Signs and Symptoms of Low NMDA-Receptor Activity

Yet another topic that is under appreciated and often not compiled in an easily searchable form. So, I've done you all the honor of finding as much information as possible.

Real quickly, NMDA-receptors are a type of glutamate receptor. They induce calcium channel activation and nNOS (neuronal nitric oxide synthase) activation. Activation of them stimulates the nervous system but also produces vasodilation and induction of Growth Factors.

They are counter-regulated (or the function of them is decreased) by GABA-A agonists (and enhanced by GABA-A antagonists). Also the function is positively correlated and enhanced by Histamine H(1) receptors, and thus anti-histamines (among a whole host of other things may decrease NMDA activity).

I will start with the summary to make it easier, the rest of the science science will be below that.

<Signs and Symptoms of NMDA HypoActivity>

Signs and Symptoms of Low NMDA-Receptor Activity

• You feel lethargic, and undermotivated.
• You may have insomnia, or sleep too much. 
• Your spatial memory (e.g directions, or where you put keys) is impaired.
• Active Memory, Learning and "Conditioning" is impaired.
• You have a low libido/sexual function - and possibly decreased sex hormones (including estradiol).
• You may either have high or low blood pressure, and you respond poorly to workouts.
• You may feel like people are reading your thoughts, and may be paranoid.
• You may feel dependent on Stimulants or Alcohol.
• Your ability to stay on task is hampered, or you lack consistency.
• You may be very irritable.

Things that Mimic (or cause) the State of NMDA Hypoactivity 

• Using AntiHistamine's such as Benadryl. (H1 antagonists tend to produce similar state)
• Using Xanax, Klonopine or other GABA-A agonists (as they decrease activity)
• Low Testosterone-Estrogen/E2 Levels (or aromatization) (as Free T/Estrogen generally facilitates NMDA function) (goes for both men and women)
• Low Protein Intake
• Abuse of Nitrous Oxide Drugs (as N.O antagonizes NMDA)
• Chronic Stimulant Use (especially decongestants)
• SSRI use, or use of Hallucinogen's (which artificially decrease glutamate)
• High Carbohydrate Diet 
• Eating foods with MSG for long periods of time, then suddenly stopping.
• Taking NMDA-antagonists (like ketamine, PCP, and the brain booster "Huperzine-A")
• Taking too Much Zinc and / or Magnesium Supplement.
• 
  

****To avoid NMDA or glutamate HypoActivity, take into consideration all of the above****

In addition. You can do the following to raise general glutamate function. 

• Eat a high Protein Diet.
• Supplement with NMDA-agonists like D-Aspartic Acid/Sarcosine combination and / or NMDA directly as a supplement.
• Supplement with other Glutamate Analogues such as "NCG"

Recommended Products.

AI Sports Nutrition D-Aspartic Acid  (will raise NMDA function, also acts as agonist)

iForce Nutrition "Intimidate" (actual NMDA)

*******SOURCES*******

NMDA-Receptor HypoFunction Precipitates Frontal Lobe Disruption and promotes transmission of "DISINFORMATION" and false perception.

The Ameliorating effects of  NMDA on H1 Antagonist Induced Memory Deficits

Essential Role of Hippocampal Ca Dependent NMDA-Activity in Spatial Memory

NMDA-Receptors in NeuroPsychiatric Disorders

NMDA Receptor Antagonists Decrease Progesterone induced GnRH release.

NMDA-Receptors and Reproductive Function

NMDA-Blockade induced Sleep Deficits

NMDA in Relation to Amphetamine Effects
About NMDA and how the Receptor Works