Galantamine

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. 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. 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.

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.