Picamilon is also known as nicotinoyl GABA, Pycamilon, and Pikamilon. This is a dietary supplement that is essentially a combination of GABA and niacin.
It was first synthesized at the All-Union Vitamin Research Institute in 1970 in Russia. It is a white crystalline powder that is odorless, highly hydroscopic (takes up/in moisture readily), and is also readily soluble in water.
Animal studies have shown that this supplement has a positive action on cerebral circulation and exhibits the properties of a tranquilizer with a stimulating component. Picamilon benefits and effects are diverse with the ability to boost cognitive performance, heighten mental energy while also lessening anxiety and stress.
The idea behind the development of this compound is that by combining the two elements (GABA and Niacin) they exert a synergistic effect upon each other. The main problem with GABA supplementation has always been that it has a difficult time crossing over the blood-brain barrier.
Therefore, most existing GABA supplements needed to include something else to act as a delivery method or catalyst. Niacin is an excellent addition since it is able to cross over the blood-brain barrier and takes the GABA as well. The Niacin in Picamilon is further potentiated by the activity of the GABA.



- Consists of GABA & Niacin
- Stimulates GABA receptors in the brain
- Promotes mood, sleep & relaxation
Picamilon Effects:
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The main method of action for Picamilon is surprisingly straightforward.
The supplement is able to cross over the blood-brain barrier (thanks to the addition of the Niacin) and then enter into the central nervous system.
Once this happens, the supplement itself is hydrolyzed into its two main components, GABA and Niacin. This then leads to each exerting their own individual effects.
GABA, as a supplement, is considered to be the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter within the human body. This means that it works by helping to calm down nerves which have become ‘excited’ and are firing, sometimes in a continuous or uncontrollable fashion. This leads to an anti-stress and anti-anxiety effect.
The Niacin is thought to act as a strong vasodilator, which means that it improves blood circulation to the brain, possibly useful in the treatment of migraine headaches.
One of the effects of Picamilon associated with this increased blood flow is that the brain starts to receive more oxygen and glucose which are they two principle ingredients it needs to produce energy.
Picamilon Benefits:
Picamilon affects many different processes within the brain in a beneficial manner. It is known to produce greater powers of memory, enhance users’ concentration and attention, and even increase attention span and speed of memory recall. It is also said to cause greater clarity of thought, enhance motivation and productivity, and even reduce the impulsiveness of actions.
Additional benefits of Picamilon come from the fact that GABA is the neurotransmitter tasked with calming down an over-active brain. General Anxiety Disorder is a condition in which neurons are overly stimulated, resulting in repetitive thought patterns and a fixation on negative thoughts.
When using Picamilon, these symptoms can be dramatically reduced. As neurons and nerves within the brain fire continuously, GABA restricts these actions and produces a mild sedative effect. This helps to relieve stress and lower anxiety levels.
Picamilon is also able to increase cerebral blood flow. With this increased blood circulation, more glucose and other nutrients are delivered to the brain.
This also has an anti-oxidant effect on the brain, helping to remove toxins and poisons that build up in the brain cells.
It is also quite likely to lead to improved energy metabolism within the brain. This is also part of the reason for the higher levels of concentration, alertness, and mental stamina mentioned above.
There is also evidence to suggest that Picamilon may be effective in the treatment and prevention of diabetic neuropathy. This is a condition which is marked by nerve damage that results from diabetes related elevation in blood sugar levels. It may also be effective in treating a condition called hypokinesia which results from a lowered number of active GABA receptors and is marked by decreased bodily movement.
Picamilon Dosage:
In order to take advantage of the many benefits of Picamilon, the daily dosage range is thought to be between 50 and 400 mg. Most experts recommend staying between 100 and 200 mg as a general rule.
Those taking Picamilon for basic mood boosting and energy support would be best served staying at the lower end of this range, 50 to 100 mg. Those who are looking for anxiety and stress relief might be able to take a bit more, perhaps up to 200 mg daily.
Picamilon Side Effects:
This supplement is thought to be safe for daily use and considered to be well-tolerated. However, there have been rare cases where it has caused allergies and skin rashes. Other possible side effects are generally mild and may include headaches, lightheadedness, nausea, irritability, low blood pressure, and red flushing of the skin.
Of course, you should always start off with the lowest effective dose possible. Only increase slowly once you have become familiar with the effects.
Picamilon Review:
The effects and benefits of Picamilon include improvements in mental performance as well as helping to relieve stress, anxiety, and depression. It may even improve overall brain health by boosting neuron metabolism and increasing the pace of waste product removal.
Picamilon is consistently among the top rated nootropic supplements, reported to possess many different cognitive enhancement properties. Many nootropic users will take Picamilon on a daily basis or cycle it with other anxiolytic nootropics like Phenibut or Sulbutiamine.
- Davydova GA, Mukha AI. [Results of the use of vasoactive preparation pikamilon in pigmented retinal abiotrophy]. Vestn Oftalmol. 1995
- Mirzoian RS. [Neuroprotective and cerebrovascular effects of GABA mimetics]. Eksp Klin Farmakol. 2003
- Kuchmerovs'ka TM, Shymans'kyÄ IO, Donchenko HV, Stepanenko SP. [State of GABA-benzodiazepine receptor complex in diabetic neuropathy: effect of nicotinamide and nicotinoyl-GABA]. Ukr Biokhim Zh (1999). 2003
Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment