Arcalion (generic name Sulbutiamine) is a synthetic derivative of Thiamine (Vitamin B1).
In some countries, Arcalion is prescribed as a treatment to help patients with a variety conditions: diabetes, hypothyroidism, and chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and post partum depression. Arcalion is also the only current treatment for asthenia, a chronic fatigue condition that has neurological and not muscular origins.
Generic Sulbutiamine is also used a cognitive enhancement and stress reducing supplement. But is this compound safe and what are the potential Arcalion side effects?
In general, Arcalion users say that supplement helps you become more “upbeat”. When taking this nootropic it increases your focus and both physical and mental strength, as well as gives you a boost in energy, making you less lethargic and more alert.
On top of making you feel better during the day, Arcalion may help stabilize sleeping patterns and help you get better and more restful sleep.
In addition to being used for the conditions listed above, Arcalion is also a popular choice in professional sport. Athletes will use it to unlock their maximum potential and perform a little better.
This article will discuss how Arcalion works in the body, how to take this nootropic, as well as the most common side effects associated with Sulbutiamine use.



- Heightened alertness, focus & energy
- Supports memory & mental performance
- Promotes mood through dopaminergic activity
How does Arcalion work?
Related Topics
- What is Sulbutiamine?
- What is Arcalion?
- User Reviews
- Effects and Benefits
- Why Take Sulbutiamine?
- Sulbutiamine for Energy
- Effects on Dopamine
- Dosage Guidelines
- Sulbutiamine for Anxiety
- Possible Side Effects
- Bulk Sulbutiamine Suppliers
- Buying Sulbutiamine Online
- Arcalion Uses
- How to Take Arcalion
- Is Arcalion Safe?
- Buy Arcalion
Arcalion works by increasing the blood flow to the brain. It enters the central nervous system where it makes changes to neurotransmitters and receptor sites in a safe way.
After crossing the blood-brain barrier Arcalion is fast acting. When the barrier is crossed, Arcalion affects Glutamine, Dopamine and Acetylcholine receptor sites.
So by using Arcalion and making positive changes to these receptor sites you in turn are improving your mental function especially related to mood regulation, concentration and memory.
For best results, some users combine Arcalion into a nootropic stack with Aniracetam and Citicoline.
How do I take Arcalion?
If you live in a country where this compound is a prescription drug, Arcalion is one of the nootropics that you should never dose yourself. Do not self-medicate and contact your physician to see if Arcalion is right for your needs. Dosage will vary per patient, but on average the user will consume 2 tablets each day, for a 2-week period.
In the USA the FDA has not approved Sulbutiamine as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions, and it is available as a health supplement only.
As a supplement, it is more common to purchase generic Sulbutiamine bulk powder or tablets over the more expensive Arcalion branded tablets. When taking Sulbutiamine or Arcalion pills, it is important to swallow it whole without chewing or breaking it. A full glass of water should follow. It is often recommended to take Arcalion with a meal as it is also fat-soluble.
Proper dosage is dependent on many factors, and it is always recommended that you speak with your doctor to determine your appropriate dosage. A common dosage is 400 mg, however this may be higher or lower depending on your needs.
Even if you do not see any changes within 7 days, you should not consume more than 600mg of Arcalion per day unless your doctor has advised you to. If no difference is visible after a week, contact your doctor and have them readjust your dosage or discuss whether or not Arcalion is the correct supplement for you.
Please note that Arcalion is not suitable for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or plan on becoming pregnant. Also if you are using any other medication during the course of your Arcalion cycle, please notify your physician.
What are the reported Arcalion side effects?
Arcalion is considered to be safe in healthy people. Most of the possible side effects are very mild, but some users have had issues with this nootropic in the past.
Below is a complete list of Arcalion side effects reported by patients:
- Headaches
- Epidermolysis
- Conjunctivitis
- Increased levels of uric acid
- Renal failure
- Irritation
- Dermatitis
- Lupus symptoms
- Anxiety
Although it is used by some people for anxiety, other users have reported the exact opposite effect. Taking Arcalion makes them more anxious instead of alleviating their anxious thoughts.
If you encounter any Arcalion side effects from taking this drug, it is recommended that you stop taking it immediately and consult your physician as soon as possible for further steps.
The same goes for any potential allergic reaction you may have to this nootropic. Signs of one can include: swelling, skin rashes, hives, difficulty breathing and others. If you experience any of these symptoms consult your physician.
Generally speaking, most side effects typically only occur in cases where the user ingests a higher than recommended dose. You have to be careful when using this nootropic.
If you notice any side effects, even minimal, it is recommended to immediately reduce the dosage to an amount well below the recommended level. If the side effect persists, then stop using this supplement and allow your body to balance itself out again, prior to starting a new cycle with a much lower dose.
It is also not recommended to mix Arcalion with any antidepressant drugs. If you are currently taking any antidepressants please contact your physician and double check whether or not it is safe for you to be using this supplement. Stacking this cognitive enhancer with other nootropic supplements may also lead to a higher risk of Arcalion side effects.
Ideally, you should speak to a health care professional before combining Arcalion with any other supplements or brain boosting products. You can buy this supplement online either in Arcalion capsules or as generic Sulbutiamine bulk powder or tablets.
- Tiev KP, Cabane J, Imbert JC. [Treatment of chronic postinfectious fatigue: randomized double-blind study of two doses of sulbutiamine (400-600 mg/day) versus placebo]. Rev Med Interne. 1999
- Sobolevsky T, Rodchenkov G. Sulbutiamine in sports. Drug Test Anal. 2010
- Dmitriev DG, Gamidov SI, Permiakova OV. [Clinical efficacy of the drug enerion in the treatment of patients with psychogenic (functional) erectile dysfunction]. Urologiia. 2005
- Kang KD, Majid AS, Kim KA, Kang K, Ahn HR, Nho CW, Jung SH. Sulbutiamine counteracts trophic factor deprivation induced apoptotic cell death in transformed retinal ganglion cells. Neurochem Res. 2010
Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment
22 Comments
i want to take one tablet of arcalion daily for general weekness, it is ok or suggest some thing else in this regard
Hello C D,
One tablet a day of Arcalion would fall within the accepted dosage range. It is wise to cycle the supplement and not use it for long periods at a time to prevent tolerances from building.
Is there any alternative substitute from Arcalion?
I am presently taking Haloperidol(Serenace) 0.75 mg daily. Can I take Arcalion along with it?
Hello,
I would recommend speaking to your prescribing physician for advice on this matter. I haven’t been able to find any articles that discuss interactions between the two drugs.
Hi,
I am taking 2 tablet/day and at the same time i am on coapproval 300 medication.any side effect
could a patient with Mitral regurgitation take arcalion?
Hi Aicha,
You should speak to your doctor to determine whether this supplement is appropriate for you. Only a doctor who is familiar with your health history and any other supplements or medicines that you are taking will be able to answer that appropriately!
Hi there,
I am taking 2 tablets/ day and I developed acne like allergy.
Should I stop the medication or lower the dosage?
and for how long I could use the medication
thank you in advance
Hi Esraa,
You should speak to your doctor to determine whether it is better to discontinue use or lower the dosage!
I have been given a prescription to take this drug by a consultant after telling him that I’m experiencing low libido. Is this the right prescription.? I don’t trust the consultant, that’s all
I am currently taking St Johns Wort – can I combine the 2 or should I just stick to Arcallion for the time prescribed by doc and then once I take a break should I start with St Johns Wort again?
Yes your consultant is right in prescribing arcalion for low libido.
Hi.I am thinking in taking Arcalion/sulbutiamine only 2-3 times per week as recreational use or ocasionaly when I have to go out.
Questions:1.I will fell some effect after first dose?
2.how much time last effectr?
3.if in this way I will avoid tolerance?
Thanks!
I am taking it twice daily and my head hurt and I get these shock waves in my head it feels like electricity shocking me on my brain
hola puedo tomar arcalion 200 y puedo ingerir cerveza??
hola buenas noches si puedo tomar alcohol en tratamiento??
Hi Enedino,
Thanks for your question! There does not appear to be a direct interaction between sulbutiamine and alcohol. Based on anecdotal reports posted online, users do not report side effects with this combination, but it is still possible that side effects may occur when combining use.
For how long one should take Arcalion? I see people taking two tablets daily for a long time.
Hi Niaz,
Thanks for your question :). The answer will depend on why it is being used, who is using it, health status and whether other products are being used at the same time. To determine how long you should take a specific medication, it is important to consult with a qualified physician!
How often should I cycle arcalion for stress and good mood.
And for how long.
N.B.I took it for 3 week how much I will wait to retake it
Hi no reply for my question