In this Hydergine review, we’ll take a look at one of the original nootropic supplements to help you decide whether it is right for you.
First created in the 1940s by the inventor of LSD, Albert Hoffman, Hydergine is an ergot alkaloid, in the form of methanesulfonate salts.
It has been widely prescribed for increasing cognitive function in patients suffering from age-related decline and illnesses, such as stroke and dementia. Approved by the FDA in the early 50’s, Hydergine is thought to be quite safe and free from side effects.
Today, Hydergine is used for its nootropic effects by healthy people of all ages. Hydergine reviews often attribute superb cognitive benefits to the compound – let’s find out how it works.



- Increases dopamine & acetylcholine
- Anti-oxidant for brain cell health
- Improves blood flow to the brain
How Hydergine Works in the Brain
Related Topics
Unlike many nootropics, Hydergine was synthesized in a lab and does not occur naturally in the brain. However, it works harmoniously with many natural functions to improve their performance.
Hydergine fights some of the most dramatic causes of neural aging – excess MAO (monoamine oxidase) levels. High MAO concentrtaions have been linked to aging decline by their tendency to reduce availability of catecholamines.
These hormones, like epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine and adrenaline, are vital to the harmonious operation of the central nervous system, in areas ranging from stress reactions to healthy mood.
Hydergine regulates and reduces MAOs, allowing neural hormones to work. Hydergine also works to increase the amount of dopamine and serotonin. Overall, Hydergine keeps hormones balanced in the cerebellum, hypothalamus, and hippocampus.
Long-Term Effects
Hydergine also has anti-oxidant properties, and is able to destroy and defend against free radicals in the brain. These are stray molecules which have been damaged by oxidation and can cause cell decay and death, leading to cancers. Over time, this anti-oxidant effect can help to keep your cognitive faculties functioning at a high level.
Perhaps Hydergine’s most notable function is improving blood flow in the brain. By creating excellent circulation in neural tissues, Hydergine fosters cellular health and the growth of neurons and synapses. These structures and the connections between them – numbering in the trillions in a typical brain – are the key to the formation of memories and thought patters.
It is thought that patients suffering from age-related decline like Alzheimer’s suffer from neural tissue that has become inflexible and not conducive to growth. Higher blood flow results in greater oxygen delivery to cells, boosting mitochondrial metabolism and improving all cognitive abilities overall.
Hydergine Review of Benefits For The Mind
Healthy users who take Hydergine supplements often report a host of cognitive benefits such as greater factual recall, sharp mental acuity, lifting of “brain fog,” and speedier response times.
It is unclear if these effects are cause more by blood flow vasodilation or the hormonal regulation that Hydergine performs. In any case, daily usage as a part of a nootropic supplement regimen has produced countless reports of great mental effects.
Hydergine is so powerful that it has even helped stroke victims recover at far faster rates, aiding in returning lost ability to speak and making memories more accessible. Hydergine is widely prescribed for this use.
Stacking Hydergine with Other Nootropics
Hydergine is known to take some time to “kick in” – perhaps months of daily usage. As many of its effects are neuroprotective, it is to be expected that long term supplementation is required.
Cognitive effects can be heightened in the short term by stacking Hydergine with other nootropics, such as Piracetam. The combination is said to produce heightened alertness and very sharp recall abilities.
Another option is to add Noopept to the stack. This combination of amino acids is known to stimulate concentration and the easy formation of new ideas. It harmonizes with Hydergine’s circulation-enhancing qualities well.
Users Hydergine Review – Reporting Effects
Due to its ubiquity and decades-long history, there are many personal accounts of user experiences with Hydergine available in discussion groups online. By browsing a personal Hydergine review log, you might get a better, more personal view of the effects.
Of course, every body and mind is different, so reports can vary wildly. Most Hydergine users report excellent results, such as heightened awareness of environment, good appreciation of music and art, and energetic stimulation.
Some side effects such as stomach upset and irritated eyes have also been reported. At much larger doses, some claim that Hydergine induced a waking dream state that may not be desirable. Until you are fully comfortable with your body’s reactions to Hydergine, start with low doses, and compare notes with user reviews online.
Hydergine Review – Best Dosages
There is some controversy about the most effective Hydergine dose. 3 mg per day is a generally recommended starter dose, though the effects may be very mild or even completely unnoticeable for several months. In Europe, it is common to take as much as 9 or 12 mg per day. In these cases, doses should be taken over several different sittings throughout the day.
As with all nootropic supplements, it is best to start with a lower dose and note effects. Hydergine has no significant side effects and is widely considered safe. However the increased cognitive clarity caused by some nootropics can be over-stimulating to some people, so take time finding the dose that‘s best for you. Then publish your own Hydergine review to share your experiences with other users.
- Datta KD, Evenson RC, Gannon PJ, Dick EP. Efficacy of oral hydergine (ergoloid mesylates) in alcohol related encephalopathy. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 1987
- Büyüköztürk A, Kanit L, Ersöz B, Menteş G, Hariri NI. The effects of hydergine on the MAO activity of the aged and adult rat brain. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 1995
- Walker C. Ergoloid mesylates vs. Alzheimer's: the latest round. Geriatrics. 1990
- [No authors listed] Hydergine for cerebral arteriosclerosis. Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1974
Article last updated on: March 20th, 2018 by Nootriment
1 Comment
Pharmacist here.
Haven’t seen an Rx for Hydergine in years!
Is it still marketed?
How does it stand up against newer products like Aricept and Namenda?