Citicoline (CDP Choline) Review
Citicoline, also known as CDP Choline, is a popularly known powerful nootropic that helps in improving cognitive function and brain health. Its main mode of action is increasing the levels of Acetylcholine in the brain thus improving communication neurons and enhancing memory. Additionally, it increases the density of dopamine receptors in the brain thereby promoting feelings of well-being.
Studies have shown that Citicoline can be used to treat head trauma, stroke, and several other cognitive disorders such as dementia and age-related cognitive decline. Ongoing research also reveals that Citicoline has great potential in treating symptoms of ADHD.
One of the most powerful aspects of CDP choline is its ability to potentiate other nootropics in a stack. Most of the racetams express amplified positive effects when stacked with CDP choline. The actual doses and ratios may vary depending on the specific racetam used. Some of the nootropics commonly stacked with CDP choline include Noopept, Piracetam, L-Theanine, Uridine, and Acetylcarnitine.
Effects and Benefits of CDP Choline
1. Memory enhancement: Citicoline increases levels of Acetylcholine in the brain thereby enhancing cognitive performance, memory formation and retrieval, and sensory perceptions. It also helps to improve communication between the nerves cells in the brain.
2. Better focus and concentration: whether you are facing exams, an interview or an age-related mental slow down, maintaining peak energy at all times is very important. Studies have revealed that Citicoline has great potential in increasing mental energy and preventing cognitive decline associated with aging.
3. Promotes a healthy brain: Citicoline works by promoting an overall healthy brain due to its neuroprotective properties. It works by preventing harmful compounds and toxins from damaging the brain.
4. Mood stabilization: Citicoline acts by influencing the actions of Dopamine and Norepinephrine which are strongly associated with the brain’s reward system. Individuals using this supplement experience enhanced cognitive function as well as improved mood. For this reason, Citicoline has been used to help users with acute anxiety and depression respond to stress appropriately.
Dosage Recommendation…
CDP choline is very safe and nontoxic supplement which is also highly tolerated. For this reason, it has quite a wide range of dosage recommendation that can be used without any significant side effects. A daily dosage range of between 250mg and 1000mg within 24 hours is considered safe and effective.
It is advisable to take the daily dosage in 2-3 equal splits throughout the day to prolong the beneficial effects. This is because CDP choline has high bioavailability and is easily absorbed past the blood-brain barrier. Additionally, as with many nootropics, it has a relatively short half-life 4-6hrs in the human body.
Citicoline is available in both powder and capsule form, both of which have the same quality. However, there is a slight difference in terms of how it’s used and handled. Capsules tend to be easy to purchase and use for users who are not experienced with buying nootropics, however, they might be a little expensive compared to the powder option. On the other hand, the powder option is much cheaper if bought in bulk, but lacks the convenience that comes with capsules.
New users are always advised to start with the lowest effective dose and only increase the dosage when they know exactly how the supplement affects them. You generally need to observe keenly how you react to the drug and report any unpleasant reactions to your doctor.
Potential side effects…
As earlier mentioned, Citicoline is generally very safe and well-tolerated with no significant side effects when used within the recommended dosage range. However, breastfeeding and pregnant mothers are advised not to take this supplement because there are no studies about Citicoline on this group yet.
A few of the side effects reported by some users include headaches, nausea, chest pain, diarrhea, insomnia, low and high blood pressure, and blurred vision. Most of these symptoms have only been reported where users have used significantly high doses. The easiest way to reverse these effects is by reducing the daily dosage or discontinuing the usage for a while.
Conclusion
CDP choline is an excellent supplement on its own as well when stacked with other nootropics. On its own, it improves memory, mental energy, cognitive performance, and protects the brain against age-related memory decline. When stacked with other nootropics, it takes cognitive enhancement and brain power to a whole new level with a magnitude that each independent supplement can’t match.
