Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Picamilon is a combination of GABA and niacin that increases GABA levels in the brain by crossing the blood-brain barrier.
- It is preferred over standalone GABA and niacin due to the essential nature of the bonded molecule for its effects.
- Developed in Russia, Picamilon has been used as a pharmaceutical to treat brain-related disorders.
- The benefits of Picamilon include mood balancing, improved cerebral circulation, and normalization of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.
- Picamilon enhances cognition, cerebral blood flow, and dopamine uptake, providing a calming focus without sedative effects, and boosts brain cell mitochondria function when taken in recommended dosages of up to 50-100 mg daily.
- In a hurry – click here to learn more about and buy Picamilon here: Cosmic Nootropic – Picamilon tablets or Science.bio _Picamilon powder
Picamilon (nicotinyl-y-aminobutyric acid, or N-nicotinoyl-GABA) is a combination of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) with nicotinic acid (Vitamin B3 or niacin). The addition of niacin allows GABA to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB).
Neurohackers prefer either Picamilon or Phenibut when the goal is to raise GABA levels in the brain because GABA alone cannot cross the BBB. And note that taking GABA and niacin as a stack will not produce the same effect as Picamilon. GABA is bonded with niacin to produce Picamilon and it’s this molecule that does its magic in the brain.
Picamilon was developed in Russia in 1969 by the All-Union Research Institute. And it has been used since 1986 as a pharmaceutical in Russia to treat attention, memory, and learning problems, and for treatment of loss of brain blood circulation, brain trauma, chronic alcoholism and other disorders.
The company’s promotional material states, “The important property of Picamilon is the ability to quickly restore mental and physical fitness for work, which was lost through overstress”.
Once Picamilon crosses the blood-brain barrier it hydrolyzes into GABA and niacin. GABA activates GABA receptors producing an anxiolytic response. And niacin acts as a vasodilator relaxing constricted blood vessels and increasing cerebral blood flow.
Picamilon helps:
- Balance mood. Picamilon has an inhibitory effect on overly stimulated neurons because it raises GABA levels in your brain. Low GABA levels lead to anxiety, depression and insomnia. GABA helps restore that balance. Promoting a more positive mood which improves focus and relaxation.[i]
- Cerebral Circulation. Picamilon is unique among GABA boosters because it can boost cerebral circulation as well.[ii] It increases cerebrovascular activity better than Piracetam and Vinpocetine. The nicotinic acid (niacin) in Picamilon boosts blood flow, enhances cell metabolism and oxygen supply in the brain. Resulting in an improvement in short-term and long-term memory.
- Neurotransmitters. Picamilon has been shown to normalize serotonin and dopamine content, and dopamine uptake in the brain. Dopamine aids in memory formation, attention, focus, and cognition.
Overview
Picamilon (nicotinyl-y-aminobutyric acid, or N-nicotinoyl-GABA) is a derivative of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA and nicotinic acid (niacin or Vitamin B3).
Russian scientists conducted a lot of research into GABA and cognitive health in the 1960’s and 70’s. The nootropics community has benefited from this research. It was the Belgians who started the development of the racetam-family of nootropics. And not too long afterwards, Russian scientists continued the research on GABA-derived compounds and gave us Phenibut and Picamilon.
GABA’s role is to keep glutamate, the primary excitatory transmitter, from overwhelming your brain. Too much glutamate can cause a seizure, and too little GABA can put you in a coma. A healthy brain maintains a critical balance of GABA and glutamate.
GABA acts like a “brake” on neuron circuits during stress. Low GABA levels can result in anxiety, insomnia, poor mood and restlessness.
Clinical studies show that boosting GABA with a supplement like Picamilon relieves anxiety, stress, and boosts the production of alpha brain waves.[iii] If GABA is optimized in your brain you’ll feel focused, relaxed and stress-free.
But the big challenge for cognitive health is trying to boost GABA levels in the brain. GABA cannot cross the blood-brain barrier on its own. It needs help to carry it across this barrier.
Including Vitamin B3 (niacin) in the Picamilon formula helps GABA to cross the blood-brain barrier. And the reason why some neurohackers prefer Picamilon when the goal is to raise GABA levels in the brain.
Picamilon is unique among GABA boosters because it can boost cerebral circulation as well.[iv] It increases cerebrovascular activity better than Piracetam and Vinpocetine. It’s even better at boosting blood flow than prescription vasodilating agents like cinnarizine, papaverine, and xanthinol niacinate.
So when using Picamilon to boost GABA, you enhance cerebral circulation, and lower blood pressure. GABA even stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete Human Growth Hormone. And helps produce endorphins that make you feel good after a workout or sex.
As a nootropic, when you use Picamilon to normalize GABA levels you’ll improve blood flow to and within your brain. And you’ll experience a reduction in anxiety, insomnia, nervousness, restlessness and stress.
Picamilon exhibits the properties of a tranquilizer with a stimulating component. But unlike tranquilizer drugs, Picamilon does not induce muscle relaxation, drowsiness or lethargy.
How does Picamilon work in the Brain?
Picamilon helps brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.
- Picamilon boosts cognition. Picamilon is a derivative of GABA and niacin. And easily crosses the blood-brain barrier. GABA on its own cannot cross this barrier unless paired with a dedicated carrier.[v] When niacin is bonded to GABA the molecule easily enters the brain.
Once in the brain, Picamilon separates back into niacin and GABA. GABA works by preventing neural signaling associated with anxiety from reaching other neurons. It does this by attaching to the receptors that would otherwise excite those neurons. Over-stimulating neurons in certain areas of your brain is what causes anxiety-related symptoms.
Studies have shown this unique combination of niacin and GABA affect the regulation of neurotransmitters in the brain. Picamilon was shown in one study on Parkinson’s disease to normalize serotonin and dopamine content, and dopamine uptake in the brain.[vi]
- Picamilon improves cerebral blood flow. Picamilon is more effective than Piracetam and Vinpocetine in improving blood flow to cerebral vessels in the brain. It easily crosses the blood-brain barrier to protect neurons against the effects of diminished oxygen flow. Improving cognitive function.
Picamilon separates into niacin and GABA once it crosses the blood-brain barrier. Niacin acts as a vasodilator relaxing blood vessels and allowing the freer flow of blood in the brain.
Picamilon is often prescribed in Russia for treatment of migraine headaches. A study published in Nutrition Journal reviewed clinical trials from 1990 – 2004 looking at studies using niacin to treat migraines, and other tension-type headaches.
The conclusion from this review showed niacin’s effectiveness for its vasodilatory properties in increasing cerebral blood flow. And its ability to improve mitochondrial energy metabolism.[vii] The result is fewer migraines and less headaches when using a nootropic containing niacin.
How things go bad
Low levels of GABA and poor cerebral circulation are associated with a variety of health problems.
↑ Anxiety[viii], panic attacks, stress and insomnia
↑ Muscle spasms, hypertension, convulsion, Tourette’s Syndrome and epilepsy
↓ Neurotransmitters decline
↓ ATP energy production levels decline within mitochondria in brain cells
When your neurotransmitters, including GABA, are in balance, you feel motivated, productive and energetic. And you feel calm and relaxed during downtime.
When GABA levels are low you feel filled with dread, you’re constantly worried, you have racing thoughts, and you’re frequently late and disorganized.[ix]
Many people in this GABA-slump resort to high carbohydrate foods, and drugs or alcohol to relax.
Picamilon benefits
Picamilon is an analogue of GABA and nicotinic acid (Vitamin B3 or niacin). The addition of niacin allows GABA to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB).
We need adequate GABA levels in our brain because it’s an inhibitory neurotransmitter. When we raise GABA levels by supplementing with Picamilon, we help keep glutamate in check.
Glutamate is your body’s most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter. Which is needed for attention, mental energy, learning and memory, and staying awake.
So GABA is calming and glutamate is stimulating. And they must be in balance with each other for optimal cognitive health.
An imbalance of these two neurotransmitters can cause fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, poor memory and cognition, anxiety and depression.
But when these two neurotransmitters work together efficiently, you feel relaxed with no stress or feelings of anxiety. And you get a more restful night’s sleep.
The addition of nicotinic acid in the Picamilon formula helps improve cognition even more. One study with 96 healthy volunteers was done to determine the effects on memory with nicotinic acid. The study found that nicotinic acid (niacin) enhanced cell metabolism and oxygen supply in the brain. Resulting in an improvement in short-term and long-term memory.[x]
Adding Picamilon to your nootropic stack can help bring GABA and glutamate back into balance.
How does Picamilon feel?
When you balance GABA levels in your brain, you feel relaxed and calm. But many neurohackers who try using GABA as a supplement don’t feel the effects. Because the GABA molecule is too large to easily cross the blood-brain barrier.[xi]
Note: If you do feel the calming effects of supplementing with GABA within a ½ hour of taking it, it may mean you have a “leaky” blood-brain barrier. Not a good thing.[xii]
Because if GABA can get through, all kinds of nasty stuff can get through too. Including toxins, undigested food particles and anything else in your blood stream that shouldn’t be in your brain.
Learn how to fix a “leaky” blood-brain barrier here >How to Heal a Leaky Blood-Brain Barrier .
But here were talking about increasing our GABA levels using Picamilon. Neurohackers report that adding Picamilon to their stack relieves anxiety “better than Xanax”. There is less stress and they feel more relaxed.
Picamilon also offers a stimulant effect providing mental clarity, dreams can be vivid, and it’s not sedating like Phenibut.
Social functions could get some help with Picamilon. You could feel less inhibited, speak freely and feel more confident. Picamilon generates a calm focus without making you drowsy.
Some neurohackers maintain that the ‘magic’ with Picamilon is in the nicotinic acid. And I’d have to agree with this observation. It’s what provides the stimulant-effect and gives you an energized type of calmness.
The cognitive benefits of niacin are considerably understated in the nootropics community. Just check out the research and studies in my NADH article for more on the magic of niacin.
Picamilon Clinical Research
Nearly all the research with Picamilon has taken place in Russia. It’s published in Russian journals in Russian. Most of these trials are not indexed in international or US medical databases.
I won’t get into the politics of this type of behavior here on Nootropics Expert. I’m here to educate and collate information for you on nootropics to help cognitive health.
The sources I have been able to find shows Picamilon extensively studied in animals and humans. And has been shown to act like a tranquilizer without the sedative effects of muscle relaxation, drowsiness or lethargy.
The studies show Picamilon decreases anxiety, fear, irritability and symptoms of emotional stress. It inhibits aggression, and restores physical working capacity after stressful work.
Picamilon has been proven to prevent forgetfulness, enhance memory, recall and improve mood. It decreases headaches, dizziness and tinnitus. It increases mental and motor activity in patients with anxiety and depression.
Picamilon has been shown to prevent or suppress diabetic neuropathy[xiii], and alleviate the effects of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It helps glaucoma, retinal and optic nerve damage[xiv]. And helps those with neurologically-based urinary problems.
Here I talk about how Picamilon, nicotinic acid and GABA can affect your cognition and overall health. This research supports the idea of using Picamilon to raise GABA and niacin levels. And the cognitive benefits can have a profound effect on your quality of life.
Picamilon increases dopamine uptake
Reports by neurohackers repeatedly show that Picamilon provides a ‘calm focus’ without making you drowsy. And this study done in the Ukraine gives us a clue on how this works.
This study was done with Parkinson’s patients. It’s well know that serotonin and dopamine content and dopamine uptake by neurons in Parkinson’s Disease is decreased.
This research found that Picamilon normalized dopamine uptake in Parkinsonism. And that Picamilon is “involved in the regulation of brain neurotransmission under experimental parkinsonism and can be useful in treatment of Parkinson’s disease”.[xv]
Picamilon boosts brain cell mitochondria function
We know from our research on Nootropics Expert that NADH boosts ATP energy production within brain cell mitochondria. And this “energizing” effect that’s often spoken of when using Picamilon comes at least in part from its niacin component.
This study done on one-month old rats looked at trauma of the brain. The researchers studied oxidative damage done on brain mitochondria 1, 4, 7 days and 4 weeks after the trauma.
The young rats were given several different nootropics to see the effect on the rat’s mitochondria. And they concluded that Picamilon had a protective effect on the function of brain mitochondria during the trauma.[xvi]
Picamilon increases blood supply, oxygen saturation and blood circulation in the brain.[xvii] This boost in blood flow[xviii] brings the nutrients and oxygen needed to produce ATP within brain cell mitochondria.
Recommended Picamilon Dosage
The recommended daily starting dosage of Picamilon for anxiety is 50 mg 2 or 3 times per day. If you’re looking for a stimulatory effect you can safely increase your dose to 100 mg 2 or 3 times daily.
Picamilon Side Effects
Picamilon is considered safe when taken in normal recommended doses.
Picamilon has not been shown in clinical trials to produce any allergic or toxic effects. The only side effects noted were headache, dizziness and nausea. And nearly always when taken above recommended doses.
At higher doses Picamilon can lower blood pressure. So if you are already on blood lowering medication, or have an issue with low blood pressure, you should not use Picamilon.
Where to buy Picamilon
Picamilon as a nootropic supplement is available in powder, tablet and capsule form. I recommend Cosmic Nootropic – Picamilon tablets or Science-bio – Picamilon who sell Picamilon as a “research” compound. It is sold to be used in an academic laboratory research setting. They go on to state “nothing we sell is intended for nor is it manufactured for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes in humans.” Which they must say if they want to keep selling Picamilon and not get in trouble with the “authorities”.
If you choose to buy bulk Picamilon powder from a vendor, make sure you ask for a genuine Certificate of Analysis to verify its authenticity as you cannot always trust dietary supplements sold from just anyone .
Nootropics Expert Recommendation
Picamilon 50 – 100 mg 2 or 3 times per day.
I recommend using Picamilon as a nootropic supplement if you’re feeling anxiety or stress. And to calm or keep in check the stimulatory effects of some nootropics.
Your body does make GABA on its own from glutamate in your brain. Most healthy people have an adequate supply of GABA. But if you’re dealing with stress or anxiety, Picamilon can help calm things down.
Picamilon is particularly helpful if you’re dealing with anxiety. Some neurohackers report that Picamilon is as effective in dealing with anxiety as many anti-anxiety prescription drug options.
Picamilon exhibits the properties of a tranquilizer with a stimulating component. But unlike tranquilizer drugs, Picamilon does not induce muscle relaxation, drowsiness or lethargy.
In addition to its calming effects, Picamilon may help improve your memory, recall and concentration.
There is no reported added benefit to doses higher than those recommended. In fact, the reverse appears to be true. Lower recommended doses have more of a calming and cognitive effect for most people.
I recommend Cosmic Nootropic – Picamilon tablets or Science.bio _Picamilon powder.
Join The Discussion - 136 comments
Avrelija Trafela
February 4, 2020
Can Picamilon be used while still on an SSRI and lorazepam. I am tapering off of lorazepam and would need some help. So, can I use Picamilon, haven’t found any restrictions but better safe than sorry.
David Tomen
February 5, 2020
Avrelija, glad you asked but haven’t a clear answer. Because you are using a benzo which affects GABA just like Picamilon. While I do not have any published contraindications I suggest you be very, very careful. Because if Picamilon amplifies the Lorazepam in your system (even if you’ve quit for a few weeks) you could have some nasty, unwanted results.
I suggest looking closely at the contraindications for Lorazepam: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorazepam. Then consider what would happen if you doubled or tripled your dose overnight.
Avrelija Trafela
February 7, 2020
Thanks for the reply and advice of caution. I am guessing Picamilon would not interfere with sertralin but I thought it could help me in lowering my dose of lorazepam more quickly. I am currently taking between 0.5 -1mg per day, for about 3 months. So not a high dose and not very long time but still, coming off is not easy. I came across this article some time ago how someone succeded in reducing the dose of Xanax rapidly by taking high doses of niacin and GABA along with vitamin C, magnesium and B12, those 3 I am already taking. So, I figured since Picamilon is niacin and gaba in one molecule, the effects would be the same as taking them separately. https://riordanclinic.org/2014/03/supplements-accelerate-benzodiazepine-withdrawal-a-case-report-and-biochemical-rationale/
David Tomen
February 7, 2020
Good article and I like the suggestion of Vitamin C and magnesium as well. And you are correct in the makeup of Picamilon.
Alyson
January 21, 2020
I’m currently using 1000 mg of Picamillon from Relentless Improvement every evening for calming after a pharmaceutical drug left me severely deficient in Gaba and highly anxious and ill. So far, it’s been helping me lower my dose of Lyrica and I can tell it does work to raise Gaba. I highly recommend it and hope they continue to sell it.
josh
September 14, 2019
i took 1.5g of gaba a day plus big Glutamine doses and got terrible withdrawals similar to benzos for 2 years.
im still terrible now, i had NO anxiety before this and took it for HGH benefits it purported.
it ruined my whole life, i cant take the anxiety anymore so wish to take something to help. however im scared to take picamilion for if the same happens again…. does picamilion do this? it seems Gaba itself induces down regulation of receptors judging by studies of neurons.
should i avoid picamilion.
David Tomen
September 15, 2019
Josh, I’ve never come across the type of side effect you describe from GABA or L-Glutamine. But if that’s how it effected you then I’d definitely avoid Picamilon and Phenibut.
Danilo
June 6, 2019
Hi. I come from a brutal withdrawl from phenibut (4 gr. One weekly), now i am totally recovered, but my originary anxiety that throw ti use phenibut persist. Ho wanna know of with picamilon i can have the sale problema of withdrowal and rebound anxiety and depression or its safe?????
David Tomen
June 6, 2019
Danilo, Picamilon should not result in the type of experience you had with Phenibut as long as you follow dosage recommendations.
Ken
November 15, 2018
Have you found a good quality picamilon yet? Any new findings on gaba not being able to cross the BB Barrier?
David Tomen
November 15, 2018
Ken, finding Picamilon is still a challenge because vendors are reluctant to stock it. Due to headlines about undeclared adulteration of some dietary supplements with Picamilon.
The debate on GABA and the BBB continues but more evidence is showing that it does cross into the brain due to the presence of a GABA transporter. Nearly all of the studies have been done in animals and not in humans. And often using something other than pure GABA. But my personal experience lately is that is does get into the brain because I can feel the result.
Larry Trowbridge
September 26, 2019
I know this post is nearly a year old so this information may already be common knowledge, but Relentless Improvement seems to have a good supply of picamillon; 60 100 mg capsules for $32.95 + $7.95 shipping. With the topic of cycling being fresh on my mind due to your recent email, I’m wondering if cycling picamillon needs to be as strict as phenibut seeing how they are both GABA supplements?
David Tomen
September 27, 2019
Larry, dosages for Picamilon are lower than for Phenibut so you shouldn’t need to cycle. But cycling is an individual kind of thing and only you’ll know if you need to for you.
Larry Trowbridge
September 27, 2019
Thanks David. I had suspected the lower may have been a factor as I had never cycling even mentioned for picamillon. While I’ve been around nootropics for around 7 1/2 years or so, GABA types of supplements are quite new to me. With what little I’ve heard about the consequences/side effects associated with incorrect usage, I figured this is NOT something to take the “I got this”/pride route and not ask questions. Thanks again for the knowledge you so graciously share and the time you put into gathering it.
Galya Campano
October 3, 2019
First off, I want to say how much I appreciate this website for all the useful information.
Regarding Picamilon, for what it’s worth:
The website CosmicNootropics, lists the following statement in its description of Picamilon.
“Similar to Phenibut Picamilon should be taken for a period of maximum 3 weeks and has the capacity to cause withdrawal syndrome if abused.”
[They ship from Russia; website seems to be on the level; I bought Picamilon already once from them, and it worked for me (helps sleep). Also bought Phenibut from them.]
Me, for now, I am cycling the Picamilon (and the Phenibut), just in case I have the least tendency to tolerance or whatever.
Larry Trowbridge
November 21, 2020
I wanted to share an update on sources for Picamillon. Up until October 25, 2020 (previous order 9/16/20 was without issue) I had no issues ordering in a somewhat ‘backdoor’ sort of way. However, trying to order in the same way as previously done for the prior 14+ months results in an “order failed due to invalid product” error message. But not to worry, I have located another source for ~$60 for 300x50mg plus shipping (was paying ~$40 for 90x100mg), but am not going to announce publicly it for obvious reasons. I suspect the lower dosage may work better for 2-3x/day dosing. Phenibut is readily available but less than an ideal choice for anything more than 1-2 times a week.
Barry
February 28, 2018
Hello David,
I just purchased 100 grams of picamilon 98% powder for$38.88 from NEWMind 2-27-2018
Mike Hunt
February 27, 2019
You have a link for them? And how was the quality/effectiveness etc?
Galya Campano
October 3, 2019
Hi, Barry,
How did the Picamilon you purchased from Newmind work out?
In other words, did it have the neurological effect that you desired?
(They still sell this product, but more expensive—-though it’s still a good deal)
Thanks for your response.
Joshua Caron
January 28, 2018
Can picamilon be legally purchased and do you ship to Canada?
David Tomen
January 28, 2018
Joshua, Picamilon can be legally purchased but I’m not aware of a vendor selling it in the USA because of a controversial notice put out by the FDA a couple of years ago. It is legal to import for personal use in Canada as far as I know. (Please let me know if you find out otherwise). If you can find a reputable overseas vendor for Picamilon please let us know.
Ken
November 15, 2018
Is Picamilon known to have an affect on your growth hormone levels like the claims of GABA?
David Tomen
November 15, 2018
Ken, I have no studies to prove it but Picamilon should increase growth hormone levels because Picamilon is GABA but with added niacin to boost bioavailability.
Ken
May 28, 2020
I have no idea if this site qualifies as “reputable” (first order coming shortly) but x-nootropics (UK) stocks Picamilon and ships internationally. I will post the results of my order after it arrives.
David Tomen
May 28, 2020
Ken, let us know when you get your order. I’m sure plenty of people in this community are interested in knowing what you learn about this vendor.
Ken
July 8, 2020
Hi David,
An update on X-nootropics [dot] com (which is actually in Spain, incidentally) my Picamilon order did arrive and that it appears to be exactly what I would’ve expected it to be. Unfortunately I made a second order from the same website and after many weeks that order is still sitting unfulfilled on their end and they have not even acknowledged payment for it. This site has got some issues with it but at least the initial product of Picamilon did arrive.
David Tomen
July 9, 2020
Ken, good information. Thanks for letting the community know. It’s important that we know who the trustworthy vendors are and who to avoid.
Alex g
December 19, 2016
What is in your opinion the best supplier in terms of reliability of quality assurance and sourcing?
David Tomen
December 19, 2016
Alex, in this case I’m afraid I haven’t any recommendation for a good source for Picamilon. All of the main suppliers of nootropics that I trust and buy from dropped Picamilon in late 2015. Thanks to a vendetta by Assistant Associate Professor of Medicine Dr. Pieter A. Cohen at Harvard Medical School. Who seems to have a problem with supplement makers. I’m trying to avoid getting involved in the political shenanigans affecting the supplement industry particularly in the USA. My only suggestion is to ask for suggestions on https://www.reddit.com/r/Nootropics for the latest.
Travis
December 21, 2016
Is “True Calm” by Now Foods the same as picamilon?
Each pill contains 45mg of Niacin and 200mg of GABA.
David Tomen
December 21, 2016
Travis, Good find at Now Foods but it’s not the same. Picamilon is “nicotinyl-y-aminobutyric acid” which is a chemical derivative and bonded version of niacin and GABA. GABA on it’s own cannot cross the blood-brain barrier. Theoretically, using niacin to dilate blood vessels may increase the chances of GABA crossing into your brain. But only if you have a ‘leaky’ blood-brain barrier. The other ingredients in Now Foods product will likely produce a calming effect. But nothing like Picamilon.
Lisa
December 13, 2019
David, I had side effect with Picamilon. I felt some pressure in my head. Do you know why it could happen?
David Tomen
December 15, 2019
Lisa, this nootropic is a very powerful blood circulation booster so that may account for the feeling of “pressure”. Or you used too much which could cause a drop in blood pressure.