The Dopamine Reset Stack — 9-Me-BC Protocol
A protocol for restoring dopaminergic function after stimulant overuse, burnout, or receptor downregulation. 9-Me-BC promotes dopaminergic neuron proliferation and inhibits MAO-B; Lion's Mane supports neuroplasticity; Selank manages stimulatory side effects. For experienced biohackers only.
Daily Schedule
Timing and dosage for each step
08:00 AM
15 mg
Take orally in the morning. CRITICAL: Avoid tyramine-rich foods (aged cheese, cured meats, wine, soy sauce). Do NOT combine with SSRIs, SNRIs, or any serotonergic medication — serotonin syndrome risk.
08:00 AM
1000 mg
Lion's Mane 1000mg with breakfast. Supports NGF and neuroplasticity alongside 9-Me-BC's dopaminergic restoration.
09:00 AM
750 mcg
Selank 750mcg intranasal (2–3 drops per nostril). If experiencing stimulatory anxiety from 9-Me-BC, Selank provides anxiolytic balance via GABAergic modulation.
Protocol Overview
Chronic stimulant use, high-stress periods, and dopamine dysregulation are increasingly common. The signature is recognisable: anhedonia, motivational deficit, cognitive fog, difficulty experiencing pleasure from previously rewarding activities.
This protocol targets dopamine system restoration through three mechanisms:
9-Me-BC: MAO-A/B inhibition reduces dopamine breakdown; dopaminergic neuron proliferation in animal models suggests structural repair potential.
Lion's Mane: NGF stimulation promotes broad neural health and provides neuroprotective scaffolding during the recovery period.
Selank: Anxiolytic and mood-stabilising effects balance the stimulatory aspects of MAO inhibition, reducing anxiety and supporting stress resilience.
⚠️ Critical Safety Requirements
This protocol has serious interaction risks. Before starting:
- No SSRIs, SNRIs, tramadol, or any serotonergic drug — serotonin syndrome risk (potentially fatal)
- Tyramine-restricted diet during use — avoid aged cheese, cured meats, red wine, fermented foods, soy sauce
- No stimulant medications (amphetamines, methylphenidate) during protocol
- Photosensitivity — use SPF 30+ sunscreen daily; avoid sunbeds
- Minimum 2-week washout from any MAOI before starting
Who This Protocol Is For
- Post-stimulant receptor desensitisation (ADHD medication, caffeine overuse)
- Burnout with anhedonia and motivational deficit
- Dopamine-depleted states from chronic stress
- Not appropriate for those with active psychiatric diagnoses without physician supervision
Cycle Structure
Duration: 5 weeks on, 2 weeks off (strict cycling due to MAO inhibition)
Assessment: Subjective mood/motivation scoring, sleep quality tracking
Supporting Interventions
- Tyrosine 1–2g/day: dopamine precursor substrate
- Cold exposure: dopamine receptor sensitivity restoration
- Exercise: primary non-pharmacological dopamine rehabilitation tool
- Sleep optimisation: non-negotiable — dopamine receptor repair occurs during deep sleep
Disclaimer
9-Me-BC is a research chemical with no human clinical trial data. This protocol carries inherent risks due to MAO inhibition. Consult a physician before use. For educational purposes only.