How does Sulbutiamine affect Dopamine Receptors?

Sulbutiamine is a Vitamin B1 based supplement sold around the world that many students take to boost their learning skills.

This nootropic compound has a mood enhancing effect and is sometimes used for anxiety and depression.

It is known to have a positive influence on Dopamine activity in the brain, but in such a way that does not lead to tolerance or receptor down-regulation.

This makes it distinct from many other dopaminergic supplements that you can quickly develop a tolerance to. What is Sulbutiamine, and how does it interact with Dopamine receptors in your brain?

Sulbutiamine

Nootropic Supplement

Alertness

Mood

Cognition

How It Works:

• Heightened alertness, focus & energy
• Supports memory & mental performance
• Promotes mood through dopaminergic activity

Dosage:

Between 250 - 750 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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What is Sulbutiamine?

Sulbutiamine is a synthetic formulation of vitamin B1 (Thiamine). Sulbutiamine is made by bonding two Thiamine (Vitamin B1) molecules together.

Thiamine is a key vitamin in the body and is important in many cellular activities, such as the production of Acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter.

Mammals are incapable of synthesising thiamine themselves and must obtain it through their diet.

Sulbutiamine is viewed as more powerful because it passes the blood-brain barrier more easily than its natural counterpart. It is lipophilic, meaning it can dissolve in fats, and was first developed in Japan with the intent of increasing its lipophilicity.

Sulbutiamine was discovered by researchers in Japan where beriberi (thiamine deficiency) was a prevalent disease in the populous. The staple Japanese diet is based on rice, and this diet does not provide significant amounts of natural thiamine. This resulted in large portions of the population suffering from thiamine deficiency.

In addition to this problem, natural thiamine has poor bioavailability, meaning that not much of the dose that a person intakes is actually used in the body.

Sulbutiamine was developed to address this issue as it passes through the blood-brain barrier more easily than natural thiamine, and as such has increased bioavailability. This is due to the fact that it is more soluble in lipids (fats), meaning it has heightened liposolubility.

What is Sulbutiamine Used For?

In different countries around the world, Sulbutiamine is prescribed for many medical conditions such as erectile dysfunction and asthenia, which is a form of cerebrally caused chronic fatigue.

Sulbutiamine is also shown to improve memory in subjects and may be given to early Alzheimer’s patients to aid in carrying out day-to-day activities and retaining mental faculties.

Sulbutiamine is also useful in preventing Thiamine deficiency which can cause many diseases including beriberi. Symptoms of beriberi include weight loss, emotional stress and fatigue. It can also cause irregular heart patterns.

Beriberi cases are divided into two categories: Dry beriberi and Wet beriberi. Dry beriberi affects the nervous system, whereas Wet beriberi affects the cardiovascular system.

Thiamine deficiency has also been linked to Alzheimer’s, hence its use in therapy. Furthermore, Korsakoff’s syndrome is caused by thiamine deficiency. Thiamine-pyrophosphate is an important co-enzyme that is needed for catabolic reactions that break down sugars and amino acids in the body as well.

Research on Sulbutiamine is limited, and more research is still needed. At this time Sulbutiamine is available in the USA as a health supplement only, and the FDA has not approved Sulbutiamine as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.

Sulbutiamine and Dopamine

Dopamine receptors are prominent in the central nervous system and are responsible for many important neurological processes such as memory, learning and cognition. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that allows intercellular communication.

Dopamine plays a role in feelings of happiness and in the reward system of the brain. Higher levels of dopamine activity can promote improved focus, concentration, and motivation. Using dopaminergic supplements may improve your mood, put you in a positive state of mind, and counteract certain symptoms of depression.

Sulbutiamine has dopaminergic properties, but uses a mechanism of action quite different from other dopamine-boosting compounds. This nootropic actually reduces the release of dopamine in the prefrontal cortex. When dopamine levels are reduced, the amount of dopamine receptors increases as part of a compensatory system.

Dopamine receptor levels are linked with interest levels and concentration. As such, because Sulbutiamine reduces dopamine levels and increases the amount of dopamine receptors available, it makes the body more sensitive to any dopamine releases that may occur. For this reason, some students utilize it when studying to increase their learning and productivity.

Sulbutiamine Dosages and Side Effects

Proper dosage is dependent on many different factors including age, weight, and personal sensitivities. The below dosage recommendations are general guidelines only, and your personal dosage may be different. It is always recommended that you speak with your doctor before beginning any new supplements to help determine your appropriate dosage.

Sulbutiamine is available in tablets, capsules and powders. Dosage varies, but for example the brand Arcalion recommends no more than 600mg per day. Therapeutic dosage may be higher, with a reported dose of 12.5mg per kg.

Sulbutiamine has been rated by the Natural Medicines database as Possibly Safe when used orally and appropriately, short-term. Sulbutiamine has little to no potential side effects if dosed correctly. A mild skin reaction may occur in some people and skin irritation has also been observed in elderly people that take the drug.

Some people have reported symptoms such as mood swings and malaise after prolonged use. It is recommended that is it taken sparingly as prolonged use may result in adverse side effects.

All in all, Sulbutiamine is a synthetic alternative to thiamine that acts in a much more efficient manner. Its interaction with dopamine results in a homeostatic reaction that increases sensitivity to dopamine by increasing the number of dopamine receptors in the brain.

While many other dopamine-boosting supplements result in your brain becoming less sensitive to this neurotransmitter, Sulbutiamine increases the density of dopamine receptors. The result is a greater sensitivity to this neurotransmitter and so-called receptor up-regulation.

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