How to Use Galantamine for Lucid Dreaming

Lucid dreaming allows you to turn the dream world into your playground and get creative without limitations. It can also lead you down an exciting path of self-discovery. However, consistent lucid dreams are elusive for most people, including experienced lucid dreamers. Hence a potential role for supplements like galantamine to facilitate lucidity.

Galantamine is an alkaloid that can enhance brain function and slow cognitive decline. It is clinically used to treat Alzheimer's. It has other properties that can induce lucid dreaming and is one of the most popular supplements among lucid dreamers.

In this guide, we’re going to discuss, in great detail, everything you need to know about galantamine and lucid dreaming. We explain what it is, how it promotes lucid dreaming, and what to consider if you plan to safely take it.  

What is Galantamine?

Galantamine, sometimes called galanthamine, is an alkaloid that was originally extracted from snowdrops and other plants. The plants containing galantamine are rare and the isolation process is expensive, so it’s also produced synthetically.

Alzheimer’s disease is a common type of dementia. It begins with memory loss and progresses to more serious cognitive issues. Galantamine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI). It inhibits the activity of an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase and, as a result, improves cognitive processes such as memory.

The use of synthetic galantamine to treat Alzheimer’s disease was first approved in Sweden. The FDA approved it in 2001 as safe for managing mild to moderate Alzheimer’s symptoms. It is both a prescription drug and an over-the-counter supplement.

Galantamine as a Lucid Dreaming Stimulant

Lucid dreaming is a state of being aware or conscious while dreaming. It commonly happens during the REM (rapid eye movement) stage of sleep. While scientists have proven that lucid dreaming is possible, the science behind it is still unclear.

Some suspect that the part of the brain responsible for logic, the lateral prefrontal cortex, wakes up during REM when it’s supposed to be asleep.

One of the many interesting things about galantamine is that it is believed to be an oneirogen. This means that it can result in vivid dreams, immersive dream states, lucid dreams, and hypnagogia.

Researchers carried out this study to see whether using an AChEI, specifically galantamine, can induce lucid dreams. They found that the likelihood of lucid dreaming increased significantly in participants who took galantamine. Participants who took a higher dosage had a higher chance of lucid dreaming.

How Galantamine Enhances Lucid Dreaming

It is unclear how the use of AChEIs like galantamine causes lucid dreaming.

Galantamine improves memory and can alleviate cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s patients. Some of its side effects include increased dream recall and dream vividness. It also can lead to an increase in phasic activity, all factors that facilitate lucid dreaming.

That said, there is a need for further research to understand exactly how AChEIs alter the brain to facilitate lucidity.

How to Use Galantamine for Lucid Dreaming

In the study referenced above, participants who took 4 mg and 8 mg galantamine capsules for three consecutive nights had higher chances of lucid dreaming. They went to sleep, woke up after four and a half hours, and took galantamine. They then practiced the WBTB lucid dreaming technique by staying awake for 30 minutes and then going back to sleep. In addition to taking galantamine and practicing WBTB, they practiced the MILD lucid induction technique.

This might be the best way to take galantamine for lucid dreaming. Here are the steps:

1. Go to sleep as normal.
2. Wake up after about 4 hours, recording any dreams you remember in your dream journal.
3. Take the correct dose of galantamine.
4. Stay awake for about 30 minutes.
5. Go back to sleep.

Remember to incorporate other lucid dream-induction techniques for best results.

It is commonly advised to start with a 4 mg dosage and see how that works for you. The higher the dosage, the higher the likelihood of lucid dreaming (to some extent). Many lucid dreamers report using the 8 mg dosage for lucid dreaming without any serious effects. However, it is widely considered best practice to generally take the smallest effective dose.

After taking galantamine, try to sleep after 30 minutes, and don’t stay up longer. The supplement reaches maximum concentration after about an hour.

Note: Before taking galantamine, it is advisable to talk to your doctor as they are in a better position to recommend how much and how often you should take it. We don't recommend anyone take it, and favor more behavioral techniques like dream recall, state tests, meditation, and the WBTB method.

Safety Precautions and Side Effects While Using Galantamine for Lucid Dreaming

Like many other drugs, galantamine has its side effects. Some participants in the study above reported mild side effects such as insomnia, stomach upset, and fatigue the next day.

Common side effects of galantamine include dizziness, nausea, headache, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and skin rash. It can also have serious side effects such as blood in urine, dehydration, and liver issues.

Only take galantamine when you have a strong intent to lucid dream and avoid taking it too frequently. Many lucid dreamers only use it once in a while when they’ve plateaued and lost progress. Frequent use might increase your chances of having side effects and vigorous efforts to lucid dream every night is likely to interfere with your sleep hygiene.

You also risk developing a tolerance for galantamine if you take it consistently over a long time. Consider spacing out your usage and don’t rely too much on it.

Some people can be allergic to galantamine–even more reason why you should talk to a doctor first.

Best Practices for Lucid Dreaming with Galantamine

Galantamine on its own can improve dream vividness and recall. But by following a few practices you’ll have even higher chances of having lucid dreams.

It’s important to have a dream journal and record your dreams to improve dream recall. Go to bed with a strong intention to lucid dream as well. The participants in the galantamine and lucid dreaming study had a high dream recall and were already interested in lucid dreaming.

Secondly, use galantamine with a lucid dreaming technique. MILD and WBTB are two useful methods of inducing lucid dreams. In the research, those who practiced MILD were more likely to lucid dream.  

Note that galantamine is not a magic pill that guarantees lucid dreams every time you take it. You still have to work on technique and only use galantamine to boost your chances of success.

Frequently Asked Questions About Using Galantamine for Lucid Dreaming

Is Galantamine Safe for Lucid Dreaming?

Galantamine is generally considered safe for lucid dreaming. However, it is a strong medication and is not originally intended for lucid dreaming. It also has side effects, and some of them can be serious. Consult your physician, especially if you have any underlying issues.

We strongly advise caution.

Is Galantamine Safe for Long-Term Use?

Galantamine is designed for long-term treatment of Alzheimer’s. But if you’re only using it for lucid dreaming it’s best to limit your usage. Again, we advise proceeding cautiously and following your doctor's advice.

Does Galantamine Increase REM?

Yes, galantamine increases REM sleep duration. This, and the fact that it promotes dream recall, are some of the properties that make it a good lucid dream inducer.

Can Galantamine Cause Nightmares?

Yes, galantamine can cause nightmares. It is, however, an uncommon side effect that is most likely caused by increasing the dosage too quickly.

What Else Creates Lucid Dreaming Like Galantamine?

Other than galantamine, some drugs and herbs can induce lucid dreams such as huperzine A and melatonin.

Wrapping Up

If you want to take something to induce lucid dreams, galantamine is likely one of the best options.

Research shows that taking galantamine makes you more likely to lucid dream. The likelihood increases with a higher dosage. The participants in the study used galantamine alongside lucid dreaming techniques.

Galantamine is considered generally safe but it has side effects. Talk to your doctor before using it. It’s also best to avoid using galantamine frequently for lucid dreaming and space out usage.

Instead of relying on galantamine alone, we recommend performing reality checks, forming strong intentions, meditating, and working with expert lucid dreamers.