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Picamilon, or nicotinoyl-GABA, is a nootropic with the neurotransmitter GABA bound to Vitamin B3 or Niacin.
It has become a favorite among nootropic users who want to both raise their energy level while easing signs of anxiety and stress.
The supplement does not have any unique mechanisms of action on its own. Rather, Picamilon effects come from the fact that once it reaches the brain, it is broken down into these two separate brain chemicals. The GABA and Niacin are then able to stimulate the brain according to their typical pathways.
You might be wondering why one would use Picamilon at all when it seems you could take GABA and Niacin separately to achieve identical results.
In reality, Picamilon is necessary because GABA supplements are incapable of traveling to the brain if ingested orally. Picamilon supplements can cross into the brain where they then promote a number of positive effects for mental performance.
Mood
Anxiety
Sleep- Consists of GABA & Niacin
- Stimulates GABA receptors in the brain
- Promotes mood, sleep & relaxation
Picamilon Effects
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Picamilon was first developed at the All-Union Vitamin Research Institute Russia in the late 1960’s or early 1970’s (no one seems able to agree on a date, even among Russian sources).
Picamilon is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier to reach the central nervous system very quickly and effectively. The next thing that happens is that it is hydrolyzed into GABA and niacin, thereby raising levels of the GABA neurotransmitter.
As circulating GABA is increased, this serves to activate a number of GABA neural receptors by binding to these receptors on your synapses in the same way that your natural GABA stores work.
GABA is considered to be the major inhibitory chemical in the human body. While many of your neurotransmitters are excitatory (meaning that they make it more likely that your neurons will fire), GABAergic pathways actually make it less likely that your neurons will fire.
In essence, GABA raises the bar for what your brain will react to so that only the most important stimuli generate a response.
Cases of anxiety are denoted by excessive activity in targeted sections of the brain so that you cannot focus appropriately and get caught up in negative feedback circuits. You may find it difficult to block out certain memories, images or possibilities and that this unease interferes with your normal function.
According to the psychological definition, General Anxiety Disorder occurs when the response in our brain is out of proportion with the circumstances you are confronted with. GABA curbs this disproportionate response and promotes a feeling of calm and relaxation.
When using Picamilon, Niacin is also released into your brain tissue. Niacin is a B-vitamin that the body uses for digestion of carbohydrates along with the healthy functioning of skin, eyes, and the nervous system.
It is the niacin with the supplement that is primarily responsible for Picamilon crossing into the central nervous system since this is something which GABA is not capable of on its own.
The Vitamin B3 or Niacin then acts as a highly effective vasodilator opening blood passageways within the brain and helping to improve circulation and blood flow.
What does Picamilon actually offer in the way of benefits? This supplement is found to be highly effective in the improvement of mood and energy levels.
You may feel a greater sense of well-being when taking it, have more passive and positive feelings, and experience more drive and ambition. Many people say it relaxes them but also helps them focus and puts them in a higher state of mental productivity.
It has been known to help relieve stress and anxiety along with aiding in the attainment of more restful sleep. Many people who have been experiencing stress find it difficult to ‘turn off’ their mind. Picamilon is very helpful in this regard and can help you attain deeper sleep at night.
This supplement also has a number of clinical uses and benefits. The primary benefit in this area is that it helps to restore proper cerebral blood flow. This can helpful in certain cases of stroke and other brain issues. It can also restore the brain to proper function after acute alcohol intoxication.
There is even evidence suggesting that it might be helpful as a treatment for glaucoma, at least as far as a stabilization of visual function. Another great benefit is that it can treat migraine headaches by opening up blood passageways and improving overall brain circulation.
An extension to the main benefits listed above is the potential for helping to reduce blood pressure. This is likely due to the vasodilation effect on the blood passageways and the improved circulation.
It is interesting to note that while it is the niacin that is primarily responsible for opening up or dilating these passageways, the combination of niacin and GABA that is found in Picamilon is the perfect match for leading to lower blood pressure.
Few Adverse Effects:
There really have not been any serious adverse effects associated with Picamilon. Some users have reported feeling light headed or dizzy.
It is also possible that the lowered blood pressure in some people could be considered as an adverse effect which is why individuals with low pressure should not use this supplement.
Other Picamilon side effects might include jitters or insomnia if you take it late at night.
Picamilon Dose:
The recommended dosage for Picamilon is between 50 and 300 mg per day. It has a short half-life of approximately two hours so you will likely want to take one to three administrations a day.
You can buy Picamilon in tablet form or powdered form in bulk online. The tablets may be more convenient to measure out your intended dosage, however Picamilon powder is much cheaper due to the costs associated with preparing the capsules and packaging.
This nootropic is known to work very well in stacks with studies showing that other supplements may help to potentiate the effects of Picamilon. These include Kava and Valerian Root. It is also interesting to note that inhaling the scent of jasmine may increase the effects of this supplement.
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- BasinskiÄ SN, Krasnogorskaia VN, Lenis IuA. [Pathogenetic treatment of central chorioretinal dystrophies with pikamilon]. Vestn Oftalmol. 2001
- Kuchmerovs'ka TM, Donchenko HV, Fomenko HI, Chichkovs'ka HV, Pakirbaieva LV, Klymenko AN. [Correction by nicotinamide and nicotinoyl-GABA of dopamine metabolism in rat brain in experimental Parkinson's disease]. Ukr Biokhim Zh (1999). 2001
- Akopian VP, Balian LS, Avetisian NA. [The effect of hypokinesia on depression and on the central GABA-A receptor complexes in the rat brain]. Eksp Klin Farmakol. 2006
- Karaev AL, Kovler MA, Avakumov VM, Kopelevich VM, Bulanova LN. [Antihypoxic properties of GABA-containing vitamin derivatives]. Farmakol Toksikol. 1989
Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment