Anyone looking into Hydergine side effects might have a lot of case histories to wade through.
This chemically-derived supplement, also known as Ergoloid Mesylates has been around since the 1940s with millions of prescriptions written for it.
Originally created in the Sandoz lab by famed counter-culture chemist Albert Hoffman, Hydergine was immediately pegged as a potential booster for ailing cognitive function.
By increasing blood flow to the brain and regulating several key hormones, Hydergine could be a valuable tool for mental health. To that end, it has been approved by the FDA and prescribed for decade for a variety of mental disorders connected to aging and senility, some as serious as Dementia.
Now widely used as a nootropic memory enhancer by a new generation, it’s important to check in with what we know and don’t know about the benefits and side effects of Hydergine.



- Increases dopamine & acetylcholine
- Anti-oxidant for brain cell health
- Improves blood flow to the brain
Is Hydergine Safe?
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Hyderine, a co-dergocrine mesilate, or dihydroergotoxine mesylate, is known to create increased blood flow in the brain.
This mechanism of action brings a greater uptake of oxygen in brain cells. This boosts mitochrondrial metabolism in ganglion cells, which means greater neural efficiency overall and greater ability of cells to remove waste.
Hydergine also plays a key role in the regulation of several neurotransmitter hormones. It blocks alpha adrenoceptors, reducing monoamine oxidase (MAO) levels, in order to stimulate catecholamines like adrenaline, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.
Normal function of these hormones is typically lost with aging, prompting many of the symptoms of cognitive degeneration.
Hydergine can prevent or at least lessen the symptoms of this decline. Furthermore, Hydergine stimulates the production of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin.
The net result of these actions is dramatic cognitive enhancement. Neurons can grow freely and forge new synaptic connections among one another. The mind stays nimble, with memory creation and access at youthful levels.
Fighting Strokes with Hydergine
Historically, Hydergine has been most prescribed by the conventional medical community for the treatment of effects relating to strokes. A stroke is the result of insufficient blood flow to the brain. Without oxygen, neural tissue rapidly stops functioning.
Stroke patients often suffer catastrophic effects such as serious problems with speech, motor skills, even paralysis. Hydergine has shown amazing benefits when taken by people dealing with the aftermath of stroke, both before and after surgeries to repair damaged tissues.
These patients recover faster with the help of Hydergine, and some are able to regain speech skills faster. It is thought that the compound does this by boosting blood and oxygen flow in the brain. Systolic blood pressure is also lowered, and mood is enhanced – always a critical factor in recovery from serious health issues.
Hydergine side effects relating to blood pressure are only an issue for patients who already have very low blood pressure.
Cognitive Benefits
Are there serious Hydergine side effects when the supplement is taken by healthy people who have not suffered stroke or other aging related diseases? It appears not. In fact, the cognitive benefits of taking Hydergine as a part of a daily supplementation regimen are substantial.
Users experience a great boost in concentration and mental acuity. Memories are very easy to access, as are facts. Reaction to stimulus is quick and clear. Learning is also said to become easier and less like “work.”
The enhanced levels of serotonin and dopamine create an elevated mood that can lessen the symptoms of depression. Meanwhile behind the scenes, Hydergine is acting as a neuro-protective agent, fortifying brain tissue in advance by keeping it oxygenated, adaptable, and hearty.
Are There Dangerous Hydergine Side Effects?
Hydergine has been used safely by a broad range of people for a broad range of conditions for nearly 80 years.
In fact, in all that time very little data as been collected on side effects because not many have presented at all. Less than 3 percent of people in most studies experienced Hydergine side effects, and those were very mild and short term.
These effects include dizziness, flushing of the skin, blurry vision, headaches, and nasal congestion. If any of these symptoms occur while you’re taking Hydergine, simply reduce your dosage or cease taking the supplement until symptoms clear. They should not be long lasting in any case and the drug is safe for long-term use.
Dosage Recommendations to Avoid Hydergine Side Effects
The recommended base dosage of Hydergine is 3 mg per day. This amount can go up to 9 – 12 mg per day, provided the dose is divided between morning, noon, and evening sittings. For most people, Hydergine does not have instant and dramatic effects. For that reason, it may be tempting to up the dose. However, Hydergine’s effects take time to build, as neural tissues are gradually brought into a state of better circulation.
There is some disagreement about Hydergine dosages – some physicians contend that low dosing is preventing Hydergine from being more effective. It is suggested that Hydergine might even be a viable Alzheimer’s treatment if dosages were dramatically increased. The answer to the question is unclear at this time.
In addition to simply being patient, you might want to try stacking Hydergine with other nootropics like Noopept or Piracetam. These combinations have been reported to be very effective at synergistically boosting the efficacy of all constituent parts. Brain tissue will be infused with oxygen while key neurochemicals are enhanced for noticeable cognitive improvement.
- Bochner F, Eadie MJ, Tyrer JH. Use of an ergot preparation (hydergine) in the convalescent phase of stroke. J Am Geriatr Soc. 1973
- [No authors listed] Hydergine for cerebral arteriosclerosis. Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1974
- Schran HF, McDonald S, Lehr R. Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of ergoloid mesylates. Biopharm Drug Dispos. 1988
- McHenry LC Jr, Jaffe ME, Kawamura J, Goldberg HI. Hydergine effect on cerebral circulation in cerebrovascular disease. J Neurol Sci. 1971
Article last updated on: March 29th, 2018 by Nootriment