Was At A Street Fair Yesterday...

[LynnNC]

Since we have completely hijacked this thread. I have had some limited results with HTP-5. If you haven't already, it might be worth your while to research our gabba system, controls the bulk of our physical system and a chunk of our neurological system...GABA receptor - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

You could spend months of your time getting lost in some of this. Very interesting stuff!

I thought I was the only one with reduced concentration and focus. I never associated it to quitting smoking and what it does to the brain. But now it makes sense. The non focus, concentration started around 2 months ago and tomorrow is my 3 month anniversary. I had attributed it to the shift I work(6:00pm-2:30am). I have a 40 minute drive to and from as well. But I've worked that shift for almost a year. My insomnia has gotten worse too. I've seriously considered asking my doctor for antidepressants but I'm really not into the chemical route.

 

[Augmented Dog]

Thanks, I'd like to see the stats on the skew rate of threads in the NT forum! Guaranteed 99% ramble..

Look a squirrel!

Really? Where?!?!

 

[Pictor]

Since we have completely hijacked this thread. I have had some limited results with HTP-5. If you haven't already, it might be worth your while to research our gabba system, controls the bulk of our physical system and a chunk of our neurological system...GABA receptor - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

You could spend months of your time getting lost in some of this. Very interesting stuff!

I suppose when it affects ones work, it's worth trying all possibilities.
I used to work up to 16 hours per day and get plenty done without panicking to meet deadlines. Never stuck with a blank mind either. Sure I slowed down a little after my husband retired and as I've got a bit older, but not to the extent I have in the past months - it's been a very noticeable thing.

We do have some GABA capsules and also some 5HTP. My husband takes them at times if he gets stressed. I've not used either alone myself yet.

After my Dad died, I suddenly developed IBS, and none of the usual meds prescribed helped. Next step was tri-cyclic anti depressants to calm the digestive system ...not my cup of tea! I did some reading and found that three supplements could closely act in a similar fashion to the pharmaceutical drugs: L-Theanine, Taurine, GABA. All three are available in Theanine Serene, so I got some, and despite not expecting any success, found it to work extremely well!
Seeing I do take just one at night to keep symptoms at bay, I'm not sure any of those would help with my current concentration/focus issues.
I suppose I could try taking 2 per day just to see though, or could add the 5HTP (but I seem to recall it gave me headaches).

I was reading earlier about things like Tyrosine, GPC (Choline), & Tryptophan.

One thing I am feeling reasonably optimistic about though is that I do have some nootropics (Oxiracetam and Pramiracetam) - I only found out about them when looking for a solution to the problem a couple of months ago. It needs reading about as there's a number of different nootropics, and they are all slightly different. The two I have seem most likely to help with concentration and focus for 6-8 hours at a time with creative work. Probably best taken just 2 or 3 times per week.
I got a severe attack of positional vertigo just as I got them, so I haven't tried them yet properly. Not keen on taking anything until much better. Improving though, so will try them soon. The couple of times I have tried them, they did make a difference with no adverse effects.

It's obvious that not everyone gets these issues (thank goodness!), and those that do often find it resolving in a fairly short while. There does seem to be a percentage that have a longer lasting problem. I've encountered a few, and read of others who experience it too.

 

[Pictor]

Forgettaboutit!
Consider it an online extension of the street fair, complete with non sequitur side conversations.

Conversations do meander around ...at least all of it revolves around one core subject, and within a 'family' group.

I thought I was the only one with reduced concentration and focus. I never associated it to quitting smoking and what it does to the brain. But now it makes sense. The non focus, concentration started around 2 months ago and tomorrow is my 3 month anniversary. I had attributed it to the shift I work(6:00pm-2:30am). I have a 40 minute drive to and from as well. But I've worked that shift for almost a year. My insomnia has gotten worse too. I've seriously considered asking my doctor for antidepressants but I'm really not into the chemical route.

It's quite likely Lynn that you'll get back to normal naturally. If the article I linked to is correct, it's a case of your system recognising that it needs to start producing the necessary levels of serotonin/dopamine by itself rather than relying on cigarettes to do it. As such, your sleep issues should improve too.

I was well aware of it after a month, but didn't quite make the connection until I realised I needed to find answers fast a couple of months ago. Things weren't improving at that time and my work was suffering badly. I couldn't regain lost time soon enough, but could perhaps fix things in time for the coming months/year.

For all they have a value in the right circumstances, for me anti depressants are something I'd regard as the last thing I'd want, and it seems you feel that way too. You could try one of those supplements mentioned in earlier posts to relax better before you sleep.
Relax and waft away on a cloud of NT!

 

[Soignee]

I thought I was the only one with reduced concentration and focus. I never associated it to quitting smoking and what it does to the brain. But now it makes sense. The non focus, concentration started around 2 months ago and tomorrow is my 3 month anniversary. I had attributed it to the shift I work(6:00pm-2:30am). I have a 40 minute drive to and from as well. But I've worked that shift for almost a year. My insomnia has gotten worse too. I've seriously considered asking my doctor for antidepressants but I'm really not into the chemical route.

I bet the rate is pretty high across the population of recent ex smokers. We WERE pumping a lot of nastiness into our systems thanks to BT. Big Pharma isn't necessarily the answer either. I give huge props to harm reduction. Take the 1st step and the rest will follow!

Really? Where?!?!

I suppose when it affects ones work, it's worth trying all possibilities.
I used to work up to 16 hours per day and get plenty done without panicking to meet deadlines. Never stuck with a blank mind either. Sure I slowed down a little after my husband retired and as I've got a bit older, but not to the extent I have in the past months - it's been a very noticeable thing.

We do have some GABA capsules and also some 5HTP. My husband takes them at times if he gets stressed. I've not used either alone myself yet.

After my Dad died, I suddenly developed IBS, and none of the usual meds prescribed helped. Next step was tri-cyclic anti depressants to calm the digestive system ...not my cup of tea! I did some reading and found that three supplements could closely act in a similar fashion to the pharmaceutical drugs: L-Theanine, Taurine, GABA. All three are available in Theanine Serene, so I got some, and despite not expecting any success, found it to work extremely well!
Seeing I do take just one at night to keep symptoms at bay, I'm not sure any of those would help with my current concentration/focus issues.
I suppose I could try taking 2 per day just to see though, or could add the 5HTP (but I seem to recall it gave me headaches).

I was reading earlier about things like Tyrosine, GPC (Choline), & Tryptophan.

One thing I am feeling reasonably optimistic about though is that I do have some nootropics (Oxiracetam and Pramiracetam) - I only found out about them when looking for a solution to the problem a couple of months ago. It needs reading about as there's a number of different nootropics, and they are all slightly different. The two I have seem most likely to help with concentration and focus for 6-8 hours at a time with creative work. Probably best taken just 2 or 3 times per week.
I got a severe attack of positional vertigo just as I got them, so I haven't tried them yet properly. Not keen on taking anything until much better. Improving though, so will try them soon. The couple of times I have tried them, they did make a difference with no adverse effects.

It's obvious that not everyone gets these issues (thank goodness!), and those that do often find it resolving in a fairly short while. There does seem to be a percentage that have a longer lasting problem. I've encountered a few, and read of others who experience it too.

Gabapentin has become fairly popular lately in medical circles. It crosses the blood brain barrier as opposed to Gaba making it much more effective. Our Gaba system is just starting to get cracked open as far as how it functions. From experience the nootropics are really hit and miss unless your dosage is just right on. I really would exercise caution with them...I am heading toward the 'empty promises' camp. Sort of like eating "Lite" dressing to lose weight. But hey whatever works (standard disclaimer here). I'm not trying to be a Debbie Downer either. Everyone's brain chemistry is unique.

I thought I was experiencing early onset Alzheimer for a couple of weeks, but it's a focus thing, distraction etc...

 

[Pictor]

Gabapentin has become fairly popular lately in medical circles. It crosses the blood brain barrier as opposed to Gaba making it much more effective. Our Gaba system is just starting to get cracked open as far as how it functions.

True - but just a brief look at Gabapentrin: it's a prescription drug for Epilepsy & Neuropathic pain (pain resulting from damage to nerves) It also warns of the possibility that it causes drowsiness.

From experience the nootropics are really hit and miss unless your dosage is just right on. I really would exercise caution with them...I am heading toward the 'empty promises' camp. Sort of like eating "Lite" dressing to lose weight. But hey whatever works (standard disclaimer here). I'm not trying to be a Debbie Downer either. Everyone's brain chemistry is unique.

True - and they are a subject that needs careful reading about and trial and error once the supposed right ones are found.
I can say that the evening I tried Oxiracetam there was some noticeable improvement, and the evening I tried Pramiracetam I worked steadily from around 6.30pm to around 2am ...yes, there could have been a placebo effect, and that's why I need to try them a few evenings per week for a while. I've seen a number of positive reports about them apparently from people who have used them with success, so hopefully, they'll work for me and kick-start me back to normal! I'll give anything legal and non-pharmaceutical a try!

I thought I was experiencing early onset Alzheimer for a couple of weeks, but it's a focus thing, distraction etc...

The thought crossed my mind too! But as you say, it's not a muddled mind or forgetting things, it's about being able to focus and concentrate on things.

I was in touch with a Professor at UCH London who is studying smoking cessation and also e-cigs. I could perhaps ask him about this issue.

I may try adding a bit more of the unflavoured WTA to a couple of my everyday tanks of NT liquids and see if there's any improvement there ...something else that may or may not work!

 

[Soignee]

I was in touch with a Professor at UCH London who is studying smoking cessation and also e-cigs. I could perhaps ask him about this issue.

I may try adding a bit more of the unflavoured WTA to a couple of my everyday tanks of NT liquids and see if there's any improvement there ...something else that may or may not work!

I would definitely inquire! And let us know the outcome!

I too am working the WTA angle and it seems to help. My actual NIC levels are great, perhaps a weaning from the other alkaloids is needed...

Off to work now.

 

[Megan Kogijiki Ratchford]

Gabapentin has become fairly popular lately in medical circles. It crosses the blood brain barrier as opposed to Gaba making it much more effective. Our Gaba system is just starting to get cracked open as far as how it functions. From experience the nootropics are really hit and miss unless your dosage is just right on. I really would exercise caution with them...I am heading toward the 'empty promises' camp. Sort of like eating "Lite" dressing to lose weight. But hey whatever works (standard disclaimer here). I'm not trying to be a Debbie Downer either. Everyone's brain chemistry is unique.

I thought I was experiencing early onset Alzheimer for a couple of weeks, but it's a focus thing, distraction etc...

I take Gabapentin for neuropathic pain in my legs that until I took it would make me darn near sob from the pain and never sleep. Though a normal dose is over 1200mg I'm on 300mg with some 100mg pills to take if the pain doesn't ease up from time to time. I can't take it during the day however as I pass out, I mean completely go catatonic for 8-10 hours.

My neurologist says that I must be seriously sensitive to it so to be careful as I'll probably gain large amount of weight as well like I did with Amatripyline...seriously, three "shake" meals equaling 600 calories a day and I went from 145 in late May to 235 in early August. (My GP prescribed the shakes in June after I gained 50 pounds in three weeks, she was completely blown away...) So it works wonders, I love it but as I'm taking it I find I'm gaining a tolerance to it like it was an opiate. I don't like that so I'll\
see what my neologist thinks when I see her next...

As for concentration and mental issues I have MS, so I probably never noticed. Heck! I could have a leg drop off and I'd just shrug and think, "Stupid MS..."

I've had MS longer than I haven't had it so I drive my doctors crazy by not telling them when every twinge or tickle shows up. I'm the patient who never thinks to tell them anything unlike ones who pester them for every little thing.

 

[penguiness]

My only negative apart from problems with PG and a little VG congestion, is my lack of concentration & focus, which became quite noticeable quite soon after I stopped smoking.
I get very easily distracted even if not interrupted by outside influences.
Searching found that I'm not alone with that aspect, and some people do get that.
A recent flurry of essential activity being up against a looming deadline galvanised me into action and I managed to concentrate enough - too many long nights through to dawn, but I got it just about done.
I'm hoping this is something that I can either fix or find it improves of it's own volition.

I had the same problem in the beginning. It does indeed go away.

 

[MikeL76]

Really? Where?!?!

Sloth, you missed your "in" buddy????

 

[Pictor]

I would definitely inquire! And let us know the outcome!

I will! He must know something about it!

I too am working the WTA angle and it seems to help. My actual NIC levels are great, perhaps a weaning from the other alkaloids is needed...

I was reluctant to use too much of it because I'm down to an average of .4 nicotine, but needs must I suppose ..if it helps! I've got some of the Aroma unflavoured VG - it's strong at 2.4mg, but I put it at around 1/4 tank with a zero menthol.

I take Gabapentin for neuropathic pain in my legs that until I took it would make me darn near sob from the pain and never sleep. Though a normal dose is over 1200mg I'm on 300mg with some 100mg pills to take if the pain doesn't ease up from time to time. I can't take it during the day however as I pass out, I mean completely go catatonic for 8-10 hours.

I recall one painkiller we used to have here: Distalgesic ..some people couldn't even take half a dose.

My neurologist says that I must be seriously sensitive to it so to be careful as I'll probably gain large amount of weight as well like I did with Amatripyline...seriously, three "shake" meals equaling 600 calories a day and I went from 145 in late May to 235 in early August. (My GP prescribed the shakes in June after I gained 50 pounds in three weeks, she was completely blown away...) So it works wonders, I love it but as I'm taking it I find I'm gaining a tolerance to it like it was an opiate. I don't like that so I'll\
see what my neologist thinks when I see her next...

I had a serious case of hyperthyroidism 12 years ago and was prescribed tablets for a year with the warning I'd put weight on. I did put more than 2 stones on but didn't care because I'd felt so dreadful. Had to change our way of eating completely two years ago because my husband can't tolerate stains and needed to lower cholesterol - it worked fine ..and we both lost 2 stones over the first year! Expensive for replacement clothes! Husband went down 2 sizes and so did I ..haven't been a UK8-10 (depends on make/style) since the 80's!
did you lose the gained weight yet? Would think extra weight would hinder you walking!

As for concentration and mental issues I have MS, so I probably never noticed. Heck! I could have a leg drop off and I'd just shrug and think, "Stupid MS..."

I love how you do that! You're priceless Megan!

I've had MS longer than I haven't had it so I drive my doctors crazy by not telling them when every twinge or tickle shows up. I'm the patient who never thinks to tell them anything unlike ones who pester them for every little thing.

I prefer my doctors a few miles away at all times!

I had the same problem in the beginning. It does indeed go away.

How long did it last for you? Been over 7 months for me now.

 

[Soignee]

I had the same problem in the beginning. It does indeed go away.

That eases my mind! Thanks

 

[Megan Kogijiki Ratchford]

I had a serious case of hyperthyroidism 12 years ago and was prescribed tablets for a year with the warning I'd put weight on. I did put more than 2 stones on but didn't care because I'd felt so dreadful. Had to change our way of eating completely two years ago because my husband can't tolerate stains and needed to lower cholesterol - it worked fine ..and we both lost 2 stones over the first year! Expensive for replacement clothes! Husband went down 2 sizes and so did I ..haven't been a UK8-10 (depends on make/style) since the 80's!
did you lose the gained weight yet? Would think extra weight would hinder you walking!

It's not obvious. People can see I've gained weight and it's not like I can't fit through a door. (Though I feel like that...) And I'm sure it effects my joints etc. but I'm trying my best not to gain weight. After the Amitriptalyline nightmare I'm still using the shakes but add real food as I can tolerate it (vertigo=nausea=no food, yuck...) so I had lost about 40 pounds in the three weeks between stopping the Amitrityline and starting the Gaba. Then three weeks later after starting the Gaba I had gained 10 pounds back so we'll see Nov 7 when I see my GP but I haven't grown out of my XL overalls which honestly that is all that matters.

I love how you do that! You're priceless Megan!

Why thank you!

I prefer my doctors a few miles away at all times!

Oh lord, me too!! I've never been like "Oh, there is a scratch up my hand, I have to go to the doctor!!!!!" I just run with it and fix it on my own and shrug it off. Once gave myself a nasty tendon injury to my hand and my boss' boss had to make me go to urgent care as I was like "Eh, some ice would keep the swelling down, not to worry..." and my hand was huge from the swelling (like Mickey Mouse sized hand). As this happened at work I think they were freaking a bit to look at me LOL. It ended up being a stretched tendon and you know what the result of the 4 hours with x-rays and three consults was? "Put ice on it to control the swelling and don't use it..." I had already figured THAT out!!

I figure as long as I'm not hemorrhaging blood I can fix myself up fine...LOL

 

[Necrotic]

The Virus is much like ebola... you can't contain it!

 

[Pictor]

but I haven't grown out of my XL overalls which honestly that is all that matters.

I love 'laid back' comfy clothes- I wear my jeans until early evening, and then it's into a pair of Gap drawstring lounge pants!

Oh lord, me too!! I've never been like "Oh, there is a scratch up my hand, I have to go to the doctor!!!!!" I figure as long as I'm not hemorrhaging blood I can fix myself up fine...LOL

I'm the same! I know she meant well, but when I was small, my Mother used to take me to the doctor for every little thing.
Only took a few errors in adult life to make me realise they have feet of clay like anyone else!

 

[penguiness]

I will! He must know something about it!

I was reluctant to use too much of it because I'm down to an average of .4 nicotine, but needs must I suppose ..if it helps! I've got some of the Aroma unflavoured VG - it's strong at 2.4mg, but I put it at around 1/4 tank with a zero menthol.

I recall one painkiller we used to have here: Distalgesic ..some people couldn't even take half a dose.

I had a serious case of hyperthyroidism 12 years ago and was prescribed tablets for a year with the warning I'd put weight on. I did put more than 2 stones on but didn't care because I'd felt so dreadful. Had to change our way of eating completely two years ago because my husband can't tolerate stains and needed to lower cholesterol - it worked fine ..and we both lost 2 stones over the first year! Expensive for replacement clothes! Husband went down 2 sizes and so did I ..haven't been a UK8-10 (depends on make/style) since the 80's!
did you lose the gained weight yet? Would think extra weight would hinder you walking!

I love how you do that! You're priceless Megan!

I prefer my doctors a few miles away at all times!

How long did it last for you? Been over 7 months for me now.

I think it was about 6 months for me, but that was with effort to force myself to concentrate. And I made myself do some kind of housework that I dreaded when it happened at home. Amazing how fast your psyche will snap out of it when there is punishment involved

 

[Kent Brooks]

I think it was about 6 months for me, but that was with effort to force myself to concentrate. And I made myself do some kind of housework that I dreaded when it happened at home. Amazing how fast your psyche will snap out of it when there is punishment involved

I heard about this housework thing - interesting concept.

 

[penguiness]

I heard about this housework thing - interesting concept.

I would be glad to help you with this. A "learn by doing" session will fix you right up!

 

[Soignee]

Vaping away on Virus (and yes, of course I had Wakonda with me, too).
No fewer than 4 people came up to me to tell me how good it smelled. [emoji1][emoji57]

Bringing this thread full circle now,

I limped into work today after vaping Virus on the 45 minute drive. I'm sure as Newport can attest I REAKED of IHOP...

Our Chef de Cuisine asked me if I was smoking Cigars. I said "no", and he replied, "well it just smelled really good in here when you walked in."

I stuck my Watermelon Zot's out on my tongue and said "is this what you smelled?" (when keepin' it stealthy my friends, always distract! Pro move #2)

"No he said, it just smelled really good."

 

[JPinSTL]

I heard about this housework thing - interesting concept.

I have a nice young lady who in exchange for a few dollars wiil clean my place, do my laundry, and leave. It's a nice arrangement.I do need to teach her which parts of my vape gear go together though. I find the weirdest stuff all organized together.