For a while, NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) was everywhere—praised by scientists, biohackers, and even some doctors as the next big thing in anti-aging and cellular health. I got swept up in the hype too. For months, I took NMN daily, convinced that it was going to boost my energy, slow aging, and sharpen my mind. But eventually, I decided to stop. This is my honest, human-written story of why I stopped taking NMN, and what happened afterward.
What Is NMN and Why Did I Start Taking It?
I first learned about NMN from a podcast featuring a longevity expert. He claimed that NMN was a precursor to NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide)—a molecule our bodies need to generate energy. Apparently, as we age, our NAD+ levels drop, leading to fatigue, cognitive decline, and other age-related issues.
The Promises That Caught My Attention
Like many people, I was intrigued by these promises:
- Increased energy and endurance
- Better focus and mental clarity
- Slower aging at the cellular level
- Improved metabolism
These benefits were hard to ignore. I wanted to feel younger, think clearer, and maintain a sharp edge in my work and personal life. So, I placed my order and began taking 250mg of NMN every morning, paired with resveratrol and a healthy diet.
The First Few Weeks: Notable Improvements
More Energy and Mental Focus
In the beginning, I really thought NMN was a miracle. Within two weeks, I felt like I had more energy. My morning sluggishness disappeared, and my brain fog cleared up. I was more productive and even started exercising more consistently.
Subtle but Encouraging Changes
I also noticed my skin looking healthier, and my mood was lighter. Whether that was placebo or real, I couldn’t tell—but the effects felt good enough to keep going.
When Things Started to Shift
After the two-month mark, things took a strange turn.
Sleep Disruptions
I began having trouble sleeping. My mind raced at night, and my sleep became shallow. I would wake up feeling tired, even though I technically slept for 7–8 hours. It felt like overstimulation, as if my system couldn’t shut off.
Digestive Issues
Around the same time, I started experiencing mild nausea and bloating. I adjusted my dosage, tried taking it with food, then without food—but nothing helped consistently.
Anxiety and Restlessness
Another unexpected side effect was increased anxiety. I felt wired but not in a good way. It was as if my nervous system was always on high alert. This was particularly disturbing because I hadn’t experienced anxiety before taking NMN.
The Breaking Point
I No Longer Felt “Right”
After about four months on NMN, I realized that I didn’t feel like myself anymore. Sure, the energy was there, but so was a constant background buzz that felt unnatural. I felt like I was trying to optimize myself into oblivion.
One morning, I asked myself a simple question:
“If this supplement is making me feel this off, why am I still taking it?”
And just like that, I stopped.
What Happened After I Quit NMN
Withdrawal? Not Quite
Unlike caffeine or sugar, I didn’t experience any clear withdrawal symptoms. However, I did notice a slow return to my baseline energy levels. The hyper-productivity faded, but so did the anxiety and restlessness.
Sleep and Mood Improved
Within two weeks, my sleep was much deeper. I woke up refreshed. The anxiety disappeared almost completely. I began to feel more grounded, more present.
A Renewed Focus on Natural Health
Quitting NMN pushed me to double down on natural approaches:
- Regular exercise
- Meditation
- Whole foods and proper hydration
- Spending time in nature
All of these things had fewer side effects—and didn’t require a monthly subscription or the stress of chasing optimization.
Lessons I Learned from Stopping NMN
1. More Is Not Always Better
In today’s world of wellness, it’s easy to get sucked into the idea that every new molecule is the key to better living. But our bodies are complex systems—not machines that need constant upgrading.
2. Listen to Your Body
If something doesn’t feel right, even if science or influencers say it’s “amazing,” you need to listen to your internal cues. Your body is always speaking. Pay attention.
3. What Works for Others May Not Work for You
There are people who swear by NMN—and maybe it genuinely works for them. But for me, the side effects outweighed the benefits. That doesn’t mean NMN is bad, just that it wasn’t the right fit for me.
So, Will I Ever Try NMN Again?
It’s possible I’ll revisit it one day in the future—maybe at a different age or under the guidance of a healthcare professional. But for now, I’m sticking with simpler methods to support my energy and longevity.
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FAQ
I stopped because I began experiencing sleep disturbances, anxiety, and digestive issues that outweighed any benefits I was getting from the supplement.
NMN isn’t considered dangerous for most people, but it can have side effects like restlessness, insomnia, or gastrointestinal discomfort. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Within two weeks, I noticed improvements in my sleep and anxiety levels.
No, I didn’t experience any harsh withdrawal symptoms. But my energy levels gradually returned to baseline.
I recommend doing thorough research and speaking with a doctor. NMN might work well for some, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Final Thoughts
The world of supplements is fascinating, and NMN is definitely a powerful compound with potential. But after my experience, I’ve learned that chasing optimization for the sake of it isn’t always healthy. Sometimes, the best health hack is just slowing down and reconnecting with the basics.