Can I continue taking GPlc (Glycophosphocholine) for a floating feeling?

Glycerophosphocholine (GPC) for Floating Sensation: Insufficient Evidence for Continued Use

There is insufficient evidence to support the continued use of Glycerophosphocholine (GPC) for a floating sensation, and it should be discontinued if this is the only indication for its use.

Understanding GPC and Its Evidence Base

Glycerophosphocholine (GPC) is a choline-containing compound that has been studied primarily for:

• Cognitive enhancement in cerebral ischemia 1
• Growth hormone secretion and fat metabolism 2
• Potential anti-aging effects in animal models 3, 4

However, there is no evidence in clinical guidelines or research supporting GPC for treating floating sensations or vestibular disorders.

Assessment of Floating Sensation

Before continuing any supplement for a floating sensation, consider these more evidence-based approaches:

1. Rule out serious underlying causes:

   • Vestibular disorders
   • Medication side effects
   • Orthostatic hypotension
   • Neurological conditions

2. Evaluate for glucocorticoid-induced side effects:

   • If you're taking glucocorticoids, floating sensations could be a side effect
   • Guidelines recommend careful monitoring of all side effects in patients on glucocorticoid therapy 5

Evidence-Based Alternatives

For managing floating sensations, consider these evidence-supported approaches:

• Vestibular rehabilitation if vestibular dysfunction is identified
• Medication review to identify and discontinue potential culprits
• Blood pressure management if orthostatic hypotension is present
• Treatment simplification if polypharmacy is contributing 5

Potential Risks of GPC

While GPC appears to have a relatively good safety profile 1, continuing an unproven supplement:

• May delay identification of serious underlying conditions
• Could interact with other medications
• Adds unnecessary cost
• Creates false reliance on an unproven treatment

Recommendation for Discontinuation

A systematic approach to this situation would be:

1. Discontinue GPC and monitor if floating sensation worsens
2. Undergo proper medical evaluation for the floating sensation
3. Consider evidence-based treatments based on the underlying cause
4. If no cause is found and symptoms persist, discuss with your healthcare provider whether a trial of GPC is reasonable based on your individual risk-benefit profile

Conclusion

While GPC has shown benefits in specific contexts like cognitive enhancement after stroke 1 and potential metabolic effects 2, there is no evidence supporting its use for floating sensations. The focus should be on identifying and addressing the underlying cause of this symptom rather than continuing an unproven supplement.