Galantamine
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| Summary sheet: Galantamine |
| Galantamine | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Chemical Nomenclature | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common names | Galantamine | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Systematic name | (4aS,6R,8aS)-5,6,9,10,11,12-Hexahydro-3-methoxy-11-methyl-4aH-[1]benzofuro[3a,3,2-ef][2]benzazepin-6-ol | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Class Membership | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Psychoactive class | Nootropic / Oneirogen | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Chemical class | Benzazepine | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Galantamine (also known as Nivalin, Razadyne, Razadyne ER, Reminyl, and Lycoremine) is a water soluble, reversible, competitive acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that functions as a dream potentiator. It is an alkaloid that is obtained either synthetically, or from the bulbs and flowers of Galanthus caucasicus, Galanthus woronowii and related genera.[2] It is also available in both a prescription form and as an over-the-counter supplement.
Studies of usage in modern medicine began in the Soviet Union in the 1950s by Soviet pharmacologists M. D. Mashkovsky and R. P. Kruglikova–Lvova.[3] The active ingredient was extracted, identified, and studied, particularly in relation to its mechanism of action. Galantamine has been used for decades in Eastern Europe and Russia for the treatment of various conditions such as myasthenia, myopathy, and sensory and motor dysfunction associated with disorders of the central nervous system. In the United States, it is FDA approved for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.[4]
More recently, galantamine has been popularized in supplement groups for its ability to improve dream recall and facilitate lucid dreaming. It is commonly recommended to be taken 30 minutes to one hour before bed.
Chemistry
Galantamine is a complex alkaloid that is found endogenously in certain plants and synthesized for medical use. It is comprised of a fusion between a methoxy substituted benzene ring to a hydrogenated and methylated azepine ring along with a hydroxylated benzofuran group.
Pharmacology
Galantamine, a tertiary alkaloid, is a competitive and reversible inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase. Is postulated to exert its therapeutic effect by enhancing cholinergic function. This is accomplished by increasing the concentration of acetylcholine through inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, a neurochemical responsible for breaking down acetylcholine. Higher concentrations of acetylcholine have also been linked to higher levels of cognition and focus.
Subjective effects
Disclaimer: The effects listed below cite the Subjective Effect Index (SEI), an open research literature based on anecdotal user reports and the personal analyses of PsychonautWiki contributors. As a result, they should be viewed with a healthy degree of skepticism.
It is also worth noting that these effects will not necessarily occur in a predictable or reliable manner, although higher doses are more liable to induce the full spectrum of effects. Likewise, adverse effects become increasingly likely with higher doses and may include addiction, severe injury, or death ☠.
Physical effects
- Physical fatigue
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Nausea - Galantamine has a wide range of unpleasant side effects related to digestion, but this may be mitigated by dosing sublingually, rather than orally.
- Dehydration
- Dizziness
- Sleep paralysis
Cognitive effects
Visual effects
Distortions
Toxicity and harm potential
Galantamine is non-addictive, is not known to cause harm in reasonable doses, and has an extremely low toxicity relative to dose. Various studies have shown that in reasonable doses in a careful context, it presents few negative cognitive, psychiatric or toxic physical consequences, though some exist.
It is strongly recommended that one be familiar with harm reduction practices when using this drug.
Tolerance and addiction potential
Galantamine is not known to be not habit-forming and the desire to use it can actually decrease with use. It is most often self-regulating.
Galantamine does not seem to build up an immediate tolerance, and, due to its long half life, becomes stronger with prolonged use. Caution should be heeded when taking galantamine for extended periods longer than two weeks. Galantamine presents cross-tolerance with no other known compounds, meaning that after the consumption of Galantamine all other psychoactive compounds will not have a reduced effect.
Legal issues
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See also
External links
References
- ↑ Farlow, M. R. (2003). "Clinical pharmacokinetics of galantamine". Clinical Pharmacokinetics. 42 (15): 1383–1392. doi:10.2165/00003088-200342150-00005. ISSN 0312-5963.
- ↑ http://www.nnfcc.co.uk/publications/nnfcc-project-factsheet-sustainable-production-of-the-natural-product-galanthamine-defra-nf0612
- ↑ http://www.pharmaceutical-journal.com/pj-online-christmas-2004-snowdrops-the-heralds-of-spring-and-a-modern-drug-for-alzheimer8217s-disease/20013614.article
- ↑ Medline plus, Galantamine | https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a699058.html