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Pyritinol is a mental performance booster with positive effects on focus, reaction times and mood.
It is known to boost both acetylcholine and dopamine levels in the brain as well as improve glucose utilization.
There are a number of clinical uses for Pyritinol, but as a nootropic it is most commonly taken in a stack to increase concentration, speed of cognition and reduce symptoms of depression.
Pyritinol (Encephabol, Pyrithioxine) is a semi-synthetic supplement produced by combining two Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) molecules together. The range of nootropic benefits for Pyritinol are closely related to Vitamin B6 which is one of the most important vitamins for brain function.
Memory
Mental Function
Mood- Increases acetylcholine activity
- Promotes reasoning, memory & learning
- Supports dopaminergic activity & mood
Pyritinol Introduction
Related Topics
Pyritinol’s chemical structure is simply that of two Pyridoxine molecules connected by a disulfide bridge (two sulfur atoms).
As such, it makes sense to understand how Pyritinol works in terms of what we already know about Pyridoxine’s role in brain function.
We get Vitamin B6 from a number of foods such as chickpeas, fish, chicken, beef, potatoes and bananas. This vitamin is essential for our production of several key neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, glutamate, and epinephrine (adrenaline).
These neurotransmitters are heavily involved in our abilities to focus, remember and feel pleasure. Pyritinol is often described as an enhanced version of Pyridoxine, resulting in a greater boost to cognitive abilities.
It was initially developed by Merck Laboratories in the year 1961 and has been prescribed for clinical purposes since the 1970s. In various European countries, Pyritinol has been to treat a number of different conditions such as dementia, cognitive decline, learning disorders, turrets, and arthritis.
According to sales estimates from the European Union, more than 100,000 individuals have used Pyritinol within the last 5 years alone. In the United States, it is sold as a dietary supplement and is more commonly taken for off-label purposes of improving brainpower.
Pyritinol Effects
One of the known mechanisms of action of Pyritinol involves increasing choline uptake into your neurons and thereby increasing acetylcholine levels.
Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter responsible for many basic thought processes like reasoning, learning and memory. Pyritinol reviews often report that using this nootropic supplement makes it easier for them to remember and recall new information, especially when taken with Noopept or one of the Racetams like Piracetam or Oxiracetam.
Many user logs also say this supplement leads to greater mental clarity and increases their intellectual agility. Higher acetylcholine levels is also linked to faster visual processing which explains why in a 1990 study it was found that subjects given Pyritinol were observed to have faster reaction times than the control group.
Pyritinol is also a highly efficient precursor to dopamine which is one of the mood-boosting neurotransmitters in the brain. While taking Pyridoxine itself can help to increase your dopamine levels, Pyritinol has far better conversion into this neurochemical.
Low dopamine levels are linked to depression and a number of other mood disorders such as anxiety. Dopamine plays a role in executive function which is the ability of your brain to focus on one task over other competing stimuli. Using a dopaminergic supplement like Pyritinol can therefore lead to increased focus and attention span, better mood and less feelings of stress and anxiety.
Another commonly marketed benefit of Pyritinol is as an anti-hangover treatment. Acccording to a 2005 study published in the British Medical Journal, taking Pyritinol after a night of drinking can reduce inflammation in your cerebrum. This can alleviate the characteristic post-alcohol consumption headache and even keep your brain cells healthier leading to less neuron damage and premature cell death.
Pyritinol Side Effects
Unlike other nootropics such as Piracetam or Aniracetam, there are some negative side effects associated with continuous use of Pyritinol. Side effects are generally rare and after 20 years of clinical usage in Europe have only presented in a small number of cases.
Some of these side effects have resulted from allergies which only have been observed in a small percentage of the population but still require vigilance in order to make sure you are not affected.
It is a good idea to consult with a medical professional before using Pyritinol and to record any changes you experience after taking it. Some of the milder side effects include irritability, appetite suppression, fatigue, difficulty falling asleep, rashes, itchy skin, nausea and diarrhea.
In one case, Pyritinol was connected to a case of pancreatitis following 3 months of 600 mg dosages. There have also been several recorded incidence of acute hepatitis following consistent daily use of Pyritinol.
Pyritinol Dosage
Given the potential for side effects developing with continuous use, it is important that you exercise precise dosage control when using this supplement. A doctor or other health care professional can give you personalize recommendations for your situation.
The range of dosages falls between 100 mg per day to 1200 mg per day with most people taking 400 mg to 600 mg every day. This dosing is typically split into two administrations a day with meals. Pyritinol is considered semi-water soluble and does not technically need to be taken with food, but its absorption is likely improved to some degree with food.
You might want to consider using this supplement as part of a nootropic stack cycle to enhance its effectiveness and prevent possible side effects. A common cycle would be using the standard Pyritinol dosage for two weeks and then discontinuing use for one week.
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Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment
7 Comments
Please what dosage can be administed to a 4months old baby
Hi Judith,
I would recommend speaking to your doctor for guidance on this matter. Before giving supplements to an infant, it is important to consult with a physician who can determine their appropriateness.
Like Judith I would like to know how much to give my 1 month old son. He seems to have low dopamine levels. He no longer seems to enjoy polo and horseback riding like he used to weeks ago. I would him like to try Pyritinol.
Hi Paco,
This product should not be used on children that are one month old. Please speak to your doctor before considering any supplements for children that young.
Is this a joke? You can’t be serious! Giving chemicals to infants! I’ve taken plenty of risks with my body but that’s my choice as a 36 year old adult.
Has your one month old been living in the fast lane and depleted their dopamaine with too much coke or something? How would you even know what their dopamine levels are like? Here’s a suggestion, when they cry too much give them some morphine. I heard it works really well. Jesus
BUENAS TARDES:QUIERO SABER COMO ACTUA EN UNA DEPRESION SI ESTOY TOMANDO LEXAPRO.GRACIAS.
For infants or children try Undenatured Whey & Undenatured Casein proteins powders to help with neurotransmitters. You can find such products from Natural factors or Isagenix.
If you still want to use B Vitamins look for formula milk porducts containg Undenatured proteins along with activated forms of B Vitamins such as:
B1 – Benfotiamine or Fursultiamine or Thiamine Mononitrate or Thiamin diphosphate
B2 – Riboflavin-5-phosphate or Flavin adenine dinucleotide
B3 – Niacin (Nicotinic Acid) or NADH (B-Nicotinamide Adeine Dinucleotide)
B6 – Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate
B9 – Folate (Methylfolate) or Quatrefolic or Liposomal Folate
B12 – Methylcobalamin or Liposomal Methylcobalamin
& also B5 (Calcium pantothenate), B7 (Biotin), Insitol, Choline, PABA, Orotic acid etc. I don’t know if you can find such formula milk products. The best shot may be is to use undenatured protein powders along with a Liposomal Multivitamin such as from Empirical labs & adjust the dose to that of an infant.