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Is Idebenone Safe?

As life expectancy continues to increase, individuals are becoming more concerned with squeezing every last drop of potential out of life. To that end, anti-aging supplements and other assorted products have sharply increased in popularity. While there is always a plethora of products promising a better life, few manage to deliver. Idebenone is one such product.

  1. What is Idebenone?

    • Idebenone falls into the category of medications known as notropics, commonly referred to as "smart-drugs." Drugs in this category purport to increase cognitive function with minimal adverse effects. Other related drugs include those in the racetum family. Idebenone is an artificial variant of a chemical that exists naturally in the body---Coenzyme Q10. Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that surrounds and protects all cells.

    How Does Idebenone Work?

    • Without the protective properties of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), one would rapidly perish. Ergo, supplementation with a suitable derivative to CoQ10 is only logical to ensure full functionality of this important chemical. Purported benefits of Idebenone supplementation include increased energy levels, increased serotonin production, increased brain function and increased cerebral metabolism. Idebenone has been used with some success in the treatment of individuals suffering from Friedreich's Ataxia, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

    Common Side Effects

    • Side effects from oral supplementation with Idebenone are fairly mild and can include upset stomach, headaches, sleep disturbances, uneasiness and dizziness. These are all fairly common side effects seen in a number of medications; in this regard, Idebenone appears fairly sale. In some cases, Idebenone has been used topically to prevent or treat wrinkles. Common side effects of topical usage include the potential for an allergic reaction.

    Other Risks

    • As far as the effects of long-term supplementation with the drug are concerned, studies have yet to be conducted. With this in mind, use of Idebenone for prolonged periods is at your own risk. A study conducted by researchers at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke on patients with Friedreich's Ataxia has shown that high-dosages of Idebenone are well-tolerated by the body, so toxicity through ingesting the recommended dose is not a primary concern.

    Considerations

    • Anti-aging supplements will always hold a certain measure of attractiveness for individuals suffering some of the debilitating effects of old age. After analysis, Idebenone appears to be a fairly safe product with potential for restoring some measure of cognitive function. The short-term side effects encapsulate the gambit of potentialities one would expect with nearly any medication. Additionally, Idebenone's success in treating patients with certain neurological disorders speaks to its potential as an effective notropic. All in all, Idebenone seems a safe bet.

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