This is part of the 4 Hour Body Vitamins and Supplements Series<\/a>:\u00a0<\/strong>A series designed to make sense of and provide a detailed look at the many vitamins and supplements of the 4-Hour Body. Including side effects, efficacy, drug interactions and alternative dosing.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n 200 micrograms (mcg) of huperzine-A<\/a> 30 minutes before bed can increase total REM by 20 \u201330%.<\/strong><\/p>\n Huperzine A seems to be safe when used for a short time<\/strong>, such as less than one month.<\/p>\n Huperzine-A<\/a>, an extract of Huperzia serrata<\/em>, slows the breakdown of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. It is a popular neurotropic (smart drug), and I have used it in the past to accelerate learning and increase the incidence of lucid dreaming. I now only use huperzine-A for the first few weeks of language acquisition, and no more than three days per week to avoid side effects.<\/p>\n Ironically, one documented side effect of overuse is insomnia. The brain is a sensitive instrument, and while generally well tolerated, this drug is contraindicated with some classes of medications. Speak with your doctor before using.<\/p>\n Ferriss, Timothy (2010-12-08). The 4-Hour Body<\/a>: An Uncommon Guide to Rapid Fat-Loss, Incredible Sex, and Becoming Superhuman (p. 280). Crown Archetype. Kindle Edition.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Huperzine A is a substance purified from a plant called Chinese club moss. Although the makers of huperzine A start with a plant, their product is the result of a lot of laboratory manipulation.<\/p>\n It is a highly purified drug, unlike herbs that typically contain hundreds of chemical ingredients. As a result, some people regard huperzine A as a drug, and they argue that it stretches the guidelines of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA).<\/p>\n Be careful not to confuse huperzine A, which is also called selagine, with similar sounding medications such as selegiline (Eldepryl). Also be careful not to confuse one of the brand names for huperizine A (Cerebra) with the brand names for unrelated prescription drugs such as celecoxib (Celebrex), citalopram (Celexa), and fosphenytoin (Cerebyx).<\/p>\n Huperzine A is used for Alzheimer’s disease, memory and learning enhancement, and age-related memory impairment. It is also used for treating a muscle disease called myasthenia gravis, for increasing alertness and energy, and for protecting against agents that damage the nerves such as nerve gases.<\/p>\n Products that combine huperzine A with certain drugs used for treating Alzheimer\u2019s disease are being studied. These \u201chybrid\u201d products are of interest because they may be effective at lower doses and, therefore, cause fewer side effects. One hybrid, called huprine X, combines huperzine A with the drug donepezil. Another hybrid being studied contains huperzine A and the drug tacrine.<\/p>\n Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database<\/a><\/em> rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate<\/em>. Possibly Effective for…<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for…<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of huperzine A for these uses.<\/p>\n Huperzine A is thought to be beneficial for problems with memory, loss of mental abilities (dementia), and the muscular disorder myasthenia gravis because it causes an increase in the levels of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is one of the chemicals that our nerves use to communicate in the brain, muscles, and other areas.<\/p>\n Huperzine A seems to be safe when used for a short time, such as less than one month. It can cause some side effects including nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, sweating, blurred vision, slurred speech, restlessness, loss of appetite (anorexia), contraction and twitching of muscle fibers (fasciculations), cramping, increased saliva and urine, inability to control urination (incontinence), high blood pressure, and slowed heart rate (bradycardia).<\/p>\n Drying medications (Anticholinergic drugs)<\/strong> Huperzine A contains chemicals that can affect the brain and heart. Some of these drying medications called anticholinergic drugs<\/span> can also affect the brain and heart. But huperzine A works differently than drying medications. Huperzine A might decrease the effects of drying medications. Medications for Alzheimer’s disease (Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors)<\/strong> Huperzine A contains a chemical that affects the brain. Medications for Alzheimer’s disease also affect the brain. Taking Huperzine A along with medications for Alzheimer’s disease might increase effects and side effects of medications for Alzheimer’s disease.<\/p>\n Various medications used for glaucoma, Alzheimer’s disease, and other conditions (Cholinergic drugs)<\/strong> Huperzine A contains a chemical that affects the body. This chemical is similar to some medications used for glaucoma, Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions. Taking Huperzine A with these medications might increase the chance of side effects. There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.<\/p>\n There are no known interactions with foods.<\/p>\n The following doses have been studied in scientific research:<\/p>\n BY MOUTH<\/strong>:<\/p>\n BY INJECTION<\/strong>:<\/p>\n HupA, Huperzina A, Huperzine, Huperzine-A, Selagine.<\/p>\n Huperzine A by Source NaturalsHUPERZINE A<\/span> is referenced once in the Four Hour Body <\/span>in the chapter: \u201cEngineering the Perfect Nights Sleep<\/span>\u201d<\/h3>\n
Tim Recommends<\/span>:<\/h3>\n
Alternative standard dosing<\/span>:<\/h3>\n
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From The 4-Hour Body<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
HUPERZINE A<\/span><\/h3>\n
What is it?<\/span><\/h3>\n
Is it Effective?<\/span><\/h3>\n
\nThe effectiveness ratings for HUPERZINE A<\/strong> are as follows:<\/p>\n\n
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How does it work?<\/span><\/h3>\n
Are there safety concerns?<\/span><\/h3>\n
Special Precautions & Warnings:<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Are there any interactions with medications?<\/span><\/h3>\n
\n<\/strong>Interaction Rating =\u00a0Moderate<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Be cautious with this combination.
\nTalk with your health provider.
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nSome of these drying medications include atropine, scopolamine, and some medications used for allergies (antihistamines), and for depression (antidepressants)<\/span>.<\/p>\n
\nInteraction Rating = Moderate<\/strong><\/span> Be cautious with this combination.
\nTalk with your health provider.<\/p>\n
\nInteraction Rating = Moderate<\/strong><\/span> Be cautious with this combination.
\nTalk with your health provider.<\/p>\n
\nSome of these medications used for glaucoma, Alzheimer’s disease, and other conditions include pilocarpine (Pilocar and others), donepezil (Aricept), tacrine (Cognex), and others.<\/p>\nAre there any interactions with Herbs and Supplements?<\/span><\/h3>\n
Are there interactions with Foods?<\/span><\/h3>\n
What dose is used?<\/span><\/h3>\n
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What other names is the product known by?<\/span><\/h3>\n
Resources<\/span><\/h3>\n
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