DMAE - Anyone have experience? Risks?

[JesseLou]

Hi all.

I have had epilepsy since 2011 with heavy tonic-clonic seizures that would occur weekly.

After going through what I call the "mill" of prescriptions, the docs finally found that 800mg of CarbamazepineXR kept my seizures at bay. Thankfully I have not had any since 2013 because of me taking this religiously.

Now I am on the quest to improve the quality of my life. The side effects of this are not pleasant at all and very draining and caused lots of cognitive "fog".

I recently stumbled upon a supplement called DMAE. I tried it a few days ago (250mg cap) and all I have to say is WOW. Talk about clearing my mind, increasing my focus, elevating my mood, and a few other effects I consider positive.

I am now reading that its contraindicated for people with epilepsy.

I don't really have a case of epilepsy that seems hard to treat and is seems to be treated fairly successfully with the carbamazepineXR.

What I am wondering is am I setting myself up for disaster?

I have read a few places that it is possible for epileptics to take these types of things with caution (ie: lower doses,etc) .

Does anyone have any experience with this or any insight they would like to share?


Thanks in advance!

-Lou

 

[Nakamova]

Hi JesseLou --

You should be very careful with DMAE (as with anything that lists seizures as a side effect). It has some other none-too-pleasant side effects as well:

DMAE (DEANOL) SIDE EFFECTS & SAFETY:
When taken by mouth, deanol can cause constipation, itching, headache, drowsiness, insomnia, excitation, vivid dreams, confusion, depression, increased blood pressure, an increase in schizophrenia symptoms, and unwanted movements of the face and mouth.

Special Precautions & Warnings:
-- Clonic-tonic seizures: Deanol should not be used by people with clonic-tonic seizure disorders.
-- Depression: Deanol might make depression worse.
-- Schizophrenia: Deanol might make schizophrenia symptoms worse.

I haven't tried it myself, but from what I've read, people can have wildly varying experiences with it. Some studies suggest that it can have an effect on brainwaves. It's thought that it's a precursor to acetycholine -- a neurotransmitter that can have a stimulant effect and increase neuronal firing. If you want to keep taking it, definitely proceed with caution.

 

[JesseLou]

Thanks for the input Nakamova!

I guess we can consider this an official trial in progress.

I am not going to be taking this daily. Probably maybe once or twice a week.

Also, I am switching to a ketogenic diet with lots of exercise (supposed to help prevent seizures).

I only got positives from it aside from a slight headache.

I am thinking of switching to half the dosage... maybe 125mg early in the morning right after I do my 5am cardio and thats it.

It was quite interesting.. I felt so uplifted and was literally laughing with joy at the simplest thoughts.

Anyways..

If I have any other news about my experience I will post it.


Also, if anyone else has input I'd love to hear it.

 

[AlohaBird]

Hi JL,
Switching to a ketogenic diet can be a big transition for some people depending on how much junk you used to eat. Many people when they initially reach ketosis have a sort of euphoria feeling.
My recommendation is that you give the DMAE a rest until you have yourself all the way transitioned. You might not be able to sort out what is causing what. One major factor of change at a time.

The book Keto Clarity by Jimmy Moore is a very good practical guide.` If you want to delve aa little deeper into the science, the book The Art and Science of Low Carbohydrate Living by Phinney and Voleck is great.
I went keto and am able to reduce my meds substantially if I stay with it.

 

[Nakamova]

:agree:
One thing at a time gives you more accurate feedback about how your body is reacting, and what is doing what. If you do decide to go ahead with the DMAE, a smaller dose is definitely a good idea, and is less likely to produce side effects.