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Picamilon and Phenibut are two frequently compared anxiolytic nootropics with similar effects and mechanisms of action in the brain.
They are both known to alleviate signs of stress and anxiety, increasing focus and promoting more efficiently cognitive processing. Both of these compounds are GABAergics meaning that they increase activity of the GABA neurotransmitter system.
Where they differ is in their chemical structure as well as some of the peripheral benefits offered by each. Though many of their effects are comparable, there is quite a different experience when using Picamilon vs. Phenibut.
What are the main distinctions between these nootropics and how do you decide which one is right for you?
Anxiety
Mood
Sleep & Insomnia- Powerful anxiolytic for stress reduction
- Stimulates GABA receptors & supports sleep
- Neuroprotective & supports cognitive function
Picamilon Review
Related Topics
- What is Phenibut?
- User Review
- Benefits and Uses
- Dosage Recommendations
- Effects & Mechanisms of Action
- Experience Reports
- Anti-Anxiety Effects
- Using Phenibut for Sleep
- How to Take
- Negative Side Effects
- What is Picamilon?
- User Reviews
- Comparison to Phenibut
- Cognitive Benefits
- Effects & How it Works
- Anti-Anxiety Effects
- Sleep & Insomnia
- Side Effects & Safety
Picamilon is a dietary supplement that combines niacin with GABA, resulting in a GABA pro-drug.
GABA is perhaps the most important neurotransmitter in your brain for promoting relaxation and controlling anxiety.
It has a regulatory effect on neuronal excitement, balancing out stimulation that can lead to negative thoughts or anxiousness.
Picamilon was developed at the All-Union Vitamins Scientific Research Institute by the Soviet Union in 1969.
Scientists observed that combining niacin (a B Vitamin) with GABA can improve the ability of this nutrient to reach the brain, thereby externally preventing anxiety and contributing to enhanced mood and feelings of calm.
Once Picamilon reaches your brain, it is hydrolyzed into both niacin and GABA. This means that the GABA and niacin are broken down and become separated where they can exert their respective effects on the Central Nervous System.
The GABA component will activate GABA receptors that can potentially produce an anxiolytic response, similar to when using Phenibut. The second component which is released is call Niacin and acts as a vasodilator. This is the key area where Picamilon is different from Phenibut.
Niacin is known to increase blood flow to the brain which can support more efficient functioning of your neurons while also leading to increased alertness and mental energy. It has a slight stimulatory effect, making it easier to focus and enhancing attentiveness and reasoning skills.
Niacin is also observed to remove toxins from the brain, improve neuron maintenance and can be used to treat individuals who have migraine headaches. By combining GABAergic activity with the Niacin mechanisms of action, Picamilon supplements are observed to induce a feeling of calm, sustained concentration.
Picamilon is sold as a dietary supplement in the United States, while in Russia it is sold as a prescription medication. It is prescribed for a variety of different conditions including the following: Chronic insufficiency of cerebral blood flow; Treatment of Ischemic Stroke survivors; Vasoneurosis; Depression; Asthenia; Alcohol Withdrawal; Senile Dementia; Brain Trauma such as concussions or contusions; and Migraines.
- Powerful anxiolytic for stress reduction
- Improves sleep and may reduce insomnia
- Neuroprotective and cardioprotective effects
Phenibut Review
How does Phenibut contrast with Picamilon?
Like Picamilon, Phenibut is a derivative of gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA. This supplement was also developed in Russia for the purpose of treating anxiety and increasing levels of GABA in the brain.
Taking a GABA pill on its own is not effective for improving mood and relieving tension because this compound cannot cross over and target brain cells. Its transportation is impaired by a physiological filtration system known as the blood-brain barrier.
While Picamilon is able to cross this barrier due to the presence of a niacin molecule, Phenibut gets across the BBB because it adds a phenyl ring to the GABA structure.
Phenibut is considered more of a pure anxiety reliever because it does not contain any stimulatory elements such as niacin. Despite this fact, it does not have the same degree of sedative effects compared to other pharmaceuticals that may be prescribed for anxiety.
Users say that it can help them feel calmer and more centered without having tranquilizer side effects. While some may report drowsiness and fatigue, this is generally rare and is much less that that typically experienced when using benzodiazepine. The effects of Phenibut are similar to baclofen, however it has a lower potency per milligram of administered dosage.
It is observed to bind with GABA receptors in the brain as well as increasing levels of this neurotransmitter that are released by your neurons. A common opinion circulating on nootropic and anxiety forums online is that the main difference between Phenibut vs Picamilon is that Phenibut activates GABA B receptors and Picamilon activates GABA A receptors.
This is not entirely true; Phenibut is an agonist at metabotropic GABA B synapses, but at higher doses it is also an agonist at the ionotropic GABA A receptor. Select studies have also shown that Phenibut can increase levels of Dopamine in the brain while modulating the effects of PEA or Phenylethylamine. Both of these mechanisms of action would lead to improved mood, motivation and focus, as well as better resistance to stress
- Most effective supplements to improve mood
- Optimize levels of dopamine, serotonin and GABA
- Protect against stress and anxiety
Picamilon Versus Phenibut
How should you decide whether to use Picamilon or Phenibut to deal with your anxiety and enhance your cognitive faculties?
Data from experience logs and user reviews shows that both can be effective for treating anxiety symptoms, though Phenibut might have a slight edge in this respect, especially when dealing with more intense feelings of anxiousness.
Phenibut also is the better choice for use as a sleep aid since Picamilon can actually increase alertness and arousal. Conversely, Picamilon might win out when looking for a nootropic that is an anxiolytic and also increases focus and mental sharpness.
On a dosage potency basis, you will find that most users take between 50 – 500 mg of Picamilon per day for best results. Phenibut, on the other hand, is typically used in amounts of 250 mg to 1,500 mg.
If we consider which of these is more popular, Phenibut is the clear winner. This supplement has been researched and used more extensively and you will find it to be more widely available than Picamilon which can actually be difficult to locate online.
There do seem to be more reports of Phenibut side effects and cases of tolerance and withdrawal posted online, but this might just be due to the fact that Phenibut is used more often than Picamilon.
Some people will cycle Phenibut and Picamilon with each other, taking Picamilon when they need to concentrate during the day and Phenibut to help them relax at night. The best way to make the decision of whether to use Phenibut vs Picamilon is ultimately to try both; but if this is not possible, we recommend determining exactly why you are using this supplement and looking for reviews from individuals with similar intents.
Both can be incredibly powerful and beneficial when used properly and according to safe dosage guidelines.
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Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment
6 Comments
Anyone could share a comment on how to switch from benzos to either Phenibut or Picamilon?? Thank you
you take one and stop taking the other
As a child, when I got “really tired”(at night time). I’d get what I think is “nervous twitches” in my legs, which would go away “almost the second my head hit the pillow”.. NOW, that I have tried Phenabut(I’m 65 yrs. old) I did notice that, as good as it works all day long, at night time, when it’s close to my bedtime, “I do get LIKE a restless leg deal”, which reminds me of when I was 10 and real tired and needed to go to bed..
I used to associate(when I was young) “my legs having nervous like movements” when I was REAL tired as a sign “that I needed to go to bed”! And SLEEP! Is this a good thing or bad?? I don’t know.. I’d like to have someone explain, if they could, what “nervous twitches mean when you’re real sleepy”? Thanks in advance!! .. Art
Try Magnesium for calf cramps. It works for me.
Hi Arthur,
From your symptoms description you are probably suffering from a condition called Restless Leg Sydnrome. In some cases of RLS, there is an underlying health issue that contributes to the condition, example iron deficiency, kidney disease. As RLS is also found in otherwise healthy individuals, with no abnormalities found in lac tests results, the causes of the problem is not understood. Genetic component is suspected, involving some abnomality/irregularity in neurotransmitter system, dopamin in particular. Phenibut directly affects GABA neurotransmitter system. The emphasis is on “system”, as it’s not just the levels of GABA, but also various GABA receptors. There is some indication that Phenibut may influence dopamin neurotransmission or/and levels. This could explain why your Restless Leg Syndrome appeared again after taking Phenibut. In this case, it would be wise not to continue with Phenibut. Not everyone benefits from it, even though Phenibut is generally considered safe if taken as directed. On a different note, little twitches in lower legs may signal phosphates deficiency. Easily tackled with Schuessler tissue salts.
I am no doctor, but I am aware that when falling asleep, a myoclonic jerk may occur, which makes your leg twitch. Your respiration rate falls, as you fall asleep, and the brain sometimes interprets that as dying, so it sends a pulse to wake it up. It is pretty common.
God Bless,
Zack