in the brain by improving blood flow, which increases oxygen supply to the brain which makes it an ideal choice for improving intelligence.
It improves learning ability and performance on tasks requiring mental function such as playing video games or reading books. It also prevents age-related memory decline (also known as cognitive decline) that occurs with age.
This is why it is widely used by medical practitioners for people with memory problems associated with old age and the elderly.
2. Aniracetam
Aniracetam is an ampakine nootropic that enhances the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Just like Piracetam, it improves brain activity and learning ability. It also increases blood flow to the brain which improves oxygen supply to it.
This makes Aniracetam a perfect supplement for old-aged people as well as students who need more blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain for better thinking and concentration.
Aniracetam has anxiolytic properties meaning that it reduces anxiety, panic attacks, fear and even depression by increasing serotonin levels in the brain (serotonin is a neurotransmitter responsible for mood regulation).
Increasing these levels improves mood but only temporarily while taking Aniracetam so when you discontinue usage you may experience mood problems again (this will vary from person to person).
1. Alpha GPC
Alpha GPC is a choline compound also known as α-glycerylphosphorylcholine. It is an ingredient in nootropic supplements for people that have memory problems and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
It increases acetylcholine levels in the brain and improves numerous cognitive functions.
It is widely used to treat these disorders because it improves memory and concentration and reduces hyperactivity associated with ADHD.
It also has anti-aging effects by improving blood flow to the brain which increases oxygen supply to the brain, preventing it from being damaged by aging. Alpha GPC is a cholinergic nootropic (it works on cholinergic nerve pathways).
Cholinergic means that it stimulates acetylcholine receptors in the brain which are involved in memory and focus.
While Alpha GPC is a great supplement it is somewhat expensive for most people on a budget.
It also has higher chances of side effects such as nausea, headache or fatigue.
Some people believe that nootropics can also cause hair loss, but there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. In fact, some research suggests that nootropics may even help protect against hair loss.
In this article, I'll go over what the data says about how likely they are to cause hair loss and some potential remedies for this side effect.
So without further ado, let's just get straight into it, shall we?
Nootropics & Their Effects On Male Pattern Baldness
When it comes to hair loss, there are two types of baldness: male pattern baldness (MPB), or androgenic alopecia, and female pattern baldness.
Male pattern baldness is caused by a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which can shrink hair follicles until they eventually disappear.
This type of baldness usually starts with a receding hairline and then progresses to a bald patch in the crown area.
Some studies have shown that some nootropics (like L-theanine) can increase DHT levels, which could theoretically lead to hair loss.
However, other studies have shown that some nootropic users that take Pumpkin Seed Oil actually have lower levels of DHT than people who don't take it.
Combine that with studies showing that some nootropics like Pumpkin Seed Oil can protect against high levels of DHT, and it becomes pretty unlikely that they'd cause hair loss on their own.
But what about female pattern baldness?
Unfortunately, there are no data available on whether or not nootropics increase the risk of female pattern baldness.
What we do know, however, is that female pattern baldness is caused by a different hormone (estrogen) than male pattern baldness, so the effects of nootropics may be different.
Can Nootropics Promote Hair Growth?
When it comes to hair growth and hair follicles, there are a few different things that need to happen:
The hair follicles need to be healthy and functioning
The scalp needs to be free of inflammation or infection
New hair follicles need to form
The hair shafts need to be strong
Some research suggests that nootropics may help with 1, 2, and 3.
For example, one study found that ashwagandha could help prevent and promote hair growth.
This was a small study, but they found a noticeable reduction in scalp hair loss.
They also found that the number of new hair follicles increased, and the shafts of the hair became stronger.
While this study is promising, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Can Nootropics Reduce Hair Loss?
One of the main reasons people take nootropics is to reduce stress, anxiety and become more productive.
As we all know, chronic stress can cause a number of health problems that affect our minds and bodies.
However, some studies have shown that high levels of the stress hormone cortisol can also cause hair loss.
Cortisol, a stress hormone, has been found to influence the hair follicle's functionality and cyclic regulation.
Cortisol's presence at excessively high levels has been linked to a 40 percent reduction in the synthesis and a 40 percent faster degradation of critical skin components, such as hyaluronan and proteoglycans.
In other words, when we're constantly stressed, our bodies produce more cortisol which can lead to a loss in hair density/thinning hair.
Smart Drugs like Ashwagandha and Rhodiola Rosea have been shown to combat hair loss by reducing cortisol levels.
However, more research is needed in this area.
Are Nootropics Too Risky For Balding People?
Hair thinning and healthy hair growth are complex topics with no easy answers.
At this point, there isn't enough evidence to say for sure whether or not nootropics can cause hair loss or accelerate hair loss in people who are already balding.
What we do know is that cognitive enhancers have the potential to help with hair growth by reducing stress and inflammation, and thus indirectly improve scalp health.
If you're worried about hair loss, it's best to talk to your doctor before consuming any pharmaceutical drugs (like finasteride) or hair loss supplements.
They can help you figure out if there's a specific cause for your hair loss and recommend the best course of action.
If you're looking for hair loss supplements and nootropics that have the potential to help with hair growth and hair loss here's a shortlist of the most popular with scientific evidence available:
Finasteride
Minoxidil
Green tea (EGCG is an active ingredient that shows promising results in not just mental health but also hair loss prevention)
Essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, D, B, E, and zinc
Hair growth supplements like biotin
Nootropic Supplement That Helps With Hair Growth
As briefly mentioned above, ashwagandha is a nootropic that has been shown to help with hair growth.
Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, meaning it helps the body deal with stress.
It's one of the most popular and well-researched nootropics for a reason - it has a lot of benefits for the mind and body.
Other nootropics like pumpkin seed oil, lion's mane mushroom, and Rhodiola Rosea also show potential for hair growth.
A study looked at the effects of Pumpkin Seed Oil on hair growth in men with Androgenetic Alopecia and found that the oil was able to improve hair growth in a majority of participants.
Lion's Mane Mushroom is being studied for its potential to treat alopecia areata, and preliminary research suggests that it could be helpful.
Rhodiola Rosea is an adaptogen that has been shown to help with stress and fatigue.
It has also been shown to have benefits for the hair, including increased hair growth and decreased hair loss.
These are just a few examples - there are many nootropics that show potential for hair loss prevention.
Does Alcar (Acetyl-L-Carnitine) Promote Hair Shedding?
Alcar has been shown to be effective for stress-related anxiety, depression, and fatigue.
However, it's unknown whether or not Alcar helps with hair loss.
What we do know is that L-Carnitine (a type of amino acid found in alcar) can help reduce cortisol levels which can lead to decreased hair shedding/hair loss.
More research is needed on the effects of alcar specifically for men with genetic predispositions to Androgenetic Alopecia (male pattern baldness).
One study showed that men who applied an L-carnitine solution twice daily for 6 months increased hair on the scalp in people with male or female pattern hair loss.
BDNF May Be Helpful For Hair Loss
Some studies show that BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) may help with hair growth by increasing the survival rate of hair follicles.
BDNF and its high-affinity receptor tyrosine kinase B (TrkB) are critical for hair follicle cycling control.
Studies in humans suggest that BDNF treatment may promote hair growth by stimulating the anagen phase of the hair cycle.
Some nootropics that may increase BDNF levels and promote hair growth include:
Ashwagandha
Bacopa monnieri
L-theanine
Green tea (EGCG)
Ginseng
Nicotine
Nicotine is something that most people wouldn't think of as a nootropic, but it actually has some cognitive benefits.
One study showed that nicotine affected the expression of BDNF in animals.
It's not clear if nicotine has the same effect in humans, but it's something that should be investigated.
Ginseng is a well-known adaptogen that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties.
One study showed that Ginseng was able to increase the expression of BDNF in the hippocampus of patients.
This is significant because the hippocampus is responsible for memory and learning.
The study also showed that ginseng was able to protect neurons from damage.
X-Factors: Lifestyle and Genetics
When we're talking about hair loss, it's important to remember that hair loss is a complex process involving many different factors.
While taking nootropics may reduce the effects of some of these factors, you can't fight genetics.
No matter how successful the drug is at promoting hair growth (or preventing hair loss) when your hereditary propensity is for hair loss, you are likely to encounter it at some point in your life.
Lifestyle choices are also important - things like stress, diet, and sleep can all play a role in hair health.
There's no one "magic bullet" when it comes to hair loss prevention. Even the surgical methods for coping with hair loss have minimal success rates.
The best approach is to accept that hair loss is a part of life, and take steps to reduce the stress in your life, make healthy choices, and supplement your diet with nootropics that have been shown to be helpful for hair health.
