Galantamine
What is Galantamine?
Galantamine is an entheogen known for millennia to induce lucid dreaming and enhance memory. Galantamine is found in many plant sources, including the common daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus) and red spider lily (Lycoris radiata).
Galantamine was noted by the ancient Greeks for its powerful mind-inducing effects. Modern science has connected galantamine directly with the promotion of dreaming sleep as well as lucid dreaming, which is the art of becoming self-aware and awakened in the dreaming state. Galantamine has also been used for centuries in China as a method of memory enhancement. The first literary evidence for using the nootropic properties of galantamine come from Homer’s Iliad, where Odysseus uses the snowdrop flower (Galanthus nivalis) to combat the effects of memory loss.
How does it work?
Galantamine and its derivatives were approved by the FDA in 2001, and is largely used as a memory-improvement supplement for sufferers of alzheimer’s disease and mild dementia. Only recently has the substance been used in the west as an oneirogen (dream enhancing supplement) and a nootropic (cognitive enhancer). Even more recently, this extract has been used by people to quit smoking as well, and serious studies are currently yielding very promising results. Galantamine is known as an anticholinergic agent or a cholinesterase inhibitor. Galantamine blocks the action of acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. The drug is mostly metabolized in the liver. The effects are not cumulative, and only temporarily increases acetylcholine levels in the brain.
Choline Bitartrate combined with vitamin B5 is used to make Acetylcholine in our bodies naturally. Although the precise nature of the connection is unclear, acetylcholine is essential to sleep, dreaming, learning and memory. These supplements as well as Inositol are commonly combined to produce vivid and lucid dream states very regularly. This combination of herbs and supplements can be found in many lucid dreaming medications that are becoming very popular.Taking a supplement like galantamine directly affects your brain chemistry, and so it should not be taken lightly. Some people may have adverse reactions depending on the dosage, duration, and their unique natural brain chemistry and psychological makeup.
Side effects
The most frequent side effects are gastro-intestinal, including: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and weight loss. In tests with Alzheimer’s patients, these side effects were temporary and more common in the beginning of treatment. Alzheimer’s patients use galantamine during the day and in a recurring period over several months and even years; whereas for dream enhancement, it’s generally only taken only a few days in a row. Galantamine has been shown to also increase micro-awakenings during the night. For some light sleepers, it is possible that galantamine can interfere with a restful night and you might wake up not feeling refreshed.
One notable possible psychological side effect is known as sleep paralysis. Sleep paralysis is a parasoma that can be very intense if you have never experienced it before. Essentially, you remain aware during the transition into sleep onset and/or REM sleep while the body undergoes muscle paralysis. Understanding that this may happen in advance may allow you to just relax for the few moments it takes to pass this state.
The following medical issues have been documented to be irritated or worsened by the use of galantamine: asthma, lung diseases, epilepsy or history of seizures, heart problems, including slow heartbeat or heart murmur, kidney and/or liver problems, stomach ulcer, and urinary tract problems. Breastfeeding implications are currently unknown. I have not seen any studies to indicate any issues, or prove that it is safe. The FDA does not rule out the risk, and so adds warnings as such on supplements containing galantamine.
Dosage for Lucid Dreaming
The galantamine supplement is active and at full strength within an hour of oral ingestion. The half-life is about 7 hours. Recommended dosage for vivid dream enhancement on the low side is 4 – 8 mg. Alzheimer’s patients often take 12 mg or more per day after working their way up to that dose over time. Start low and if you do not notice any effects you can safely double the dosage after a couple days. Combine galantamine with 400 – 800 of Choline for the full effect of lucidity. If you are using vitamin B6 along with this combination, it is recommended not to exceed 200 mg per day. Your supplement Choline may also include Inositol. This is also known to promote vivid/lucid dream states, and the dosage can match that of the Choline dose.
It is best to take the supplements in the middle of the night to take advantage of the longer REM cycles that occur in the second half of the night. Taking the pill before you go to bed can be counter-productive, and may result in unpleasant experiences such as temporary sleep paralysis. Galantamine can be purchased over the counter in many countries, and if not, then online in nearly any country. Choline, Inositol, and vitamin B5 can all be purchased in most health food stores such as GNC, even in Walmart. If you prefer to purchase the combination online, you can do that as well, but you may find it is rather pricey. In Latin countries you can find galantamine packaged as Reminyl at many pharmacies over the counter with no prescription required.
One final thought, this group of supplements can also be taken in combination with any other entheogen to further enhance one’s awareness, and following dream cycle. People report that they are still in the medicine when this occurs, and they become lucid in a very big way. Enjoy responsibly.
~ Have a nice sleep! ~