Comment · Sat, April 27, 2013 · Ceretropic
Nootropics that Increase Emotional Response?
Original post in this thread
[deleted] · 21 points
runnerboy's thread piqued my curiosity. Emotion is a large part of being human, and as tempting as it is to be rational as can be, emotion brings many advantages. Being more in touch with one's emotions has the potential to improve sympathy for others, and even empathy in difficult situations. This, in turn, can improve one's social life, and -- being social creatures -- is beneficial for neurological health (in terms of general well-being and mood, which can make all the difference in terms of motivation and productivity). What's the point of being extremely logical/rational if you're friendless? Emotions have the capacity to improve our lives.
Are there any nootropics (or maybe compounds not thought of as nootropics) that improve emotional ability, response, or awareness?
My first guess is perhaps Naltrexone (low-dose). Be it physical or emotional pain, the brain's response is the same. Increased basal endorphin levels could improve capacity for relating to others... maybe? I don't know much about this. (That's why I'm wondering what you guys think!)
What they were answering
ZombieChalmers · 7 points
Serotonin and oxytocin would be logical targets here, given the research linking them with cooperation, trust and bonding.
The cheapest, most sustainable and effective serotonergic is St. John's wort. It's arguably as effective as an SSRI with less side-effects.
Oxytocin is very likely to increase bonding, but this may come at the expensive of outgroups.
u/MisterYouAreSoDumb · Ceretropic
SJW is the best I have found so far. Bacopa is pretty good too. I am currently stacking both together. Since they are adaptogens, they are great for long term supplementation.